ALK’s success in creating the source materials lies in a completely different arena – the extensive testing, documentation, and quality control measures. All pollen batches undergo a number of tests and quality checks before being released for manufacturing. Most importantly, species identity determinations are made by ASM experts using taxonomic keys and herbarium specimens. Additionally, the pollen is examined under a microscope to further certify the collected batch for identity, purity, and integrity
From farm to pharma, the details never falter
Our manufacturing process is designed around the details. Our “farm to pharma” approach has been meticulously refined over the last century to exceed expectations. Multiple key quality steps and methodical testing ensures our products meet the highest standards before they reach the consumer. We are committed to ensuring that each source material site is optimal for allergen growth and harvesting.
Our process starts with strategically chosen source-material sites in Idaho, Illinois, Oklahoma and Washington states.
We are the world’s largest allergen source-material producer with over 14,000 m2 (150,000 square feet) of manufacturing facilities and a workforce of ~150 employees who cultivate about 4.05 Km2 (~1000 acres) in pollen crops.
We use 3 main methods for allergen collection:
- Cut-and-dry harvesting
- Water setting
- Vacuuming
When these reach the lab, the details become even more critical. Our source materials are closely examined and processed to uphold quality standards for the ~200 different allergens we use.
We think more about mites than most people would ever want to
Beyond just processing outdoor allergens, our labs grow cultures of indoor allergens, including house dust mites (HDMs). To control the expression of proteins needed for allergy immunotherapy, HDMs must be raised differently from those naturally found in your home. The food they eat and the conditions in which they thrive are extremely specific and regulated.
ALK cultivates two tons of mites per year, which equates to 300x the world’s human population in individual dust mites.
