Charles River Laboratories success story Global life sciences leader firmly planted in South Carolina
Charles River is a leading global drug discovery, development, testing and manufacturing solutions provider that has worked on 80% of the FDA-approved drugs over the last five years. This innovative, sustainability-focused company has anchored South Carolina’s growing life sciences industry for decades. Their Charleston County facility serves as a global hub for microbial testing and manufacturing solutions and has been expanded as recently as 2025.
Investing in life sciences innovation
Charles River’s $13 million expansion at its Charleston County microbial solutions facility enabled the construction of a new cleanroom and installation of automation equipment that produces cartridges for its portable testing system (PTS), as well as its multi-cartridge system (MCS). Charles River’s proprietary, FDA-licensed cartridge technology reduces the need for limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) or recombinant raw materials by 95% compared to traditional testing methods, while reducing hands-on time (HOT) and ultimately technician variability.
A champion for sustainable practices in SC
The Charleston County Charles River facility operates a cartridge recycling program with TerraCycle, which recycles and repurposes water testing cartridges into new products such as outdoor furniture, storage bins, park benches and other durable goods.
South Carolina is a hub of innovation due to the state’s commitment to research and development and strong partnerships with universities. South Carolina provides an excellent climate and highly skilled workforce, and we are pleased to expand our presence here.
Foster Jordan, Former Corporate Senior Vice President, Charles River Laboratories
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