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Almac doubles peptide capacity

Almac Group has announced the completion of two new purpose-built facilities at its headquarters in Craigavon, Northern Ireland. The total investment is about $400 million and is part of a global investment programme announced in June 2022.

One is a 2,600 m2 GMP facility that more than doubles peptide API manufacturing capacity. This “will enhance synthesis, purification and isolation capabilities and meet anticipated demand for clinical development and commercial products”, the company said.

Noramco forms North American supply chain body

Noramco, an API supplier specialised in controlled substances, has launched Noramco Group, which it describes as a “comprehensive North American-based supply chain solution” for clinical and commercial APIs and drug products. Noramco Group unites the capabilities of three subsidiaries:

* Delaware-based Noramco itself, which supplies APIs for both branded and generic drugs that are used in over 350 products

* Purisys, a Georgia-based supplier of CDMO services and pharmaceutical reference standards, with specialised capabilities in controlled substance APIs

CordenPharma expands early-phase peptides

CordenPharma has announced the commissioning of new GMP capacities at its Frankfurt site to manufacture early clinical phase peptide APIs. The investment is still being finalised, but will be fully operational in Q2 and authorised by German authorities in 2H.

Hovione accesses micellar technology

Hovione has signed an agreement with Dragonfly Technologies to gain access to its micellar technology for chemistry-in-water processes, developed by Professor Bruce Lipshutz of the University of California, Santa Barbara. The company said that it will develop the technology to become an integral part of its API manufacturing technology offering.

EuroAPI launches strategic review

During its full-year results presentation, CDMO and API supplier EuroAPI announced the launch of Focus-2027, a comprehensive project that will seek to unlock profitable growth and increase returns. Key means of achieving include:

* Streamlining the value-added API portfolio by discontinuing 13 with low or negative margins and focusing on highly differentiated, profitable products, such as vitamin B12, prostaglandins, peptides and oligonucleotides

* Having a focused CDMO offer “leveraging our recognised capabilities and technology platforms” *

Feature article - Maximising product potential with spray drying

Michael Levis of Siegfried overviews the possibilities of a key pharmaceutical technology

The pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries constantly seek innovative methods to enhance product stability, solubility, bioavailability and ease of use. Within this realm, CDMOs serve as invaluable partners in the development and production of high-quality drug products. Among the array of cutting-edge technologies that have transformed the CDMO industry, spray drying has emerged as a versatile and indispensable tool.

Teva to exit API business

As part of its ‘Pivot to Growth’ strategy, generics giant Teva has announced that it intends to divest its API business, including its R&D, manufacturing and commercial activities, within 1H 2025. This is subject to finding a buyer at the right price, the company stressed.

The business sells APIs to third parties, plus certain contract manufacturing services and an out-licensing platform offering a portfolio of products to other pharmaceutical companies through its Medis affiliate. In Q4 2023, API sales were $153 million, 9% down on Q2 2022.

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