Sterling completes site acquisition

UK-based CDMO Sterling Pharma Solutions has completed the acquisition of Novartis’ API facility in Ringaskiddy, near Cork, Ireland. The deal includes an on-going supply agreement to make APIs for cardiovascular, immunology and oncology medicines for Novartis. No financial details were disclosed.

The 44-hectare site includes multiple commercial-scale buildings, with a total vessel capacity of 175 m3 across over 30 reactor trains; a small-scale facility; and a development and support building housing 14 development and analytical laboratories. Notable capabilities include HPAPI handling down to OELs of 200 ng/ m3, large-scale chromatography columns, solid phase and agitated vessels for peptide coupling and synthesis, plus milling and micronisation equipment for drug substance processing.

The approximately 350 employees have transferred, bringing the total to 1,300 across five facilities in Europe and the US after two years of significant expansion. Sterling also plans further investment to boost its pipeline.