Aesica extends aseptic facilities to include pre-filled syringes ahead of market growth

Aesica extends aseptic facilities to include pre-filled syringes ahead of market growth

Batches can be delivered worldwide for clinical trials and within the EU for small-scale commercial production

7 October 2013 - Newcastle: Aesica, the global contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO), has extended its aseptic capabilities at its Nottingham site with the acquisition of new pre-filled syringes manufacturing equipment capable of processing 5000 units/batch. This latest addition, currently undergoing its validation via process simulation trials, provides Aesica with the ability to service clients across the EU and US markets - opening up the fastest growing area within the pharmaceutical development sector.

Such is the demand within this market that several clients have already started approaching the CDMO to begin discussion for production into clinical trials. The product is seeing huge growth both in the US and Europe, particularly for trials involving proteins and vaccines, as it removes the risk of dosing errors, contamination and needle injuries.

The company has already invested in the specialist technology with the total investment predicted to rise to be over £500,000 on completion of the validation process - due by January 2014.

The prefilled syringes market is currently worth over £1 billion and growing rapidly, however the Company's new equipment also opens up sales opportunities for Aesica to produce more innovative products like pen and cartridge syringes, and nasal devices. Over the next three years, Aesica is targeting production of 900,000 units and is already in advanced discussions with one company for the scale-up of a clinical trial product for which a joint validation is imminent.

Ian Lafferty, Site Director Nottingham, added: "Over the last few years, Aesica has really accelerated its credibility in the aseptic market and pre-filled syringes are a natural evolution towards providing a complete product portfolio for our clients, and a reflection of the direction the wider market is heading. Demand is increasing for these products and very few other CDMOs are currently able to supply this in such quantities for clinical trials. Biotechnology companies are already starting to make contact with us and I would envisage a steady uptake across the US and in particular Europe where we are likely to see huge growth rates."

-ENDS-

About Aesica:

Aesica supplies contract development and contract manufacturing services for Formulated Products and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients to a host of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies and emerging biotechnology organisations.

The  uniqueness of Aesica lies in its flexible and bespoke approach to service delivery, coupled with its ability to develop products from the initial clinical stage through to final commercial supply. It is this all-encompassing offering combined with its dedication to exceptional standards of service that truly sets Aesica apart from its counterparts.

·         Aesica is one of the UK's fastest growing companies and over the last five years has more than trebled its turnover.

·         The company currently employs approximately 1,300 people.

·         In addition to its headquarters in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK, Aesica has development and manufacturing sites across Europe including Cramlington, Nottingham and Queenborough in the UK, as well as sites in Monheim and Zwickau in Germany and Pianezza in Italy. It also has sales representation in San Diego and Shanghai.

·         The vision of Aesica is to become the number one supplier of APIs and formulated products to the pharmaceutical industry.

 

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