Aesica, a UK-headquartered contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO), has extended its aseptic capabilities at its Nottingham site with the acquisition of new equipment to manufacture pre-filled syringes that is capable of processing 5,000 units/batch. This latest addition, currently undergoing its validation through process simulation trials, will enable Aesica to work with clients across the EU and US markets.
The total investment in this specialist technology will be more than £500,000 on completion of the validation process by January 2014.
The prefilled syringes market is currently worth over £1bn and is growing rapidly. The new kit will enable Aesica to produce more innovative products, such as pen and cartridge syringes, and nasal devices.
Over the next three years, the firm says it 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, said: '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.'