#USA #Cambrex #API Manufacturing #Drug Supply #Charles City

Cambrex's Significant Investment in U.S. Drug Supply Resilience

Cambrex, a prominent global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), has made headlines with its latest announcement: a substantial investment of $120 million aimed at expanding its manufacturing capacities in the United States. This decision responds to the growing demand for Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) development and positioning Cambrex as a leader in the rapidly expanding market of peptide therapeutics.

Thomas Loewald, CEO of Cambrex, underscored the importance of local drug manufacturing, especially in the context of reshoring efforts by federal and state agencies. “Local API production is vital for supply chain security and resilience, and Cambrex will play a key role,” he stated. The company is seeing strong demand from clients eager to harness the added capacity this investment will bring.

The $120 million infusion will allow for a significant 40% increase in manufacturing capabilities at the company's facility in Charles City, Iowa. This facility, occupying a 45-acre site, is set to enhance its large-scale production capacity to nearly one million liters. The Charles City location is known for producing a wide array of APIs and pharmaceutical intermediates, including highly potent molecules and controlled substances.

In the wake of rising demand for U.S.-based supply chains focused on essential therapies, Cambrex is committed to fostering the long-term stability of pharmaceutical manufacturing in the country. Loewald elaborated, “The investment in our Charles City facility, the nation's largest independent API manufacturing site, reflects our commitment to meeting clients' evolving needs for small molecule and peptide manufacturing.”

This latest investment builds upon Cambrex's history of substantial commitments to enhancing its drug development and manufacturing network. Over the past five years, Cambrex has made notable expansions:

• - In 2022, Cambrex enhanced its capacity for highly potent API and large-scale manufacturing in Charles City, Iowa.
• - In 2023, the company introduced state-of-the-art laboratories and commercial manufacturing capabilities targeting rare diseases and orphan designations at their High Point, North Carolina site.
• - Earlier this year in 2025, Cambrex expanded its capabilities for GMP manufacturing of peptide therapeutics in Waltham, Massachusetts.

These strategic investments highlight Cambrex's dedication to continually expanding its capabilities and increasing production capacity to meet the growing demands of the pharmaceutical industry. With over 40 years of experience, Cambrex has established itself as a leader in offering drug substance development and manufacturing throughout the drug lifecycle, along with comprehensive analytical and IND-enabling services for a diverse clientele across North America and Europe.

The recent $120 million investment not only aims to cater to current market demands but also positions Cambrex at the forefront of ensuring that the U.S. maintains a resilient and secure drug supply chain. As the pharmaceutical industry continues to evolve, Cambrex's role as a trusted partner is more significant than ever.

This expansion is a clear testament to Cambrex's resilience and adaptability in the face of changing market dynamics, firmly setting the stage for future growth and innovation in drug manufacturing. As the company moves forward, it remains focused on providing top-notch solutions and services to its partners and contributing to the overall reliability of the pharmaceutical supply chain in the United States.