Cambrex and Eli Lilly Forge Partnership to Enhance Biotech Manufacturing Capabilities
Cambrex Forms Strategic Partnership with Eli Lilly
On December 5, 2024, Cambrex, a leading Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO), announced a significant strategic agreement with Eli Lilly and Company. This collaboration is designed to accelerate clinical development for Lilly’s biotech partners by providing them streamlined access to Cambrex's development and manufacturing services.
Overview of the Partnership
The partnership focuses on Lilly's Catalyze360 framework, which fosters early external innovation and collaboration. Cambrex will work closely with Lilly’s Catalyze360 team, specifically with its ExploRD division, to offer biotech partners critical resources such as active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), analytical services laboratories, and expert guidance in the early stages of drug development.
Brandon Fincher, Cambrex's President for Early Phase Development and Testing, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration. “We are pleased to support Lilly’s mission by providing external biotech partners the means to accelerate their product development,” Fincher stated, highlighting that Cambrex’s facility in Longmont, Colorado, is well-equipped to expedite the transition of small molecules into the clinical phase of testing.
Facility and Expertise
The Cambrex Longmont facility specializes in early-phase development of new investigational drugs. It offers comprehensive services including process development, manufacturing of APIs, formulation development, and drug product manufacturing. Importantly, the facility is adept in cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practice) processes, thereby ensuring that products meet stringent regulatory standards. Additional support may be provided through Cambrex’s wider network, as required by the specific projects.
Lilly Catalyze360 is a multifaceted initiative that comprises three pillars: Lilly Ventures, Lilly Gateway Labs, and Lilly ExploRD, all aimed at propelling scientific advancements and supporting new medications. The strategic partnership between Cambrex and Lilly enables the swift application of scientific research, leveraging Cambrex's extensive experience in drug development and manufacturing.
Cambrex’s Legacy
With over 40 years of experience in the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector, Cambrex has a proven track record. The company employs a skilled workforce of 2,000 professionals, providing specialized technologies and capabilities such as continuous flow chemistry, controlled substances management, and significant know-how in high-potency APIs. This strategic alliance not only enhances Cambrex’s service offerings but also aligns with Lilly’s commitment to advancing medical science and ensuring that critical new therapies reach patients faster.
As the pharmaceutical landscape continues to evolve, partnerships like this highlight the importance of collaboration in fostering innovation and meeting the heightened demands of biopharmaceutical development.
In conclusion, the Cambrex and Eli Lilly partnership represents a vital step forward in supporting the biotech community, ultimately aiming to accelerate the introduction of new therapies that can significantly improve patient outcomes.