#Switzerland #Basel #CordenPharma #Peptide Manufacturing #Muttenz

CordenPharma's Major Expansion in Peptide Manufacturing

CordenPharma, a prominent player in the manufacturing of pharmaceutical peptides, has unveiled plans for a monumental expansion, committing over €1 billion in investments across Europe and the United States over the next three years. This ambitious strategy includes more than €500 million earmarked for a state-of-the-art greenfield facility located in the Basel region of Switzerland, specifically at Getec Park in Muttenz, just a short distance from the city center.

This expansion is a testament to CordenPharma's dedication to enhancing its peptide platform capabilities. The firm is targeting a significant increase in manufacturing capacity dedicated to both small and large peptide projects. As part of the plan, CordenPharma aims to exceed the €1 billion sales threshold by 2028 and is positioning itself as a leader in the integrated supply of peptide services, from Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) to final drug products, catering to both injectable and oral forms.

Strategic Location Benefits

The decision to establish this advanced facility in close proximity to Basel is strategic, driven by multiple advantages:

• - Robust Infrastructure: The region offers efficient logistics and existing systems tailored for advanced peptide manufacturing processes.
• - Access to Talent: Being near Basel, which is recognized as a biotech and pharmaceutical hub, allows CordenPharma to tap into a rich pool of skilled professionals essential for the operations.
• - Established Utilities: Existing utilities support large-scale chemical manufacturing, further facilitating the planned operations.
• - Sustainable Operations: The surrounding industrial park promotes efficiency through closed-loop energy and material systems, aimed at achieving net-zero emissions.

Facility Specifications

The new facility will boast several manufacturing lines, enabling a diverse range of production scales—from small to large. Noteworthy features include:

• - Solid Phase Peptide Synthesis (SPPS) reactors designed for both GLP-1 and non-GLP-1 peptide applications, totaling an impressive reactor capacity exceeding 5,000 liters.
• - Advanced Automation and Digitalization technologies aimed at ensuring compliance with stringent regulatory standards, including those set by the Biologics License Application (BLA).

The construction and qualification phase is anticipated to take place between 2025 and 2027, with commercial activities slated to commence in the first half of 2028. This development is expected to generate more than 300 jobs, contributing significantly to the local economy.

Complementary US Expansion

In parallel with the Swiss project, CordenPharma is also expanding its operations in Boulder, Colorado, targeting additional capacity for large-scale peptide manufacturing. This will include enhancing existing production lines and establishing new greenfield production areas, which are expected to double their SPPS reactor capacity by adding a further 25,000 liters, culminating in a capacity of over 42,000 liters by 2028.

Leadership Insights

Dr. Michael Quirmbach, President and CEO of CordenPharma, expressed excitement over the new facility’s potential to meet the growing demands for innovative peptide medications. The collaboration with Astorg, a leading private equity firm, has been instrumental in facilitating this growth, allowing CordenPharma to reinforce its position in the Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) peptide sector.

Future Outlook

The expansion’s ambitious scope extends beyond just adding manufacturing capacity; it epitomizes CordenPharma's commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction in the pharmaceutical industry. As they establish this state-of-the-art facility, the company aims to cement its status as a vital partner in supplying life-saving peptide-based medications to patients worldwide.

As CordenPharma prepares for this remarkable leap forward, the industry watches closely, anticipating the ripple effects of its pioneering endeavors that promise to shape the future of peptide manufacturing.