Cambrex Forms Strategic Partnership with Eli Lilly to Enhance Biotech Manufacturing Capabilities

In a significant move to bolster the capabilities of biotechnology firms, Cambrex, a leading global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), has announced a strategic agreement with Eli Lilly and Company. This partnership will provide Lilly's biotech collaborators with expedited access to clinical development services. The collaboration is set to harness Cambrex's extensive resources and expertise to foster innovation in drug development, particularly during critical early stages.

The Nature of the Partnership

Under the terms of the agreement, Cambrex will work closely with Lilly Catalyze360-ExploRD, the division within Lilly dedicated to early external innovation collaborations. This alignment aims to facilitate the provision of vital substances and pharmaceutical products, as well as analytical laboratory services and research development expertise to Lilly's biotech partners.

Brandon Fincher, President of Early Development and Testing at Cambrex, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: "We are thrilled to support Lilly's mission to enable external biotech collaborators to accelerate their product development. Our Longmont facility offers all the necessary services to rapidly advance early-phase small molecules to the clinic with agility, flexibility, and scientific excellence. We look forward to aiding Lilly Catalyze360 partners in achieving success with their products."

A Focus on Innovation

Lilly Catalyze360 is a multi-faceted initiative that invests in advancing science and supporting emerging medicines through its three main pillars: Lilly Ventures, Lilly Gateway Labs, and Lilly ExploRD. This agreement specifically ties Cambrex to ExploRD, which emphasizes collaborative learning, scientific expertise, and best practices in research and development to speed up the science of its partners.

The primary services under this agreement will be based at Cambrex’s Longmont facility located in Colorado, which specializes in the early development of new experimental drugs. This includes process development, manufacturing of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), formulation development, and pharmaceutical product manufacturing, all in compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). Additionally, the site provides comprehensive analytical development and cGMP testing support.

Cambrex’s Expertise

Founded over four decades ago, Cambrex is recognized globally for its pharmaceutical contract services. With a workforce of 2,000 professionals, Cambrex offers a comprehensive array of technologies and specialized capabilities across various drug substance domains. This includes continuous flow, controlled substances, solid-state science, material characterization, and highly potent active pharmaceutical ingredients (HPAPIs), underscoring their commitment to delivering high-quality support throughout the drug lifecycle.

Through this strategic partnership, Cambrex aims not only to enhance its service offerings to clients but also to contribute actively to the thriving landscape of biotechnology. By bridging the resources of a leading CDMO with the innovative capabilities of Eli Lilly, both companies are positioned to make significant strides forward in advancing therapeutic solutions for unmet medical needs.

As Cambrex continues to expand its footprint in the biotechnology sector, this collaboration marks a pivotal moment in enhancing their service offerings and reinforcing their dedication to fostering innovation and improving patient outcomes globally.