#Switzerland #Basel #CordenPharma #peptides

CordenPharma’s Ambitious Expansion in Peptide Manufacturing

CordenPharma, a renowned player in the biotechnology sector, is setting the bar high with its recent announcement of a record-breaking investment of over €1 billion aimed at developing and expanding its peptide manufacturing capabilities across Europe and the United States. This initiative is poised to elevate CordenPharma’s status significantly, targeting over €1 billion in peptide sales by 2028.

Investment Details

Among the significant parts of this investment, more than €500 million will be allocated to build a state-of-the-art greenfield facility in the Getec Park of Muttenz, located just 8 kilometers from Basel. This location is strategic due to its proximity to one of the leading biotechnology and pharmaceutical hubs in Europe, offering considerable logistical advantages and access to a skilled workforce.

The new facility will feature advanced peptide synthesis technologies, including both small and large-scale production lines equipped with solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) reactors. These reactors have a total capacity exceeding 5,000 liters, accommodating varied project requirements, including those for GLP-1 and non-GLP-1 peptides. The construction phase is projected to run from 2025 to 2027, with business operations expected to commence in the first half of 2028, creating over 300 new jobs in the region.

Strategic Advantages

The decision to place this facility near Basel is rooted in numerous key benefits:

• - Efficient Infrastructure: Pre-existing systems for material management and essential processes facilitate the establishment of cutting-edge peptide manufacturing.
• - Optimal Logistics: The location offers seamless access to transportation networks, which is crucial for the efficient movement of raw materials and final products.
• - Utility Services: Large-scale utility services are readily available to meet the chemical production demands.
• - Talent Pool: Proximity to Basel ensures access to a highly skilled workforce, vital for maintaining quality and innovation standards within peptide production.
• - Sustainable Operational Ecosystem: The local industrial park promotes sustainable operations with closed-loop energy and material cycles and innovative waste valorization streams aimed at achieving net-zero emissions.

Ongoing Developments in the US

Complementing its Swiss operations, CordenPharma is also expanding its manufacturing capabilities at its Boulder facility in Colorado. This expansion focuses on doubling the existing SPPS reactor capacity, adding an impressive 25,000 liters to bring the total SPPS capacity to over 42,000 liters by 2028. This dual approach enhances CordenPharma’s production capacity substantially, cementing its position as a leading Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) in the peptide sector.

Leadership Insights

Dr. Michael Quirmbach, President and CEO of CordenPharma Group, expressed confidence in the company’s vision for developing a cutting-edge facility near Basel. He emphasized that the new site is designed to ensure flexible and efficient peptide production, meeting the growing demand for novel peptide medicines.

Judith Charpentier, Co-Head of Flagship Fund and healthcare head at Astorg, remarked on CordenPharma’s leadership in responding to the rising demand in peptide production, stating that they are committed to supporting this growth through strategic investments. The expansion aims to improve patient access to life-saving peptide-based medicines.

Conclusion

With robust backing from Astorg, a leading pan-European private equity firm, CordenPharma is well-positioned to implement its growth strategy and further solidify its leading role in the CDMO space for peptides. As the company advances into its next growth phase, its commitment to innovation and excellence continues to open new avenues for peptide manufacturing, reaffirming its vital role in the healthcare landscape.

For more information on CordenPharma and their initiatives, visit CordenPharma.