#USA #pharmaceutical #East Windsor #spray drying #Hovione

Hovione Expands U.S. Operations with New Facility

Hovione, a leading pharmaceutical Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO), has officially opened its latest facility named 89 Twin Rivers at its East Windsor campus in New Jersey. Covering an area of 31,000 square feet, this new facility is set to double the company's spray drying capacity in the U.S., a significant step that underscores Hovione's dedication to addressing the complex challenges in pharmaceutical formulation.

A Major Investment

The addition of this facility marks the culmination of a $100 million investment phase that Hovione has undergone in New Jersey. With two new GMP-ready, commercial-scale PSD-3 spray dryers, the facility will augment Hovione's ability to provide a seamless pathway from formulation screening to commercial production of spray dried amorphous solid dispersions. This closure of a strategic gap enhances the integrated nature of Hovione’s operations, as all processes will adhere to a unified quality system, significantly streamlining technology transfer and scalability for their clients.

Marco Gil and Antonio Almeida, Co-CEOs of Hovione, expressed that "Opening 89 Twin Rivers isn’t just about expanding capacity; it represents the next chapter in Hovione's two-decade-plus legacy in the U.S. This investment enables us to meet rising demand effectively while reinforcing our global leadership in pharmaceutical spray drying."

Addressing Solubility Challenges

Around 70% of small-molecule drug candidates face the issue of inadequate solubility. This limitation often hampers their bioavailability and slows development. Hovione's innovative solution employs specialized spray drying technology to transform poorly soluble ingredients into more readily available forms using amorphous solid dispersions. With over 25 years of experience in this field, the company has developed expertise in formulation science, predictive and model-based development tools, and efficient scale-up processes that help clients tackle this persistent problem in drug development.

With the new facility up and running, Hovione plays a critical role in the evolution of pharmaceutical manufacturing, with plans to employ about 80 individuals in the region. As highlighted in the recent opening ceremony attended by local dignitaries including East Windsor Mayor Janice S. Mironov, the local ecosystem will also benefit from this investment, which significantly enhances the manufacturing capabilities within New Jersey's life sciences sector.

Plans for Future Growth

Hovione's vision extends beyond this current expansion. The company aims to develop approximately 125,000 square feet of additional manufacturing space over the next decade, creating further laboratory facilities and more comprehensive commercial-scale spray drying capabilities. This expansion not only reaffirms Hovione's commitment to New Jersey but also offers opportunities for clients to co-invest in the planned growth, ensuring priority access to innovative technologies and accelerated program timelines.

David Basile, Vice President of Technical Operations, Americas at Hovione, pointed out, "The 89 Twin Rivers facility is a significant advancement for our U.S. operations and reflects our long-term commitment to East Windsor. Our growth trajectory is built on sustained investments in scientific expertise, advanced manufacturing capabilities, and our people. We will continue to fortify this site as a center for innovation in drug development and manufacturing."

An International Vision

This expansion is an essential component of Hovione's broader international strategy aimed at developing a harmonized network of autonomous manufacturing sites across North America, Europe, and Asia. Investments in Portugal and Ireland complement Hovione's U.S. expansion, enhancing regional supply chains while ensuring resilience and efficiency in operations.

As Hovione partners with 19 out of the world's 20 largest pharmaceutical firms, the capacity increase at the East Windsor plant positions the company to be involved with approximately 10% of all FDA-approved medicines annually, marking a significant footprint in global healthcare.

In conclusion, the inauguration of the new Hovione facility not only signifies a robust commitment to operational excellence but also acts as a catalyst for growth within the pharmaceutical landscape, directly contributing to the swift delivery of effective, life-saving medications to patients worldwide.