Competition for controlled drugs increases as Aesica strengthens market share

Published: 19-Nov-2010

Focus on growing market share across Europe and broadening range of products


Aesica, a leading pharmaceutical manufacturer, has increased its share in the UK controlled drug manufacture market by introducing two new products and is now focusing on growing its market share across Europe and broadening its range of products.

Currently, the controlled drug market is valued in excess of US$21bn (€15bn) and Aesica predicts the growth will continue at 8% annually. However, the market is particularly restrictive not least because of the import and export constraints, yet Aesica is forecasting a significant increase in turnover by 2013 as a result of its strategic expansion in this arena.

In addition, the company holds a Schedule II controlled drug licence to manufacture APIs at both the Cramlington and Queenborough facilities and is able to provide contract services from development scale through to multi-tonne commercial scale. Furthermore, Aesica has recently secured a contract to manufacture controlled drugs in finished dosage form at its Queenborough facility.

As a result of this success Aesica has enhanced its capabilities further by investing in a new high containment suite, which is currently being developed at Queenborough. It is estimated that the new facility will be completed by May 2011 and once operational will enable Aesica to manufacture Schedule II controlled drugs such as opiates, as well as potent drugs typically classed as Safebridge category 3.

Lal Khan, Business Unit Director, API, Aesica says: ‘Controlled drug manufacture is fast becoming one of the largest markets in the UK and we have established significant assets and expertise in this arena. However, our key differentiator in this marketplace is our ability to manufacture both APIs and formulated products, which is a rare and valuable proposition to our prospective clients.

‘Our market share has increased year on year as a result of our continued expansion of services and investment in our capability and facilities. We are one of only two API controlled drug manufacturers in the UK and we are determined to become the leading European provider. To this end we are working strategically to harness our assets and add value wherever possible, as demonstrated through our recent investment to enhance our storage facilities and the new high containment suite.’

Aesica supplies contract development and contract manufacturing services for APIs and formulated products to a host of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies and emerging biotechnology organisations.

Its unique proposition lies in its flexible and bespoke approach to service delivery, coupled with its ability to develop products from the initial clinical stage through to final commercial supply. Furthermore, the long established and proven expertise within the company enables it to provide primary and secondary contract manufacturing services to the highest possible standards. It is this full-service offer and its dedication to exceptional standards of service that truly sets Aesica apart from its counterparts.

Aesica was founded in 2004 and has since grown from having a single API site in the North East of England to being a significant global player with multiple API and Formulations development and manufacturing sites in the UK, global offices in New York, San Diego and Shanghai and an international customer base.

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