The CDMO Onyx Scientific has poured more than £1.5m into expanding its API manufacturing facility in Sunderland, UK.
The firm will add four new GMP suites to its existing six, increasing capacity for commercial API production and supporting faster delivery of early-phase programmes.
In a statement, Onyx said the additional suites will give the company "greater flexibility to complete early-phase GMP manufacture within accelerated timescales," as well as allowing for increased production for the firm's commercial clients.
The investment will initially generate nine new jobs in production chemistry, analytical and quality assurance, with the company saying it plans to increase its headcount further in the near future.
The upgraded facility is scheduled for completion in Q1 2027.
Chris Atherton, Commercial Director at Onyx Scientific, said: “This investment marks a significant commitment to our clients, enabling us to grow production to meet increased demand across our early-phase and commercial pipelines.”
In a fast-paced industry, we have seen significant growth in these areas, which has underpinned the decision to expand our facility. Our pipeline is growing and we want to set ourselves up for the future, ensuring that our capacity grows with demand.
“Behind every API project is a potential life-saving medicine and a team working hard to move it forward. This investment gives our scientists more space and support to help clients' drug development programmes progress safely and efficiently.”
The company said this latest investment was another step in its long-term plan for its CMC platform.
The Sunderland site's expanded footprint will provide Onyx with greater flexibility in production scheduling, enabling commercial campaigns and time-sensitive early-phase GMP programmes to be handled concurrently.
Atherton added: “Clients value continuity as a molecule progresses."
As specialists in the sector, we understand that drug development rarely follows a completely predictable timetable. Programmes can accelerate quickly as new data emerges, so the additional capacity will allow our teams more flexibility and give them the right environment to continue to deliver high-quality work.
"We are looking forward to hitting the ground running, having started the work on the development in August.”
The investment follows an earlier announcement this year, when the company upgraded its solid-form screening toolkit with high-precision equipment such as the Technobis Crystalline platform, Buchi spray dryers and DecJet jet mills.
