Member Article

SCM Pharma expands production capabilities

A Northumberland based pharmaceutical manufacturer is expanding its product filling capability after placing a major new order to help deal with clinical trials and commercial supply contract wins.

SCM Pharma have invested over £500,000 in new vial filling equipment, which will help the firm deliver increased capacity and efficiency, and will also be integrated with its existing technology.

The move follows an increased demand for liquid and powder filling from new and existing clients who have scaled up requirements.

The firm also has aspirations to move into the US market, and will use the Interphex trade exhibition in New York next month to showcase its capabilities.

Dianne Sharp, managing director at SCM Pharma, said: “The new kit represents a major investment for the business and will help us strengthen our position in the market in relation to the filling of new and existing drug products into vials.

“It will allow us to handle more specialist in-demand products such as cancer drugs, which we can safely fill at speed into vials and ampoules to meet the demands of our clients. We also look forward to flying the flag once again for the region’s manufacturing sector in the US.”

The firm is one of only a handful who can handle and produce certain, novel, difficult and dangerous products. While the investment is set to be a step change in the firms current filing capabilities, it will remain at a scale which will be of interest to companies requiring products for clinical trials and the supply of licenced drugs needed in niche markets.

The company recently announced a contract to develop and manufacture an injectable product for Ireland-based BrePco BioPharma to be used in a clinical trial researching the treatment of critically ill premature babies suffering from hypotension.

After a major recent recruitment drive, SCM Pharma now employs over 80 staff. The company, which has been nominated for two North East business awards, now works with several top specialty pharmaceutical companies in Europe and many of the big pharma firms.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .