The modernization will strengthen Novasep’s flow chemistry capacities through the installation of a cGMP flow reactor for supporting customers’ clinical supply and launch. The project also includes a debottlenecking of drying and purification capacities and the addition of a new clean room, which the CDMO said will reinforce the site’s capabilities for low- to medium-volume APIs.

“The addition of a cGMP flow capability at manufacturing scale, a technology which Novasep has been working on for several years in R&D, is an important step forward to strengthen our competitiveness in the active pharmaceutical ingredients market,” said Catherine Vindevoghel, Chasse-sur-Rhône site director.

The French government is also supporting the project as part of its “France Relance” recovery plan, which aims to relocate production of APIs and intermediates to France. The Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent disruption to pharma and API supply chains has spurred various governments to look at reshoring production from China and India.

Novasep is also upgrading its API manufacturing facility in Mourenx to increase flexibility and competitiveness. The firm announced in June that it would spend €6.1 million over three years on the project, which is also supported by the French recovery plan.

Author: Elaine Burridge, Freelance Journalist