Aptuit, Inc. has signed an agreement to acquire the assets and operations of EaglePicher Pharmaceutical Services (EPPS) as part of its plan to build capabilities in API development and drug substance manufacturing. Aptuit will expand its API and drug development offering, building state-of-the-art API development scale capabilities in the EaglePicher facilities and in new facilities around the globe. The acquisition is expected to close within 90 days.

As part of the agreement, Aptuit will acquire EaglePicher’s facilities in Lenexa, KS and Harrisonville, MO. This acquisition will give Aptuit the ability to provide its customers with process development and novel route development, preclinical drug substance supply, clinical drug substance supply, radio synthesis, niche commercial supply, and technology transfer packages. The current facilities are configured to provide milligram, gram, kilogram, and tonne scale production.

"API is one of the key pillars in drug development," noted Michael A. Griffith, chief executive officer of Aptuit. "To promise a seamless drug development offering, you must first supply active ingredients, as all further development is dependent upon API. This acquisition represents a significant milestone for Aptuit and differentiates our offering as we seek to engineer a better drug development process. We intend to make significant investments in our new API operation over the next 18 months to upgrade the EPPS Harrisonville facility, extend its range of capabilities, and improve its regulatory profile. Additionally, we will be building a first class lab-based process development and kilo lab capability."

Stuart E. Needleman, senior director, API Development, said, "Drug development begins with synthesis of the molecule, making a successful API program critical to any drug development program. Our approach is to offer state-of-the-art technologies, industry leading talent, and a 'get it right the first time' mentality to accelerate customers through key milestones in the drug development process. Through the acquisition of EPPS, we gain infrastructure, systems, processes, and personnel, which will be the foundation as we continue to build our API offering."