Axplora, a partner to pharma and biopharma companies for complex APIs, has installed a new cGMP pilot unit in Leverkusen, Germany. The new facility is part of the company’s investment in differentiated and specialized technologies.

Axplora has long been working on developing new technologies, such as flow chemistry, to operate more efficiently and sustainably. In 2013, Axplora established a dedicated research platform at its Chasse-sur-Rhône site in France, to develop methodologies for efficient process development under continuous flow conditions, using chemical and engineering expertise.

The highly flexible equipment allows Axplora to operate at a broad range of temperatures and pressures (-50°C up to 200°C and up to 40 bar), with reactor configurations adapted to the specific requirements of the process to optimize control and productivity of highly demanding reactions.

“In line with our commitment to help our customers deliver the best medicines for their patients, we are thrilled to announce the installation of a flow chemistry pilot unit at our Leverkusen site,” said Ester Masllorens, chief technology officer at Axplora. “Continuous processing is a key enabling technology for the future of pharmaceutical manufacturing, strongly supported by regulatory bodies such as the FDA. This technology has high potential to enhance sustainability, improve control and quality as well as reduce costs and time to market. My warm thanks to our team involved in making it possible.”

“Hazardous chemistry is our core competence at Leverkusen,” said Oliver Plietzsch, head of R&D at Axplora’s Leverkusen site. “We are excited to implement flow chemistry at pilot scale as it enhances our possibilities to develop safe, sustainable and efficient processes for our customers.”