Cambrex Corporation, a manufacturer of small molecule innovator and generic active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), held an opening ceremony with AstraZeneca, at its Karlskoga, Sweden site to mark the commencement of a long-term manufacturing agreement between the two companies for a key intermediate.

The announcement follows the completion, in 2017, of both a large-scale, multi-purpose capacity expansion which also includes hydrogenation capabilities and a dedicated continuous flow production unit capable of producing multiple metric tons of high purity advanced intermediates per annum at the Karlskoga facility.

Speaking at the ceremony, Juliette White, vice president, global external sourcing, AstraZeneca, said, “Cambrex was selected as our manufacturing partner on this long-term intermediate supply agreement as they clearly demonstrated a robust technically and commercially attractive solution, as well as having a good track record in terms of performance and delivery. We look forward to a successful collaboration with Cambrex.”

Shawn Cavanagh, chief operating officer, Cambrex, said, “We have an excellent relationship with AstraZeneca dating back to the 1950s and are excited to partner with them on the long-term production of several important products. We will continue to invest in capabilities, technology and appropriate capacity at the Karlskoga site in line with AstraZeneca’s ambitious targets and on-going customer demand.”