Avara Pharmaceutical Services has signed an agreement with GSK to acquire a GSK consumer healthcare manufacturing facility in Aiken, SC.

“This acquisition is an important component of our strategic plan and expands our services by adding additional solid dose capability in the U.S., which is in very high demand,” said Timothy Tyson, chairman and chief executive officer, Avara. The transaction is expected to complete on or before June 1, 2018.

Avara Pharmaceutical Services is a state-of-the-art contract manufacturing and technical services organization providing both API formulation and manufacturing, along with secondary formulation, manufacturing and packaging of small molecule drugs, including highly potent compounds. Avara has secondary manufacturing technologies including granulation, coating, blending, encapsulation, compression and drying of tablets and capsules. Avara also has sterile manufacturing capability.

Following completion of the transaction with GSK, Avara Pharmaceutical Services will have seven sites. Three in the U.S., including the corporate HQs; one in Puerto Rico, one in the UK, one in Ireland, and one in Italy.

“As we celebrate another important milestone, we continue with great confidence to add pharmaceutical services and capabilities with complementary offerings in key regions in this rapidly growing market,” said Mr. Tyson.