Cambrex Corporation, a manufacturer of small molecule innovator and generic active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), has made a number of investments, in both R&D and manufacturing capabilities to support the development and production of generic APIs, at its site in Paullo, Milan, Italy.

The investments include the installation of development and analytical equipment to support the development of highly potent APIs (HPAPIs), as well as a new 2,800-liter hydrogenator and 1,500mm diameter centrifuge, for increased flexibility and capacity within the manufacturing plant. All equipment will be installed and validated by the end of 2017.

“We have seen increased growth of activity among highly potent molecules in the past decade for use in therapeutics for cancer and other indications, and it is now becoming more appropriate in the generic API business as patents on these begin to expire,” said Aldo Magnini, managing director, Cambrex Milan. “This investment is consistent with the Cambrex strategic plan to increase the company’s small molecule development and manufacturing capabilities, ensuring our facilities continue to meet the future demands of the industry.”

This investment comes after the installation of a new pilot plant at the site in 2017, and recent announcements of expansions across the Cambrex network of manufacturing sites, including the construction of a $24 million, 4,500 sq. ft. highly potent API manufacturing facility at its Charles City, IA site, which is due to open in 2019.