ScinoPharm, a leading process R&D and API manufacturing service provider to the global pharmaceutical industry, plans to invest NT$1.1 billion (approximately US$37.6 million) in the construction of a high potency cytotoxic injectable plant suitable for production of oncological injectable products on the company's premise at the Tainan Science Park.

ScinoPharm, a global leader in supplying oncological APIs for injectable products, currently has the most number of oncological APIs for the generic industry.  "By expanding into the field of oncological injectable formulation, ScinoPharm will be able to provide a vertically integrated, one-stop-shop service for our existing API customers," remarked Dr. Jo Shen, president and CEO of ScinoPharm.

"The global demand for oncological injectable production capacity far exceeds the supply. Many international generic customers of ours have been eagerly searching for partners who can provide a high quality and stable supply of oncological injectable drug products not to mention meet GMP requirements. We are excited to be able to fill this critical requirement," Dr. Shen added.

The entire facility will include space for R&D, quality control, washing, sterilization, manufacturing, filling, lyophilization, packaging, and storage. There will be one line for the oncological production, capable for producing liquid vials as well as lyophilized vials.  In a separate, isolated area, there will also be equipment for prefilled syringes dedicated for non-cytotoxic products. This special capability was added again as a response to the severe shortage of capacity in the market. The entire injectable plant will meet the international cGMP standards of the sterile facility. For the cytotoxic area, where high potency oncological products will be produced, sophisticated containment equipment will be installed with proper safety protection.

Design and construction of the plant is expected to begin in the second half of 2012, with completion expected in 2014. ScinoPharm's main objective is to provide value-added services to the existing customers through contract manufacturing services of oncological injectable form. Through the expanded capabilities, ScinoPharm hopes to further solidify its leadership position in the oncological area with enhance support to its customers.