Tokyo-based Nichi-Iko Pharmaceutical has made a move to expand its US presence with the acquisition of an FDA-approved manufacturing site in North Carolina. After the acquisition of Illinois-based Sagent Pharmaceuticals got the company’s foot in the door, the purchase of Nichi-Iko’s first FDA-approved facility helps to solidify its foundation.
The facility in Raleigh was acquired through the Sagent subsidiary and is approved for both small molecule and biologic products.
Dr Peter Kaemmerer, Sagent CEO, said that the facility will enable the company to produce lyophilised formulations of Sagent’s future biosimilar product offerings.
Sagent has a focus on sterile injectibles and for existing production it will use the new facility to manufacture products in-house, moving away from using contractors. As part of this, Sagent will continue to supply Xellia with certain products.
Yuichi Tamura, President and CEO of Nichi-Iko, said: “We applaud this acquisition as another big step forward for Nichi-Iko and Sagent, further strengthening our competitiveness and capabilities in the key US market. The acquisition of this manufacturing facility, our first in the US, will have an important role as we strive to fulfil our mission of providing value-added high-quality generic products, which meet the needs of patients and their families in the global market.”
Financial terms of the transaction have not been disclosed.
