UK-based sterile filling specialist Symbiosis Pharmaceutical Services has strengthened its North American footprint with the appointment of a US-based business development manager to support increased demand from biotech companies for its manufacturing services.
The move to reinforce Symbiosis’ presence in North America is bolstered by the recent surge in funding of biotech firms in the US. A more positive investor climate in the US continues to increase the demand for small scale biological sterile manufacturing capabilities to support clinical trials globally.
The fast-growing contract manufacturing organisation (CMO) has appointed Derek Richards to oversee its business development activities across the East Coast and also has plans to appoint a senior executive to look after commercial interests on the West Coast in the New Year.
Derek will work closely with Symbiosis’ existing commercial team in Europe to help build the company’s profile in the US, promote its rapid manufacturing capability and increase uptake of its aseptic vial filling services in the North American market.
Symbiosis’ specialises in sterile injectables and the aseptic manufacturing of drug products, which are either liquid or lyophilised formulations filled into vials. Its core manufacturing capability is undertaken within a purpose-built facility in Stirling, Scotland, specifically designed for the manufacture and quick release of sterile drug products at clinical and niche market scale.
Colin MacKay, CEO at Symbiosis Pharmaceutical Services, said: “Our investment in the US market over the next few months is very much a measure of our commitment to meet the growing demand of biotech companies that require a contract sterile fill/finish partner like us to help get their products to clinical trials in absolute compliance with regulatory standards and in the most time-efficient manner possible.
“Derek brings a great amount of industry experience and established contacts to drive the development of new and existing relationships in the US and to ensure that more companies in North America understand where we can add specific value to their drug development projects.”
An experienced commercial executive, Derek Richards has worked across the pharmaceutical sector for around 20 years and brings an impressive track record in the sterile manufacturing and clinical development sector to his new role.
Derek said: “I have been extremely impressed by Symbiosis’ niche positioning, philosophy, talent acquisition and growth over the last few years. Once I became aware of the firm’s plan to expand in the US, it seemed like the ideal fit for me to get involved.
“I am looking forward to working with a team that possess the knowledge and experience to produce the highest quality pharmaceutical drug products and in turn, the opportunity to build a successful business in the United States.”
Symbiosis has built up a strong reputation for offering clients rapid access to manufacturing slots and quick release to support tight clinical trial timelines.
Colin explains: “We work closely with many small and medium-sized biotech and speciality pharmaceutical development companies from around the world. In addition to our consistent regulatory compliance and the undoubted technical capability of my team, it is our operational flexibility and speed of project delivery that has most impressed our clients. We work hard to retain those strengths.
“I’m delighted that this level of service excellence has directly led to repeat business from many of our clients and some impressive recommendations, which to date has helped support the considerable 30% year on year growth of the business.
“With a new but experienced commercial team now established in the US working in tandem with our existing European team, we can service clients undertaking clinical drug development projects in the US, Europe, or in both territories.” added Colin.
The CMO is a niche provider of sterile vial filling services for conventional small molecules, biological, cytotoxic, potent, liquid and lyophilised drug products at a relatively small scale to support clients with products destined for clinical trials and niche markets globally.
