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Following an initial announcement back in May,1 Asymchem Laboratories (Tianjin) Co., Ltd., a contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), has inaugurated its new European development and pilot manufacturing plant at Discovery Park in Sandwich, Kent, UK.2
The small molecule facilities—formerly owned by Pfizer—houses 70 on-site employees, including in the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) pilot plant and R&D labs. More hires are expected to be made through this year, with the pilot plant increasing its operations.
With a goal of implementing more cost-effective and sustainable solutions, it is anticipated that Asymchem will be adding extra capabilities, including new manufacturing equipment to handle oligonucleotide and peptide production, along with sustainability services for continuous flow and biocatalysis, by next year.
“This is an exciting milestone for Asymchem to meet growing demand for pharma services and supply. We are continuing a long legacy of manufacturing excellence at Discovery Park, with the location in Kent being ideal for reaching our target markets in Europe,” said Dr. Hao Hong, chairman, founder, and CEO of Asymchem.
“We are thrilled to see Asymchem join our thriving community at Discovery Park,” commented Mayer Schreiber, CEO of Discovery Park. “We believe Kent is the ideal location for a European HQ, providing fast connections to both Europe and the capital, along with all important space to grow. Many of the team members at Asymchem have been working at Discovery Park for decades, and we’re delighted to continue to support and champion the talent here.”
In relation to the CDMO’s small molecule focus, the company recently appointed Dr. Cheng Yi Chen as CTO of the small-molecule sector.3 He is directly reporting to Hong. In this position, Yi Chen will offer technical support to Asymchem’s chemical small molecule sales team, both in the United States and European markets. More specifically, he will be facilitating technical communications for mid-to-late-stage clinical projects in these areas, along with forging partnerships with new clients.
References
1. Saraceno N. Asymchem Takes Ownership of Former Pfizer Manufacturing Facilities. Pharmaceutical Commerce. May 23, 2024. Accessed August 6, 2024. https://www.pharmaceuticalcommerce.com/view/asymchem-takes-ownership-of-former-pfizer-manufacturing-facilities
2. Asymchem Inaugurates Its First European Small Molecule Development and API Pilot Plant Manufacturing Site at Discovery Park in Sandwich, Kent, UK. Business Wire. August 2, 2024. Accessed August 6, 2024. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240802011861/en/Asymchem-Inaugurates-Its-First-European-Small-Molecule-Development-and-API-Pilot-Plant-Manufacturing-Site-at-Discovery-Park-in-Sandwich-Kent-UK
3. Asymchem Appoints Dr. Cheng Yi Chen as CTO of Small-Molecule Sector. Business Wire. June 26, 2024. Accessed August 6, 2024. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240626665787/en/Asymchem-Appoints-Dr.-Cheng-Yi-Chen-as-CTO-