Almac Group Invests in Expansion of Analytical Services

On Oct. 1, 2024, the Almac Group, a contract development and manufacturing organization, announced it is investing £11 million (US$14.7 million) to expand its existing analytical laboratories, technology, and resources and create 100 new jobs. Almac, which includesAlmac Sciences and Almac Pharma Services, has locations in Craigavon, United Kingdom; Charnwood, UK; Souderton, Pa. in the United States; Athlone, Ireland; and Dundalk, Ireland.

As part of the expansion, the company is planning new laboratory space at its Craigavon headquarters and upgrades to existing labs across all sites. Specialized instrumentation and techniques have also been added to service lines, including chromatography, spectroscopy, and biologics. Equipment investment to enhance capabilities includes a new spray drying at the Charnwood site. The company also recently added its Raman TRS100 system for faster assay of tablets, capsules, and other dosage forms. Investment in training of staff has also been put into place.

“We have experienced a significant increase in demand for our dedicated analytical solutions and recognize the importance of continually investing, not just in our systems and facilities, but also in our people,” Darren Thomas, vice president Analytical Operations, Almac Sciences, said in a press release. “We are committed to offering a best-in-class service to our global client base and are delighted to continue at pace with significant investment across our UK, EU [European Union], and US facilities in order to strengthen our competitive position in the marketplace.”

Trevor Clarke, vice president Analytical Operations, Almac Pharma Services added: “We are positioned as the partner of choice with significant experience in a wide range of analytical services to meet the varying requirements of our clients’ unique development and commercial programs. As we continue to expand our global analytical capabilities, we remain committed to delivering excellence. This significant investment in innovative technology, skilled talent, and state-of-the-art laboratories underscores our dedication to providing comprehensive analytical solutions for our clients worldwide.”

Almac Group’s Almac Clinical Servicesdivision also invested in enhancing the company’s Singapore cold chain facility back in July 2024, quadrupling the available floorspace and providing 480 additional storage locations (2). The facility operates at temperatures from -25 °C to -15 °C and has dedicated secondary production rooms with frozen conditions.

“The growth of biologics and the complexities surrounding their development and use necessitates continuous improvement. Biologics are highly sensitive to environmental conditions, including temperature, light, pH, and oxygen levels,” Kevin Cheong, Director of Clinical Operations at Almac Clinical Services, said in the press release at the time of the announcement (2). “Even minor deviations can lead to significant changes in the stability efficacy, and safety of these products. This investment will significantly enhance our ability to support our global pharmaceutical sponsors and underscores our dedication to providing the best service offering to clients, ensuring that patients receive the right drugs, at the right time and in the right condition.”

References

1. Almac Group. Almac Group Announces £11m Investment to Expand Global Analytical Services. Press Release. Oct. 1, 2024.
2. Almac Group. Almac Announces Investment in Singapore to Enhance Cold Chain Facility for Global Pharmaceutical Sponsors and Patients. Press Release. July 30, 2024.