PCI Bolsters Global Drug Development and Commercialization Capabilities with Three Acquisitions

PCI Pharma Services will highlight its growth and expansion at CPhI Worldwide 2018, including the acquisition and integration of providers in three key geographies, which boosts the company’s global presence as a full-service provider of specialist outsourced drug manufacturing, clinical trial services, and commercial packaging to the global biopharmaceutical industry, the company announced on Oct. 8, 2018.

The company has made three acquisitions in the 12 months since CPhI 2017, focusing its strategic investment on supporting the biopharmaceutical industry with global access and an enhanced international presence to ensure drug development, manufacturing, packaging, and supply services in more than 100 countries.

Brexit investment

In October 2017, PCI’s acquisition of Millmount Healthcare in Dublin, Republic of Ireland, signalled the company’s proactive Brexit strategy, expanding its existing European footprint outside of the United Kingdom and reinforcing its commitment to the European Union (EU) market.

To help mitigate Brexit risk, PCI further strengthened its EU presence with a series of site expansions and investments to ensure business continuity in the wake of Brexit. These include a purpose-built laboratory to support EU release. The company has also expanded its footprint further in Europe to service its customer base in the EU as a mitigation plan for the contingency of a no-deal Brexit.

Regulatory changes

PCI’s strategic program of investment and expansion has continued across its global network throughout 2018. Its proactive approach has ensured that the organization is ready and compliant in advance of key regulatory implementation dates-including the United States Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA) in November 2018, the EU Falsified Medicines Directive (FMD) in February 2019, and emerging market traceability deadlines.

PCI’s serialization and anticounterfeiting technology includes investment in more than 80 lines that are installed and actively supporting commercial products destined for the US, EU, and other emerging markets. 

International reach investment

In addition to the Millmount Healthcare acquisition in Ireland, PCI also acquired Pharmaceutical Packaging Professionals in Melbourne, Australia, in March 2018, providing new access to Australia and the wider Asia-Pacific region and Sherpa Clinical Packaging in San Diego, CA, in September 2018, extending its presence across the US to the west coast. All three regions are critical hubs for the industry’s biopharmaceutical development.

Early stage development investment

The company also continues to invest in services to support client development and commercialization of new medicines, focusing on services and technologies that provide speed-to-market. The company has maintained its focus on and investment in early stage development, including rapid services for expediting early phase clinical studies, expert formulation and drug development solutions, new capabilities for early stage manufacturing development, including sterile drug deliveries as well as advanced packaging technologies to get developmental product into study quickly.

“PCI’s clients trust us to help support lifesaving medicines to patients all around the world. With the increasing pressures on the industry, clients need solutions that are nimble and flexible to address global uncertainties, equipped to provide true speed-to-market, and strategically positioned in key geographies to reach their desired markets,” said PCI CEO Salim Haffar in a company press release. “PCI has a focused strategy of considerable investment in our existing global supply network-implementing advanced technologies and continued expansion of capacity, coupled with key targeted acquisitions, to provide a comprehensive solution for our clients’ needs. This includes investment in all facets of lifecycle management; helping expedite molecules into clinical study; ensuring effective transition of various clinical trial phases; successful commercial launch; and reliable ongoing supply. Investment, paired with expertise and outstanding service, provides a framework for providing outstanding results.”

To hear more about PCI Pharma Services, visit Stand 3F10 at CPhI Worldwide. CPhI Worldwide runs from Oct. 9–11, 2018 in Madrid, Spain.

Source: PCI Pharma Services