Sandoz to Expand Production Capabilities to Strengthen its European Antibiotics Manufacturing Network

Sandoz, a Novartis division, announced on May 18, 2021 that it plans to strengthen its European antibiotics manufacturing network by expanding its production capabilities in Kundl, Austria, and Palafolls, Spain.

In Kundl, the company plans to invest more than €100 million (US$123 million) into new manufacturing technology for the production of oral amoxicillin, an API for its leading penicillin product, Sandoz said in a company press release. The Palfolls expansion will include a facility expansion and an investment of €50 million (US$61 million) in new production technology and increased capacity for the production of sterile penicillin APIs and sterile API mixtures.

Additionally, the company plans to phase out production of APIs at its Les Franqueses, Spain, site and transfer it to its Palafolls site in 2025.

“Antibiotics are the backbone of modern healthcare and a key strategic pillar of our business,” said Richard Saynor, CEO, Sandoz, in the press release. “Despite a temporary drop in demand due to the pandemic, we remain as confident as ever in the mid- to long-term prospects for this segment, which meets a significant quantity of the global disease burden. This investment, which comes shortly after we announced plans to acquire GSK’s global cephalosporin antibiotics, confirms our commitment to securing the future of our leading global business.”

“Our goal is to produce and supply high-quality antibiotics at a cost-competitive price to patients around the world,” added Giovanni Barbella, head of Sandoz Technical Operations, in the press release. “The important investments announced today will enable our world-class manufacturing network in Europe to meet future requirements.”

Source: Sandoz