Recipharm has inked a collaboration deal with U.S.-based Exela Pharma Sciences as the Swedish CDMO continues to remake itself in the wake of the pandemic.
Like other CDMOs during the COVID-19 global crisis, Recipharm prospered by partnering with Moderna on manufacturing its COVID vaccine and watching its revenues rise. Despite seeing 2023 revenues jump to 14,697 Swedish kronor ($1.4 billion), Recipharm this year began selling off some of its production sites as part of a strategy to focus on biologics.
Under the new cooperation deal, Recipharm gets access to Exela’s manufacturing plant in Lenoir, North Carolina. Exela is expanding the site to bolster its capabilities to produce biopharmaceuticals such as antibody-drug conjugates and other sterile products like vaccines, Recipharm said in an October 1 press release.
For its part, Recipharm brings its experience in manufacturing various drug modalities.
“We are excited about this strategic alliance with Exela, which significantly enhances our manufacturing footprint in the U.S.,” Greg Behars, Recipharm’s chief executive, said in the release. “This partnership aligns with our commitment to provide high-quality manufacturing solutions and expand our capabilities in the production of sterile products, such as GLP1, peptides, biologics, ADCs and other critical pharmaceuticals.’
Back in April, Recipharm sold seven of its European manufacturing and development facilities to private equity firm Blue Wolf Capital for an undisclosed price in a deal expected to be completed by the end of the year.
At the same time, the CDMO also completed the spinoff of its inhaler business. The company began 2024 with 25 facilities in 10 countries.