The unit, which is due to be operational in November, will house capacity for aseptic filling, several lyophilisation stations for sterilised liquids, as well as laboratory and quality control space.
One of the lyophilisation units will be dedicated to activities for drugs in preclinical development, while another focuses purely on the manufacture of material for clinical trials.
The Canadian contract manufacturing organisation (CMO) stressed that the development new unit can produce a wide range of drugs, including highly potent compounds, those that are poorly soluble, those that are sensitive to oxygen or light, as well as those that are highly moisture absorbing, or hygroscopic.
Patheon declined to provide any further information.
Lonza extends due diligence period
In other news, Patheon’s special committee of independent directors and Swiss suitor Lonza have extended the due diligence period for the possible takeover to October 15.
Lonza told Outsourcing-Pharma that: “The extension simply reflects the time necessary to carry out proper due diligence and it is not unexpected. In fact it indicates that the parties remain mutually interested in a transaction.”
The Basel firm said that the extension is not related to either Patheon’s Q3 performance, described as “disappointing” by CEO Wes Wheeler, or the reaction of rival suitor and major Patheon shareholder, JLL, to the $3.55 per share bid.
It added that: “Patheon is one of the world’s leaders in finished dosage development and manufacturing with a global platform, diversified product offering and strong process development and research capabilities.
“Given these strengths, Patheon is an opportunity that would help Lonza quickly achieve its goal in terms of extending its product offering.”