Frontage expands CMO consultancy offering in China

Frontage Laboratories says it is focussing on improving regulatory and GMP compliance in China after signing a $10m (€7.5m) collaboration with drugs maker Fanghui Pharma.

Under the deal, the contract research organisation (CRO) will provide consultancy services to the Henan Province based firm, which plans to expand with new facilities in the region.

Growth plans include a solid dosage manufacturing platform for generic and new products that is compliant with current good manufacturing practices (GMP).

Frontage’s input includes equipment selection and process validation for the product pipeline, coordination of third party engineering and architectural contractors, and regulatory guidance.

“This agreement furthers our own plans to provide more infrastructure development, GMP and regulatory guidance, and facility construction consultation to Chinese pharmaceutical companies,” said Song Li, founder and CEO of Frontage.

Fanghui Chairman Xiyuan Zhao added: “We selected Frontage based on its success in helping many Chinese pharmaceutical companies develop products for international markets.”

The deal is the latest in a number of developments at Frontage over the last few months.

In December it announced it had upgraded its clinical centre at Jilin University Hospital in a bid to “accommodate the growing need for early phase oncology research studies.”

And in September the services firm teamed up with Spaulding Clinical Research.