Under the new contract CBC will supply drug and nutraceutical excipients to drug firms in Japan in a deal designed to grow FMC business according to spokeswoman, Lindsay Torriero.
She told in-Pharmatechnologist.com that: “FMC has conducted business in Japan for many years and core products like Avicel microcrystalline cellulose [MCC} binders have a long standing reputation for quality and reliability in the Japanese markets.
Torriero explained that “FMC historically sold to the Japanese customers through the distribution channel, with another partner. We’re looking forward to developing this relationship [with CBC] to help us grow in the region.”
CBC reach in Japan seems to be what won it the contract. The firm – which is part of specialty chemicals distributor Wilbur-Elis and Company – has offices in Tokyo and Osaka as well as 18 warehouses across the country.
“They employ a number of dedicated Pharmaceutical assets that are capable of selling technical products and sophisticated value proposals. Most importantly, they have tremendous direct access to all key Pharmaceutical companies,” Torriero said.
“The Japanese pharmaceutical market is very similar to regulated markets in other parts of the world. The reason to switch to WECO is driven more by commercial reasons and not by logistics or regulatory issues.”
FMS declined to say how many excipients CMC will handle on its behalf, but did say that chemicals will be produced at facilities in the US, Ireland, Norway, Scotland and – when operational late this year – a dedicated MCC site the firm is building in Thailand.
Japan – along with China and India – was listed as one of the countries in demand for pharmaceutical excipients is likely to increase as a result of growing demand for generic drugs according to a recent industry report.