Ampac partners with Inabata and Codexis; Codexis teams with Dishman

18-Feb-2010 - Last updated on 18-Feb-2010 at 12:39 GMT

Contract API maker Ampac Fine chemicals (AFC) has had a busy 24-hours, entering the Japanese market through a deal with Inabata and forging an alliance with Codexis on biocatalyst technology.

First up, Japan; the deal with Inabata’s chemicals division allows the US contract manufacturing organisation (CMO) to access what is still one of the world’s most lucrative pharmaceutical markets.

The plan is to use its new Japanese partner’s knowledge of the local pharmaceutical manufacturing sector to find customers for AFC’s range of production technologies, as company president, Aslam Malik, explained.

“[Inabata] have a strong track record of successfully pairing technologies with client needs and know the Japanese marketplace well. Based on their years of experience, they have the ability to identify Japanese partners.”

In return, Inabata intends to leverage AFC’s technologies for its own customers’ API manufacturing operations, especially during industrial scale-up and commercialisation.

Company general manager Seikou Kuroutsu highlighted AFC’s expertise in simulated moving bed separation (SMB), energetic chemistry and HPAPI production as being key strengths.

Codexis’ biocatalysts

Production technology was also a core focus of the accord with fellow US group Codexis. The deal, also announced yesterday, will see Codexis’ apply its range of proprietary biocatalyst technologies in AFC’s portfolio.

Codexis which, like AFC is also based in California, said application of its technologies will help its new partner reduce cost, increase manufacturing efficiency and lessen environmental impact.

The process optimisation specialist also signed a deal with contract research and manufacturing services (CRAMS) Dishman that sees the Indian firm become its preferred manufacturing partner.

The US firm explained that Dishman “will work exclusively to supply intermediates and active ingredients manufactured using Codexis technology to a select group of innovators.”

Codexis CEO Alan Shaw said the deals bring its “technology to an expanded portfolio of innovator pharmaceutical products. They will be important as we continue to serve our pharmaceutical customers worldwide."