Cambrex invests $120 million to expand U.S. API manufacturing, boosting capacity, supply chain resilience, and leadership in peptide therapeutics.
Cambrex, a prominent global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), has announced a significant $120 million investment aimed at expanding its U.S. manufacturing capabilities. The initiative underscores Cambrex鈥檚 mission to bolster domestic production of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and strengthen the resilience of the U.S. drug supply chain, while positioning itself as a key player in the rapidly expanding peptide therapeutics sector.
According to Thomas Loewald, CEO of Cambrex, the investment comes at a crucial time as customers鈥攚orking closely with federal and state agencies鈥攁re actively pursuing the reshoring of pharmaceutical manufacturing in the United States, the world鈥檚 largest pharmaceutical market. 鈥淓nsuring local API production is vital for safeguarding the nation鈥檚 supply chain security and long-term resilience,鈥� Loewald explained. 鈥淲e are experiencing robust demand from clients seeking to collaborate with Cambrex and leverage this enhanced production capacity.鈥�
The newly announced funding will fuel a 40% increase in manufacturing capacity at Cambrex鈥檚 Charles City, Iowa facility, bringing the site鈥檚 total production volume close to one million liters. The Charles City plant, spread across 45 acres, is one of the most advanced and versatile manufacturing hubs in the country. It produces a wide range of APIs and pharmaceutical intermediates, including highly potent compounds and controlled substances, supporting both large-scale commercial and specialized therapeutic applications.
Loewald emphasized that the company鈥檚 latest expansion is part of Cambrex鈥檚 broader strategy to support the long-term stability of the U.S. pharmaceutical supply network. 鈥淎s the demand for domestic manufacturing of essential therapies continues to rise, Cambrex remains deeply committed to investing in infrastructure that reinforces national drug supply reliability,鈥� he said. 鈥淭his investment at Charles City鈥攖he nation鈥檚 largest independent API manufacturing facility鈥攄emonstrates our dedication to meeting customer needs in both small molecule and peptide production.鈥�
This new initiative builds upon a series of strategic investments Cambrex has made in recent years to enhance its research, development, and production network. Key milestones include:
鈥�听听听听听听听听听听听听 The 2022 expansion of highly potent API and large-scale manufacturing capacity at the Charles City, Iowa site.
鈥�听听听听听听听听听听听听 The 2023 launch of new, state-of-the-art laboratories and small-to-medium volume commercial manufacturing spaces in High Point, North Carolina, tailored for therapies targeting rare diseases and orphan drug designations.
鈥�听听听听听听听听听听听听 The 2025 expansion of GMP manufacturing capacity for peptide therapeutics in Waltham, Massachusetts, designed to serve the fast-growing peptide drug market.
Through this sustained investment strategy, Cambrex continues to demonstrate its long-term commitment to advancing pharmaceutical innovation, strengthening U.S.-based manufacturing, and addressing the growing global demand for reliable and high-quality API production.
