Novasep invests €6.5 million to expand capacity and increase flexibility in an API manufacturing workshop

10 November 2020

The revamping of this workshop and installation of two new synthesis reactors (4000 L Hastelloy and 1600 L glass-lined) is intended to increase the plant flexibility and its capacity for low to medium volume APIs, addressing the growing needs of the industry for targeted therapies.
The two new reactors are equipped with a high-performance thermal system and benefit from a high level of automation.
The project also involves repositioning the high-pressure hydrogenation reactor (1500 L, 15 bar), currently located in the workshop, in a new dedicated area.
Work has already started, and the construction of the utilities building is nearing completion. This investment will be fully operational by the end of 2021.
"Upgrading this workshop with the addition of two new reactors will enable us to continue modernizing our Chasse-sur-Rhône site's API manufacturing facilities, while at the same time, improving flexibility and productivity," says Jean Bléhaut, president of the Synthesis Solutions Business Unit of Novasep. "These investments will also reduce our environmental impact by optimizing energy consumption. This is an opportunity for us to respond to social and environmental challenges using technological advances.”
"The modernization of our equipment is critical to meeting the demands of our customers while ensuring both the safety of our employees and the minimization of our environmental impact. All of this contributes to our Rise-2 growth strategy," adds Dr Michel Spagnol, president and CEO of Novasep.
This is the latest in a series of investments at the Chasse sur Rhone site in response to increased customer demand for Novasep’s API manufacturing services. In 2018, a new 5000-L cryogenic Hastelloy reactor was added. Containment capabilities have been reinforced with a new 1.5-m² Hastelloy filter drier equipped with isolator for handling highly potent compounds. The pilot plant has been extended with a third clean room and a new Hastelloy filter drier. Finally, the analytical laboratories have been extended and additional equipment installed (LC-MS GC-MS).