Drug development of novel therapeutics is increasing, and a growing number of pharmaceutical and biotech companies are seeking clinical manufacturing partners to meet the demand for complex fill and finish solutions. While the stages of early drug development are challenging, Vetter, a leading global Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) is committed to addressing this challenge. The family-owned company offers comprehensive and expert manufacturing services for clinical trials to support a product’s path to commercialization. A testament to this commitment is evidenced by the success of its Skokie facility located at the Illinois Science + Technology Park, which has already contributed to bringing five new client products to market since it began full operations in 2011. Another four are expected to launch in the next months.

Since the site opened, 240+ customer audits have been successfully completed; the facility has performed over 45 media fills without failure. Vetter Development Service currently runs 80+ projects in phase I and II of clinical development. The US facility has executed 30+ transfers from its early clinical projects to Germany for late-stage development.

“Our clinical manufacturing sites are essential to Vetter’s commercial business pipeline. The Skokie site has demonstrated an impressive track record of success since its opening twelve years ago,” says Dr. Susanne Lemaine, Vice President Vetter Development Services US. “In the last year alone, we acquired more than 10 new customers with promising molecules. Overall, our ongoing investments in clinical filling capabilities are proof of Vetter’s consistent, strategic approach to keeping on track with the market, with a focus on the important drug development needs of our customers.”

For the complete summary, click here.

At the time of its creation, the Skokie facility employed approximately 15 German expats to support the setting up of the core processes at the site. Today, the facility has a working staff of around 100 employees, almost all of whom are from the US. In addition to its growing employee population, the facility has also doubled in size from its original 24,000 sq. ft. to 50,000 sq. ft. today. To access the press release, click here.

“Our Skokie facility is a clear demonstration of the successful strategy we put into place in the second half of the 2000s,” said Vetter Managing Director Thomas Otto “That strategy was to be closer to the injectable development projects taking place in the US. The facility is also further proof of our family related business philosophy. By bringing expats to the facility first, and then gradually transitioning primarily to local employees, we created strong intercultural teams and secured knowledge transfer from our German specialists to our US experts.”

Vetter Development Service Chicago has the people, processes, and technology to serve pharma and biotech companies of every size with customizable solutions for drug products from early stages to Phase II, with transfer to the company’s commercial manufacturing capabilities in Europe. As a strategic partner with a global network of excellence, Vetter provides proven drug delivery systems specifically designed for the clinical needs and timelines of complex compounds. For more on Vetter’s Chicago site, please see: https://www.vetter-pharma.com/en/clinical-manufacturing-us