Codis, a global CDMO specializing in spray drying, amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs), and advanced particle engineering, is expanding its UK manufacturing capabilities with the purchase of a GEA Pharma-SD type PSD-4 solvent-capable spray dryer. The addition will take place at its 400,000 sq.-ft. facility in Haverhill, UK and is expected to be operational in 2027.

This investment is supported by the UK government’s Life Sciences Innovative Manufacturing Fund (LSIMF), subject to final terms and conditions, which offers up to £520 million in capital grants to life science manufacturers to support economic growth and future health emergencies.

The PSD4 is a large-scale, cGMP pharmaceutical spray dryer designed to produce commercial batches up to 500 kg with a total capacity of 30,000 kg per year. This expansion aims to support rapidly increasing demand for solvent‑based spray drying of ASDs, a technology to enhance bioavailability of poorly soluble drug candidates.

The new PSD4 complements Codis’ existing spray drying platform, which includes a PSD2 unit supporting pilot‑scale and smaller commercial‑scale production. Together, these assets provide customers with a pathway from development through large‑scale commercial manufacturing.

“This milestone marks the next phase in Codis’ evolution as a global leader in spray drying and ASD,” said Nicolas Fortin, Chief Executive Officer of Codis. “The PSD4 significantly expands our ASD capacity and gives customers dedicated commercial‑scale throughput to bring more life‑changing medicines to market. We are grateful for the support of the UK government through the LSIMF, which enables us to accelerate this project and continue investing at our Haverhill site.”

Key Drugs Utilizing ASD Technology

Key drugs utilizing ASD technology include anti-infectives/antivirals and oncology/targeted therapies. Some examples of drugs that rely on ASD technology include: Ritonavir, Lumacaftor/Ivacaftor, Telaprevir, and Vemurafenib to treat HIV, cystic fibrosis, hepatitis C, and Melanoma, respectively.