- Nippon Shokubai will expand its GMP-compliant manufacturing capacity for nucleic acid drug APIs tenfold, with a new facility scheduled to begin operations in 2027.
- The move responds to rising global demand and positions the company among Japan’s largest CDMOs in this sector.
Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd. has announced plans to expand its manufacturing capacity for nucleic acid drug active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) by tenfold. The upgrade will involve installing a large-scale production line capable of producing several kilograms per batch and is expected to begin operations in 2027.
This expansion is in response to growing global demand for nucleic acid drugs, which are chemically synthesised oligonucleotide-based therapies. These drugs are gaining prominence as a new treatment modality for conditions such as rare diseases, neurological disorders, and cancer.
The global market for nucleic acid drugs is projected to surpass 1,400 billion yen by 2030. In parallel, the contract manufacturing (CDMO) market for these drugs is expected to grow at an average annual rate of 14%, reaching 200 billion yen by the same year.
By increasing production capacity, Nippon Shokubai aims to meet a broader range of client needs, from non-clinical studies to full-scale commercial manufacturing. The company will leverage its existing capabilities in organic synthesis and quality control, with a continued focus on oligonucleotide and peptide production.
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