Phillips Medisize expands UK manufacturing capacity for inhalation products

UK—Phillips Medisize is expanding its manufacturing operations in Chippenham, England, to increase production capacity for inhalation therapies and support anticipated growth in the drug delivery market.

The contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO), a Molex subsidiary, plans to complete development of its Chippenham site.

Together with its existing Cambridge facility, the expansion will strengthen its UK operations as a global centre of excellence for inhalation products.

The facility will increase capacity for drug-device combination products, including formulation development and manufacturing supplies for early- and late-stage clinical trials.

It will also provide additional laboratory and cleanroom space to support pharmaceutical companies developing inhaled medicines.

The site covers approximately 634,670 square feet and occupies 3.41 acres.

Phillips Medisize did not disclose the financial terms of the investment.

Investment targets growing inhalation market

The expansion reflects the company’s expectations of increased demand for inhalation products over the next five years.

Additional manufacturing infrastructure will allow it to support pharmaceutical partners across different stages of product development, from initial feasibility studies to commercial-scale production.

“With our inhalation revenue projected to grow substantially over the next five years, securing this full site ensures we have the dedicated talent, laboratories, and cleanroom capacity required to support pharmaceutical companies from early-stage feasibility all the way through commercial scale-up,” said Charlie Schumacher, vice president of inhalation therapies at Phillips Medisize.

He added that the company was performing ahead of its growth projections following the acquisition of Vectura and remained confident about its expansion plans.

Phillips Medisize acquired Vectura through Molex in late 2024 for an undisclosed amount.

The acquisition expanded its capabilities in inhaled drug development and delivery technologies, including asthma inhalers, nebulisers and dry-powder inhalers.

Vectura had previously been acquired by Philip Morris International in 2021 for US$1.2 billion, marking the tobacco company’s entry into inhaled therapeutics and drug delivery technologies.

Strengthening CDMO capabilities

The Chippenham investment adds to Phillips Medisize’s ability to develop and manufacture combination products that integrate pharmaceutical formulations with medical delivery devices.

This segment requires specialised expertise in formulation development, device engineering, testing and manufacturing under controlled conditions.

For pharmaceutical companies, access to integrated development and manufacturing facilities can help streamline the transition from clinical development to commercial production.

It also provides additional manufacturing options for companies seeking external partners to develop complex drug delivery systems.

Phillips Medisize operates under Molex, a wholly owned subsidiary of Koch.

Koch acquired the Illinois-based manufacturer of electronic, electrical, and fibre-optic connectivity systems in 2013 for an estimated US$ 7.2 billion.

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on LinkedIn for updates.