Alphora Research in C$4m capital spend programme for 2011

Published: 18-Feb-2011

Focus will be on r&d, cGMP operations and analytical services

Canadian technology development company Alphora Research has outlined a C$4m (€3m) capital expenditure programme for 2011 that will provide further expansion of its facilities and capabilities for API technology development.

Investments will be made across all areas, with a focus on r&d, cGMP operations and analytical services, while the workforce is planned to increase to more than 90 people.

Alphora recently secured new research facilities, allowing a 50% increase in its process chemistry r&d capacity. Isolation technology is also being added, including the installation of three separate isolators, to support growing efforts with high potency compounds.

A key addition to the company’s analytical equipment will be a GC/MS system, emphasising Alphora’s capabilities in API characterisation and control of genotoxic impurities (GTIs).

cGMP operations will also be expanded with the construction of a fourth cGMP kilo lab, equipped with a 60L Buchi glass-lined cryogenic vessel and supporting equipment. The kilo lab will have a dedicated HEPA filtered heating and ventilation system and pressure locks suitable for class 100,000 use.

Significant additions are also being made to Alphora’s warehousing capacity. A 10,000ft2 expansion is planned for 2011, providing new storage facilities for APIs, intermediates, raw materials and solvents. This expansion is in advance of a second pilot plant, which is planned for 2012.

Alphora is also installing a new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system to provide greater control and flexibility to its plant operations.

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