Croda International has expanded its Leek, UK, manufacturing facility to increase its capacity and innovation in the biopharmaceutical sector. The company focusses on the production of high-purity ingredients and lipid systems essential for next-generation vaccines and therapies.

The expansion, supported by a significant UK government grant, includes a new lipid system synthesis facility and enhanced R&D capabilities, reinforcing Croda's role as a leader in the biopharma supply chain.

This major step forward supports the launch of Super Refined Poloxamer 188, a highly purified fast-dissolving granular excipient. This poloxamer has been meticulously engineered for bioprocessing applications, particularly in shear-stress protection for critical applications in cell culture and biopharmaceutical formulations.

Thomas Riermeier, President of Life Sciences commented: "With our Super Refined Poloxamer 188, our customers will benefit from enhanced performance in their cell culture media used in biopharmaceutical manufacturing. We’ve invested in an exciting new technology and remain committed to innovating together for growth with our customers and partners.”

Jenny Smith, the Technical Projects Manager who coordinated the key site technical projects to enable the manufacture and successful launch to market of the Poloxamer added: “This project underscores our continued leadership in advancing biologics delivery. This is a clear demonstration of how our commercial and operational teams have worked together to commission the plant and subsequently launch the product, going from the ground up to validated production in 15 months.”