By: IPP Bureau
Last updated : September 09, 2026 8:41 am
The expansion will add four new GMP suites, taking the total number of suites at the site from six to 10
Onyx Scientific, a global small molecule contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO), is investing more than £1.5 million to expand its Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) facilities and increase commercial active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) production capacity at its Sunderland facility in the UK.
The company operates facilities in the UK and US and works with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies across the lifecycle of small molecule drug development. Its integrated CMC capabilities cover process research and development, solid-state chemistry, analytical development, Phase I-III GMP manufacturing and commercial API supply.
The expansion will add four new GMP suites, taking the total number of suites at the site from six to 10. The additional capacity is expected to strengthen Onyx’s ability to support commercial API production while enabling faster delivery of early-phase GMP programmes.
The new suites will provide greater production capacity for commercial clients and allow the company to accommodate time-sensitive early-stage manufacturing programmes alongside commercial campaigns. The expanded facility is expected to become operational in the first quarter of 2027.
The investment also includes new infrastructure and equipment and will initially create nine jobs across production chemistry, analytical and quality assurance functions.
Chris Atherton, Commercial Director at Onyx Scientific, said the investment would enable the company to respond to increasing demand across its early-phase and commercial pipelines.
“This investment marks a significant commitment to our clients, enabling us to grow production to meet increased demand across our early-phase and commercial pipelines,” Atherton said.
According to Onyx, the additional capacity is particularly important as drug development programmes can change rapidly based on emerging clinical and scientific data. The company expects the expansion to provide clients with greater continuity as molecules progress from early development towards commercial manufacture.
Phil Witcherley, Director of Economic Growth and Innovation at the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority, said the investment would support skilled employment and further strengthen the region’s position in life sciences.