Germany-based pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim will build a new chemical innovation plant (CIP) at its headquarters in Ingelheim to improve its drug research and manufacturing capability in Europe for a reliable global supply of medicines.
The facility will create manufacturing techniques for active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and manufacture drugs to be utilised in different phases of clinical trials.
Recommended White Papers
Recommended Buyers Guides
The ground-breaking for the facility took place in May 2023. The development is projected to require a substantial investment of €285m ($313.2m), which will ensure the company’s future manufacturing capabilities for developing new chemical entities (NCEs).
The preliminary design for the project was finalised in 2021, while the detailed design is expected to be completed in late 2023. The new facility is expected to begin operating in 2026.
Design and details of Boehringer Ingelheim’s CIP
The CIP will be built on an 11,500m² area spanning seven floors. It will be designed to accommodate four production lines along with their corresponding development areas.
The facility will be equipped with the most advanced technologies, processing capabilities and automated processes. It will have the potential for further expansion to meet future requirements and incorporate new technologies.
The facility is intended to be used for the late-stage development of NCEs. It will offer a safe, stable, and long-term framework to produce novel chemical entities, which will allow the company to keep up production levels for many years to come.
The CIP will bridge the gap between the smaller pilot facilities in Biberach, Germany, and Ridgefield, US, and the commercial API production for marketed products in Ingelheim. It will expedite the company’s ability to provide lifesaving and highly efficient treatment options to patients by accelerating the progress of the research pipeline.
Existing operations in Ingelheim
Covering an area of more than 762,000m², the Ingelheim site is located close to the cities of Mainz and Wiesbaden in the state of Rhineland-Palatinate.
The site manufactures a wide range of pharmaceuticals, including SPIRIVA® inhalation capsules, PRADAXA®, an oral anti-coagulant, and SYNJARDY® and JENTADUETO® diabetes medications.
In October 2021, the solids launch factory (SOL) was opened within the Ingelheim site for the central production of all new solid products, including solid dosage forms in tablet form, for the market introduction phase.
The site is also responsible for manufacturing all novel active ingredients and medications during the market introduction phase (launch production) within the company’s worldwide production network.
Contractors involved
Irish construction engineering company PM Group was awarded a contract to provide a detailed design for the project in April 2022. The company also secured a construction management contract for the CIP in May 2023.
Marketing commentary on Boehringer Ingelheim
Established in 1885, Boehringer Ingelheim started the pharmaceutical business in three primary areas, namely human pharmaceuticals, animal health, and biopharmaceutical contract production. Approximately 50% of the company’s research pipeline is dedicated to biopharmaceuticals while the other 50% focuses on small molecules.
The company owns and operates significant research and development (R&D) facilities for human pharmaceuticals in Berlin, Germany; Ridgefield, US; and Vienna, Austria; as well as 17 R&D facilities for animal health across Europe, Asia and America.
The company employs more than 53,000 people and serves over 130 different markets. Boehringer was awarded as one of the 15 best employers worldwide in January 2023. It provides excellent employer benefits in terms of health and wellness, workplace environment, and employee compensation and recognition.
