WuXi AppTec raises peptide capacity and launches new Taixing API site

WuXi AppTec, the China-based CRDMO (Contract Research, Development and Manufacturing Organisation), has commissioned two new peptide manufacturing plants, one at its Changzhou facility and another at its new Taixing site in China. This expansion has increased the company’s Solid-Phase Peptide Synthesis (SPPS) total reactor volume to 32,000 litres, addressing the surging global demand for peptide therapeutics.

The new facility at Changzhou is the third peptide plant at the site. Both new peptide plants utilise cutting-edge digital operation systems with automated solvent delivery, optimising production consistency, minimising human errors, and reducing production cycle time.

The company’s ‘WuXi TIDES CRDMO’ platform provides integrated services for oligonucleotides, peptides, and conjugates, including both API and drug product from discovery to commercial stages. In 2023 alone, WuXi TIDES supported about 50 preclinical to commercial stage peptide projects and produced more than 15 metric tons of peptide APIs and intermediates. With the newly expanded capacity, WuXi TIDES is poised to support more peptide therapeutic developments for global partners.

Launch of Taixing API site

The commissioning of the peptide plant at Taixing also marks its official launch as the newest and largest of WuXi AppTec’s five API production sites. Spanning a total area of 169 acres, the Taixing site is designed to manufacture a range of synthetic molecules, including small molecules, peptides, oligonucleotides, and conjugates. The phase I construction includes nine plants with the total reactor volume exceeding 1,000-m³, including a dedicated plant for API clean rooms. This setup enhances API manufacturing efficiency for global customers. Once phase 1 of the Taixing site is fully operational in 2025, the company’s total reactor volume for small molecule API and intermediate manufacturing will surpass 4,000-m³.

Dr. Minzhang Chen, Co-CEO of WuXi AppTec, commented, “The launch of our new peptide manufacturing plants and the development of the new Taixing site are important milestones for WuXi AppTec. Our expanded capacity is essential for accelerating drug development and ensuring a reliable supply chain for our global partners.”