The company is getting ready to manufacture Nusinersen, a novel antisense Oligonucleotide for the treatment of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)

Insud Pharma, a leading Spanish multinational pharmaceutical company, today inaugurated its state-of-the-art Oligonucleotides Centre at its campus in Chemo India Formulation Private Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Insud Pharma.

This is the first-of-its-kind research and production center in India, focused on Oligonucleotides research and commercial production. It also ranks among the top 5 globally, alongside brand companies, with a focus on the US, EU, and numerous global markets. This facility has been inspected and approved by the US FDA, Spanish Health Agency, Drug Control General of India, and various international customers.

The center was inaugurated by Mr. Kalvakuntla Taraka Rama Rao, Minister for IT, Industries and Municipal Administration, Government of Telangana, and Mr. Lucas Sigman, Insud Pharma Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Jayesh Ranjan IAS, Principal Secretary, Industries and Commerce Department, Government of Telangana, Mr. Narsimha Reddy IAS, VC&MD, TSIIC, Mr. Shakthi M Nagappan, Chief Executive Officer, Telangana Life Sciences, Government of Telangana, Mr. Andrea Benigni, Insud Pharma API Director, Mr. Alejandro Delgado, Insud Pharma Commercial Director, and Dr. Kumar Kurumaddali, Managing Director of Chemo India Formulation Pvt. Ltd, were also in attendance.

The company said that Oligonucleotide-based drugs represent the latest in medical technology. These drugs employ small nucleic acid molecules to interact with DNA or RNA, regulating gene expression and treating conditions such as neurodegenerative diseases. This new plant will be capable of producing a novel antisense Oligonucleotide for the treatment of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). The products developed and manufactured at this center will be exported to various global markets.

The facility will be located in Genome Valley, the premier Life Sciences hub in Asia. Genome Valley is home to more than 200 companies, with a scientific workforce of about 25,000 professionals, including marquee global names like Novartis, Ferring Pharma, Chemo, DuPont, Ashland, United States Pharmacopeia, Lonza, among many others. More information is available at https://lifesciences.telangana.gov.in/.

Chemo India Formulation Private Limited entered Genome Valley with their first facility in 2015 and has seen exponential growth in recent years. Currently, the company employs about 230 high quality scientists engaged in cutting edge R&D for the world and production personnel. The teams engage in oral solids and injectables R&D, along with commercial production for solids and global stability in this facility. In addition to these capabilities, the company is now opening a state-of-the-art oligonucleotides facility. Oligonucleotides production requires automated reactors, with preparative HPLC for purification in controlled conditions. Products developed and manufactured here are being exported to diverse markets, including the USA, European Union, South America, and other global markets.

Honorable Minister Kalvakuntla Taraka Rama Rao said, “I had the pleasure of meeting the leadership of Chemo and Insud during World Economic Forum in Davos 2023, wherein we announced their plans to expand in Hyderabad. Among other things, this Oligonucleotides facility was also discussed, and I am delighted that in less than 8 months, the center is fully functional in Hyderabad. I congratulate the team of Insud Pharma and wish them continued growth and success here. I’m extremely proud to note that Hyderabad will now host the first facility for the research and manufacturing of Oligonucleotides in India and the fifth one globally.”

"Chemo India’s mission is simple – to improve global health for everyone through innovative, affordable medicines. We have made and continue to make significant investments in this facility to increase capacities and bring new scientific initiatives. Moreover, our vision is to offer global innovative solutions to deliver better health for everyone, devoting our passion, creativity, and responsiveness to making the unimaginable possible," said Mr. Lucas Sigman, Chief Executive Officer of Insud Pharma.

Dr.Kumar Kurumaddali, Managing Director of Chemo India Formulation Pvt. Ltd. "We are excited about opening the new Oligonucleotides Centre and we aim to cater to global markets from this Centre.  This new plant responds to our group's goal of covering all health needs with the latest advances in science.  The importance of Oligonucleotides and the impact on patients since they work as potential therapeutic agents for a variety of diseases, particularly useful for the treatment of genetic pathologies and cancer, means a big step for all.  Based on the anticipated success of the first molecule, we plan to add more oligonucleotides molecules and continue to invest in research and production."