Press Room

Lisbon, Portugal — December 2, 2025 — Hovione, an integrated global CDMO, and GEA, one of the world’s largest suppliers of systems and components for the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries, have strengthened their longstanding partnership to deliver new levels of flexibility and simplicity in continuous tableting. This enhanced collaboration has led to the development of the ConsiGma® CDC Flex system, a next-generation platform that makes continuous direct compression (CDC) more flexible, efficient, and cost-effective. First introduced to a select audience at the GEA/Hovione Advancing Continuous Tableting Seminar in early October, and to a wider audience at the CPHI Frankfurt trade show, the new system marks a significant milestone in the partnership between the two companies. The ConsiGma® CDC Flex represents a major leap forward in the development and production of oral solid dosage forms. Together, GEA and Hovione have developed a versatile system and a suite of automated tools — known as SimpleCT — that simplify operation, enhance efficiency and containment, and improve operator safety. These innovative developments were designed with versatility and user-friendliness in mind, and to provide a simpler workflow with automated controls and smart interfaces. The CDC Flex is designed to operate in three different process configurations — continuously at low or high throughput, or in batch mode with immediate direct compression of pre-blended product — at output rates of 1–200 kg/h. It can also handle R&D batches as small as 1.5 kg. This is enabled by the ability to swiftly switch between different-sized continuous blenders within a single unit. “This brand-new addition to the ConsiGma® portfolio has been designed as a truly versatile system that offers both high and low throughput functionality,” said Dr Jim Holman, Senior Director Technology Management, GEA Pharma Solids. “This agility makes the CDC Flex ideal for both R&D projects and commercial-scale production runs. In addition, for companies with a wide product portfolio that wish to benefit from the advantages that CDC offers, we now have a solution: ultimate flexibility in continuous direct compression.” “We believe that continuous tableting delivers significant value to our customers, primarily by accelerating time-to-market through a compressed development phase and by enhancing supply chain flexibility. It also helps to reduce development costs while improving product quality and sustainability,” said Filipe Gaspar, Vice President of Technology Intensification at Hovione. “Through our collaboration with GEA, we aim to advance the continuous production of oral solid dosage forms, making the technology more standardized, accessible and cost-efficient for pharmaceutical customers.”    

Press Release
The new ConsiGma® CDC Flex delivers unprecedented flexibility, simplicity, and cost-efficiency in continuous direct compression.

Hovione and GEA set new standards for continuous tableting

Dec 02, 2025

The CDMO’s New Jersey manufacturing site expansion will eventually cover more than 200,000 square feet. Portugal-based contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO) Hovione has completed an initial $100 million investment round in its East Windsor, New Jersey site. Once completed it will increase the facility’s footprint to more than 200,000 square feet and more than double its capacity for spray drying. Hovione CEO Jean-Luc Herbeaux said: “Since launching our New Jersey operations in 2002, Hovione has been one of the longest established European CDMOs in the United States. “This investment reinforces Hovione’s leadership in spray drying – a core technology platform where we have built extensive know-how and capabilities. By continuing to advance our platforms and expand capacity in the US, we are strengthening the foundation that enables our partners to bring complex medicines to patients more efficiently.” Spray drying is an increasingly important particle engineering technology for improving drug bioavailability through the amorphous solid dispersion (ASD) that can address bioavailability or crystallisation challenges. The initial phase of Hovione’s expansion will include a 31,000-square-foot building to house two size-3 spray dryers (PSD-3) designed for ASD production. Construction at the New Jersey site is already underway and the company plans to start GMP operations in the second quarter of 2026. The initiative is part of Hovione’s long-term strategy to grow its US operations and enhance its integrated drug substance, drug product intermediate and drug product capabilities. Herbeaux said: “This investment addresses growing customer demand for US-based capacity and integrated solutions that shorten development timelines and reduce tech transfer complexity. By consolidating development, scale-up, and commercial manufacturing within a single quality and governance framework, we provide customers with seamless execution from drug substance to drug product.” The company’s New Jersey expansion fits into its wider international growth plan that also includes capacity investments in Ireland and Portugal as it seeks to create a network of autonomous sites spanning the development and commercialisation of APIs, drug product intermediates and drug products.   Read the full article at EuropeanPharmaceuticalReview.com  

Press Clipping
European Pharmaceutical Review, 4 November 2025

Hovione doubles spray drying capacity with $100m US investment round

Nov 04, 2025

US-base manufacturing and the continued rise of peptides were among the key themes for CDMOs at CPHI Frankfurt 2025. Andrew Warmington reports. Hovione announced during this show that it has completed an initial $100 million investment phase in the expansion of its manufacturing footprint in East Windsor, New Jersey. The company was one of the first European CDMOs to set up in the US back in 2002. CEO Jean-Luc Herbeaux said that when he took over the role four years ago, Hovione's footprint in the US was limited and the site was reaching capacity limitations. (...) Read the full article on SpecChemOnline.com  

Article
Speciality Chemicals, Nov./Dec. 2025

Coming to America - Drug Product Focus

Nov 01, 2025

The latest from CDMOs, CMOs, and suppliers featuring Thermo Fisher Scientific, Lonza, SK pharmteco/Lotte Biologics, Hovione, Sai Life Sciences, BioCina, Alcami, Piramal Pharma/IntoCell and Roquette. Formulation Development/Drug Product Manufacturing: Hovione Completes Initial $100-M Investment Cycle in US Operations Hovione, a CDMO of drug substances and drug products, has completed an initial $100-million investment cycle at its site in East Windsor, New Jersey, as part of a strategy to increase its US operations and enhance its integrated drug-substance, drug-product intermediate, and drug-product capabilities. Upon completion, the site will cover more than 200,000 square feet.   The initial expansion phase includes a 31,000-square-foot building that will house two size-3 spray dryers (PSD-3) designed for production of amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs). This investment more than doubles Hovione’s spray-drying capacity in the US by expanding capabilities for ASD development and commercial manufacturing. Construction is underway at the New Jersey site, with GMP operations planned to start in the second quarter of 2026.  As part of this expansion, Hovione has also acquired additional adjacent land to enable future growth at the East Windsor site. The 125,000-square-foot greenfield will support large-scale production, including continuous and batch tableting capacity, and introduce the latest pharmaceutical technologies and digital innovation with enhanced quality control and R&D capabilities.    Read the full article at DCATvci.org  

Press Clipping
DCAT Value Chain Insights, 30 October 2025

Supplier News: Thermo Fisher, Lonza, SK pharmteco, Hovione & More

Oct 30, 2025

Today marks the start of CPhI Frankfurt, a huge trade show in Germany focused on the supply of pharmaceutical ingredients and other services to the drug industry. C&EN editor in chief Nick Perkins, life sciences editor Laura Howes, and reporter Aayushi Pratap are all there to meet drug outsourcing executives and take the pulse of the sector. In advance of CPhI, Cambrex and Wilmington PharmaTech both just announced big investments in US plants that make active pharmaceutical ingredients. And the Portuguese pharmaceutical services firm Hovione says it has completed a $100 million investment in New Jersey (story below). (...) Hovione invests in spray-drying in New Jersey The pharmaceutical services firm Hovione says it has spent $100 million to expand its operation in East Windsor, New Jersey. The facility spray-dries drug ingredients to create amorphous solid dispersions, which improve solubility and bioavailability. The Portuguese company says the new spray dryers will begin operating in the second quarter of 2026. The New Jersey facility opened in 2002, making Hovione one of the longest-established European pharmaceutical services firms in the US, CEO Jean-Luc Herbeaux says in a press release. Hovione says it has purchased land adjacent to the East Windsor site on which it can add new facilities for services such as spray-drying and drug tableting. Hovione is also investing at its sites in Ireland and Portugal. —Michael McCoy   Read the full article at CEN.acs.org  

Press Clipping
C&EN, 28 October 2025

Oct. 28 Business Watch: More plants closing in Europe, Novartis to pay $12 billion for biotech firm

Oct 28, 2025

Developing drugs with poor water solubility remains a major challenge for pharmaceutical manufacturers, because solubility impacts bioavailability and effective drug delivery. The vast majority of small molecule drug candidates have low water solubility. For more than two decades, the most successful particle engineering technology to improve drug solubility and bioavailability has been spray drying with an amorphous solid dispersion (ASD) platform. Spray drying improves the solubility of oral drugs, inhalable particles, and excipients, and increases the stability of heat-sensitive drug products. Hovione, recognized globally for its industry-leading spray drying capabilities, has recently completed a $100 million investment cycle to enhance its operations in New Jersey. This initiative has successfully doubled Hovione’s spray-drying capacity in the US, strengthening its position in the industry. Hovione’s Expanded U.S. Site in East Windsor, NJ  The first phase of the expansion in East Windsor, NJ, delivers a new 31,000 square foot facility and houses two size-3 spray dryers (PSD-3). This additional capacity allows Hovione to meet increasing customer demand for ASD development and good manufacturing practice (GMP) commercial production. GMP operations are scheduled to commence in the second quarter of 2026.  Hovione has also acquired 15 acres of neighboring land, strategically positioning itself for future growth and evolving customer needs for U.S. manufacturing. The newly acquired greenfield site will provide future support for PSD-4–scale commercial production as well as continuous and batch tableting production. It will also be a hub for centralized logistics, enhanced quality control laboratories, and next-generation research and development facilities.  A Global CDMO with a Growing U.S. Footprint  Hovione has operated in New Jersey for more than two decades, establishing itself with a strong U.S. presence for the production of drug substances, intermediates, and finished drug products. A continued emphasis on an integrated service offering, including spray drying, supports delivering innovative medicines to patients more quickly.  The expansion of the East Windsor site addresses the rising demand for U.S. manufacturing and is an integral part of the company's ongoing global growth strategy, with facilities in Portugal, Ireland, and Macau. The company continues to bolster a cohesive network for drug development and commercial manufacturing unified by a corporate quality system and governance framework.  The integrated offering enhances development speed and eases technology transfers by unifying the team's technical skills, proprietary technologies, and digital platforms to efficiently produce drug substance to drug products at a single-site, through Hovione’s “one site, one partner” vision. Furthermore, Hovione’s strategic partnership model offers customers exclusive access to advanced technologies and resources while aiding in the optimization of their development programs and ensuring sustained value creation.  End-to-End Spray Drying and Particle Engineering: From Grams to Tons Hovione is a global leader in spray drying and particle engineering. Services include solubility enhancement and controlled-modified release via development and production of ASDs of both small and large molecules, supporting various modalities. ASD-HIPROS, Hovione’s proprietary spray drying screening platform, identifies optimal formulations that offer optimal performance and stability. By increasing production volume in the US, Hovione will meet customer demand for spray drying services:  Development services in the laboratory (1 g – 1 kg batches)  Pilot scale production (0.5 – 25 kg batches)  Small-scale production (5 – 200 kg batches)  Large-scale commercial manufacturing (50 – 400 kg batches) A Commitment to Sustainability  Hovione’s core values include a commitment to sustainability at all facilities. This commitment is reflected in a business strategy that focuses on improving the communities where the company operates. Hovione’s sustainability policy and strategy align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and include adherence to science-based targets in line with the Paris Agreement to address climate change. Meeting these goals has required a dedication to process intensification and ensuring sustainability of manufacturing processes. This has been possible through strategic planning and commitments from senior management to ensure sustainability is addressed throughout the drug development life cycle.  Partner with a Technology-Leading CDMO for U.S. Manufacturing   As demand for poorly water-soluble drug formulations continues to rise in the U.S., expanding spray drying throughput is essential to meet the need for innovative therapeutics. With proven leadership in spray drying to manufacture ASDs, Hovione is able to support pharmaceutical companies by solving their solubility challenges efficiently and reliably.  Partnering with a CDMO that combines global leadership, advanced technologies, and the necessary manufacturing capacity in the U.S., drug developers can expedite time to market, ensure quality, and deliver innovative medicines to patients faster.  If your company is seeking access to the latest spray-drying capabilities, expanded U.S. manufacturing capacity, and an accelerated path to regulatory filing and commercialization, contact our team today.     

News
By David Basile, Vice President, Technical Operations

Hovione is Expanding Spray Drying Capacity for U.S. Drug Manufacturing

Oct 27, 2025

EAST WINDSOR, N.J. — October 27, 2025 — Hovione, a fully-integrated global CDMO, today announced the completion of an initial multi-million-dollar investment cycle to expand its manufacturing site in East Windsor, New Jersey. Upon completion, this world-class site will cover more than 200,000 square feet, integrating the latest technologies within sustainably designed facilities. The initiative advances Hovione’s long-term strategy to grow its U.S. operations and enhance its integrated drug substance, drug product intermediate, and drug product capabilities. The initial expansion phase includes a 31,000-square-foot building that will house two size-3 spray dryers (PSD-3) designed for production of amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs) for the company´s customers that have an interest in having a supply node in North America. This investment more than doubles Hovione’s spray drying capacity in the United States, expanding capabilities for ASD development and commercial manufacturing. A global leader in ASD by spray drying for pharmaceutical applications, Hovione applies this critical technology to improve drug solubility and bioavailability across a wide range of compounds. Construction is already underway at the Hovione New Jersey site, with GMP operations planned to start in the second quarter of 2026.  “Since launching our New Jersey operations in 2002, Hovione has been one of the longest established European CDMOs in the United States,” said Jean-Luc Herbeaux, Ph.D., CEO of Hovione. “This investment reinforces Hovione’s leadership in spray drying – a core technology platform where we have built extensive know-how and capabilities. By continuing to advance our platforms and expand capacity in the U.S., we are strengthening the foundation that enables our partners to bring complex medicines to patients more efficiently.” Dr. Herbeaux continued, “This investment addresses growing customer demand for U.S.-based capacity and integrated solutions that shorten development timelines and reduce tech transfer complexity. By consolidating development, scale-up, and commercial manufacturing within a single quality and governance framework, we provide customers with seamless execution from drug substance to drug product.” As part of this expansion, Hovione has also acquired additional adjacent land to enable future growth and ensure the East Windsor site continues to meet evolving customer needs. The 125,000-square-foot greenfield will support large-scale production, including continuous and batch tableting capacity, and introduce the next generation of pharmaceutical technologies and digital innovation with enhanced quality control and R&D capabilities.  David Basile, Vice President of Technical Operations – Americas at Hovione said, “This expansion in New Jersey marks a significant step in extending our capabilities in the U.S., which go far beyond machine time or equipment capacity. We are integrating our teams, specialized assets, proprietary technologies, and digital systems to deliver distinctive end-to-end ASD and continuous tableting platforms to our customers. Through our new strategic engagement model, customers can gain privileged access to innovation and assets that accelerate their programs and create long-term value.”  Hovione’s expansion in East Windsor forms part of a broader international growth plan that also includes capacity investments in Ireland and Portugal. Together, these initiatives will create a network of autonomous sites spanning the development and commercialization of APIs, drug product intermediates, and drug products, all under harmonized quality systems. Drug developers seeking to expand U.S. manufacturing capacity, gain strategic access to critical assets, or achieve an expedited pathway to filing and commercialization, are invited to contact Hovione here to discuss potential collaborations.   *Poor Solubility – Where Do We Stand 25 Years after the ‘Rule of Five’?    

Press Release
Investment More Than Doubles Capacity for Spray Drying, a Critical Solubility Enhancement Technology That Could Benefit the Development of 70% of Drugs*

Hovione Completes Initial $100M Investment Cycle to Expand U.S. Operations at New Jersey Manufacturing Site

Oct 27, 2025

Investment More Than Doubles Capacity for Spray Drying, a Critical Solubility Enhancement Technology That Could Benefit the Development of 70% of Drugs 27 October 2025 -- New Jersey, US -- Hovione, a fully-integrated global CDMO, today announced the completion of an initial multi-million-dollar investment cycle to expand its manufacturing site in East Windsor, New Jersey. Upon completion, this world-class campus will cover more than 200,000 square feet, integrating the latest technologies within sustainably designed facilities. The initiative advances Hovione’s long-term strategy to grow its U.S. operations and enhance its integrated drug substance, drug product intermediate, and drug product capabilities. The initial expansion phase includes a 31,000-square-foot building that will house two size-3 spray dryers (PSD-3) designed for production of amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs) for the company´s customers that have an interest in having a supply node in North America. This investment more than doubles Hovione’s spray drying capacity in the United States, expanding capabilities for ASD development and commercial manufacturing. A global leader in ASD by spray drying for pharmaceutical applications, Hovione applies this critical technology to improve drug solubility and bioavailability across a wide range of compounds. Construction is already underway at the Hovione New Jersey site, with GMP operations planned to start in the second quarter of 2026. “Since launching our New Jersey operations in 2002, Hovione has been one of the longest established European CDMOs in the United States,” said Jean-Luc Herbeaux, Ph.D., CEO of Hovione. “This investment reinforces Hovione’s leadership in spray drying – a core technology platform where we have built extensive know-how and capabilities. By continuing to advance our platforms and expand capacity in the U.S., we are strengthening the foundation that enables our partners to bring complex medicines to patients more efficiently.” Dr. Herbeaux continued, “This investment addresses growing customer demand for U.S.-based capacity and integrated solutions that shorten development timelines and reduce tech transfer complexity. By consolidating development, scale-up, and commercial manufacturing within a single quality and governance framework, we provide customers with seamless execution from drug substance to drug product.” As part of this expansion, Hovione has also acquired additional adjacent land to enable future growth and ensure the East Windsor site continues to meet evolving customer needs. The 125,000-square-foot greenfield will support large-scale production, including continuous and batch tableting capacity, and introduce the next generation of pharmaceutical technologies and digital innovation with enhanced quality control and R&D capabilities. David Basile, Vice President of Technical Operations – Americas at Hovione said, “This expansion in New Jersey marks a significant step in extending our capabilities in the U.S., which go far beyond machine time or equipment capacity. We are integrating our teams, specialized assets, proprietary technologies, and digital systems to deliver distinctive end-to-end ASD and continuous tableting platforms to our customers. Through our new strategic engagement model, customers can gain privileged access to innovation and assets that accelerate their programs and create long-term value.” Hovione’s expansion in East Windsor forms part of a broader international growth plan that also includes capacity investments in Ireland and Portugal. Together, these initiatives will create a network of autonomous sites spanning the development and commercialization of APIs, drug product intermediates, and drug products, all under harmonized quality systems. Drug developers seeking to expand U.S. manufacturing capacity, gain strategic access to critical assets, or achieve an expedited pathway to filing and commercialization, are invited to contact Hovione at www.hovione.com/contact-us to discuss potential collaborations. Read the full article at IPTOnline.com    

Press Clipping
Innovations in Pharmaceutical Technology, IPT Online, 27 October 2025

Hovione Completes Initial $100M Investment Cycle to Expand U.S. Operations at New Jersey Manufacturing Site

Oct 27, 2025

Lisbon, Portugal, 25 September 2025 – Hovione, a Portuguese-founded multinational and family-owned business specialized in the development and manufacturing of pharmaceutical products, has received the Leonardo da Vinci Prize 2025, awarded by the Hénokiens Association and the Château du Clos Lucé. In its 14th edition, the prize was presented in Lisbon to Ms. Diane Villax, founder and member of the Board of Directors of Hovione, by former Portuguese Deputy Prime Minister Paulo Portas, before an audience of global business leaders and public figures. “This award recognizes Hovione’s commitment to science, innovation and service to patients worldwide. It reflects the values that have guided us from the start – honesty, integrity, scientific rigor and teamwork – with a long-term vision that puts people and progress at the center. Above all, it is a tribute to the people of Hovione, whose passion and dedication ensure we remain, in every sense, In it for life,” said Diane Villax, Founder and member of the Board of Directors of Hovione. “This recognition strengthens our resolve to build for the future, drawing on our heritage, culture, and the passion of our employees as we expand our global reach to partners and patients. We remain dedicated to advancing innovation, deepening partnerships with the pharmaceutical industry, and ultimately helping deliver better medicines to improve lives,” said Dr. Jean-Luc Herbeaux, CEO of Hovione. Founded in 1959, Hovione remains a family-owned company, employing 2,400 people across five manufacturing facilities (Loures and Seixal - Portugal; New Jersey - US; Cork - Ireland; and Macau), two R&D centers, and eight regional offices worldwide. With a strong scientific foundation, the company supports the pharmaceutical industry in addressing its most complex challenges and has contributed to 29 new drugs approved by the US FDA in the last decade, representing in some years as much as 10% of the total, improving the lives of an estimated 80 million patients every year. Hovione has played a decisive role in some of the world’s greatest public health breakthroughs - from manufacturing ivermectin, the Nobel Prize-winning treatment for river blindness, to producing three of the four hepatitis C drugs that have cured over 4 million patients, and enabling the world’s first COVID-19 approved treatment, Veklury®, which reached 6.5 million patients. Beyond science, the company has shown a strong commitment to society, from donating nearly 1 million bottles of sanitizing gel during the pandemic, to investing in education through supporting Nova University school of Sciences and Technologies, the significant financial contribution to NOVA School of Business and Economics, among other, and recently becoming the new official sponsor of the Portuguese National Rugby Team, including support for youth talent development.   About Hovione Hovione is an international company with over 60 years of experience in pharmaceutical development and manufacturing operations. As a Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) it has a fully integrated offering of services for drug substances, drug product intermediates and drug products. The company has four FDA inspected sites in the USA, Portugal, Ireland and China and development laboratories in Lisbon, Portugal and New Jersey, USA. Hovione provides pharmaceutical customers services for the development and compliant manufacture of innovative drugs, including highly potent compounds, and customized product solutions across the entire drug life cycle. In the inhalation area, Hovione offers a complete range of services, from API, formulation development and manufacturing, capsule filling and devices. Hovione's culture is based on innovation, quality and dependability. Hovione is a member of Rx-360, EFCG and participates actively in industry quality improvement initiatives to lead new global industry standards. About Henokiens Association The International Henokiens Association, created in France in 1981, brings together bicentennial family businesses from around the world. Descendants of the founders are still the owners or majority stakeholders of the 57 member companies, based in 10 countries. Through its members and the values they embody, the association aims to promote the concept of the family business as an alternative to multinationals. www.henokiens.com About Château du Clos Lucé Château du Clos Lucé - Parc Leonardo da Vinci, located in Amboise, is the residence where Leonardo da Vinci settled in 1516 at the invitation of King Francis I. Appointed “First Painter, Engineer and Architect to the King”, he worked tirelessly on numerous projects before passing away 500 years ago. The Saint Bris family has owned the property since 1855, and opened this cultural landmark to the public almost one hundred years later, in 1954. The family’s mission is to pass on the universal heritage, memory and knowledge of Leonardo da Vinci’s work to as many people as possible. In 2019, the Château du Clos Lucé welcomed 520,000 visitors, 25% of whom were from abroad. It is the 3rd most visited monument in the Loire Valley. Thanks to digital technologies, Clos Lucé is continuing its digital transformation and in June 2021 inaugurated the Leonardo da Vinci Painter and Architect Galleries, a new 500 square metre cultural facility. Visitors are immersed in the creative process and the entire painted work of the Renaissance genius in an immersive audiovisual show. www.vinci-closluce.com/en    

Press Release
Presented by the Hénokiens Association and the Château du Clos Lucé

Hovione honored with the Leonardo da Vinci Prize 2025

Sep 26, 2025

Aim to accelerate drug development and production with new technologies. By: Charlie Sternberg Hovione, an international integrated pharmaceutical development and manufacturing organization, and Microinnova Engineering, a leader in continuous process intensification, have partnered to advance the development of multi-purpose, plug-and-play modular equipment for flow chemistry. The companies will work together to test Microinnova’s modular manufacturing equipment, which is designed to offer greater flexibility, easier scalability, enhanced efficiency, and sustainable practices in active ingredient production, in an industrial setting. Together, the companies aim to accelerate process development, facilitate a seamless transition from lab to large-scale manufacturing, and ultimately reduce the time to market for pharmaceutical customers. “This collaboration with Microinnova underscores Hovione’s commitment to innovation in pharmaceutical manufacturing, with flow chemistry playing an important role in our long-term drug substance strategy,” said Dr. Jean-Luc Herbeaux, CEO of Hovione. “This partnership will allow us to shape and validate emerging continuous manufacturing technologies, which can potentially accelerate drug development and production.” Dr. Dirk Kirschneck, Founder and Strategic Director at Microinnova, added, “This partnership reflects our shared vision to deliver modular manufacturing technologies that support pharmaceutical innovation and manufacturing excellence. We are proud to join forces with Hovione to showcase the capabilities of our next-generation modular equipment in a dynamic CDMO environment, demonstrating its versatility for multi-purpose manufacturing.”   Read the full article on ContractPharma.com  

Press Clipping
Contract Pharma, 24 September 2025

Hovione, Microinnova Partner to Test Modular Manufacturing Equipment

Sep 24, 2025

Collaboration unlocks multi-purpose capabilities to accelerate small molecule production Modular approach enables faster process transfer, sustainable operations, and fully integrated development solutions Lisbon, Portugal, 24 September 2025 – Hovione, an international integrated pharmaceutical development and manufacturing organization, and Microinnova Engineering, a recognized leader in continuous process intensification, today announced a partnership to advance the development of multi-purpose, plug-and-play modular equipment for flow chemistry. The companies will work together to test Microinnova’s modular manufacturing equipment in an industrial setting. The Microinnova equipment is designed to offer greater flexibility, easier scalability, enhanced efficiency and sustainable practices in active ingredient production. Together, the companies are aiming at faster process development, simple transition from lab to large-scale manufacturing, and ultimately decreased time to market for pharmaceutical customers. "This collaboration with Microinnova underscores Hovione’s commitment to innovation in pharmaceutical manufacturing, with flow chemistry playing an important role in our long-term drug substance strategy,” said Dr. Jean-Luc Herbeaux, CEO of Hovione. “This partnership will allow us to shape and validate emerging continuous manufacturing technologies, which can potentially accelerate drug development and production.” Dr. Dirk Kirschneck, Founder and Strategic Director at Microinnova. “This partnership reflects our shared vision to deliver modular manufacturing technologies that support pharmaceutical innovation and manufacturing excellence. We are proud to join forces with Hovione to showcase the capabilities of our next-generation modular equipment in a dynamic CDMO environment, demonstrating its versatility for multi-purpose manufacturing.”   About Hovione  Hovione is an international company with over 60 years of experience in pharmaceutical development and manufacturing operations. As a Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) it has a fully integrated offering of services for drug substances, drug product intermediates and drug products. The company has four FDA inspected sites in the USA, Portugal, Ireland and China and development laboratories in Lisbon, Portugal and New Jersey, USA. Hovione provides pharmaceutical customers services for the development and compliant manufacture of innovative drugs, including highly potent compounds, and customized product solutions across the entire drug life cycle. In the inhalation area, Hovione offers a complete range of services, from API, formulation development and manufacturing, capsule filling and devices. Hovione's culture is based on innovation, quality and dependability. Hovione is a member of Rx-360, EFCG and participates actively in industry quality improvement initiatives to lead new global industry standards. About Microinnova Microinnova provides process development as well as successful pilot plant & manufacturing plant solutions. Based on more than 20 years of experience in flow chemistry & process intensification and 250+ successfully completed projects, Microinnova is the partner of choice for continuous manufacturing.  Microinnova’s team uses process intensification techniques and selects the most advantageous technology for each process, even in regulated environments. As an ISO 9001:2015-certified company, Microinnova designs plants that meet GMP and ATEX standards for quality and safety. Specializing in modular continuous plants, Microinnova scales processes from lab tests to tons-per-hour production, enabling rapid time-to-market and flexibility. For more information, please visit microinnova.com  

Press Release
Collaboration unlocks multi-purpose capabilities to accelerate small molecule production

Hovione and Microinnova partner to advance modular flow chemistry for multi-purpose manufacturing

Sep 24, 2025

Hovione is a global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) company founded in Portugal in 1959. With approximately 2,400 team members worldwide, the company provides comprehensive services for drug substances, drug intermediates, and drug products in countries around the world. Japan in particular plays a very important role in Hovione's global strategy, and in 2017 it established a Japanese subsidiary in Osaka. The company plans to actively invest in further strengthening its organization and recruiting personnel. With development labs strategically located in Lisbon, Portugal, and New Jersey, USA, Hovione consistently provides superior solutions tailored to complex pharmaceutical challenges. Hovione is recognized globally for its scientific excellence, technological innovation, and customer-centric and integrated approach. Leveraging cutting-edge capabilities in chemical synthesis, particle engineering, and formulation development, the company supports its partners throughout the entire pharmaceutical life cycle.   Read the full article in Japanese Read the article translated in English   Visit the Yakuji Nippo online      

Press Clipping
Yakuji Nippo Magazine, 2 July 2025

Solving Complex Pharmaceutical Challenges

Jul 10, 2025

The global inhalation contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) market is projected to grow from USD 9.13 billion in 2025 to USD 16.68 billion by 2035, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.7% during the forecast period. This growth is driven by the increasing prevalence of respiratory diseases, advancements in inhalation drug delivery technologies, and the rising demand for outsourced manufacturing services in the pharmaceutical industry. The inhalation CDMO market has emerged as a pivotal segment in the pharmaceutical contract development and manufacturing industry. With a rising demand for inhaled therapies for conditions like asthma, COPD, and cystic fibrosis, companies are increasingly outsourcing drug development and production to specialized partners. Inhalation CDMO services cater to both large pharmaceutical corporations and small biotech firms, offering expertise in formulation, device compatibility, regulatory support, and scale-up manufacturing. This market is gaining traction due to the complexity of inhalation drug delivery, which often requires niche technical capabilities and specialized equipment. Outsourcing to an inhalation CDMO allows drug developers to reduce time-to-market while ensuring quality and compliance with global standards. (...) Top Companies Several players dominate the inhalation CDMO market through technological expertise, global reach, and service portfolio diversity: (...) Hovione – Offers particle engineering and inhalation development, with a focus on dry powder inhalers. (...) These companies are continually investing in facilities, talent, and technology to meet evolving customer needs in the inhalation CDMO market.   Read the full article on Pharmiweb.com        

Press Clipping
Pharmiweb.com, 25 June 2025

Inhalation CDMO Market Growth Analysis & Forecast 2025 to 2035

Jun 25, 2025

CDMO Hovione and biotechnology company Firstgene Life Sciences (of Xlife Sciences) have collaborated to advance Hovione’s drug delivery platform for the targeted treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC). “We are proud to advance the development of innovative oncology treatments that address a critical unmet need for precision gene expression at the tissue level,” said Hovione CEO Dr Jean-Luc Herbeaux. The virus-like particle technology will be engineered and functionalised for the specific carcinoma cell type using therapeutically validated AAVs, including a novel primer compound. Hovione will be responsible for molecular engineering, the supply of tailor-made virus-like particles and the execution of proof-of-concept studies. “HCC, the most common liver cancer and a leading cause of cancer-related death, continues to represent a major unmet medical need,” said Firstgene managing director Dr Alexander Zink. “The combination of Hovione’s expertise in complex chemistry and particle engineering and the commercialisation expertise of Xlife Sciences positions Firstgene well to offer patients potential new safe and effective therapy options.”   Read the full article at scientistlive.com    

Press Clipping
Scientist Live, 12 May 2025

Partnership advances liver cancer treatment

May 12, 2025

Lisbon, Portugal, May 6, 2025 – Hovione, an international integrated pharmaceutical development and manufacturing organization, and Firstgene Life Sciences, a portfolio company of the Swiss incubator Xlife Sciences AG (SIX:XLS), today announced a strategic collaboration to advance Hovione’s proprietary virus-like particle drug delivery platform for the targeted treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC), a therapeutic indication developed by Firstgene. Under the terms of the collaboration, Hovione will grant Firstgene an exclusive license to its proprietary novel targeted Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV)-Like particle technology for the treatment of HCC and will provide preclinical R&D services.  The virus-like particle technology will be engineered and functionalized for the specific carcinoma cell type using therapeutically validated AAVs, including a novel primer compound. Hovione will be responsible for molecular engineering, the supply of tailor-made virus-like particles, and the execution of proof-of-concept studies. “We are thrilled to see our new gene vector particle platform adopted by Firstgene and its forward-thinking leadership team,” said Dr. Jean-Luc Herbeaux, Chief Executive Officer of Hovione. “We are proud to advance the development of innovative oncology treatments that address a critical unmet need for precision gene expression at the tissue level. This partnership is a testament to our mission of turning scientific complexity into real-world solutions that truly make a difference for patients.” “Firstgene is proud to highlight its collaboration with Hovione on this groundbreaking project. HCC, the most common liver cancer and a leading cause of cancer-related death, continues to represent a major unmet medical need. The combination of Hovione’s expertise in complex chemistry and particle engineering and the commercialization expertise of Xlife Sciences positions Firstgene well to offer patients potential new safe and effective therapy options”, said Dr. Alexander Zink, Managing Director of Firstgene Life Sciences GmbH.     About Hovione  Hovione is an international company with over 60 years of experience in pharmaceutical development and manufacturing operations. As a Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) it has a fully integrated offering of services for drug substances, drug product intermediates and drug products. The company has four FDA inspected sites in the USA, Portugal, Ireland and China and development laboratories in Lisbon, Portugal and New Jersey, USA. Hovione provides pharmaceutical customers services for the development and compliant manufacture of innovative drugs, including highly potent compounds, and customized product solutions across the entire drug life cycle. In the inhalation area, Hovione offers a complete range of services, from API, formulation development and manufacturing, capsule filling and devices. Hovione's culture is based on innovation, quality and dependability. Hovione is a member of Rx-360, EFCG and participates actively in industry quality improvement initiatives to lead new global industry standards. About Firstgene Firstgene Life Sciences GmbH is a technology-driven biotech start-up located in Mainz, Germany, incubated by Xlife Sciences AG, Zürich, Switzerland. Firstgene aims to deliver innovative treatments for indications with a high unmet medical need and is backed by Xlife Sciences AG, whose expertise is bridging novel innovation to the health care markets.       

Press Release
Exclusive licensing and R&D collaboration accelerate the development of a novel gene vector platform for precision gene therapy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma - the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide

Hovione and Firstgene announce strategic collaboration to advance virus-like particle platform for liver cancer

May 06, 2025

Contact Us

If you would like to learn more about Hovione, kindly fill in the form below and we will be revert to you soon.

By clicking Submit, you agree to our Terms and that you have read our Privacy Notice, including our Cookie use.