Sterling and TPI strike codeine agreement.

U.K.-based contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) Sterling Pharma Solutions has established a toll processing agreement with TPI Enterprises to manufacture Codeine Phosphate (CPO) for sale in the U.K. market. 

As part of the agreement, TPI Enterprises, one of three licensed poppy processors in Australia, will produce the narcotic raw material (NRM) at its site in Victoria, while Sterling Pharma Solutions will manufacture the CPO at its Dudley site near Newcastle, U.K. 

The U.K. market for CPO is one of the largest in the world, valued at around £20 million ($24.8 million) per annum. This agreement is the first step in TPI Enterprises’ plan to expand its presence in the U.K. market. 

“We are delighted to be the partner of choice to support TPI Enterprises during this exciting period of growth,” Kevin Cook, CEO at Sterling Pharma Solutions, commented. “At Sterling, we have developed the infrastructure and capabilities to handle, manufacture and store controlled substances meaning we are well positioned to support this project.”

The agreement provides TPI Enterprises with the means to leverage its unique low cost production advantage to expand its market share in a country that has traditionally high product demand, but very limited supply options.

“The agreement will allow us to participate in the UK market and access a new, significant, and from a regulatory basis, previously inaccessible customer base,” Jarrod Ritchie, CEO at TPI Enterprises, added. “A combination of Sterling’s API production capability with our low cost raw material supply will greatly enhance customer options in the U.K.”

The Sterling Pharma Solutions site in Dudley, U.K., has been in existence for 47 years. The CDMO is the U.K.’s largest provider of API development and manufacturing services to the pharmaceutical industry.

(Source: Sterling Pharma Solutions)