West Pharmaceutical Services Inc. announced a multi-year investment as part of its evolving research and development strategy. To better support pharmaceutical customers around the world, West said it will add capabilities to all of its global Packaging Systems R&D facilities, and develop two new R&D Centers of Excellence — one in the Asia Pacific region and one in Europe — to leverage regional capabilities and expertise in parenteral drug packaging.
“For more than 90 years, West’s focus on innovation, science and service has made us a trusted partner for pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies worldwide,” said Karen Flynn, President, Pharmaceutical Packaging Systems, West. “Our enhanced R&D Development Centers—in all regions of the globe—will further our commitment to our customers by providing world-class, science-based process and product development that enables us to quickly and efficiently anticipate and respond to changing market needs with new, innovative solutions.”
The facility in Europe will be the company’s Center of Excellence for drug vial and cartridge seals, plastic technology and packaging component materials development, and will be on line by the end of 2016, according to a press release. The location in the Asia Pacific region will serve as a Center of Excellence for innovation across all technologies specific to the emerging markets and is expected to be operational by the end of 2015.
In addition to the new facilities in the Asia Pacific region and Europe, a significant investment is being made in North America to expand the current R&D center located within the Exton, Pa., headquarters, and to upgrade the St. Petersburg, Fla., facility.
