NEWS
Olon presents biotech plan
Italian CDMO and API supplier Olon will invest over € 30 million plan to expand its Settimo Torinese Biotech Hub near Turin ( pictured ), to make therapeutic peptides via microbial fermentation , based on its expertise in rDNA peptides and proteins . The hub is claimed to have “ some of the most extensive know-how ” on this subject in Europe . Olon will first install a small-volume line to support early clinical stage volumes of peptides , mainly injectables , then create a system designed for large volumes , typically those indicated for widespread diseases . It will both make proprietary products and offer CDMO services . The company will recruit an unspecified number of additional R & D personnel as a result . The investment follows on from another significant expansion plan for the BiotechHub dedicated to the production of proteins by fermentation , which was announced in September 2021 . Construction on this is currently under way , including upgrading and expanding existing areas and greenfield building . Shortly beforehand , Olon began a project to install a new highcontainment production line at its site in Mahad , India , as part of a planned € 27 million investment in high containment production in 2022-3 . This will have advanced systems for containing and handling substances up to level OEB4 ( up to 1 µ g / m 3 ). It will make for mediumvolume batches of proprietary and third party products .
bold plans to accelerate efficient growth and seize organic and inorganic opportunities .” Growth will be achieved by a mixture of targeted acquisitions and organic growth , to which end the company is making multiple ongoing investments in capacity and capabilities . It also confirmed its mid-term forecast for the business organic growth of its business sectors :
• 7-10 %/ year for Life Science , “ driven by the strong development of the core business ”, not including any further COVID-driven growth
• ‘ Mid single-digit ’ growth for Healthcare , the pharma business , which has several new pipeline medicines and potential market launches , for therapies including multiple sclerosis , and head and neck cancer
• 3-6 %/ year for Electronics “ driven by the strong above market performance of Semiconductor Solutions and Merck ’ s comprehensive portfolio in this field ”
Solvay invests in rare earths
Solvay is to expand its rare earths operations in La Rochelle , France , to enter the value chain for permanent magnets based on alloys of rare earths . These are mostly imported into Europe at present and many are in short supply . The company itself claims to be the technology leader in their separation , recycling , purification , finishing and formulation . The La Rochelle site is currently active in the automotive emissions control and semiconductors markets . This new investment will expand and upgrade an existing facility to produce separated rare earth oxides for permanent magnets , which are mainly used in the traction motors of electric vehicles ( EVs ) and the generation motors of wind turbines . La Rochelle has also just seen the inauguration of a pilot unit for solid-state batteries , which compete with lithium-ion batteries in EVs . Solvay said that this will enable it to scale up the development of advanced inorganic materials for solid electrolytes , while also assessing their industrial feasibility . It intends to carry out process studies to help prepare for that phase in the coming years . In related news , Solvay has taken full ownership of its joint venture stake Solvay Special Chem Japan ( SSCJ ) by acquiring the 33 % share of Santoku Corporation . SSCJ is based in Japan and supplies rare earths for multiple end use applications . No financial details were disclosed . The firm has also signed a memorandum of understanding with Hastings Technology Metal , outlining their intent to enter into a binding commercial off-take agreement for mixed rare earth carbonate . Under this , Hastings will supply an initial 2,500 tonnes / year from its rare earth project in Western Australia , which contains containing substantial neodymium and praseodymium deposits , to La Rochelle .
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