Sterling Pharma Solutions has commenced production of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), a treatment currently under investigation for COVID-19.
Sterling will be manufacturing the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) with the finished product being manufactured and supplied by Accord Healthcare.
The UK’s current supply of HCQ is sourced from overseas, primarily as a result of economic pressures driving production to lower cost manufacturing regions. This new deal with Accord will establish a domestic supply of the product ensuring access for patients in the UK, should the drug prove successful.
“While it is currently unclear whether HCQ will be a viable treatment for COVID-19, it is vital to proactively establish a strong supply route ahead of time,” Kevin Cook CEO at Sterling Pharma Solutions said. “Rapid response to a rapidly changing landscape has been key here. We have worked quickly alongside Accord Healthcare to establish a UK supply chain for this product. HCQ could potentially provide an effective treatment for COVID patients and during such an unprecedented time it’s important that the pharmaceutical industry works flexibly to achieve maximum results as quickly as possible and this partnership is a good example of that.”
Sterling has already supported Accord with the purchase of over 50 tons of the key raw materials, which equates to roughly 60 million finished tablets of HCQ.
As a result of the partnership Accord expects to supply up to 50 million HCQ tablets per month and has already started production of HCQ from its manufacturing facility in Barnstable, UK.