Novartis to unify Fougera’s US manufacturing plants
pharmafile | March 11, 2016 | News story | Manufacturing and Production, Medical Communications | Fougera, Novartis, Sandoz, manufacturing
Novartis is planning to unify the two manufacturing plants used by Sandoz unit Fougera Pharmaceuticals in the US, expanding and upgrading one site and moving all 388 workers under one roof at a cost of around $88 million.
The current setup has the company’s US manufacturing operation split between two plants separated by about a 15 minute journey in two different Long Island, New York communities. But the unit, which specialises in generic dermatology products, intends to move these operations solely to the Melville location, while closing the Hicksville plant.
The completed Melville facility will be home to all Fougera associates, including those in Technical Operations, Quality Operations, R&D, Support and Administrative functions.
The consolidation is expected to take place in the next four to five years, Sandoz said, confirming that it is targeting completion in 2020. The company added that the new site would house state-of –the-art equipment and technology, “creating a best-in-class, highly compliant and cost-effective manufacturing and R&D facility.”
The new plant is also being built to allow for future expansion, to accommodate volume growth and product launches. Fougera manufactures more than 200 unique product presentations, including generic semi-solid creams, ointments and lotions treating a wide range of dermatological ailments such as psoriasis, dermatitis, acne and eczema. Novartis acquired the company in 2012 for $1.5 billion.
“Fougera has called Long Island home since the company’s inception in 1849. Therefore, we are extremely happy to be able to continue our longstanding partnership with the local community and the state of New York,” says Evelyn Marchany Garcia, Fougera’s vice president and Site Head. “This move shows our true commitment to Long Island and its economic development.”
“Sandoz is a leading U.S. generic company with a strong focus on dermatology,” says Peter Goldschmidt, president of Sandoz US. “We plan to continue to invest in this therapeutic area to strengthen and grow our dermatology portfolio while increasing patient access to high-quality, cost-saving treatment options.”
Joel Levy
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