Upperton Pharma Solutions (Upperton), a contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) based in the UK, won the Business Expansion award in the 2025 Pharmaceutical Technology Excellence Awards, in the Integrated Manufacturing category.
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Upperton won the award for its rapid facility expansion, significant investments in advanced manufacturing technologies, and unwavering commitment to regulatory excellence.
Strategic investments in manufacturing
Upperton’s ambitious expansion strategy is exemplified by the swift construction of its 50,000ft2 GMP manufacturing facility in Nottingham, UK. Completed in just 10 months, this facility is a testament to the company’s exceptional project execution capabilities. The facility houses ten GMP manufacturing suites and advanced quality control laboratories, enabling a seamless transition from early formulation development to clinical trial supplies and niche-scale commercial manufacturing.
The strategic investment not only enhances Upperton’s manufacturing capacity, but also positions it as a key player in meeting the growing demands of the pharmaceutical market. The facility’s design allows for flexibility in production, accommodating various dosage forms and enabling rapid scaling for clinical trials. For instance, clients can move from small-scale development to larger batch production without the need for multiple suppliers, streamlining the entire process and reducing time to market.
Moreover, the installation of cutting-edge equipment, including the Gerteis Mini-Pactor® roller compactor, has significantly bolstered Upperton’s manufacturing capabilities. This advanced machinery enables improved processability of powder blends and supports both development and production phases. The Mini-Pactor® is particularly noteworthy for its ability to facilitate dry granulation, which enhances the quality and consistency of tablet formulations while minimizing processing time. The investment aligns with Upperton’s commitment to maintaining high standards in solid oral dosage form development and manufacturing, ensuring that clients receive products that meet rigorous quality benchmarks.
Strategic expansion into sterile drug manufacturing
Upperton announced a £7 million sterile manufacturing expansion, enhancing capabilities in aseptic and terminally sterilized small-volume liquids and powders. This initiative includes the construction of a 7,000-square-foot sterile manufacturing facility, designed in accordance with the revised EU GMP Annex-1 regulations. The facility aims to address the shortage of providers capable of producing small batches of sterile drug products for early clinical trials, a gap that has become increasingly apparent in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The new sterile manufacturing facility will support the GMP fill-finish of sterile biologics and small molecules, focusing on aseptic and terminally sterilized small-volume liquids and powders for parenteral, nasal, and pulmonary delivery. This expansion is particularly timely, as the demand for sterile products continues to rise, driven by the increasing number of biologics entering the market and the need for specialized manufacturing capabilities.
By investing in sterile drug manufacturing, Upperton is not only diversifying its service offerings, but also positioning itself as a key player in a critical segment of the pharmaceutical industry. This strategic move will enable the company to better serve clients who require specialized manufacturing solutions for their sterile products, ultimately contributing to improved patient outcomes.
Significant growth in workforce reflecting operational expansion
Upperton’s growth is evident in both its facilities and workforce. The company experienced a 15% increase in headcount, particularly in GMP manufacturing roles, demonstrating its commitment to building a skilled workforce capable of supporting its enhanced operations. The increase in personnel aligns with the expansion of GMP suites at the Trent Gateway facility, ensuring that Upperton can meet the demands of its growing client base.
The recruitment of additional staff not only reflects Upperton’s operational growth, but also its investment in talent development. By hiring experienced professionals and providing ongoing training, Upperton is fostering a culture of excellence that is essential for maintaining high standards in pharmaceutical manufacturing. This focus on workforce development is critical, as it ensures that the company can effectively manage increased production demands while adhering to stringent regulatory requirements.
“Being recognised as a winner is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team and highlights not only our continued business growth but also reflects the importance we place on the relationships we build and nurture with our customers. We’re focused on helping our clients advance their medicines to patients faster, and this recognition fuels our momentum.”
– Nikki Whitfield, CEO, Upperton
Company Profile
Upperton has over 25 years’ experience of delivering science-led, high quality, innovative drug development and manufacturing solutions to pharmaceutical and biotechnology clients worldwide. Based in Nottingham, UK, Upperton has a 60,000 sq. ft development and manufacturing facility, with formulation and analytical development laboratories, a fully equipped GMP manufacturing and quality control testing capability, alongside a dedicated sterile manufacturing facility. Upperton is MHRA Approved to manufacture materials for clinical trial supplies. In addition to supporting conventional oral solid dosage form development, Upperton has a strong history in spray drying which addresses both the challenges with poorly soluble molecules and as a particle engineering technology for targeted deposition for pulmonary and nasal drug products. Specialists in oral, nasal, pulmonary and sterile drug products. The company employs over one hundred highly skilled personnel and has its headquarters in Nottingham, UK.
Contact Details
Email: contact@upperton.com
Tel: +44 (0) 115 855 7050
Links
Website: https://upperton.com
