Wed Feb 04, 2026

Advanced Containment & Processing for Highly Potent APIs

The rise of precision medicines, oncology therapies, and targeted treatments has significantly increased the development of highly potent active pharmaceutical ingredients (HPAPIs). These compounds are designed to deliver therapeutic effects at very low doses, often improving patient outcomes while minimizing adverse effects. As a result, HPAPIs represent one of the fastest-growing and most tightly regulated segments of global pharmaceutical development.

Due to their high biological activity, HPAPIs demand specialized knowledge, strict containment strategies, and purpose-built infrastructure to safely progress from formulation through clinical manufacturing and commercial production. Successful handling depends on combining scientific expertise with advanced engineering controls to protect personnel, facilities, and product integrity.

 

Proven Expertise in Potent Compound Development

With decades of experience supporting high-potency programs, our teams specialize in the formulation, development, and manufacture of drug products containing HPAPIs within dedicated high-containment Grade C and D environments. Our scientists and engineers support the full development lifecycle, including analytical method development, qualification, validation, and scale-up activities.

We deliver efficient and cost-conscious manufacturing solutions, advancing projects from early prototypes to commercial-scale batches. Our formulation capabilities span multiple dosage forms and technologies, including micronized and nanoparticle-based systems enabled through advanced size-reduction and dispersion techniques.

 

Potency Assessment & API Categorization

Each new API undergoes a comprehensive risk assessment to establish appropriate handling requirements and exposure limits. Using performance-based exposure control limits (PB-ECLs), compounds are classified into potency categories ranging from Class 1 to Class 4. This classification determines the containment strategy, facility controls, and procedural safeguards required for safe development and manufacturing.

 

Purpose-Built cGMP Manufacturing Infrastructure

Our 64,000-square-foot cGMP-compliant facility is engineered specifically to address the challenges associated with HPAPIs and other highly toxic or controlled substances. Key features include:

  • Dedicated high-containment Grade C and D processing suites
  • Full regulatory credentials, including FDA drug establishment registration, FDA food facility registration, and DEA manufacturing licenses for Schedules I–V and List 1 substances
  • Specialized equipment designed for potent compound processing, such as:
     
    • High-containment kettles
    • Milling systems
    • Peristaltic pumping systems
    • Heating and chilling units
    • Vibroscreen separation equipment
    • Vial crimping systems

 

Comprehensive Safety & Exposure Control Systems

To minimize occupational exposure and ensure uncompromising safety, we implement multilayered containment and monitoring strategies across all HPAPI operations:

  • Validated containment procedures supported by stringent cleaning protocols and full analytical verification prior to room clearance
  • Fully enclosed processing systems to limit direct operator contact
  • Facility layouts are designed with unidirectional material and personnel flow to prevent cross-contamination
  • Mandatory use of specialized PPE, including respirators and powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs) when required

 

Engineering safeguards include:

  • High-efficiency HEPA filtration systems
  • Magnehelic® pressure monitoring devices
  • Continuous environmental oversight via the Rees building management system