Mar 19, 2014

• A new Libbs Pharmaceutical plant in Embu das Artes (SP) will contribute to Brazil’s commercial independence in biotechnology

The board of the Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES) has approved R$ 250.8 million in financing for Libbs Pharmaceutical. The resources are earmarked for the construction of a pharmaceuticals plant, focused on producing biotechnological medicines to treat cancer and autoimmune diseases. It is the most dynamic segment in the pharmaceutical industry.

The loan through the BNDES’ Support Program to Develop the Health Industrial Sector (BNDES Profarma), a subprogram known as Profarma Biotechnology, will contribute to helping Brazil become independent in the pharmaceutical sector, with investments into the production of pharmaceuticals, which are currently imported.

The new factory, located at Libbs’ industrial complex in Embu das Artes (SP), will have the capacity to process up to 24,000 liters of animal cells earmarked for the production of monoclonal antibodies (specific proteins used as an active ingredient in medicines) and will feature innovative technology, such as the bioreactors production system with disposable bags. The main advantage of this technology is its flexibility and the reduced time for decontamination and cleaning. The first phase of construction is scheduled for completion in 2016.

To start this biotechnology project, Libbs has established a partnership with Mabxcience (a company that belongs to pharmaceutical firm Chemo, both from the Insud group), which has established a transfer of the technology production of six biosimilar monoclonal antibodies (“copies” of biological medicines). Thus, it will detain the cell banks and the technology employed in cultivating cells in all quality and process control operations. It is expected that, by the end of the technology transfer, the entire production process of these biological medicines will be performed in the country.

The purchase of medicines will be centralized at the Ministry of Health, due to its importance to public health and the federal government’s policy to reduce the price of products. Developing and producing products in the country is part of a policy named Production Development Partnerships (PDP), which involves private corporations and public laboratories. The PDP also establishes a period for guaranteed purchases of medicines, until the production technology is fully transferred to the public laboratory. 

Libbs Pharmaceuticalis is a 100% national capital company that produces and commercializes pharmaceutical specialties as well as active ingredients for treating cardiovascular, gynecological, respiratory, oncologic and central nervous system areas, among others.