ST Pharm recently celebrated the completion of its groundbreaking ceremony, marking a significant stride in its efforts to expand its oligonucleotide manufacturing capacity and capabilities.

This expansion initiative is driven by the increasing demand for oligonucleotide therapeutics, encompassing ASO, siRNA, and CRISPR technologies. It aims not only to boost production capacity from 6.4 mol to 14 mol but also to elevate overall capabilities.

In a bid to diversify its operational scope, the new facility has been designed to accommodate various production scales. Initially, three new production lines will be introduced, featuring capacities of 1.8 mol (large scale), 400 mmol (mid scale), and 100 mmol (small scale). Moreover, the facility has the flexibility to incorporate two additional lines in anticipation of future growth.

This substantial endeavor involves a total investment of $110 million USD. The construction of the new oligonucleotide facility, located at ST Pharm Banwol Campus, is projected to conclude in 2025. The facility will cover approximately 3,300 square meters (10,900㎡) and will rise to a height of 60 meters, spanning across 7 floors.

The state-of-the-art facility will leverage automation and digitization to streamline its operations, harnessing existing knowledge to enhance productivity, robustness, and agility. This strategic approach is expected to reduce labor costs and improve overall cost-efficiency.

Furthermore, ST Pharm is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and advancing sustainability efforts. The new facility will implement waste recycling, water-saving processes, and introduce innovative technologies that extend the lifespan of filters, along with energy-efficient solutions.

Research & Markets predicts substantial growth in the oligonucleotide therapeutics market, with projections indicating an increase from $7.70 billion USD in 2021 to $16.36 billion USD in 2030. This reflects a robust CAGR of 11.8% (Source: Data Bridge 2022, Oligonucleotide Synthesis Market Research Report). Initially utilized primarily for rare disease treatments, oligonucleotides have expanded their applications to include chronic diseases and beyond, experiencing a surge in global demand. Notable examples include Novartis' Inclisiran for cholesterol treatment and Pelacarsen for cardiovascular disease.

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