ChemCon GmbH (founded in 1997 by two chemists as a spin-out of Freiburg University) is now a globally operating private, independent supplier and service provider for the pharmaceutical, biotechnological and fine chemicals industries located in Freiburg (im Breisgau, Germany). The case deals with a successful development from a startup to a currently medium-sized technology venture according to number of employees. It is a “contract research organization” (CRO) and “contract development & manufacturing organization” (CDMO) providing services in terms of technical processes and products.
ChemCon focuses on active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), Highly Potent Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (HPAPIs) and specialty chemicals – new research chemicals and pharmaceuticals, organic and bio-inorganic. A special emphasis is on metal-containing APIs and “orphan drugs” to cure rare diseases. APIs form the most vital part of every formulated end product, are an important part of the whole pharmaceutical industry.
Its pharmaceutical business means a highly complex technical field with norms, standards and regulations addressing specifically the markets of prescribed drugs. It requires synthetic developments and productions according to current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) in cleanrooms in line with related US and European regulations and regularly audited operation.
With highest quality production of small quantities and scale-up from milligrams to kilograms and more under full cGMP conditions in cleanrooms ChemCon has successfully occupied a niche. It offers now an all-in-one-hand service including full analytical support, complete documentation and quality management covering the entire value system, all phases of drug development to regulatory approval and commercial production after clinical testing.