Onyx Scientific, a high-tech development and manufacturing company, has announced the opening of a second facility in Sunderland.

The new site, close to Onyx’s UK headquarters, doubles the company’s current footprint and allows for expansion of all Chemistry, Manufacturing and Controls activities, including the introduction of additional facilities that increases capacity for GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) and commercial API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient) manufacturing by 50%.

The first phase of the multi-million pound development is now complete and operational with GMP certification and commercial manufacturing approval from the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency.

Denise Bowser, commercial director at Onyx, said: “We are delighted to announce the opening of our new facility in Sunderland. Onyx continues to experience strong growth, driven by the consistent demand from biotech and pharmaceutical companies for integrated early-phase development programs.

“Our customers recognise the benefits of retaining drug substance activities with one partner and our capability in taking projects from candidate selection to, where appropriate, commercial supply."

The growth in demand for Onyx services has seen its workforce grow by 40% to 100 staff this financial year and the company expects a further increase of 50% in the next three years.