Symbiosis Pharmaceutical Services has completed its first commercial-scale manufacturing run at its new sterile fill finish facility in Stirling, producing a 10,000-vial batch for a long-standing client.

The batch supports the development of a cancer immunotherapy that is currently in Phase 3 clinical trials and represents the first production campaign at the newly commissioned site. The company said the milestone marks an important step in the planned expansion of its sterile manufacturing capacity as it prepares to support late-stage and commercial supply.

The Stirling facility is FDA-inspected and licensed by the MHRA, strengthening Symbiosis’ ability to support customers from clinical development through to commercial manufacture. The expansion is designed to increase batch size capacity, improve operational flexibility, and allow the company to run a greater number of programmes in parallel.

Symbiosis said the additional capacity will enable it to meet growing global demand for sterile injectable medicines, particularly as more products progress into late-stage development and commercial launch.

The new facility forms part of a wider period of growth for the company. Founded in 2011, Symbiosis has expanded its operations to four buildings in Stirling and now employs more than 150 staff. The site was officially opened in 2024 by Scotland’s deputy first minister Kate Forbes and represents the latest phase of the company’s investment in manufacturing infrastructure, quality systems and technical capability.

Colin MacKay, chief executive officer of Symbiosis, said: “Manufacturing our first 10,000-vial batch in the new facility is an important milestone for the business. It reflects how Symbiosis has evolved from a small start-up into a partner supporting clients with late-stage and commercial manufacturing needs.”

He added: “The additional capacity allows us to better support customers as they move critical therapies towards commercial supply. We are pleased to play a role in helping ensure patients can access new treatments as they progress through development.”