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Press release
08/10/2021

Heraeus expands capacity for platinum-based active pharmaceutical ingredients to treat cancer

Pharmaceutical Ingredients
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Heraeus has significantly built up its manufacturing capacity for active pharmaceutical ingredients to fight cancer. The company announced that its new production line for platinum-based pharmaceutical ingredients located at its headquarters in Hanau is now running at full speed, and customers have already received the first deliveries of active ingredients. The company’s multi-million Euro investment is in response to the global increase in demand for cancer drugs while consolidating its position as the global market leader for platinum-based active ingredients.

“We are proud to have brought this project to a successful conclusion in such a short time. Our customers can now benefit from our additional capacity and shorter delivery times for top-quality active ingredients,” says Marcus Hannakam, Head of Pharmaceutical Ingredients. This business line of Heraeus Precious Metals is the world’s leading supplier of platinum-based highly potent active pharmaceutical ingredients (Pt hAPIs), key compounds in chemotherapy for various types of cancer.

Marcus Hannakam

Project launched at the end of 2018

The business line began building the new production line in accordance with the latest EHS and GMP requirements at its headquarters in Hanau at the end of 2018. “The global increase in demand for our active ingredients and the concentration on experienced, reliable manufacturers were the key for our investment. This represents a major step toward long-term success, both for our customers and for Heraeus Pharmaceutical Ingredients,” Hannakam explains. The expansion further secures the market leadership of Heraeus Pharmaceuticals Ingredients. As a long-established partner in the battle against cancer, the business line enjoys an excellent reputation among customers and regulatory authorities.

Laboratory equipment

The important role of platinum-based highly potent active pharmaceutical ingredients (Pt hAPIs)

Pt hAPIs are important resources in treating cancer, especially in combination therapies, and are used to combat diseases such as lung cancer, colorectal cancer, ovarian cancer, and testicular cancer. The demand for Pt hAPIs in cancer treatment is rising for various reasons: demographic change is resulting in more and more cancer patients, while access to chemotherapies in emerging economies is improving. As a result, the current market availability of these vital ingredients is reaching its limits, which affects not only the pharmaceutical industry, but the entire healthcare system as well.

About Heraeus Pharmaceutical Ingredients

All Pt hAPIs are developed and produced by Heraeus Pharmaceutical Ingredients at the Heraeus headquarters in Hanau, Germany. For more than 30 years, Heraeus has been building its reputation as the number one supplier of Pt hAPIs used in cancer therapies worldwide. Heraeus Pharmaceutical Ingredients puts great emphasis on the highest quality of all its products and takes pride in being certified by all major health authorities and agencies, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

About Heraeus Precious Metals

Heraeus Precious Metals is a leading provider of precious metals services and products. We combine all activities related to our comprehensive expertise in the precious metals loop – from trading to precious metals products to recycling. We are one of the world’s largest refiners of platinum group metals (PGMs) and a leading name in industrial precious metals trading. Our precious metals products are used in a wide variety of industries, including the chemical, pharmaceutical, glass, electronics and automotive industries. We offer top quality solutions and products based on many years of experience and technical expertise. We are a reliable development partner for our customers and find the best solutions for their requirements.

About Heraeus

Heraeus, the technology group headquartered in Hanau, Germany, is a leading international family-owned portfolio company. The company’s roots go back to a family pharmacy started in 1660. Today, the Heraeus group includes businesses in the environmental, electronics, health and industrial applications sectors. Customers benefit from innovative technologies and solutions based on broad materials expertise and technological leadership.

In the 2020 financial year, Heraeus generated revenues of €31.5 billion with approximately 14,800 employees in 40 countries. Heraeus is now one of the top 10 family-owned companies in Germany and holds a leading position in its global markets.

Bettina KraftGlobal Head of Communications Heraeus Precious Metals
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