Ritedose, a sterile contract manufacturing organisation, is expanding its manufacturing facility with a seventh Syntegon-branded packaging line.

This expansion will effectively double the company’s capacity to produce individually wrapped vial medications.

Currently, the automated system is undergoing site acceptance testing at the Ritedose facility, with the new packaging line expected to start operations in the coming months.

The new Syntegon packaging system will increase the company’s annual processing range by between 160 and 170 million vials.

This expansion not only enhances efficiency and flexibility but also enables Ritedose to offer a wider array of packaging options to meet the diverse requirements of its customers, the company said.

The additional packaging line will play a crucial role in the manufacturing of Ohtuvayre, a novel chronic obstructive pulmonary disease treatment from Verona Pharma.

Ritedose’s partnership with Verona, announced in September 2024, positions the company as a key player in the production of this medication.

For more than two decades, Ritedose has partnered with Syntegon Technology for its processing and packaging needs.

The latest packaging line is tailored for the automated secondary packaging of pharmaceutical and consumer goods, emphasising Ritedose’s efforts towards patient safety and quality.

The line’s design focuses on maximising output and significantly reducing waste.

Ritedose president and CEO Jody Chastain said: “At Ritedose, we make significant investments to support our expanding manufacturing efforts. This summer we expanded our sterile blow-fill-seal (BFS) capabilities by an additional 180-million-unit dose capacity for ophthalmic and respiratory medications.

“These investments underscore our commitment to meeting the demands for high-quality, sterile unit dose solutions. Our seventh Syntegon packaging line will greatly enhance our ability to serve Verona Pharma and future clients.”

Earlier this month, Syntegon launched its latest MLD Advanced filling machine, tailored for ready-to-use nested syringes.