Asymchem Laboratories (Tianjin) Co., Ltd. (Stock Code 002821.SZ/6821.HK) announced today that it will operate the former Pfizer U.K. small molecule API pilot plant and part of the development laboratories through a new lease agreement between Asymchem and Discovery Park, establishing Asymchem’s first manufacturing footprint in Europe. Asymchem will continue to operate the site in Sandwich, Kent, as a clinical small molecule development and manufacturing facility to meet global client demands for pharma services and supply.

The development laboratories are expected to begin operation in June 2024, followed by the API pilot plant in August. The site is expected to employ approximately 100 individuals by the end of 2024, including many staff previously employed by Pfizer. Planned additions for the site include capabilities for the manufacture of peptides and oligonucleotides, as well as sustainability capabilities utilizing continuous flow and biocatalysis.

“We are excited to become a part of the European pharma manufacturing community,” said Chairman and CEO of Asymchem Group, Dr. Hao Hong. “Meeting the needs of our clients in bringing manufacturing into the Western market will continue to be part of our long-term strategy to meet overall global business demands.”

Mayer Schreiber, CEO of Discovery Park, said: “We are delighted to welcome Asymchem to Discovery Park this summer. The organisation has selected Discovery Park as their European base and home to their first manufacturing facility in Europe, bringing new jobs and safeguarding scientific talent. Asymchem joins a burgeoning community of over 160 companies in a designated Life Sciences Opportunity Zone, representing an incredible talent pool which contributes significantly to the U.K. life sciences economy.”

About Asymchem

Asymchem is a global technology-driven contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) providing services to the pharmaceutical industry. Founded in 1997, Asymchem employs over 9300 personnel world-wide, with R&D and manufacturing operations in China and the U.S.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements that are, by their nature, subject to significant risks and uncertainties. The words “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend” and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company, are intended to identify certain of such forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend to update these forward-looking statements regularly. These forward-looking statements are based on the existing beliefs, assumptions, expectations, estimates, projections, and understandings of the management of the Company with respect to future events at the time these statements are made. These statements are not a guarantee of future developments and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors, some of which are beyond the Company’s control and are difficult to predict. Consequently, actual results may differ materially from information contained in the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including, without limitation, future changes or developments in our business, the Company’s competitive environment and political, economic, legal and social conditions.

The Company, its directors and the employees assume (a) no obligation to correct or update the forward-looking statements contained in this announcement; and (b) no liability in the event that any of the forward-looking statements does not materialize or turn out to be incorrect.

About Discovery Park

Discovery Park is a thriving UK life science community for visionary entrepreneurs and leaders. Within easy reach of London, Discovery Park spearheads Kent’s flourishing science and technology cluster.

Discovery Park offers state-of-the-art labs, modern offices and manufacturing facilities, unrivalled flexibility and comprehensive support including access to finance and a strong local talent pool.

Discovery Park has been a major centre for life science for nearly 70 years and is home to 160+ companies across a growing tenant community of dynamic start-ups through to global corporations. This includes Algaecytes, Canterbury Christ Church University, Concept Life Sciences, eXroid, Genea Biomedx, LGC, Pfizer, Psyros Diagnostics, Salvensis, Viatris, VisusNano and Wren Healthcare.

Jake Knorr Senior Director of Marketing jakeknorr@asymchem.com