Aragen chases complex drug manufacturing

Hyderabad-based contract manufacturer Aragen is investing heavily in antibody-drug conjugates, peptides, oligonucleotides and high-potent APIs to move up the drug development value chain.

500 kilolitres of new capacity planned

Aragen plans to add around 500 kilolitres of small-molecule CDMO capacity and is also investing in a biologics drug-product facility, including fill-finish operations.

From molecules to finished medicines

CEO Manni Kantipudi says Aragen's long-term goal is to become a medicines company, moving beyond discovery into drug substance and drug product manufacturing for customers.

“Our long-term ambition is to move from being a molecules company to becoming a medicines company.”

ADCs become strategic priority

Aragen is developing its own intellectual property around antibody-drug conjugate conjugation, including linker libraries, leveraging its existing capabilities in antibodies, small molecules and high-potent drugs.

“ADCs are another important opportunity because we have capabilities in antibodies, small molecules and high-potent drugs.”

Peptides and oligonucleotides expansion

Aragen plans to move its large peptide discovery team into manufacturing, starting with clinical-scale production and potentially scaling to commercial levels. Oligonucleotides are another focus area.

“In peptides, we believe we have one of the largest peptide teams in India at the discovery level.”

IPO filed as growth accelerates

Aragen recently filed its draft prospectus with India's securities regulator for an initial public offering, as the company grows 18% year-on-year while reducing headcount through technology gains.