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Polpharma - CDMO/CMO

We are one of the leading European CDMO companies with over seven decades of experience in supporting patients’ health ​with high-quality APIs.

We offer comprehensive capabilities that span a broad spectrum of cutting-edge technologies and end-to-end solutions—from process development to large-scale commercial production. Our expertise includes:

  • High Potency APIs (HP APIs)
  • Oligonucleotides
  • Cryogenic processes

Our cutting-edge facilities for R&D, pilot production, manufacturing, and quality control, combined with the extensive expertise in developing and manufacturing highly complex APIs, enable us to offer a diverse range of services across the entire value chain. Supported by an engaged, highly skilled, and accountable team of nearly 500...

Address: ul.Pelplińska 19, 83-200, Starogard Gdanski
Poland
Poland Local time:

Largest Polish manufacturer of pharmaceuticals and a leader of the Polish pharmaceutical market.

FDA approved european manufcaturing facilities

Export APIs to more than 60 countries worldwide

Our services
Drug Substance (CDMO/CRO)

Production scale:

medium

Response time:

Facilities

Micronizer (Jet Mill) 5cm diameter
Micronizer (Jet Mill) 5cm diameter
Discharge of nutshe-fitler
Discharge of nutshe-fitler
Vertical axe SS centrifuge
Vertical axe SS centrifuge
Crystalizers
Crystalizers
Dissolutors
Dissolutors
Facilities
Facilities

Our Pilot Plant is an independent, small scale FDA approved production facility counting more than 25 reactors and vessels from 50 to 650 L for a total of 6 m3 capacity.

3 different and fully segregated clean zones for final APIs processing enable 3 parallel projects to run independently. Pilot Plant operations are designed and maintained an exactly the same standard as the production environment at the target commercial scale, which ensures a smooth process transfer at a larger...

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Employees:
455+
Established in:
1951

Latest updates

Ryvu Therapeutics and Polpharma sign two agreements in the area of RVU120 API production for Phase II clinical trials

Ryvu Therapeutics and Polpharma sign two agreements in the area of RVU120 API production for Phase II clinical trials

Ryvu Therapeutics (WSE: RVU), a clinical-stage drug discovery and development company focusing on novel small molecule therapies that address emerging targets in oncology and Zakłady Farmaceutyczne Po

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Another Polpharma API strategic milestone achieved!

Another Polpharma API strategic milestone achieved!

Another Polpharma API strategic milestone achieved! ‍ KiloLab Laboratory - a development and production in a kilogram scale - has been launche

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First CADIFA certification from ANVISA for Etodolac

First CADIFA certification from ANVISA for Etodolac

In the dynamic landscape of pharmaceutical regulations, Brazil took a significant stride in April 2020 when ANVISA unveiled new rules about active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Fast forward to Au

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Rising Prevalence of Cancer and Its Impact on the HP API Market

Rising Prevalence of Cancer and Its Impact on the HP API Market

Cancer cases are expected to increase by 61% by 2050, particularly in lower-income countries. This alarming trend underscores the urgent need for more effective and targeted treatment options. In resp

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Polpharma Group's environmental responsibility

Polpharma Group's environmental responsibility

We understand that a healthy world that we strive to contribute to through our mission includes a healthy environment. As a manufacturing company, we are committed to reducing our environmental impact

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An Overview of Breast Cancer: Understanding Risks, Treatments, and Market Trends

An Overview of Breast Cancer: Understanding Risks, Treatments, and Market Trends

Breast cancer is a disease characterized by the uncontrolled growth of cells in the breast tissue. It is the second most common cancer type overall, and the most prevalent cancer among women worldwide

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Polpharma's HP API facility is live!

Polpharma's HP API facility is live!

An extraordinary investment in the API sector - a new facility adapted to work with highly potent active pharmaceutical ingredients (HP API), the first and only of its kind in Poland.

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Addressing Nitrosamine Risks in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

Addressing Nitrosamine Risks in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

In the relentless pursuit of excellence and delivering top-quality products, the pharmaceutical industry often relies on established facts and practices. However, thi

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A Comprehensive Overview and Prognosis of the Diabetes Market

A Comprehensive Overview and Prognosis of the Diabetes Market

Diabetes is one of the most serious health problems in the modern world.

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Upcoming events

DCAT 2025

DCAT 2025

In-person event

17-03-2025

World ADC London 2025

World ADC London 2025

In-person event

03-03-2025

CEBioForum

CEBioForum

In-person event

02-04-2025

Learn more
IOPC Prague

IOPC Prague

In-person event

09-06-2025

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BIO International BOSTON

BIO International BOSTON

In-person event

16-06-2025

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World ADC San Diego

World ADC San Diego

In-person event

03-11-2025

CPHI WW 2025 Frankfurt

CPHI WW 2025 Frankfurt

In-person event

28-10-2025

CPHI China 2025

CPHI China 2025

In-person event

24-06-2025

Services

  • New chemical routes full development
  • Process optimization
  • Technical transfer
  • Analytical methods development, transfer, validation
  • Troubleshooting
  • Crystallization studies
  • Particle size distribution control

Our Pilot Plant is an independent, small scale FDA approved production facility counting more than 25 reactors and vessels from 50 to 650 L for a total of 6...

Drug Substance (CDMO/CRO)

Biologics are complex medicines derived from living cells, used in treating diseases such as cancer, autoimmune disorders, and more. CDMOs specializing in biologics offer capabilities in cell line development, upstream/downstream processing, and sterile fill-finish.
Fine chemicals are pure, complex chemicals produced in limited quantities for use in pharma and biotech. CDMOs offer synthesis, scale-up, and high-purity manufacturing to support drug substance production.
Pharmaceutical intermediates are compounds used in the production of APIs. CDMOs play a crucial role in synthesizing, scaling, and ensuring the quality of these intermediate compounds to support efficient drug manufacturing.
Peptides are short chains of amino acids with therapeutic potential across endocrinology, oncology, and metabolic disorders. CDMOs offer synthesis, purification, and formulation services tailored to peptide APIs and drug products.
Small molecule APIs form the backbone of many pharmaceutical drugs due to their low molecular weight and ease of synthesis. They are widely used in treating a range of diseases and are typically produced through chemical synthesis in GMP-compliant facilities.

Contact Polpharma for Contract Services Expertise

Connect with Polpharma, a leading pharmaceutical company from Poland. They offer specialized Drug Substance (CDMO/CRO). Contact Polpharma for free and discover if they are the perfect partner for your pharmaceutical needs.

Drug Substance (CDMO/CRO)

What is Drug Substance outsourcing (CDMO/CRO)?

Drug Substance (often called the API, active pharmaceutical ingredient) is the active ingredient that becomes the core of a medicine before it is formulated into tablets, capsules, injectables, or other dosage forms. Outsourcing this stage typically involves a pharmaceutical CDMO that provides CDMO services such as process development, scale-up, tech transfer, and CDMO manufacturing under GMP.

We use CDMO/CRO here because many partners combine development and manufacturing, and some also offer CRO-style support (specialized analytical development, early-stage research services, feasibility work). Buyers searching for CDMO outsourcing usually want one thing: a partner that can reliably deliver the right API at the right quality level for the target markets (FDA, EMA, PMDA and others).

  • Choose a CDMO when you need process development, scale-up, tech transfer, validation, and GMP manufacturing.
  • Add CRO support when you need specialized analytical work, feasibility studies, or research-heavy services alongside CDMO execution.
  • Prioritize experience fit: similar chemistry/biology, potency/containment, and comparable scales over “labels”.
  • Use this directory to compare CDMO companies by capability, credentials, scale, and region.

Drug Substance buyer guide (CDMO/CRO)

These quick notes help you evaluate CDMO outsourcing partners for drug substance manufacturing without reading a full outsourcing handbook.

When do you need a CDMO vs CRO (or both)?

In drug substance work, a CDMO typically owns the “development + manufacturing” path, while CRO services are used to accelerate specific research or analytical tasks. In practice, many contract development manufacturing organization partners offer both.

  • CDMO: process development, scale-up, tech transfer, validation, GMP manufacturing.
  • CRO support: specialized analytical development, rapid feasibility, early-stage research services.
  • Best practice: choose by scope and proven experience at your required scale and potency, not the label.
What to ask a Drug Substance CDMO
  • Containment/OEB: What potency ranges do you routinely handle and how is containment validated?
  • Analytics: Which methods and impurity profiling are in-house vs outsourced?
  • Scale-up: How do you move from kilo lab to commercial campaigns? What are typical risks?
  • Markets: Which regulatory markets do you actively support (FDA, EMA, PMDA, etc.)?
  • Reliability: How do you manage change control, deviations/CAPA, and supply continuity?
Key terms (Drug Substance)
  • API: the active pharmaceutical ingredient (drug substance).
  • Intermediate: upstream material used before the final API step.
  • HPAPI / OEB: potency classifications that drive containment requirements.
  • GMP readiness: quality maturity and documentation needed for target markets.
  • Tech transfer: moving process + analytics from R&D into GMP execution.

Drug Substance CDMO services FAQ

Common questions buyers ask when comparing CDMO companies for drug substance (API) manufacturing.

What does “Drug Substance manufacturing” mean?

Drug substance manufacturing is the development and production of the active ingredient (API) used in a medicine. It often includes process development, scale-up, GMP manufacturing, analytical methods, and documentation for target markets.

What is a pharmaceutical CDMO?

A pharmaceutical CDMO is a contract partner that provides development and manufacturing services, often end-to-end: process development, scale-up, tech transfer, validation, and GMP production (CDMO manufacturing).

Why do you label this as CDMO/CRO?

Many drug substance partners offer both CDMO execution and CRO-style support, such as specialized analytical development, feasibility work, and early-stage research services. The right choice depends on scope, not the label.

When should I involve a CRO in drug substance work?

Involve CRO support when you need specialized analytical development, rapid feasibility work, or research-heavy services that complement the CDMO scope. Many buyers use CDMO services for development + manufacturing and add CRO services for specific tasks.

How do I shortlist CDMO companies quickly for API manufacturing?

Start with scope (development vs manufacturing), then match capability (chemistry/biology, potency, scale), validate GMP credentials and supported markets (FDA/EMA/PMDA), and finally check capacity and lead times.

What should I include in an RFQ to a Drug Substance CDMO?

Include API type, stage, batch sizes and annual demand estimate, target markets, known impurities/critical quality attributes, required containment/OEB, timeline, and which services you expect (process development, tech transfer, GMP manufacturing, QC).

Do I need a dedicated HPAPI facility?

If potency or OEB limits require closed handling and validated containment, shortlist partners with dedicated suites, documented exposure controls, and experience with similar compounds at comparable scales.

How important is in-house analytical capability?

Very. In-house analytical development and QC often reduce transfer friction and shorten timelines. Ask what is truly in-house (methods, stability, impurity profiling) versus outsourced.

What GMP evidence should I look for?

Look for relevant inspections/certifications aligned to your target markets (FDA, EMA, etc.), and confirm that the specific facility and suites are in-scope. Mature quality systems (deviations/CAPA, change control) matter as much as certificates.

What affects CDMO outsourcing timelines the most?

Process complexity, containment requirements, analytical method readiness, documentation needs for target markets, and capacity constraints. Clear scope and good transfer documentation reduce delays.

Can a biotech CDMO also support small molecule APIs?

Sometimes, but often facilities and expertise differ. Validate modality fit (biologics vs chemical-synthetic), equipment and containment, and comparable project references.

How do I compare CDMO services fairly across providers?

Compare on scope (what’s included), proven experience at similar scales, GMP maturity, analytical capabilities, supported markets, lead times, and how change control and deviations are handled. Use filters above to remove obvious mismatches first.

Polpharma


We are one of the leading European CDMO companies with over seven decades of experience in supporting patients’ health ​with high-quality APIs.

We offer comprehensive capabilities that span a broad spectrum of cutting-edge technologies and end-to-end solutions—from process development to large-scale commercial production. Our expertise includes:

Our cutting-edge facilities for R&D, pilot production, manufacturing, and quality control, combined with the extensive expertise in developing and manufacturing highly complex APIs, enable us to offer a diverse range of services across the entire value chain. Supported by an engaged, highly skilled, and accountable team of nearly 500 experts, we partner with clients throughout the entire product life cycle, from early-stage clinical candidates to commercial launches, ensuring seamless collaboration and consistent results at every stage.