Symbiosis Pharmaceutical Services, a global contract manufacturing organization (CMO), has reached a significant operational milestone with the successful completion of its 1,000th sterile drug product batch, marking 14 years of growth in the injectable pharmaceuticals manufacturing sector.
Company Evolution and Manufacturing Capabilities
Since its founding in 2011, Symbiosis has transformed from a Scottish startup into an internationally recognized sterile manufacturer of injectable drug products. The company now supports both clinical development and commercial supply across diverse therapeutic areas, delivering complex injectable products that span monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), viral vectors, small molecules, and advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs).
The Stirling-based facility currently supports clients through phase I, II, and III clinical trials, as well as commercial-scale manufacturing operations globally. The company's manufacturing capabilities have been demonstrated through its consistent track record of successful GMP inspections from regulatory agencies including the US FDA and UK MHRA.
COVID-19 Vaccine Manufacturing Contribution
Symbiosis played a pivotal role in the clinical development of the Oxford University/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, manufacturing nearly one million doses at its Stirling facility. This production supported clinical trials and enabled accelerated regulatory approval in the UK, demonstrating the company's capacity to respond to urgent global health needs.
Leadership Perspective and Recent Achievements
"Reaching our 1,000th batch is a proud moment for everyone at Symbiosis," said Colin MacKay, CEO of Symbiosis. "As global demand for sterile drug products rises, it reflects our commitment to manufacturing excellence and our shared purpose of helping deliver life-saving medicines to patients faster."
MacKay highlighted 2025 as a landmark year for the organization, noting the company's recognition with the King's Award for Enterprise in International Trade and the launch of a new automated commercial-scale manufacturing facility in Stirling.
Operational Infrastructure and Services
The Symbiosis facilities in Stirling, Scotland, are designed for biologic and small molecule pharmaceutical production, supporting biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies worldwide that require sterile injectable pharmaceutical products manufactured in short timeframes. The company offers comprehensive services including aseptic fill/finish of medicines into vials, analytical testing, QP release of product, inspection, labeling, packaging, and GMP temperature-controlled storage and shipment of medicines.
The company maintains MHRA licensing and FDA inspection status, with regulatory compliance, technical capability, and operational flexibility forming core elements of its value proposition. Through direct access to experienced life science experts, Symbiosis has demonstrated consistent annual growth and built long-term relationships with its global client base.
