Colleen Dixon President and CEO SELKIRK PHARMA
What inspired the founding of Selkirk Pharma?
Selkirk Pharma was founded in 2019 by a group of professionals with experience in CDMOs, particularly fill-finish and parentals. They recognized that older facilities failed to meet current industry standards. Selkirk set out to design a facility that meets FDA and EU Annex 1 standards.. Uniquely, Selkirk was funded by a large group of individual investors including doctors, pharmacists, and businesspeople from the Pacific Northwest, without no institutional backing. What principles are foundational in Selkirk Pharma's greenfield facility?
Our facility design centered around three core ideas to be in compliance with FDA and EU regulatory requirements. First, we decided to follow the more stringent CGMP EU Annex 1 regulations. a computer-based system that ensures unidirectional flow and improves contamination control. Second, was the superior isolator technology for fill-finish. Third, we adapted our systems to support the new Pharma 4.0 framework, defined by the ISPE, integrating modern technologies, and eliminating old paper systems. How has patient centricity impacted the pharmaceutical industry and the role of CMOs?
The diversity and type of drugs exploded. Therapies and modalities will continue to diversify as the patient-first approach focuses on developing therapies specific to disease states and rare diseases, tailored to individual patients. For CMOs, this means dealing with more complex needs and requirements. What are your future goals?
Our goal is to expand our client base and collaborate with more companies throughout the year.
In the midterm – we are focused on expanding capacity through investment in new multi-use lines for syringes, vials, and cartridges, with the flexibility to handle both ready-to-use components and bulk production.
Our long-term vision involves gradual expansion over the next 10 years on our 29-acre campus. While we grow, we will continue to focus on speed-to-market, agility, and efficient data movement.
Keith Dodson Executive Director, Business Development and Head US Marketing PORTON PHARMA
How does Porton’s recent partnership with Dragon Sail fit into the company’s strategy?
Dragon Sail is a China-based antibody CDMO with a global reach. Through this collaboration, Porton can offer not just drug conjugation but also antibody development and manufacturing to clients. Partnerships like the one with Dragon Sail help us fast-track programs when internal capabilities are not enough. We are always exploring new partnerships to meet evolving client needs. How does Porton’s expertise in drug substance set it apart in the market?
Porton can adjust crystal structure, particle size, and final form — all crucial for a successful drug product. We work with the Enabling Technology Consortium, an industry group focusing on co-processing. We enhance the drug substance without altering its chemical structure, making it more bioavailable and more soluble, increasing the chances of developing a more successful final product. How does Porton Pharma prioritize sustainability?
Green chemistry and sustainability are becoming key requirements from big pharma. Porton committed to Science Based Targets Initiative (STBI) in 2024. Two of our Shanghai sites signed onto the Sustainable Market Initiative (SMI) process. We invest in advanced technologies like flow chemistry to reduce waste, minimize energy use, and improve synthetic efficiency. Sustainability is a strategic investment. By reducing environmental impact, we also achieve long-term cost savings and boost profitability. With generic medicines in mind, considering the total carbon footprint is crucial. What key trends are unfolding in the industry?
The market shifted from traditional oral solid dosage forms to more complex modalities. Biologics grew rapidly, CGT gained momentum, and COVID accelerated mRNA development. GLP-1s spurred interest in oligonucleotides, reshaping the industry. However, small molecules remain the backbone of the pharmaceutical pipeline. Even as they evolve, with more complex structures like PROTACs and high-potency APIs, they continue to play a crucial role in drug development.