Almirall S.A., a global biopharmaceutical company focused on medical dermatology, entered into an agreement with Centrient Pharmaceuticals, a global business-to-business pioneer in sustainable, biosynthetic pharmaceutical products, including antibiotics, next-generation statins, and anti-fungals, to open its new dedicated innovation lab at Almirall’s R&D center in Barcelona.

Centrient’s new Innovation Laboratory will start operations in the first quarter of 2024.

The center serves as a hub where researchers from biotech companies, startups, universities, and other scientific institutions can collaborate fostering an environment for innovation. Through this partnership with Centrient, following an earlier agreement with ZeClinics earlier this year, Almirall reinforces its mission to create a platform where knowledge and science intersect.

Through the establishment of an Innovation Laboratory at Almirall’s R&D facilities, Centrient seeks to leverage its manufacturing and process development acumen, emerging as a crucial player within an open innovation paradigm. 

The laboratory’s core focus areas encompass Centrient’s biotechnology expertise, including strain conservation, strain and enzyme development, industrial microbiology, laboratory-scale fermentation, and enzyme processing and application.

Rex Clements, CEO Centrient Pharmaceuticals, said, “The new Innovation Laboratory is an exhilarating strategic leap for Centrient Pharmaceuticals. It will enable us to cement our position as a technology leader, generate enduring value for our stakeholders, and secure a more competitive market standing. By building upon our existing capabilities in product and process innovation, we are poised to cultivate a broader and more diverse product portfolio rooted in innovative, sustainable manufacturing practices. Our aspiration is to continue driving positive transformation within the healthcare industry and society at large, expanding our impact to reach more patients worldwide.”

Karl Ziegelbauer, Almirall’s chief scientific officer said, “This agreement to host Centrient’s innovation lab at our R&D center underscores Almirall’s commitment to fostering a collaborative environment for cutting-edge innovation. At Almirall, we have always prioritized innovation, and this collaboration is another step forward in our mission to support research projects for biotech companies, start-ups, universities, and more.”