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Chemfield is part of a first generation, family-run conglomerate called Field Group (FG). FG has a strong footprint in multiple high growth sectors including distribution, mining & manufacturing. FG topline is currently USD 30 million and the company is poised for a major growth trajectory in coming years.
This week, SpeakPharma interviews four senior executives of LGM Pharma — Shailesh Vengurlekar (Senior VP, Quality and Regulatory Affairs), Deepak Thassu (Senior VP, R&D and Regulatory Submission), Selwyn Lustman (Senior VP, Global Sourcing and Procurement), and Mike Stenberg (VP, Business Development). The four VPs talk about expansion in manufacturing capabilities of the Florida-based contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), expertise that makes LGM a strong partner and the criteria it adopts while selecting its suppliers.
HIGHLIGHTS// expansion in manufacturing capabilities/ expertise that makes LGM a strong partner/ criteria for selecting its suppliers
LGM Pharma recently invested heavily in expanding its CDMO capabilities by 50 percent. Can you share why offering standalone analytical testing services is important to LGM Pharma’s growth strategy? How does it benefit your clients?
Vengurlekar: This recent expansion in CDMO capabilities is part of LGM Pharma’s growth strategy that lays importance on diversification.
One key area of this diversification is the offering of
standalone Analytical Testing Services (ATS). This service plays a crucial role
in supporting our clients by providing them with greater flexibility and
reliability.
LGM Pharma is already a well-established leader in the API
supply chain. We have now identified a significant need in the market and are
now serving compounding pharmacies, including 503A and 503B facilities. These
pharmacies not only require high-quality, GMP-compliant APIs, but also need a
trusted, compliant, and capable laboratory to analyze both their APIs and
compounded products.
Recognizing this opportunity to further support our clients, LGM Pharma has expanded into ATS. We have witnessed tremendous growth since we’ve launched these services. By offering ATS under a separate legal entity — LGM Pharma Solutions — we are able to provide an additional layer of flexibility to our clients.
This structure eliminates any conflict of interest. While
LGM Pharma LLC handles API supply, LGM Pharma Solutions focuses on delivering
top-tier ATS, all under the same LGM Pharma umbrella. This setup enhances trust
and allows our clients to work with us more seamlessly.
HIGHLIGHTS// diversified into standalone ATS/ well-established leader in API supply chain/ serving compounding pharmacies/ offering APIs and ATS under different legal entities.
While suppositories offer clear advantages for certain medications, can you describe how LGM Pharma plans to leverage its expertise in this area to address specific unmet needs in the growing women’s health market?
Thassu: We’re taking a dual approach to enhance both our R&D and manufacturing capabilities. First, we’ve introduced a new semi-automatic machine that allows us to produce smaller batches more efficiently. This is particularly important for the suppository segment, where demand doesn’t require large-scale production. The new system enables quicker adjustments to the manufacturing process, providing us with greater flexibility of producing small batches.
Second, many of the materials we handle in the women’s health sector are sensitive to heat, light, and oxygen. To address this, we’re upgrading our facility to accommodate these specialized requirements. This ensures we can develop and manufacture products while maintaining the integrity of heat-, light-, and oxygen-sensitive ingredients.
Additionally, we’re working closely with clients to prepare for various technical challenges. Whether it’s processing homeopathic ingredients or handling delicate fermentation-based materials, which are highly sensitive to both light and heat, our team has upgraded its skills and equipment to manage these complexities.
From technology advancements in manufacturing to specialized handling conditions and improved technical expertise, we’ve made significant strides to ensure we can meet the evolving needs of our clients and their products.
HIGHLIGHTS// dual approach to enhance R&D and manufacturing capabilities/ upgrading facilities to accommodate specialized requirements/ working with clients to address challenges.
The
pandemic underscored supply chain problems. Can you detail the
specific criteria LGM Pharma uses while selecting suppliers for its
manufacturing processes?
Lustman: LGM looks
at many facets of a manufacturer before proceeding to approve them for a
specific project. We start by checking their regulatory history with the US
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other authorities. We try to find out if
they have received any warning letters. What is their inspection history? Have
they received NAIs (no action indicated) and VAIs (voluntary action indicated)?
We further investigate the company’s overall business status — we need to know that they are a stable partner to work with in the long term.
Manufacturers are then assessed for their overall technology and the number of employees working in various fields, such as R&D, quality control, quality assurance, regulatory affairs, manufacturing, and the educational levels of these employees.
Once we have established that the manufacturer is a
potential partner, we check their status for a particular project. We look at
their advantages, and whether they have a non-infringing route of synthesis
(ROS) that will allow early launch. Are they developing a second process that
will be more competitive in pricing? And, does the manufacturer have the
necessary capacity and/or spare capacity for the project that we are assessing?
We need to know whether the drug master file (DMF) has been registered, the current batch size, and the potential for increase in batch size. Pricing is a key indicator — we need to know whether the pricing of the manufacturer is competitive or not, and if the manufacturer will be able to compete in the future as the project matures.
LGM always assesses for quality, price, and delivery. Goods
must be of the correct quality, at the right price, with delivery time as
desired, in order to meet commercial needs.
HIGHLIGHTS// investigate various facets of manufacturer before approving them for a project/ look at advantages, non-infringing ROS/ assess for quality, price, delivery
Can you highlight specific capabilities and experiences LGM Pharma possesses that make it a strong partner for companies developing antibody-drug-conjugates (ADCs)?
Stenberg: ADCs are often peptides linked with small molecules. However, they may also be peptides linked with oligonucleotides. Regardless, LGM can help manage the supply chain associated with the components that are used in the conjugation of the ADC.
LGM has extensive experience, and an extensive network around sourcing and managing the supply chain associated with ADC components. LGM’s experience and capabilities extend to sourcing peptides, small molecules or oligonucleotides used in the conjugation process.
Additionally, given our deep relationships in the supply chain aspect of this process, LGM may also be able to identify partners who can help with the conjugation process itself.
HIGHLIGHTS// extensive experience, network around sourcing, managing supply chain associated with ADC components / identify partners that can help with conjugation process
Drug Master Files, or DMFs, are confidential documents that play a crucial role in the pharmaceutical industry. These files, submitted to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), contain detailed information about ingredients, manufacturing processes, and packaging of medicines. They help the FDA oversee drug quality.
Of the four types, Type II DMFs involve active
pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) for both branded and generic drugs. The third quarter (Q3) of 2024 saw Type II DMF submissions set a new record. A total of 309 Type II DMFs were submitted to the FDA during this period, a substantial 24.6 percent increase over Q3 2023 (with 248 submissions). The second quarter of 2024 too saw a remarkable increase, with 237 Type II DMFs being submitted compared to 178 in Q2 2023.
View FDA DMF Filings in Q3 2024 (Power BI Dashboard, Free Excel Available)
China witnesses steep rise in
DMF submissions, beats India with maximum filings
In Q3 2024, China filed 153 DMFs submissions, marking a substantial 57.7 percent increase from the 97 submissions filed in Q3 2023. India maintained its strong position but fell to the number two spot with 110 DMFs, representing a modest 3.8 percent increase from 106 in Q3 2023. The US, which came a distant third, saw a slight decline in DMF submissions, with 13 filed in Q3 2024, as compared to 18 in Q3 2023.
For several years, India had a lead in Type II DMFs. Since 2020, which marked the start of the pandemic, we have noticed a gradual increase in DMFs filed by China. This year, China has surpassed India considerably in the first three quarters. During the first nine months of 2024, China submitted 372, while India filed 286 DMFs. If this lead is maintained in Q4, DMFs from China will surpass that of India in 2024.
Amongst European countries, Spain led with seven DMFs, followed by
Italy at four, and Germany and the Netherlands at three each. Among other
nations, Japan contributed six while Israel submitted four DMFs.
In company-wise tally, China’s Jiangsu East-Mab Biomedical Technology topped the list with an impressive 14 DMFs. On its heels were Indian companies — MSN at 13 DMFs, and Vamsi Labs and Hetero Drugs at nine DMFs each.
China’s Porton Pharma and Wuxi AppTec filed five,
while Shanghai Keze Yongxin Biotechnology, and Qingdao Glycogene Pharmaceutical contributed four submissions each. India's Maithri Drugs also submitted four.
Japanese company Santeja filed five. Overall, Asia accounted for nearly 90 percent, with China contributing a dominant 49.5 percent of all DMF submissions. India was at 35.6 percent, the US at 4.2 percent, while Europe contributed 6.5 percent.
View FDA DMF Filings in Q3 2024 (Power BI Dashboard, Free Excel Available)
Diabetes, obesity, cancer, women’s health drugs emerge as hot molecules in Q3 2024
In terms of molecules, semaglutide (used for the treatment of
type 2 diabetes and weight management) and relugolix (to treat prostate cancer
and uterine fibroids) saw six DMF filings each in Q3 2024, indicating
significant industry interest in these compounds.
Following closely behind were semaglutide’s competitor tirzepatide and overactive bladder
therapy vibegron, garnering four DMFs each. Finerenone (a non-steroidal drug for
chronic kidney disease associated with type 2 diabetes) and voclosporin (an immunosuppressant for lupus nephritis) saw three DMFs each.
The last quarter also witnessed the introduction of 14 molecules
with first-time DMFs. Among them were acetoxy empagliflozin, cabozantinib fumarate, tivozanib hydrochloride
monohydrate, diosmetin, trilaciclib, clenbuterol hydrochloride, fenoterol hydrobromide, tapinarof and fezolinetant.
Fezolinetant, with a DMF from Spain’s Moehs Iberica, is the active ingredient in
Astellas’ Veozah, which is the first non-hormonal treatment for
menopausal symptoms approved by the FDA. Tapinarof, filed by India’s Maithri Drugs, is used in Vtama, a novel
steroid-free psoriasis cream.
Other compounds that made their DMF debut include berotralstat, calcium phosphoryl choline
chloride, phloroglucinol dihydrate, belumosudil mesylate and trimethylphloroglucinol.
During Q2 2024, there were 19 drugs that saw DMF submissions for
the first time, including molecules like triptorelin, sorafenib, pralsetinib, trilaciclib dihydrochloride, resmetirom (hepatology) and teneligliptin hydrochloride hydrate (metabolic disorders).
View FDA DMF Filings in Q3 2024 (Power BI Dashboard, Free Excel Available)
GDUFA fee for FY 2025: The FDA’s Generic Drug User Fee
Amendments (GDUFA) is a law designed to speed access to safe and effective generic drugs to the public and reduce costs to the industry.
The fiscal year 2025 fee rates were published on July 31, 2024.
The FDA has revised fees under GDUFA III for all categories. While there is a slight increase in the DMF fee from US$ 94,682 in 2024 to US$ 95,084 in 2025, the ANDA fee has witnessed a significant jump — from US$ 252,453 in 2024 to US$ 321,920 in 2025.
FY 2024 and FY 2025 User Fee Rates
Generic drug fee category
Fees rates for FY 2024
Fees rates for FY 2025
Applications:
Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA)
US$ 2,52,453
US$ 3,21,920
Drug Master File (DMF)
US$ 94,682
US$ 95,084
Facilities:
Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API)—Domestic
US$ 40,464
US$ 41,580
API—Foreign
US$ 55,464
US$ 56,580
Finished Dosage Form (FDF)—Domestic
US$ 2,20,427
US$ 2,31,952
FDF—Foreign
US$ 2,35,427
US$ 2,46,952
Contract Manufacturing Organization (CMO)—Domestic
US$ 52,902
US$ 55,668
CMO—Foreign
US$ 67,902
US$ 70,668
GDUFA Program:
Large size operation generic drug applicant
US$ 17,29,629
US$ 18,91,664
Medium size operation generic drug applicant
US$ 6,91,852
US$ 7,56,666
Small business generic drug applicant
US$ 1,72,963
US$ 1,89,166
Our view
The highlight of the last few quarters has been the sharp rise in Type II DMF filings from China. The submission of a DMF is not required by law or any FDA regulation. FDA’s DMF guideline offers guidance on acceptable approaches to meeting regulatory requirements. Moreover, DMFs establish trust in APIs from lesser-known companies.
With a growing emphasis on compliance and quality assurance, it appears that Chinese drug companies are eager to demonstrate their commitment to high standards and build trust in the US market. And that’s good news for the pharmaceutical industry.