Sterile Drug Product Accelerated

Your sterile
drug product, accelerated.

From formulation to CMC documentation in just 16 weeks.

Aseptic Processing 3 Chamber Isolator

Getting you clinical submission ready, with speed.

Sterile-finish isolator image with scientist working on biotech project.

Our sterile manufacturing platform delivers liquid formulation in vials,
backed by Annex 1-aligned sterility assurance, designed to get your
sterile program to Phase I faster.

Securing small-scale sterile manufacturing capacity remains one of the most time-consuming and unpredictable stages of
development.

Traditional CDMO models typically require prolonged onboarding, internal queueing, multiple site interfaces and large amounts of internal red tape, all of which can lead to timelines of 6 months+ before a
complete CMC package is available.

Our platform is different. Speed, scale, and no surprises.

How we do it.

sterile timeline

Parallel workstreams from day one.

Every stage defined, every milestone fixed, every workstream sequenced to protect the endpoint. From molecule assessment at week one to final CMC documentation at week 16, the pathway is agreed before the science starts. What follows is execution, not estimation.

The 16-week timeline isn’t theoretical. It’s built on decades of delivering accelerated development in complex dosage forms, underpinned by more than 25 years of non-sterile formulation development and acceleration, where speed, precision, and risk mitigation are already embedded into how we work.

We don’t just define the pathway. We have the infrastructure, capability, and experience to deliver it.

Sterile fill-finish facility with liquid filling a vial.

Get to Phase I faster with an Annex 1 aligned sterile facility.

Dedicated 7,000 sq. ft sterile manufacturing facility with integrated R&D and QC laboratories.

  • Flexible aseptic processing and fill/finish processes
  • Rapid transfer three chamber solid wall VHP isolator technology
  • Liquid in 2R – 20R vials
  • Advanced contamination
    control strategies

Delivery you can rely on. Acceleration you can evidence.

Case study

Rapid technical transfer to clinical manufacture.

Case study

Reformulation and Phase I clinical manufacture within 3 months

Start a technical conversation with our team.

Get in touch to discuss your molecule with our experts.

From formulation to CMC documentation in 16 weeks.

Your sterile drug product, accelerated. Download our guide to learn more about our process, expertise, and facility.

Guided Virtual Tour

Step inside our sterile manufacturing facility with one of our experts.

Proven Expertise - Case Study

Rapid tech transfer to clinical manufacture.

Upperton delivered an exceptionally fast and complex tech transfer of a nasal spray programme,with the goal of reaching UK clinical dosing within just three months, an unusually ambitious timeline.

Technical Delivery

Upperton managed the full end-to-end process, including technical transfer, R&D feasibility, onboarding new equipment, and coordinating API and material logistics. Work spanned multiple molecules, with successful completion of a placebo tech batch, stability establishment, and progression into GMP manufacture. Delivery was strengthened by co-located CDMO functions, enabling seamless collaboration.

Collaboration & Flexibility

The partnership was defined by strong collaboration, transparency, and responsiveness. Upperton’s team worked closely with the client, enabling rapid decision-making and shared ownership of outcomes. Exceptional flexibility was demonstrated, including adjusting batch sizes with just 24 hours’ notice, an uncommon capability in the industry.

Delivery & Outcomes

All milestones were achieved on time and with high quality. Clinical batches were manufactured, released, and delivered for UK dosing within three months, maintaining compliance and cost control throughout.

Client Feedback

The client praised Upperton’s professionalism, flexibility, and proactive approach, describing the partnership as transformative and instrumental in successfully achieving critical milestones.

Proven Expertise - Case study

Reformulation and Phase 1 clinical manufacture within 3 months.

Upperton partnered with a client requiring urgent reformulation of a nasal product due to stability issues with an existing liquid format. The objective was to rapidly convert the formulation into a spray-dried powder suitable for Phase 1 clinical evaluation within an accelerated timeline.

Scientific Delivery

Upperton initiated comprehensive R&D, including API characterisation, prototype development, spray drying trials, and evaluation of powder morphology and stability.

Lead formulations progressed to informal stability studies and supported preclinical material supply, alongside development of a matching placebo. Analytical methods were also established for assay, impurities, emitted dose, and microbiology to support clinical release.

As project requirements evolved, Upperton rapidly adapted plans, incorporating regulatory feedback such as placebo inclusion and revised fill weights, despite limited API availability.

Speed, Flexibility & Collaboration

Upperton demonstrated exceptional agility, progressing from proposal to clinical manufacture and QP release within just three months. Close coordination with a third-party partner ensured timely clinical labelling, release, and EU delivery within the required dosing window. Transparent communication and real-time milestone tracking enabled efficient decision-making and programme alignment.

Impact

The client successfully initiated Phase 1a dosing within three months, with resulting data supporting further optimisation of the lead formulation. The project highlights Upperton’s strength in rapid scientific problem-solving, adaptability, and delivery of high-quality outcomes under demanding timelines.

Download Our Fact Sheet: The New Rules of CDMO Partnerships

What Biotechs Should Be Looking For Next

Meet our team at CPHI Milan

Come and talk to us at Booth H74 in Hall 10

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Book a discovery call.

Speak with our team of experts and set up a discovery call to discuss your project in more detail.