Adragos Pharma is working to expand its business in Japan this year. In its Japanese operations, the company plans to complete the solid dosage production capacity of one billion tablets at its core facility, the Kawagoe site in Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture, which was acquired from Sanofi in 2023. Additionally, it aims to invest in expanding to a two-billion-tablet production system. This initiative is designed to contribute to the stable supply of pharmaceuticals, a key concern of Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare. Adragos Pharma intends to strengthen solid dosage production capacity at an early stage through collaboration with pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors.
Furthermore, Adragos Pharma is considering business investments in biopharmaceuticals and expanding its operational footprint. In 2024, the Kawagoe site exceeded its initial budget performance. Moving forward, the company aims to enhance contract manufacturing by maintaining high-quality standards and compliance systems, sharing transparent processes based on a customer-centric approach, and building trust with its clients.
Henny Zijlstra, Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) of Adragos in Germany, said, “We are a newly established company in 2020, and we have been trying to grow mainly in Europe, but you might wonder why Adragos Kawagoe in Japan is performing so well,” she says. “I think one of the reasons is that we have a customer-centric mindset in Kawagoe as well.”
What is a customer-centric operation? She points to “transparent communication.” For example, the technology transfer department has been made the main point of contact, and the technology transfer is carried out visibly on an agreed-upon timeline. The non-disclosure agreement is signed promptly to shorten the time required for technology transfer.
“This will be one of the key attractions for new clients who are not yet familiar with our approach,” she emphasizes. “Transparent operations are the first key to winning trust. Since Adragos Kawagoe was originally a Sanofi facility, the company is familiar with the systematic and efficient operation of a foreign-affiliated company—an advantage in this market.”
She adds, “Even though the Kawagoe site was converted to a CDMO, its employees’ dedication to success and ability to adapt to the new business model were key factors. It has been recognized by global headquarters as one of the company’s most successful transformations.”
She cites high-quality control and compliance systems as preconditions for these efforts. She emphasizes, “Quality is absolutely non-negotiable and remains our highest priority.”
In Japan, where manufacturing scandals have frequently occurred, quality assurance is a significant concern. Under the leadership of the Chief Scientific Officer (CSO), Adragos Pharma is focused on maintaining global-quality standards across the U.S., Europe, and Japan while fostering a corporate culture dedicated to upholding quality practices.
Adragos Pharma intends to continue investing aggressively in Japan. In addition to the production and packaging of small-molecule drugs, the company is also considering involvement in biopharmaceuticals, including biosimilars, which are expected to see market expansion. Although specific plans are yet to be determined, Zijlstra noted, “We are considering whether to expand our expertise in inspection and packaging or to enhance our capabilities by introducing vial and pre-filled syringe filling equipment. By 2025, we plan to formulate concrete strategies based on market trends.”
Finally, she shares a message with readers: “We are still not well known in the Japanese market. Japanese clients tend to be cautious about changing their manufacturing partners. However, I strongly encourage them to visit the Kawagoe site. Beyond just the facilities, we believe that our operational framework and quality culture will leave a positive impression.”
