Corning, SGD Pharma sign JV to open new glass tubing facility

Corning Incorporated and SGD Pharma announced a joint venture that includes the opening of a new glass tubing facility to expand pharma manufacturing in India and allows SGD Pharma to adopt Corning’s Velocity Vial technology platform.

A company statement informed, “Combining SGD Pharma’s vial-converting expertise with Corning’s proprietary glass-coating technology, the collaboration will enhance vial quality, improve filling-line productivity, and speed the global delivery of injectable treatments. SGD Pharma and Corning have broken ground on a new pharma glass tubing facility in Telangana, India. Together, the two companies will help drug makers respond to increasingly complex capacity and quality issues while meeting global demand for critical medicines.”

“The partnership with Corning represents yet another step in our strategy to advance converting technology in the pharmaceutical industry and secure our supply chain. The introduction of Velocity Vials will contribute to the ongoing evolution of our offerings and services and will expand our portfolio of high-quality tubular glass packaging. We see an opportunity for the industry to improve drug filling quality and performance capabilities by transitioning to Corning’s coated vial technology,” said Olivier Rousseau, CEO SGD Pharma.

 “Corning is advancing pharmaceutical glass technology to help our customers address their most pressing challenges – globally and locally. The joint venture with SGD Pharma supports our continued global expansion as we localise manufacturing for our customers. The collaboration also strengthens our leadership position in the industry and underscores our commitment to India’s high-growth market,” said Ron Verkleeren, senior vice president and general manager of Corning’s Life Sciences Market Access Platform.

Manufacturing of Velocity Vials at SGD Pharma’s facility in Vemula, India, is expected to begin in 2024. Pharma tubing production is expected to begin in 2025.