DUDE CHEM Completes Lab-Scale Batch of the first Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) with KD Pharma
The European pharmaceutical industry is at a critical juncture, facing the dual challenges of increasing supply chain dependencies on Asia and the need for sustainable manufacturing solutions. DUDE CHEM is proud to announce a major milestone in addressing both of these issues: the successful completion of our first pilot project for Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) production, executed entirely in Europe. This project not only demonstrates our ability to deliver cost-effective, green chemistry-driven manufacturing solutions but also marks a significant step toward reducing Europe’s reliance on India and China for essential pharmaceuticals.
Leveraging Green Chemistry and Advanced Modeling
Our journey began in the DUDE CHEM lab, where we formulated the API using our innovative approach, which combines the principles of green chemistry with advanced computational modeling. The objective was clear: create a process that would drastically reduce waste and CO2 emissions, while maintaining the highest production standards. The results were remarkable, with our process cutting 70% of waste and 40% of CO2 emissions compared to traditional industry practices.
Once we achieved success in the lab, it was time for the next phase—bringing this process to life at the manufacturing scale.
Seamless Tech Transfer to European Manufacturing Partner
Our Chief Engineer and Co-founder, Tino Mundt, led the critical step of transferring our process from the lab to the manufacturing site. The tech transfer was executed with precision, and we were able to reproduce the exact same results at the manufacturing facility on the first attempt. This is a significant achievement in a field where inefficiencies or failed transfers can lead to costly delays. Our team collaborated closely with the manufacturer’s in-house experts, familiarizing them with our process and ensuring the smooth integration of our green chemistry methods.
“We are very proud that the colleagues at KD Pharma were able to reproduce our results already in their very first trial. This demonstrates that our approach works: We bring together the best of both worlds which leads to better results, faster.”
- Tino Mundt, Chief Engineer at DUDE CHEM
The tech transfer not only validates our ability to scale API production efficiently but also paves the way for further co-development on pilot batches with this partner. With their support, we are now moving closer to full-scale production, bringing our APIs to market faster, and in a way that adheres to Europe's growing need for sustainable, local solutions.
A Critical Moment for European Pharma Independence
This success couldn’t come at a more crucial time. As the United States takes decisive action to limit dependencies on China for pharmaceutical manufacturing, Europe remains heavily reliant on Asia—especially India and China—for APIs and other critical components. The result is a fragile supply chain vulnerable to disruptions, whether due to political tensions, logistical challenges, or pandemic-related shutdowns.
By offering APIs produced locally in Europe, DUDE CHEM provides a tangible solution to this problem. We offer prices that are on par with Indian suppliers while delivering added value in the form of reduced environmental impact and greater supply chain resilience. This is a game-changer for European pharmaceutical companies looking to reduce their dependence on volatile markets and bring production closer to home.
“We look very much forward to our further collaboration. We are convinced that Europe can compete if we collaborate closely.” - Uwe Westeppe, VP Sales at KD Pharma Group.
The Future of Pharma: Local, Sustainable, and Cost-Effective
DUDE CHEM is not just transforming pharmaceutical manufacturing; we are helping to redefine the future of the European pharma industry. Through green chemistry, computational modeling, and our asset-light business model, we enable pharma companies to produce essential APIs within Europe without the need for costly and resource-heavy in-house manufacturing facilities.
Our innovative model allows us to work with a network of trusted European manufacturing partners, creating a system that is scalable, flexible, and highly efficient. Each tech transfer, like the one we recently completed, showcases our commitment to delivering high-quality, environmentally responsible solutions that meet the rigorous demands of the pharma industry while supporting Europe’s drive for greater autonomy in pharmaceutical production.
This first successful trial is just the beginning. As we move forward, we remain focused on expanding our partnerships, co-developing more APIs with manufacturers across Europe, and proving that sustainable pharmaceutical production is not just possible—it’s the future.
