Hikal Limited has strengthened its pharmaceutical research and manufacturing capabilities with the commissioning of an upgraded current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP)-compliant pilot plant at its Research and Technology (R&T) campus in Pune. The company said the new facility will help accelerate drug development, improve process scale-up and support global pharmaceutical companies from early-stage research to clinical manufacturing.
The newly commissioned pilot plant is part of Hikal’s continued investment in expanding its research and development infrastructure. According to the company, the facility has been designed to bridge the gap between laboratory research and commercial-scale production, enabling faster technology transfer and smoother manufacturing processes.
With the addition of the upgraded pilot plant, Hikal aims to strengthen its integrated services in process development, scale-up, technology transfer and clinical-stage manufacturing. The company said the facility will also support the production of preclinical and clinical-phase development materials while maintaining global quality and regulatory standards.
One of the key advantages of the new facility is that researchers and engineers will be able to work together at the same campus throughout different stages of product development. Hikal believes this will improve collaboration, reduce technology transfer timelines and help customers bring pharmaceutical products to the market more efficiently.
The pilot plant has been equipped with modern infrastructure to support a wide range of chemical processes. It includes reactors ranging from 20 litres to 2,000 litres, along with stainless steel and glass-lined equipment. The facility also features advanced systems for distillation and filtration, including Hastelloy Agitated Nutsche Filter Dryers (ANFDs).
In addition, the plant is capable of handling specialised manufacturing processes such as cryogenic reactions, hydrogenation, high-temperature reactions and high-vacuum distillation. These capabilities are expected to provide greater flexibility for pharmaceutical companies developing complex drug molecules.
Commenting on the development, Sameer Hiremath, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Hikal, said the commissioning of the cGMP pilot plant marks an important milestone in strengthening the company’s pharmaceutical development platform. He said the new facility enhances Hikal’s ability to support customers as they move from laboratory-scale research to larger clinical development programmes while maintaining high standards of quality, safety and regulatory compliance.
The company said the expansion reflects its long-term commitment to investing in research, innovation and advanced manufacturing technologies to meet the evolving requirements of global pharmaceutical customers.
Established in 1988, Hikal is a partner to companies operating in the pharmaceutical, animal health, crop protection and specialty chemicals sectors. The company manufactures active pharmaceutical ingredients, intermediates and biocides, serving customers across the global life sciences industry.
Hikal currently operates five manufacturing facilities across Maharashtra, Gujarat and Karnataka, along with its Research and Technology Centre in Pune. Its manufacturing plants have been inspected and certified by international regulatory authorities, while the company continues to focus on sustainable manufacturing practices, product quality and workplace safety.
With the commissioning of its upgraded cGMP pilot plant, Hikal expects to strengthen its position as a development and manufacturing partner for pharmaceutical companies while supporting faster innovation and improved product development for global healthcare markets.
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