Capra in second critical API deal

Capra Biosciences, a Virginia-based specialist in modular, continuous bioreactor technology for APIs, has agreed a second investment from the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) of the US Department of Health & Human Services. This is part of a general drive to onshore production of critical APIs that are currently sourced almost exclusively overseas

The $9.5 million agreement follows an initial $7.5 million ASPR award, in July 2024, Capra built an AI-enabled pipeline for rapid development and scaling of biological ingredients. It has since validated production of aspirin and acetaminophen in its bioreactors.

“This continued support enables us to take the next step toward cGMP production and regulatory filings that put these molecules on a path to market,” commented Dr Andrew Magyar, founder and chief technical officer (pictured).

Capra will now apply the rapid development and scale-up capabilities it developed with Google X's A-Life team and Next Rung Technology to further critical pharmaceutical ingredients. This brings the total number of API targets for domestic production to seven. 

The company will also work with the US Pharmacopeia to advance five of them to population-scale, commercially mature manufacturing. The USP’s Pharmatech subsidiary will supply the requisite CMC services.