CUSTOM PRODUCERS END DIFFICULT YEAR: Pharmaceutical ingredient makers look for renewed interest in 2005

THE PACE OF ACTIVITY WAS frenetic at the 15th annual CPhI Worldwide trade show in Brussels last week. Producers of fine and custom chemicals were cautiously optimistic that changes within the industry might start yielding positive results next year, after a difficult 2004. Many industry players, including those working in niche areas, said they are pleased with the level of customer interest they are seeing. Some, especially the larger companies, are hoping that their recent restructurings will better position their businesses. Success also seems to depend on where companies target their activities. Sigma-Aldrich, which officially launched its new fine chemicals business SAFC at the meeting, said its spring acquisition of Ultrafine has given it a full range of capabilities to support customers from the preclinical stage through clinical development to commercialization. The move has contributed in part to a doubling of inquiries over the past six months, said Ed Roullard, director of ...