Timeline

Formed in 2001 by the late Howard Paterson, Dr Max Shepherd and Dr Tak Hung to commercialise a range of animal remedies that had been developed by Zenith Technology in conjunction with the Otago University.

The company’s manufacturing arm, Waitaki Biosciences, was acquired in 2002.

Waitaki Biosciences amalgamated with PharmaZen and head office was relocated to Christchurch.

Commenced first major CAPEX program since 1987.

Commissioned first purpose design and build vacuum dryer.

Research paper “Vascular events in healthy older women receiving calcium supplementation: randomised controlled trial” published in the British Medical Journal by researchers from the Department of Medicine, University of Auckland, NZ - raises doubts about the safety of rapidly absorbed calcium supplements.

Second research paper published in the BMJ by the same researchers confirms the findings of the 2008 study “Effect of calcium supplements and risk of myocardial infarction on cardiovascular events". Waitaki starts work on further development of its flagship MCH-Cal bone supplement with a view to optimising absorption rates. This product will later be launched as StimuCal.

Major earthquake sees loss of utilities and significant staff disruption. Earthquake delays plans for construction and adds costs to project.

Clinical trial of StimuCal commences at the University of Auckland in 97 post-menopausal women. Further in-vitro research is started on MCH-Cal by the Bone and Joint Research group, University of Auckland “Role of MCH-Cal on osteoblast growth and differentiation” commences.

$1.6m commitment to site expansion.

Abstract of in-vitro work “Osteogenic effect of the protein component extracted from hydroxyapatite crystals” sent to the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research meeting by the Bone and Joint Research group.

Purchased new freeze dryer 1000kg PCT.

Patent application “High Osteocalcin Microcrystalline Hydroxyapatite for Calcium supplementation” filed.

PharmaZen undertook three major projects;

1. Commissioned building extension to accommodate the new vacuum dryer, which was 50% larger than the existing unit.

2. Building extension and installation of 1000kg freeze dryer, increasing freeze drying capacity by 50%.

3. Commissioned design, build and installation of solvent extraction plant for producing high value marine oil and botanical extracts. All processing plant and equipment is purchased and onsite awaiting installation and compliance/consent approvals.

Installation of new 1000 kg freeze dryer and vacuum dryer operational.

Moved into new facilities (Desi Place) to allow for build of GMP dry side facility.

Extraction plant fully permitted and commissioned in December 2016.

Building expansion commenced to house up to three 2000 kg freeze dryers.

GMP Factory build complete.

Successful medsafe audit provides license to manufacture medicines and produce the StimuCal to an Active Pharmaceutical Standard.

Capital raise $2.4m.

Freeze drying capacity increased by 75% with the installation of the largest batch freeze dryer in Australasia. 12 months of fully operational specialised solvent extraction facility capable of extracting oils and other biological fractions from animal, marine and botanical raw materials.

GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) certification – approved to manufacture an “Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient” under a “Licence to Manufacture Medicines” authorised by Medsafe (New Zealand Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Authority).

Purchase of finished product lines – sofgel, hardshell, sachets.

A completely new building at our Port Hills Site, named ‘DOT1’ on Nuttell Drive, effectively doubled the existing capacity for our primary site. This building houses a state of the art 2000kg freeze dryer and additional freight forwarding space complementing the existing sites capabilities.

Breaking ground at a new facility named 'Tawhiri 1' in Rolleston, just south of Christchurch, had an initial build of just under 3000sqm and will house three additional 2000kg freeze dryers, a spray dryer and extraction facilities.

The Energy Hub, a high efficiency, integrated heating and cooling system is operational. Utilising low global warming potential refrigerants it is capable of reducing cooling costs by 10% and heating by 70%.

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A second site in Rolleston, Tawhiri 2, adjacent to Tawhiri 1 is also under construction and will house further freeze drying capabilities and is designed to significantly increase freeze drying capacity. It adds a further 2800spm of manufacturing space with a possibility of six additional 2000kg freeze dryers.