Sai Life Sciences completes Phase II of PB-11 at its Bidar API facility, boosting total reactor capacity to 700 KL. The block is now the largest at the site, strengthening large-scale CRDMO capabilities.
Production Block 11 (PB-11) Now Largest Single Reactor Volume Block, Boosting Total Site Capacity to 700 KL
Bidar, Karnataka – In a significant boost to its large-scale active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) manufacturing capabilities Sai Life Sciences a leading contract research, development and manufacturing organization (CRDMO) has successfully completed Phase II of its Production Block 11 (PB-11) at its flagship API manufacturing facility in Bidar (Unit IV) Karnataka.
The latest expansion adds 91 KL of reactor capacity in Q1 FY26 bringing the total capacity of PB-11 to an impressive 200 KL. This solidifies PB-11’s position as the largest single reactor volume block at the Bidar site and pushes the facility’s overall installed reactor capacity to 700 KL. The enhancement is strategically designed to meet the growing and complex demands of global pharmaceutical partners.
Engineered for Scale and Complexity
PB-11 is a multi-purpose production block specifically engineered for the commercial-scale manufacturing of APIs. The expansion is not merely about volume; it’s about capability. The Bidar Unit IV is one of Sai Life Sciences’ most advanced sites, featuring:
- 12 dedicated production blocks
- High-potency API (HPAPI) manufacturing capabilities
- Advanced QC laboratories
- Specialized processes including lyophilization, cryogenic, and high-pressure reactions
This infrastructure allows Sai Life Sciences to handle a diverse and complex portfolio of molecules for its global clientele.
Leadership Insight: Building Partner Confidence
Krishna Kanumuri, CEO and Managing Director of Sai Life Sciences, emphasized the strategic intent behind the expansion: “This expansion at Bidar is more than additional capacity — it is about giving our partners the confidence that we can scale with their needs, deliver reliably, and adapt to the increasing complexity of their programs.”
The statement underscores the company’s commitment to being a strategic, long-term partner rather than just a supplier, capable of supporting a drug from development through to commercial-scale production.
A Foundation of Quality and Regulatory Compliance
The Bidar facility’s reputation is built on a foundation of stringent quality standards. It holds approvals from major global regulatory bodies, including:
- USFDA (United States Food and Drug Administration)
- PMDA (Japan’s Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency)
- CDSCO (India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organization)
This regulatory strength is validated by performance; since 2022, the facility has successfully undergone more than 75 customer audits reinforcing its position as a trusted and reliable CRDMO partner in the global pharmaceutical supply chain.
The Big Picture: Meeting Global Demand
This expansion is a direct response to the increasing global demand for outsourced API manufacturing. By significantly scaling its largest production block, Sai Life Sciences is:
- Enhancing Supply Chain Resilience: Offering partners a reliable and scalable source for complex APIs.
- Reducing Time-to-Market: The increased capacity helps avoid bottlenecks, ensuring timely delivery for commercial products.
- Strengthening India’s Pharma Leadership: Positioning India as a hub for high-quality, advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing.
The completion of PB-11’s Phase II marks a pivotal step in Sai Life Sciences’ journey to become a preferred global CRDMO partner, capable of delivering from discovery to commercial supply.
