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Missouri Leads the Charge in API Reshoring and Pharmaceutical Innovation

  • February 28, 2025

Missouri is solidifying its role as a national leader in reshoring active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) research and development. With a strong presence of human health and API-focused businesses, the state is taking decisive action to address vulnerabilities in the U.S. drug supply chain and ensure domestic pharmaceutical security.

Strategic Investments in API Innovation

The State of Missouri has awarded approximately $18 million to support API reshoring efforts and strengthen national pharmaceutical supply chain resilience. 

The Missouri Department of Economic Development recently provided $9.55 million in funding to the API Innovation Center (APIIC) at the University of Missouri–St. Louis (UMSL). This initiative is a crucial step in advancing pharmaceutical R&D and ensuring the domestic manufacturing of critical APIs.

Complementing this investment, APIIC also secured $14 million in federal funding to develop and manufacture essential pharmaceutical ingredients within the United States. These funds will be instrumental in reducing reliance on foreign supply chains and fortifying the resilience of the nation’s biopharma sector.

Missouri is the first state to receive a Defense Production Act (DPA) Title III award for onshoring API manufacturing. Through this federal funding, awarded to APIIC, the Center will lead the domestic production of three critical APIs:

  • Metoprolol
  •  Albuterol
  • Lorazepam

A Model for Reshoring Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

By fostering an environment that supports API research, development, and manufacturing, Missouri is paving the way for innovation and supply chain security. The state’s efforts underscore its leadership in the bioscience sector and its commitment to safeguarding public health through strategic investments in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Missouri’s collaborative approach positions the state as a model for other states looking to mitigate risks associated with offshore manufacturing dependencies.

Missouri is home to several organizations actively engaged in API research and development such as Alcami, VWR, Curia, Apertus, MRIGlobal, Sentio Biosciences, Curium, and Mallinckrodt.

The St. Louis region in particular hosts a robust API manufacturing infrastructure, with companies such as Mallinckrodt, MilliporeSigma, Pfizer, and Thermo Fisher contributing to the talent pipeline and supply chain efficiencies.

Notable Missouri businesses engaged in API manufacturing and development:

API Innovation Center (APIIC): Headquartered in St. Louis, APIIC is a non-profit organization committed to bolstering the U.S. healthcare supply chain by producing domestically manufactured APIs. In December 2024, APIIC awarded a contract to Sentio BioSciences to advance the development and domestic production of two critical pharmaceutical molecules, propofol and bupivacaine, which have historically faced shortages.

Sentio BioSciences: Based in Maryland Heights, Sentio BioSciences is an innovative pharmaceutical company specializing in human and animal health. Founded in 2009, Sentio offers comprehensive services, including research and development, cGMP manufacturing of APIs and finished drug products, and regulatory compliance. Their vertically integrated manufacturing capabilities span from key starting materials to finished drug products.

Apertus Pharmaceuticals: Located in St. Louis, Apertus collaborates with APIIC to enhance the domestic production of essential medications, including cancer treatments. Their partnership focuses on adopting advanced manufacturing technologies to ensure a reliable supply of high-quality, U.S.-made pharmaceuticals.

MRIGlobal: Headquartered in Kansas City, MRIGlobal is an independent, not-for-profit contract research organization. They conduct programs in molecular diagnostics, therapeutics, and other areas, providing solutions through scientific research and technology development for government, industry, and the public.

These organizations collectively contribute to advancing API research and development in Missouri, strengthening the state’s pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities and healthcare innovation.

Missouri: A Hub for API and Human Health Industries

Missouri’s robust ecosystem of human health and API-focused businesses enhances its ability to drive pharmaceutical advancements. The state’s collaborative environment, bolstered by public and private partnerships, enables the rapid development and deployment of life-saving medications. With continued support for reshoring initiatives, Missouri is well-positioned to lead the nation in ensuring a stable, domestic API supply chain.

Through targeted funding, strategic initiatives, and a thriving bioscience sector, Missouri is making significant strides in reshoring API manufacturing. As the state continues to invest in pharmaceutical innovation, it sets a precedent for national efforts to enhance drug supply chain resilience and safeguard public health.

Learn more about how Missouri is shaping the future of human health.