The Missouri Department of Economic Development is providing new funding to support research and development at the API Innovation Center’s new state-of-the-art lab, which is scheduled to open next month in the UMSL Science Complex. (Drone photo by Derik Holtmann)
The Missouri Department of Economic Development is providing $9.55 million in new funding to the API Innovation Center and the University of Missouri–St. Louis as they partner to reshore active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) production, enhance national health security and position Missouri as a pharmaceutical manufacturing hub.
The new investment is aimed at advancing critical research and development at APIIC’s new state-of-the-art lab in the Science Learning Building on UMSL’s campus, which will open next month. It underscores the state’s commitment to fostering innovation and creating an advanced manufacturing ecosystem that drives regional economic growth through the U.S.-based production of critical medicines.
“Our collaborative work with APIIC exemplifies our shared vision to solidify St. Louis as a national hub for API development and production,” said Chris Spilling, UMSL’s vice chancellor for research and economic and community development. “UMSL’s longstanding excellence in chemistry and workforce development combined with the advanced manufacturing ecosystem that APIIC has built creates a unique and powerful platform to address these challenges.”
This new funding follows the initial $9.45 million Advanced Manufacturing Resiliency Grant awarded through the Missouri Technology Corporation in 2023. That investment enabled APIIC to establish operations, begin the development of critical drug molecules and establish Missouri as a hub for advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing.
“The State of Missouri’s continued support is a testament to the transformative work being done at APIIC,” said Kevin Webb, chief operating officer of APIIC. “This funding allows us to accelerate our efforts to develop critical APIs in Missouri and bring new advanced manufacturing jobs to the state.”
Missouri’s initial investments have laid the foundation for additional funding opportunities that otherwise would not have been possible. Building on the state’s commitment, federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response, have provided funding to advance the development of drug molecules essential to U.S. national health security. Together, state and federal investments have allowed APIIC to expand its impact and advance its mission to restore the production of critical ingredients and medications to the U.S., starting in the St. Louis region.
To date, APIIC has initiated the development of six critical pharmaceutical molecules used in the production of medications to treat cancer, asthma and anxiety.
Missouri’s leadership plays a pivotal role in reshaping the pharmaceutical manufacturing landscape. A recent analysis showed the potential for APIIC to generate $1.2 billion in regional economic growth over the next five years, with an impact of up to $51 million per drug developed and manufactured in the state.
“Missouri’s investment in active pharmaceutical ingredient production is a crucial step toward safeguarding our national health security,” Missouri House Budget Chair Dirk Deaton (R-Seneca) said. “By reducing our dependence on foreign nations for essential medications, we are ensuring that Missourians, their families, hospital patients, and our service members have reliable access to the medicines they need. Through investing in pharmaceutical manufacturing within our state, we are not waiting for others to address this critical issue; we are proactively leading the way to ensure a healthier and more secure future for our nation.”
