A MEDICAL firm specialising in custom prescriptions says a raft of new products will keep it in good health.

Quantum Pharma aims to continue its strong progress after confirming work on more than 70 drugs.

The company, in Burnopfield, near Stanley, County Durham, says its Colonis division, which develops medicines through to licensed status, is behind the surge, with 16 products under assessment by Government regulators.

That number is expected to rise to at least 28 by the end of the financial year, with up to 11 drugs due to be launched in the period.

The firm employs about 250 people, supplying medicines to respond to a unique prescription.

It can alter the potency of a drug, assess and re-assess ingredients to counter potential patient allergies, and change the way medicine is distributed, be it through a tablet or a liquid.

Reacting to its progress, for the half year to July 31, Andrew Scaife, chief executive, said the company was primed for growth.

He said: “The first six months have been busy and a number of the business units have had record half years.

“Progress continues to be made on Colonis, and we look forward to announcing a number of further regulated product launches during the second half of the year.

“The regulatory process on certain products is taking slightly longer than anticipated.

“However, we are confident of securing licences for all products in assessment with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency and other regulators.”

Earlier this year, Quantum bought rival NuPharm Group in a near £13m deal to make more of its own lines, reduce third party arrangements and increase production, and also took on Lamda, which provides development services across various part of Europe, from laboratories in Athens.

Mr Scaife confirmed work was continuing to integrate the two businesses into the Quantum group.

The County Durham firm is responsible for more than 30,000 products, ranging from methadone reefers to cancer treatments, and is respected for its specialism.

Mr Scaife added: “We offer the best service and the best products we can, that is what our customers want.

“We make one-offs; we get an order, make it and send it out.

“The average price of an unlicensed medicine is about £100, but it can cost the NHS a lot more to look after a patient.

“We are at the real niche end of the industry.”