Wiltshire pharmaceutical firm joins global cancer care specialist

Wiltshire-based pharmaceuticals and healthcare company Pharmaxo has joined a multinational business.

Pharmaxo Group joins Icon Group – an operator of integrated cancer care centers across Australia, South East Asia and the UK.

Icon Group also owns Slade Health, a specialist compounding operator in Australia and New Zealand.

Icon plays a major and critical role in the supply of chemotherapy in both the private and public sectors in Australia. Slade has experienced exponential growth over the past eight years and today delivers over 1.2 million infusions annually.

Pharmaxo, which employs over 400 people in the South West, is a leading specialist pharmaceutical manufacturer (Bath ASU) and home healthcare provider (Pharmaxo Healthcare) based in Corsham, Wiltshire.

The deal marks the establishment of a global compounding operator and Icon’s pharmaceutical entry into the UK.

It marks the next step in Icons’ growth in the UK, complementing the company’s strategic partnership with Nuffield Health to bring more cancer treatment capacity to disadvantaged communities across the UK.

Chris Watt, Pharmaxo Group Chief Executive, said: “For 20 years, Bath ASU has been at the heart of the UK compounding sector by shaping the development of chemotherapy dose bands, establishing validated technical training offered at universities and setting the standards NHS. now used to assess the stability of complex biological drugs.

“We are now at a stage where global scale matters. We believe we can achieve more and continue to shape our industry by joining forces with Icon Group.”

Icon Group chief executive Mark Middleton said the move reflects Icon’s proven model of entering new markets and commitment to bringing comprehensive integrated healthcare where it is needed.

“Welcoming Pharmaxo to the Icon Group reflects our ongoing commitment to improving access to world-class healthcare in the UK,” said Mark.

“Cancer rates continue to rise and there is a significant need to increase the production of cancer drugs to address the widening gaps in care.

“Pharmaxo has built a solid foundation for growth. Combined with Icon’s strong 60-year track record in pharmaceuticals and sterile compounding under the Slade Health brand, together we will continue to bring the latest medicines to where people need them in the UK, eliminating unnecessary journeys and ensuring timely access to life-saving drugs. “

Pharmaxo chief executive Ian Muir said he was impressed by Icon’s compounding capabilities.

“Icon and Slade share our commitment to quality customer service and patient-centered care. Their extensive experience and reputation reflect a true dedication to manufacturing the highest quality specialty pharmaceutical products,” said Ian.

“Icon has strong growth in the UK and Europe and we look forward to being part of that vision and improving access to medicines across the country.”

As part of the business transition, Ian Muir will remain Chief Executive, reporting into Icon Group’s global structure.

Chris Watt will serve as Icon Group’s strategic advisor for European strategy. Richard Wastnage will advise the UK operations on commercial matters.