Location
NZP’s manufacturing premises are situated on the outskirts of Palmerston North, in the heart of the Manawatu Region of New Zealand. The site is conveniently located near a scientific hub and in close proximity to Massey University which is New Zealand’s largest agri-science University and research base.
History
New Zealand Pharmaceuticals Ltd was established in 1971 to extract and purify biochemicals from by-products of the New Zealand meat processing industry. The company’s first products were pharmaceutical intermediates extracted from bovine or ovine bile.
NZP’s reputation for quality and service allowed it to become one of the major manufacturers and suppliers of these products worldwide. In 2020 NZP was purchased by ICE Pharma and became a fully integrated part of the group.
Research & Development Activities
NZP has well equipped research laboratories, with two pilot plants for small-scale commercial production, where a dedicated team of scientists work in developing new product opportunities. In the UK R&D centre early-stage research focuses on the synthesis of existing and new bile acids derivatives derived from both animal and plant origin. A library of 500 modified bile acid structures has been developed to screen as potential candidates to treat currently unmet medical needs such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.
NZP, as part of ICE Group, offer’s a complete solution from proof of concept to full scale commercial cGMP manufacture including.
- Route design
- Process development and optimisation
- Full analytical support
- Process validation
- Technology transfer
- cGMP manufacture
Manufacturing
Technologies and capabilities include:
- Gram to multi-tonne scale
- cGMP capability
- Chemical and enzymatic syntheses and hydrolyses
- Natural product extraction and purification from biomass (marine and terrestrial products)
- Large scale aqueous and organic solvent extraction
- Ion-exchange purification
- Ultrafiltration
- Filtration and centrifugation
- Freeze Drying and Spray Drying
- Milling
- ISO Class 8 clean rooms
Good Manufacturing Process (GMP)
NZP holds a Medicines Licence issued by Medsafe which authorizes NZP to manufacture, pack, label, and sell by wholesale a range of products. In addition; NZP holds several GMP certificates issued by Medsafe for a range of products.
Medsafe, the New Zealand Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Authority, is the medical regulatory body run by the New Zealand Ministry of Health, administering the Medicines Act 1981 and Medicines Regulations 1984. New Zealand is a member of PIC/S and Medsafe have adopted PIC/S Guide to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) PE009-14.
Medsafe has certified NZP for the export of active substances to the EU (Reference: TT60-234-16-3 EC003).
NZP is also licensed and audited by the New Zealand Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) as a biological processing facility for the manufacture of animal-derived products.
ISO Certifications
NZP has an Integrated Management System (IMS) and has achieved the certifications ISO140001, ISO45001 and ISO50001. Moreover, NZP is the only entity certified ISO50001 in New Zealand territory.
ISO 14001 – Environmental Management System
SH&E Policy
New Zealand Pharmaceuticals is committed to managing Safety, Health and Environment (SH&E) as an integral part of the business. It’s part of their policy to always ensure the integrity of their processes and facilities.
The company do so by adhering to the following principles:
Compliance
NZP complies with all applicable legislation, regulatory requirements, relevant standards and codes of practice, and have implemented programs and procedures to ensure compliance. Where existing legislation and requirements are inadequate to fully protect people and the environment, the company establish and meet their own SH&E standards.
Prevention
A management system is implemented, monitoring systems and procedures specifically designed to prevent activities and/or conditions that pose a threat to Safety, Health and the Environment. The company minimizes risk by identifying, assessing and controlling hazards and employing safe technologies and operating procedures when making planning, purchasing and operating decisions.
NZP ensures staff and contractors are trained in appropriate procedures and are consulted in initiatives that contribute to a safer and improved environment at work, at home and in the community. The company strive to prevent unplanned releases to atmosphere, land or water and is prepared for the handling of emergencies. Energy is used efficiently to minimize the amount and toxicity of waste generated and ensure safe treatment and disposal.
Communication
NZP communicates its commitment to SH&E to their employees, suppliers, customers and other key stakeholders through our website, intranet and internal/external meetings. The company monitors and displays progress against their goals and objectives.
Continual improvement
NZP continually seeks opportunities to improve SH&E management systems and procedures and sets and achieves targets to bring about an improvement in overall SH&E performance.
Quality & Assurance
Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) is an integral part of the company’s culture and ensures that NZP’s products comply with international regulatory requirements. Analytical testing is carried out in-house in well-equipped quality control laboratories staffed by a team of chemists and technicians to ensure high quality products conform to stringent customer specifications. As well as holding a Medicines Licence to manufacture specific products, in addition NZP is GMP certified to manufacture a wider range of products according to the New Zealand code of GMP
NZP is also licensed and audited by the New Zealand Ministry of Primary Industries as a biological processing facility for the manufacture of animal-derived products and hold a medical license for cholic acid and ManNAc.
Safety, Health and Environment (SH&E) is also fundamental to NZP’s values. In 2012, NZP’s Environmental Management System (EMS) was audited against the ISO14001 Standard for the first time and was successful in attaining certification. There is continuous investment at NZP to further improve both safety and the company’s impact on the environment.
The company is also certified by Medsafe for the export of active substances to the EU and has GMP certificates for a number of products.
The companies’ longstanding reputation as a reliable producer of high-quality products is further strengthened by the international recognition of New Zealand’s ‘clean green’ and ‘disease free’ status, remaining free of all class A animal diseases as listed by the OIE.
Sustainability
Environmental Responsibility- In 2012, NZP’s Environmental Management System (EMS) was audited against the ISO14001 Standard for the first time and was successful in attaining certification.
As well as adhering to Legal Requirements, NZP have signed a Memorandum of Partnership with the local Iwi, working together to ensure environmental considerations and concerns relating to regional Māori become part of our decision-making process.
New Zealand Pharmaceuticals is committed to managing Safety, Health and Environment (SH&E) as an integral part of the business. It’s part of their policy to always ensure the integrity of their processes and facilities.
Our Products
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Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients
NZP manufactures a range of bulk pharmaceutical intermediates and ingredients for supply to Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology companies worldwide
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Diagnostic / Culture Media
NZP manufactures several refined bile products that are used as selective inhibitory agents in bacteriological media
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Excipients
Bile acids are widely used as excipients in the formulation of drug products
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Intermediates
Commercial Team

Edward Teece
General Manager
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Zhong Wang
Business Development Manager - Specialty Products
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Hannah Lewis
Customer Service Supervisor
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Sophie Tobin
Customer Service Associate
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Careers
As part of the ICE Pharma Company, one of New Zealand Pharmaceutical’s core objectives is to “Attract, retain and motivate great staff”. We actively encourage dynamic and enthusiastic candidates, who want a career within a company that values their people and takes provide in an environment where inputs are not only welcomed, but expected.
For over 50 years we have proudly manufactured products that make a difference in the healthcare and wellbeing of others around the world. We are a global niche API and specialty ingredient manufacturer. Our products are largely manufactured from natural raw materials using unique production processes. We supply the world’s leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies with pharmaceutical intermediates, active ingredients, dietary supplements and diagnostics products. This dynamic environment provides an ideal opportunity for our people and teams to achieve continual learning and growth in the areas of Logistics, Production, Engineering, , Business Development, Supply Chain, Quality Assurance, Quality Control, Research and Development and Business Support Services.
We provide a stimulating and challenging environment and our people are encouraged to continually develop with a focus on self-improvement. With Palmerston North being acknowledged as one of New Zealand’s foremost scientific centres, what better place to refresh your career!
Sound interesting?
If you are interested in growing with us, email hr.nzp@nzp.co.nz your CV for open positions or spontaneous candidacy
Contact information
Address
68 Weld Street, RD 2
Palmerston North 4472
NEW ZEALAND
Contact info
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General Enquiries
market@nzp.co.nz -
Main line
+64 6 952 3800
Get in touch with NZP today
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