CMAC National Facility
Applied research for medicines manufacturing
CMAC’s National Facility, at the University of Strathclyde, is a purpose-built 900m² lab environment. Here, applied pharmaceutical research blends with manufacturing science. We design research that generates process understanding, structured knowledge and transferable capability.
A DIFFERENT KIND OF RESEARCH PARTNER
WHO WE ARE
CMAC is a publicly funded national research centre, not a contract research organisation. When you work with us, you're accessing a multidisciplinary team doing research with you.
We operate using Quality by Digital Design (QbDD). This is a research philosophy and framework centred on our Digital CMC DataFactories®. These platforms blend real-time data capture, model-informed experimentation, AI/ML tools, and a connected knowledge graph infrastructure.
WHO WE WORK WITH
We collaborate with pharmaceutical companies of all sizes, universities, technology developers and innovation partners at every stage of the development pipeline.
OUR APPROACH
We offer agile, data‑driven solutions using advanced facilities and integrated digital tools. Our specialist expertise provides flexible support that accelerates high‑quality, efficient medicines development from synthesis to formulated product.
Our research follows principles that ensure every project creates a structured, machine-readable body of process knowledge. This knowledge compounds in value, instead of being a one-time report.
Transforming medicines development from molecule to formulated product
CMAC focused on our physical processes and analytical capabilities, supported by our CMC DataFactory® infrastructure. These purpose-built platforms integrate QbDD principles in crystallisation, formulation development, continuous drug product manufacturing, and advanced analytics. Real-time data capture, model-informed design, and connected knowledge graph architecture are built into how we work, not bolted on.
End-to-end capability
Continuous manufacturing moves from synthesis to formulated product. It reduces cycle times, boosts consistency, and allows for real-time quality control.
Digital-enabled research
Our digital CMC infrastructure makes your results more valuable over time. It’s structured, connected and ready to power AI-enabled pharmaceutical development.
Technical and digital characterisation
Targeted analytical, modelling and process design grounded in digital CMC, enable predictive control and accelerated process understanding.
ROUTES TO COLLABORATION
Academic and early-stage research
We provide academic institutions and early-stage programmes with collaborative research partnerships, fellowship schemes, and open-access facility use. These all follow the QbDD framework, ensuring structured and transferable from day one.
Industry-led applied research
We design collaborative research programmes for industry partners facing specific development challenge. These programmes combine CMAC's multidisciplinary expertise with your scientific and regulatory needs.
Scale-up and commercial-stage development
For projects at TRL 4 and above, OpenCMC is CMAC's dedicated commercial vehicle. It offers the right structure for your stage of development. OpenCMC combines CMAC's scientific expertise and digital infrastructure within a framework that meets industry timelines and IP needs.
RESEARCH CAPABILITIES ACROSS THE DEVELOPMENT PIPELINE
X-Ray Diffraction and Solid State Characterisation
Comprehensive structural characterisation solutions for pharmaceutical and advanced materials development.
Crystallisation
Rapid, model-informed process development - reliable control of particle size, polymorph and yield.
Analytics
Contact us to learn about our analytical capabilities.
Drug Product
30+ predictive modelling tools and expertise across secondary manufacturing for faster, more confident decisions.
Nanomedicine
Contact us to learn about our nanomedicine capabilities.
See what’s available
Don’t see what you need?
WHY WORK WITH CMAC
End-to-end research capability
Integrated expertise across drug substance, drug product and analytics under one roof
Industry-aligned research
Co-created with global pharmaceutical partners, directly shaped by real manufacturing challenges
Accelerated development
Streamlined, data-driven workflows and digital tools reduce experimental burden and get you answers faster
Proven track record
A strong history of solving complex industrial challenges with pharmaceutical partners
Multidisciplinary expertise
Chemistry, pharmaceutics, engineering, analytics, and modelling experts working as one team
Flexible collaboration
Engage through collaborative research programmes, open-access facility use, or scale-up via OpenCMC, structured around your development stage
FROM OUR PARTNERS
Discovery to Particle Engineering:
“CMAC’s particle engineering support accelerated our API readiness, giving us material suitable for continuous processing far earlier than expected.”
— Former CustomerFormulation & Continuous Processing:
“The continuous direct compression expertise at CMAC significantly improved our material performance and reduced development cycle times.”
— Former CustomerDigital CMC & Analytics:
“The digital workflows and model‑informed approaches helped us identify optimal operating conditions with far fewer experiments.”
— Former CustomerReady to collaborate?
Whether you're exploring new drug products or solving complex process challenges, we are here to help.
CMAC has achieved two Silver-level and one Bronze-level certifications, recognising our commitment to sustainable and efficient practices in our lab operations.