February 24, 2025
The new labs at the API Innovation Center will play a key role in safeguarding national health security and solidifying the St. Louis region as a hub for domestic active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) production. Tony Sardella had a clear vision to reshore production of APIs needed for essential medications in the United States. Chancellor Kristin Sobolik and Vice Chancellor Chris Spilling, along with Missouri State Sen. Brian Williams, recognized the potential of this initiative. The opening of the research and development laboratories in UMSL’s Science Complex marked a significant milestone, with over 60 attendees participating in the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Most APIs are currently manufactured outside the United States, posing a threat to the availability of essential medications. Williams secured a $15 million grant during Missouri’s 2022 legislative session, and the API Innovation Center recently received $14 million in federal funding, along with $9.55 million in state funding for research and development. The lab will focus on developing APIs such as propofol, bupivacaine, albuterol, metoprolol, and lorazepam. Read more
