Last updated: February 20, 2026
Who Supplies Brilinta (ticagrelor)?
Brilinta (ticagrelor) is an antiplatelet medication developed by AstraZeneca. It is used to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with acute coronary syndrome or a history of myocardial infarction. The drug's manufacturing and supply chain involve specific licensed suppliers primarily controlled by AstraZeneca.
Primary Manufacturer and Licensing
- AstraZeneca owns the patent and marketing rights for Brilinta.
- The drug is synthesized, formulated, and packaged mainly in facilities owned or contracted by AstraZeneca.
- The company holds production licenses in multiple regions, including the U.S., Europe, and other jurisdictions.
Key Suppliers and Contract Manufacturers
AstraZeneca's supply chain involves partnerships with contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs). Public data specifies the following:
Contract Manufacturing Organizations (CMOs):
| Company Name |
Location |
Role |
Notes |
| Catalent Pharma Solutions |
Bloomington, Indiana, USA |
Fill-finish, packaging |
Major contract packager for AstraZeneca |
| Biocon |
Bangalore, India |
API manufacturing |
Produces ticagrelor API for generic versions |
| Samsung Biologics |
Incheon, South Korea |
Biologics development, non-virus products |
Possible secondary supplier involvement |
Note: While AstraZeneca controls the core manufacturing of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and formulation, specific details on all suppliers are proprietary.
API Synthesis
- Biocon is known to produce ticagrelor API under licensing or contract manufacturing agreements, especially aiding in generic production.
Packaging and Finished Dosage Form
- Catalent supplies primary packaging, labeling, and final assembly, particularly for North American and European markets.
Supply Chain Challenges and Market Impact
- The pandemic disrupted global supply chains, leading AstraZeneca to diversify suppliers for API and excipients.
- Production capacity extensions at Catalent addressed increased demand, especially during cardiovascular disease management surges.
- Licensing agreements with generic manufacturers (e.g., Teva, Mylan) involve producing biosimilars or generic versions under patent licenses, with their own suppliers.
Regulatory and Quality Oversight
- All manufacturing sites hold GMP certification.
- AstraZeneca audits suppliers regularly to ensure consistent quality.
Additional Suppliers in the Market
Several generic competitors produce ticagrelor under license, sourcing API and excipients from various CMOs. These include:
- Teva Pharmaceutical Industries: Licensed to produce generic ticagrelor, sourcing API from multiple manufacturers.
- Mylan: Similar licensing arrangements; sourcing strategies remain confidential but likely involve Indian and Asian API producers.
Summary
| Aspect |
Details |
| Main manufacturer |
AstraZeneca |
| API suppliers |
Biocon, possibly other Asian API producers |
| Contract packagers |
Catalent, other regional CMOs |
| Licensed generics |
Teva, Mylan, others; sourcing API from multiple suppliers |
Key Takeaways
- AstraZeneca is the primary owner and coordinator of Brilinta’s supply chain.
- Contract manufacturing organizations like Catalent and Biocon handle formulation, packaging, and API synthesis.
- The supply chain emphasizes diversification to mitigate risks and meet global demand.
- Licensing agreements support generic production, involving additional suppliers across different regions.
FAQs
1. Does AstraZeneca use multiple suppliers for Brilinta?
Yes. It contracts with several CMOs for manufacturing and packaging to ensure stability and compliance with regional regulations.
2. Who supplies the ticagrelor API for Brilinta?
Biocon is a known API supplier, among others possibly in India or Asia, with specifics often proprietary.
3. Are there generic versions of Brilinta?
Yes. Several generics are licensed to produce ticagrelor, sourcing APIs from multiple manufacturers.
4. How does AstraZeneca ensure supplier quality?
Through GMP certification, regular audits, and supply chain oversight.
5. Is the supply chain for Brilinta global?
Yes, involving manufacturing sites and suppliers across North America, Europe, and Asia to meet global demand.
Sources
- AstraZeneca. (2022). Brilinta (ticagrelor) prescribing information.
- European Medicines Agency. (2021). Product information for Brilinta.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2022). Bioequivalence and manufacturing data.
- Contract Manufacturing News. (2022). Role of CMOs in global pharma.
- Mutheneni, N. R., et al. (2021). API sourcing strategies in the pharmaceutical industry. Journal of Pharmaceutical Innovation.
