Suppliers and packagers for nuprin

nuprin

Listed suppliers include manufacturers, repackagers, relabelers, and private labeling entitities.

Applicant	Tradename	Generic Name	Dosage	NDA	NDA/ANDA	Supplier	Package Code	Package	Marketing Start
Kenvue Brands	NUPRIN	ibuprofen	TABLET;ORAL	019012	NDA	Lil' Drug Store Products, Inc.	29485-6512-4	2 POUCH in 1 CARTON (29485-6512-4) / 2 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 POUCH	2017-08-25
Kenvue Brands	NUPRIN	ibuprofen	TABLET;ORAL	019012	NDA	Lil' Drug Store Products, Inc.	29485-7006-3	30 POUCH in 1 BOX (29485-7006-3) / 2 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 POUCH	2017-05-09
Kenvue Brands	NUPRIN	ibuprofen	TABLET;ORAL	019012	NDA	Lil' Drug Store Products, Inc.	29485-7938-6	3 POUCH in 1 PACKAGE (29485-7938-6) / 2 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 POUCH	2017-02-06

Suppliers for the Pharmaceutical Drug: Nuprin

Last updated: July 29, 2025

Introduction

Nuprin, a well-known over-the-counter (OTC) analgesic, is primarily recognized as a brand of ibuprofen, developed and marketed to provide pain relief and anti-inflammatory effects. Since its initial market introduction, Nuprin has become a staple in pain management, competing with other OTC analgesics like aspirin, acetaminophen, and naproxen. Understanding the suppliers involved in producing Nuprin is essential for stakeholders across the pharmaceutical supply chain, including manufacturing firms, raw material providers, contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs), and distribution channels.

This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the key suppliers involved in the lifecycle of Nuprin, from raw material sourcing to finished product distribution. It offers insights critical for pharmaceutical companies, investors, and regulatory bodies aiming to navigate the complex supply landscape of OTC analgesics.

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Manufacturers of Nuprin

The core manufacturer of Nuprin historically has been McNeil Consumer Healthcare, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson. This company is responsible for formulating, producing, and marketing Nuprin as part of its OTC product portfolio. Johnson & Johnson's extensive manufacturing facilities, primarily based in the United States and other regulated jurisdictions, adhere to stringent Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), ensuring product quality and safety.

McNeil’s manufacturing process for ibuprofen involves multiple stages, including synthesis, purification, tablet compression, coating, and packaging. While Johnson & Johnson directly manages many production steps, it relies on a global network of raw material suppliers and contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs) to meet demand.

Contract Manufacturing Organizations (CMOs)

In recent years, pharmaceutical companies like Johnson & Johnson increasingly utilize CMOs to scale manufacturing, reduce costs, or access specialized processes. Key CMOs involved in OTC analgesic production, including Nuprin, supply active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), excipients, or entire finished dosage forms.

Notable CMOs active in this domain include:

• Catalent Pharma Solutions: Provides comprehensive manufacturing, formulation, and packaging services, including OTC analgesics. Catalent supplies both APIs and finished products for clients, leveraging its global facilities.

• Patheon (a Thermo Fisher Scientific company): Offers manufacturing services specializing in complex formulations and high-quality APIs, supporting OTC products like Nuprin.

• Baxter BioPharma Solutions: While primarily known for injectable and sterile products, Baxter also offers OTC contract manufacturing capabilities.

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Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) Suppliers

Ibuprofen, the primary active ingredient in Nuprin, is synthesized via multiple chemical routes. The supply chain for ibuprofen raw material is globally dispersed, with several key players:

• Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation (Japan): A major supplier of pharmaceutical-grade ibuprofen, providing high-purity API to global manufacturers.

• Xinhua Pharmaceutical (China): One of the leading producers in China, exporting large volumes of ibuprofen API.

• Aarti Industries (India): Supplies bulk ibuprofen and intermediates for global pharmaceutical manufacturers.

• SNF Floerger (France): Supplies ibuprofen intermediates and solvent-grade chemicals necessary for API synthesis.

• Hikal Limited (India): Provides both intermediates and finished APIs, including ibuprofen, supporting cost-competitive supply chains.

The sourcing of ibuprofen API often hinges on the quality certifications (such as cGMP compliance), supply reliability, and price competitiveness. As the demand for OTC analgesics like Nuprin remains strong, these suppliers invest in expanding capacity and maintaining stringent quality controls.

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Excipients and Packaging Material Suppliers

In addition to the API, Nuprin formulations require excipients—binders, fillers, coatings, and stabilizers. Major excipient suppliers include:

• DuPont Nutrition & Health: Supplies excipients such as cellulose derivatives and binders used in tablet compression.

• FMC Corporation: Offers various binders, lubricants, and coatings for pharmaceutical tablets.

• Ashland Inc.: Provides disintegrants, binders, and solubilizers integral to tablet formulation.

Packaging materials, such as blister packs, bottles, and labels, are sourced from specialized packaging suppliers, including:

• Schiller Packaging: Supplies blister packaging suited for OTC drugs.

• Berry Global: Offers bottles, caps, and primary packaging components.

• Amcor: Provides flexible packaging options compliant with pharmaceutical standards.

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Distribution and Supply Chain Logistics

Nuprin’s distribution relies on a well-established supply chain network to ensure product availability across retail outlets. Major pharmaceutical distributors include:

• McKesson Corporation: Handles distribution of OTC products including Nuprin to retailers, pharmacies, and hospitals.

• AmerisourceBergen: Manages logistics and supply chain solutions for OTC analgesics.

• Cardinal Health: Supplies and distributes Nuprin within healthcare retail settings.

These distributors coordinate with retail chains, pharmacies, and wholesalers to ensure the product’s availability, reacting swiftly to market fluctuations or recalls.

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Regulatory and Quality Considerations

Suppliers for Nuprin operate under rigorous regulatory standards, primarily overseen by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the U.S., European Medicines Agency (EMA) in Europe, and respective local authorities elsewhere. These agencies enforce cGMP compliance, audit manufacturing facilities, and monitor API quality, ultimately safeguarding consumer health.

Johnson & Johnson’s reliance on globally dispersed suppliers mandates strict qualification, auditing, and ongoing quality assurance protocols. The complexity of the supply network increases vulnerability to geopolitics, raw material shortages, or regulatory changes.

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Strategic Implications for Stakeholders

Stakeholders involved with Nuprin’s supply chain should prioritize supplier diversification, quality assurance, and supply chain resilience. Given the reliance on certain key API suppliers, companies should establish contingency plans, including multi-source strategies, inventory buffers, and strategic stockpiling, to mitigate disruptions.

Furthermore, transparency across the supply network enables faster response to quality issues, recalls, or market changes, ensuring sustained product availability and compliance.

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Key Takeaways

• Primary Manufacturer: Johnson & Johnson, leveraging both its own facilities and third-party CMOs for Nuprin production.

• API Suppliers: Prominent global players include Mitsubishi Chemical, Xinhua Pharmaceutical, and Aarti Industries, emphasizing China and India’s roles as major ibuprofen producers.

• Formulation Components: Sourced from established excipient suppliers like DuPont and FMC; packaging from firms like Berry Global.

• Distribution Network: Major pharmaceuticals distributors such as McKesson, AmerisourceBergen, and Cardinal Health manage product logistics.

• Regulatory Oversight: Ensures API and finished products meet stringent quality standards, with supplier qualification central to compliance.

• Supply Chain Resilience: Critical to prevent shortages; diversification and strategic inventory management remain best practices.

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FAQs

1. Who are the main manufacturers of Nuprin’s active ingredient, ibuprofen?
Major API suppliers include Mitsubishi Chemical (Japan), Xinhua Pharmaceutical (China), and Aarti Industries (India). These firms supply bulk ibuprofen used by pharmaceutical manufacturers worldwide, including Johnson & Johnson.

2. Does Johnson & Johnson outsource manufacturing for Nuprin?
Yes. While Johnson & Johnson manages core formulation, it employs contract manufacturing organizations like Catalent and Patheon to scale production, especially for high-demand periods.

3. Are there recent supply chain disruptions affecting Nuprin?
Global API shortages, especially in China and India due to regulatory changes or pandemic-related disruptions, have impacted the supply chain for ibuprofen. Suppliers have responded with capacity expansions and alternative sourcing.

4. What quality standards do suppliers for Nuprin adhere to?
Suppliers comply with cGMP regulations dictated by the FDA and equivalent authorities, ensuring high purity, safety, and efficacy of APIs and excipients.

5. How can stakeholders mitigate risks in Nuprin’s supply chain?
Strategies include diversifying API sources, maintaining safety stock, establishing qualification protocols, and monitoring geopolitical and regulatory developments affecting raw material availability.

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References

[1] Johnson & Johnson. (2022). Nuprin Product Information.
[2] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2023). cGMP Regulations for Drug Manufacturing.
[3] Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation. (2022). API Portfolio – Ibuprofen.
[4] Aarti Industries Ltd.. (2022). Global Supply Chain of Pharmaceutical Intermediates.
[5] McKesson Corporation. (2023). Pharmaceutical Distribution Services.