IPS Pharma
IPS Pharma is a UK-based cGMP-certified pharmaceutical manufacturer (Vertical Pharma Resources Ltd) specialising in unlicensed medicines, small-batch IMP manufacturing for clinical trials, and hard-to-source pharmaceuticals, serving pharmacists, dispensing doctors, pharma companies, wholesalers, and patients in the UK and Europe.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2001
- HeadquartersWest Molesey, United Kingdom
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What IPS Pharma does
IPS Pharma is a UK-headquartered pharmaceutical manufacturing company (trading name of Vertical Pharma Resources Limited) specialising in unlicensed medicines, investigational medicinal products (IMPs) for clinical trials, and hard-to-source pharmaceutical products. Operating from a cGMP-certified facility in West Molesey, Surrey, the company holds an unusually broad stack of UK regulatory authorisations — including a Manufacturer's Specials Licence, MIA(IMP) 32879, WDA(H) 32879, GPhC Pharmacy Registration, and a Home Office Controlled Drugs Licence — that collectively allow it to manufacture, certify, store, distribute, and dispense both standard specials and controlled substances under a single roof.
The company's core technology is a small-batch, flexible cGMP manufacturing platform with integrated Qualified Person (QP) release, supported by 20,000+ ready-to-manufacture formulations, validated cold chain packaging, and the 24/7 MyIPS online ordering portal with a built-in England & Wales Drug Tariff Calculator. This architecture is designed for low-volume, high-complexity work — capsule filling, tablet handling, and powder-in-bottle preparations — that large contract development and manufacturing organisations (CDMOs) typically refuse due to minimum order quantity constraints. Service lines include unlicensed medicines (Specials and Imports), clinical trial supplies (IMP and comparator sourcing, manufacturing, blinding, labelling, QP certification, storage, distribution), Special Obtains (sourcing of unusual non-pharmaceutical products), and generics. Adjacent product lines span organic medical cannabis (via the £7M+ Puro supply agreement signed July 2025) and consumer supplements (via the Cortiba Health joint venture with Lyrus Life Sciences, January 2021).
IPS Pharma runs a sales-led B2B go-to-market targeting four primary customer segments: healthcare professionals (pharmacists, dispensing doctors, consultants), pharmaceutical and biotech companies running clinical trials, pharmaceutical wholesalers, and individual patients. Distribution combines direct phone-based sales (8am–8pm GMT) staffed by NVQ 2/3-qualified pharmacy-trained personnel with the self-serve MyIPS portal, plus wholesale and clinical trial sponsor channels. Pricing is quote-based per order with 30-day payment terms for account customers; no public price list exists. Revenue mechanics mix one-time product sales (Specials, Generics, Cannabis) with professional services contracts (clinical trial supply engagements), and the business model is structurally repeat-driven through long-term relationships with UK pharmacies, wholesalers, and clinical trial sponsors.
IPS Pharma firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- IPS Pharma
- Legal name
- Vertical Pharma Resources Limited
- Website
- https://ips-pharma.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2001
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- IPS Pharma is a UK-based cGMP-certified pharmaceutical manufacturer (Vertical Pharma Resources Ltd) specialising in unlicensed medicines, small-batch IMP manufacturing for clinical trials, and hard-to-source pharmaceuticals, serving pharmacists, dispensing doctors, pharma companies, wholesalers, and patients in the UK and Europe.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
IPS Pharma industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
- NAICS
- Pharmaceutical Preparation Manufacturing (325412), Drugs and Druggists' Sundries Merchant Wholesalers (424210)
- SIC
- Wholesale-Drugs, Proprietaries & Druggists' Sundries (5122), Pharmaceutical Preparations (2834)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Specialty Pharmaceutical Distributors (HLAIAJAB)
Keywords
Where IPS Pharma is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- West Molesey
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
IPS Pharma business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Unlicensed Medicines (Specials): Sale of bespoke unlicensed medicines manufactured to meet specific patient needs where no licensed alternative exists. These are supplied to pharmacists, dispensing doctors, and directly to patients. Revenue is generated through product sales with pricing based on formulation complexity and volume.
- Clinical Trial Supplies: Provision of Investigational Medicinal Products (IMP), comparators, and clinical trial materials to pharmaceutical companies, biotech organisations, and academic institutions conducting clinical trials. Services include manufacturing, labelling, QP certification, storage, and distribution.
- Special Obtains: Sourcing and supplying custom, unusual, or hard-to-find non-pharmaceutical products to meet specific patient needs. Revenue generated through sourcing fees and product margins.
- Generics: Supply of generic pharmaceutical products, particularly those not stocked by mainstream wholesalers.
- Medical Cannabis Distribution: Import and distribution of organic medical cannabis products through the UK and European network under the supply agreement with Puro, supported by MHRA-compliant manufacturing and full quality assurance.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Bespoke pharmaceutical product pricing |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels6 records
IPS Pharma product offering
Product offeringCore offering
IPS Pharma manufactures and supplies unlicensed medicines (Specials) and Investigational Medicinal Products (IMPs) from a cGMP-certified UK facility, offering over 20,000 formulations for immediate manufacture. The company provides end-to-end clinical trial supply services including small-batch manufacturing, Qualified Person (QP) certification, labelling, storage, distribution, and special obtains sourcing for healthcare professionals, pharmaceutical companies, and patients.
Product overview
IPS Pharma operates as a pharmaceutical services company offering a portfolio of interconnected products centered on unlicensed medicines (Specials), clinical trial supplies, and special obtains. The core offering consists of unlicensed medicines manufacturing with over 20,000 formulations, supported by clinical trial supplies including IMP manufacturing, QP certification, and distribution. Supporting services include the MyIPS online ordering portal (24/7), Drug Tariff Calculator, Early/Expanded Access Programs, Clinical Specials Offering, and Direct to Patient services. The company has also expanded into medical cannabis through a landmark Puro supply agreement, and consumer health via the Cortiba Health joint venture (Yellow Root curcumin supplements).
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Unlicensed Medicines (Specials/Imports) Provides ethically sourced, compliant, and timely access to quality-assured unlicensed pharmaceutical products for patients with unmet clinical needs. Offers over 20,000 formulations available for immediate manufacture, supplied to pharmacists, dispensing doctors, and patients.
- Clinical Trial Supplies Comprehensive Investigational Medicinal Product (IMP) and comparator supply services supporting global clinical trial operations. Includes small-batch manufacturing, QP certification, labelling, storage, and global distribution for pharmaceutical companies, life science and biotech firms, and academic institutions.
- Special Obtains Sourcing service for custom, unusual, or hard-to-find non-pharmaceutical products to meet specific and individual patient needs when standard products are unavailable.
- Generics Supply of generic pharmaceutical products as part of the company's broad medicines portfolio, particularly those not stocked by mainstream wholesalers.
- Puro Organic Medical Cannabis Certified organic medical cannabis products imported from New Zealand through a £7M+ supply agreement with Puro. Includes live-dried flower with full cannabinoid and terpene profiles across five strains, distributed through UK and European clinics and pharmacies.
- Cortiba Health Yellow Root Curcumin Joint venture brand with Lyrus Life Sciences offering organic turmeric supplements with patented C3 Cura Advanced Absorption Technology. Available in three formulations: Yellow Root + Vitamin A (immune support), Yellow Root + Vitamin D3 (joint health), and Yellow Root + Vitamin B12 (metabolic balance).
Quantifiable outcome
- Reduced waste and cost through right-sized manufacturing (vs overproduction at large CDMOs)
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use IPS Pharma
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
IPS Pharma technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
IPS Pharma partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Three partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, minor and core.
- PuroflagshipIPS Pharma signed a £7M+ (NZ$16.1 million) supply agreement with Puro, New Zealand's leading certified organic medical cannabis producer. The agreement, signed at the New Zealand High Commission in London, brings Puro's organic, sun-grown, live-dried cannabis flower to UK and European patients. Puro's seven-stage live drying process preserves full cannabinoid and terpene profiles. The first shipment of seven pallets covering five strains arrived in the UK in March 2026. This is reportedly the largest certified organic cannabis supply deal of its kind in the world.
- Lyrus Life SciencesminorJoint venture between IPS Pharma and Lyrus Life Sciences resulting in the launch of Cortiba Health, a new brand offering health and wellness products. The first product is Yellow Root Curcumin supplements using patented C3 Cura Advanced Absorption Technology. Cortiba Health focuses on organic turmeric supplements with enhanced bioavailability formulations.
- Grow BiotechcoreGrow Biotech and IPS Specials created a new joint venture company focused on import, distribution, and market access services for cannabis-based medicinal products in the UK and Europe. The new company represented the only complete UK medicinal cannabis licensed market access proposition at the time. Formation was targeted for completion before end of April 2019.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights5 records
IPS Pharma competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Clinigen Group: UK-headquartered pharmaceutical services company operating in unlicensed medicines, clinical trial supply, and specialty pharma distribution. Closest direct competitor to IPS Pharma in UK specials, early access, and IMP services.
- Almac Group: Northern Ireland-based CDMO with strong clinical trial supply, IMP manufacturing, and QP release services. Competes with IPS Pharma for UK and European early-phase clinical trial and small-batch manufacturing work.
- BCM Specials: UK-based dedicated unlicensed medicines (Specials) manufacturer supplying pharmacists and dispensing doctors. Directly comparable to IPS Pharma's core UK Specials manufacturing business.
- Torbay Pharmaceuticals: NHS-owned UK specials manufacturer producing unlicensed medicines for hospital and community pharmacy use. Direct competitor in the UK Part VIIIB Drug Tariff specials segment.
- Mawdsleys: UK pharmaceutical distributor with a heritage in supplying unlicensed, imported, and hard-to-find medicines. Overlaps directly with IPS Pharma's distribution and special obtains offerings.
- Sharp Clinical Services: Clinical trial supply services provider offering IMP manufacturing, packaging, labelling, QP release, and global distribution. Comparable to IPS Pharma's clinical trial supplies vertical.
- Quotient Sciences: UK-based pharma services company providing early-phase drug development, small-batch manufacturing, and clinical trial supply. Competes with IPS Pharma in early-phase and small-batch IMP services.
Broad incumbents
- PCI Pharma Services: Global CDMO and clinical trial supply services provider with broad capabilities across IMP manufacturing, packaging, and distribution. Larger incumbent with overlapping but broader portfolio relative to IPS Pharma.
- Catalent: Major global CDMO offering small- and large-batch pharmaceutical manufacturing, clinical trial supply, and packaging services. A much larger incumbent with potential to move into IPS Pharma's small-batch and IMP niches.
Regional players
- Durbin PLC: UK-based pharmaceutical distributor specialising in unlicensed, imported, and clinical trial medicines. A regional peer with overlapping distribution and clinical trial supply offerings focused on the UK.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks7 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
IPS Pharma social profiles
Digital presenceIPS Pharma compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance8 records
IPS Pharma financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
IPS Pharma leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
IPS Pharma subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
IPS Pharma funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
IPS Pharma M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about IPS Pharma
What does IPS Pharma do?
IPS Pharma manufactures and supplies unlicensed medicines (Specials) and Investigational Medicinal Products (IMPs) from a cGMP-certified UK facility, offering over 20,000 formulations for immediate manufacture. The company provides end-to-end clinical trial supply services including small-batch manufacturing, Qualified Person (QP) certification, labelling, storage, distribution, and special obtains sourcing for healthcare professionals, pharmaceutical companies, and patients.
Is IPS Pharma a public or private company?
IPS Pharma is a private company. It is classified as unknown and is currently operating.
When was IPS Pharma founded?
IPS Pharma was founded in 2001. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is IPS Pharma based?
IPS Pharma is headquartered in West Molesey, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does IPS Pharma make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Unlicensed Medicines (Specials) is the primary driver. The others are clinical Trial Supplies, special Obtains, generics and medical Cannabis Distribution.
Who are IPS Pharma's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Clinigen Group, Almac Group, BCM Specials, Torbay Pharmaceuticals, Mawdsleys, Sharp Clinical Services and Quotient Sciences. Broad incumbents are PCI Pharma Services and Catalent. Durbin PLC is listed as a regional player.
Does IPS Pharma have an API?
No public API is recorded for IPS Pharma.
What industry is IPS Pharma in?
IPS Pharma's product category is Pharmaceutical Manufacturing. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HLAIAJAB, Specialty Pharmaceutical Distributors. Its NAICS code is 325412 and its SIC code is 5122.