Voyageur Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (TSX-V: VM) (OTC Pink: VYYRF) announced it is evaluating three potential locations in the United States for its planned integrated iodine and barium contrast drug manufacturing facility. The company is conducting a comprehensive analysis of candidate sites, focusing on proximity to iodine brine sources, logistics, infrastructure, skilled labor access, and government incentives. Final site selection will prioritize the most attractive overall package, with a strong emphasis on incentive and support packages.
Strong candidate locations have been identified in Oklahoma and Texas due to their compelling attributes. These include proximity to Voyageur's iodine extraction initiatives in Oklahoma's Anadarko Basin, robust transportation infrastructure for efficient North American and global distribution, access to skilled labor and abundant water supply, and a competitive business climate with low taxes and cost-effective land and energy. Additionally, strong local, state, and federal incentives support advanced manufacturing, pharmaceutical and API production, critical minerals processing, and supply chain onshoring.
The pharmaceutical manufacturing facility will receive concentrated iodine liquor from Voyageur's proprietary closed-loop Streamlined Iodine Process and high-purity barite from the Frances Creek project. Unlike conventional manufacturers that depend on imported iodine flakes and energy-intensive synthetic precipitated barium sulfate, this integrated GMP campus will combine on-site iodine-to-API synthesis with barite upgrading and sterile injectable manufacturing. Management believes this will deliver the first fully domestic, vertically integrated supply chain for both iodinated and barium contrast agents at materially lower cost, with superior sustainability and supply security for U.S. hospitals and international distribution.
Key anticipated project highlights include cost leadership through vertical integration, significant opportunities for U.S. federal and state funding and incentives, creation of 150–250 direct high-skilled jobs in manufacturing, engineering, quality assurance, and operations, plus substantial indirect jobs. Once at full scale, the facility is expected to generate significant annual economic activity, major local tax revenue, and support for regional supply chains. Planned collaboration with post-secondary institutions will establish pharmaceutical training programs and talent pipelines. Centrally located, the facility will serve the North American contrast media market with excellent logistics for domestic and international distribution, while enabling efficient management of iodine and barium contrast production and supporting iodine supply for the company's collaboration with Bayer on the Oklahoma iodine prill project.
Brent Willis, CEO of Voyageur Pharmaceuticals, stated: "This location decision optimizes logistics between our Oklahoma iodine sources and Canadian barite resources while providing the infrastructure required for GMP-compliant manufacturing. The jurisdiction that provides Voyageur with the most significant incentive package will secure this transformative project and its substantial long-term economic benefits." Site preparation and detailed engineering are targeted to commence in late 2026, with first production expected in Q4 2028–2029, subject to financing, regulatory approvals, and other customary conditions. This announcement builds on Voyageur's ongoing collaboration with Bayer and recent advancements in its barium contrast portfolio, including Health Canada-approved products already in commercial use. The company continues to work closely with economic development corporations and state/federal partners to advance incentives and permitting. Management believes the project aligns with U.S. priorities for domestic critical and strategic minerals, pharmaceutical onshoring of strategic drugs, and rural economic development.
For further information, visit https://voyageurpharmaceuticals.ca. View the original release on www.newmediawire.com.
