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Rokshaw Labs Future of Bespoke Pharma and Medical Cannabis
Manufacturing Services
Published by Rokshaw Pharmaceuticals

Rokshaw Labs Future of Bespoke Pharma and Medical Cannabis

Apr 09, 2026 Sunderland
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In the complex landscape of modern healthcare, "one size" rarely fits all. For thousands of patients across the United Kingdom, standard licensed medications are often unavailable or unsuitable due to specific clinical needs, allergies, or administration requirements. This is where Rokshaw Limited (trading as Rokshaw Laboratories and Curaleaf Laboratories) steps in as a critical pillar of the British pharmaceutical infrastructure.

Operating from a state-of-the-art facility in Sunderland, Rokshaw has spent over a decade redefining the standards for "Specials"—the industry term for unlicensed medicines. Since its acquisition by the Curaleaf International group in 2019, the company has further expanded its horizons, becoming a pioneer in the rapidly evolving sector of medical cannabis manufacturing.

The Genesis of an Ethical Giant: The History of Rokshaw Limited

Founded on July 24, 2012, by brothers Jonathan and Richard Hodgson, Rokshaw Limited was born out of a vision to create a more responsive, pharmacist-centric supply chain for unlicensed medicines. At the time, the "Specials" market was often characterized by long lead times and opaque pricing. The Hodgson brothers aimed to change this by building a business based on three core values: technical excellence, ethical supply, and patient-first safety.

Starting as a specialized wholesaler, the company quickly transitioned into a full-scale manufacturer. By 2014, they had secured their MHRA Manufacturers Specials (MS) License, allowing them to formulate medications in-house. This rapid growth caught the attention of international players, leading to their strategic merger with Curaleaf International. Today, with a dedicated team of 65 employees, Rokshaw operates at the intersection of traditional pharmaceutical expertise and cutting-edge botanical science.

Understanding "Specials": Why Bespoke Medicine Matters

To appreciate the role of Rokshaw Laboratories, one must understand the vital importance of unlicensed medicines. Under Regulation 167 of the Human Medicines Regulations 2012, "Specials" are products manufactured to meet the specific clinical needs of an individual patient when a licensed alternative is not available.

Common Scenarios Requiring Specials:

  1. Pediatric and Geriatric Care: Infants or elderly patients may require liquid formulations of drugs that are only commercially available in large tablet forms.

  2. Allergies and Sensitivities: Patients may be allergic to common excipients, such as lactose, gluten, or specific dyes found in mass-produced medications.

  3. Dosage Adjustments: Certain treatments require hyper-specific dosages that fall outside standard manufacturing ranges.

  4. Discontinued Lines: When a licensed manufacturer stops producing a vital drug, Specials manufacturers like Rokshaw ensure that vulnerable patients do not lose access to their life-saving treatment.

The Rokshaw "One-Stop-Shop" Advantage

One of the key reasons why pharmacies and hospitals across the UK turn to Rokshaw is their comprehensive service model. Managing unlicensed medicines can be a logistical headache for healthcare providers; Rokshaw alleviates this through a vertically integrated approach.

1. Bespoke Specials Manufacturing

The heart of the Sunderland laboratory is its cleanroom environment. Here, expert technicians formulate liquids, creams, ointments, and capsules. Every batch undergoes rigorous quality assurance to ensure it meets the highest GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) standards.

2. Pharmaceutical Pack-Down Services

Waste is a significant concern for the NHS. Standard pack sizes often don't align with prescription durations, leading to discarded medication. Rokshaw’s pack-down service allows for the precise partitioning of bulk products into smaller, patient-ready containers. This not only saves money for the healthcare system but also streamlines the dispensing process for community pharmacists.

3. Unlicensed Import Sourcing

When a medication cannot be manufactured locally, Rokshaw leverages an extensive global network to source unlicensed imports. These are medicines licensed in other jurisdictions (such as the US or EU) but not yet in the UK. Rokshaw handles the regulatory paperwork and safety vetting, ensuring the product reaches the patient safely and legally.

Leading the Medical Cannabis Revolution

In 2020, following the 2018 change in UK law regarding medical cannabis, Rokshaw (as Curaleaf Laboratories) achieved a historic milestone: becoming the first manufacturer of full-spectrum medical cannabis in the UK.

As part of the Curaleaf International group—a subsidiary of the world’s largest cannabis company—Rokshaw has integrated a "seed-to-patient" philosophy. By manufacturing medical cannabis oils and flowers in their MHRA-approved Sunderland facility, they ensure a level of consistency and quality that was previously hard to find in the UK market.

Innovation in Cannabis Science:

  • Full Spectrum Extracts: Unlike isolated compounds, full-spectrum products contain a range of cannabinoids and terpenes, often cited as providing an "entourage effect" for better patient outcomes.

  • Affordability and Access: By manufacturing locally, Rokshaw reduces the costs associated with importing finished products from overseas, passing those savings on to patients and clinics.

Technical Excellence and Quality Assurance

Safety is non-negotiable in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Rokshaw’s reputation is built on its robust Quality Management System (QMS).

  • MHRA Accreditation: Their facility is regularly audited by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.

  • NHS Accredited: Being an accredited supplier to the NHS means meeting stringent criteria for reliability, ethical pricing, and clinical safety.

  • Cold Chain Logistics: Many Specials are temperature-sensitive. Rokshaw utilizes validated cold-chain storage and transit solutions to ensure product integrity from the lab to the pharmacy shelf.

Supporting the Healthcare Community

Beyond manufacturing, Rokshaw acts as a knowledge hub. Their helpdesk (0800 1699 765) is staffed by experts who assist pharmacists with "Special Obtains" and formulation advice. This collaborative approach has made them a member of the Association of Pharmaceutical Specials Manufacturers (APSM) and a trusted partner for over 2,600 pharmacies and hospitals nationwide.

Sustainability and the Future

As part of the Sunderland business community and the North East Chamber of Commerce, Rokshaw is committed to ethical growth. They are continuously investing in technology to reduce their carbon footprint, such as optimizing delivery routes and exploring biodegradable packaging for non-sensitive components.

Looking ahead, the synergy between Rokshaw's traditional "Specials" expertise and Curaleaf's cannabis innovation positions the company at the forefront of personalized medicine. Whether it is a liquid formulation for a child or a complex cannabis-based medicinal product (CBPM), Rokshaw continues to turn complex clinical requirements into reliable patient outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What exactly are "Specials" in the pharmaceutical industry?

"Specials" are unlicensed medicines manufactured to meet the specific clinical needs of an individual patient when no licensed equivalent is available on the market.

2. Is Rokshaw Laboratories an MHRA-approved facility?

Yes, Rokshaw Laboratories (Rokshaw Limited) holds a Manufacturers Specials (MS) License from the MHRA and is an NHS-accredited facility.

3. How can a pharmacy place an order with Rokshaw?

Pharmacies can place orders via email at orders@rokshaw.co.uk, through their dedicated online ordering app, or by calling the freephone helpdesk at 0800 1699 765.

4. Does Rokshaw offer next-day delivery?

Yes, for the majority of manufactured Specials and stocked items, Rokshaw provides a standard next-day delivery service across the UK for orders placed before 5:00 PM.

5. What is the benefit of the pharmaceutical "pack-down" service?

The pack-down service allows for bulk medications to be divided into exact prescription sizes, reducing pharmaceutical waste and providing better cost-efficiency for the NHS.

6. Can Rokshaw source medicines from outside the UK?

Yes, Rokshaw has a robust network for sourcing unlicensed imports from internationally recognized pharmaceutical markets, ensuring they meet UK safety standards.

7. What types of medical cannabis products does Rokshaw/Curaleaf manufacture?

They manufacture a range of full-spectrum medical cannabis products, including oils, flowers, and specialized formulations tailored for various therapeutic needs.

8. Are Rokshaw’s products safe for patients with allergies?

One of Rokshaw's specialties is creating "Free-From" formulations. They can manufacture medications without common allergens like lactose, gluten, or specific preservatives upon clinical request.

9. Who founded Rokshaw Limited?

The company was founded in 2012 by brothers Jonathan Hodgson and Richard Hodgson.

10. Where is Rokshaw Limited located?

The headquarters and state-of-the-art laboratory are located at Unit 5a, East Way, Rivergreen Industrial Estate, Sunderland, SR4 6AD, United Kingdom.

Contact Information

  • Address: Unit 5a, East Way, Rivergreen Industrial Estate, Sunderland, SR4 6AD

  • Phone: 0800 1699 765

  • Email: orders@rokshaw.co.uk

  • Website: https://rokshaw.co.uk

  • Working Hours: Monday–Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

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Sunderland Quick Facts

Essential information and unique highlights about the city at a glance.

# Key Insight / Local Fact
1 Did You Know?
2 Sunderland is known for its shipbuilding history.
3 The city has the largest football club in the North East, Sunderland AFC.
4 Sunderland was the first city in the world to use electric streetlights.
5 The National Glass Centre showcases the city’s glassmaking heritage.
6 Sunderland is home to the University of Sunderland, established in 1992.
7 The city has beautiful beaches, including Roker and Seaburn.
8 Sunderland hosts the annual Sunderland International Airshow.
9 The city was awarded the Purple Flag for its vibrant nightlife.
10 The Wearmouth Bridge is a key architectural landmark.
11 Sunderland's population is over 170,000 people.
12 The city has a rich industrial heritage, particularly in coal and shipbuilding.
13 Sunderland is part of the City of Culture 2021.
14 The city has a diverse cultural scene with numerous festivals.
15 Sunderland's coastline is part of the North East Coastal Path.
16 The city has a thriving arts community, including galleries and theaters.