BASF and Catalent join forces to solve bioavailability challenges
Aim to provide a solution to help get drugs to market faster
German drug giant BASF has joined forces with Catalent Pharma Solutions in a broad collaboration to provide solutions to overcome bioavailability issues with new molecular entities (NMEs).
The companies aim to combine their expertise to provide a range of solutions to address pipeline challenges with a large majority of BCS Class II and IV poorly bioavailable compounds.
From feasibility studies across multiple technologies, solid state chemistry, consulting and training, expert formulation services, excipients and optimal dose form development, to scale-up and supply, the partners aim to provide a full solution that helps get better treatments to market faster.
BASF offers ingredient formulation and material science expertise to the collaboration, as well as excipient products, and has experience in developing hot melt extrusion technology solutions.
Catalent is a leader in drug formulation and development as well as in finished oral dose manufacturing, and has more than 75 years of experience in providing bioavailability solutions.
Ian Muir, president of Catalent’s Modified Release Technology business unit, said: ‘BASF brings significant strengths and expertise that match very well with Catalent’s expertise in offering multiple solutions for poorly soluble compounds; including our Softgel platform and OptiMelt hot melt extrusion technologies. Our proven track record of developing, scaling up and manufacturing pharmaceutical products globally also provides for an important seamless integration from development to commercialisation and ongoing supply.’
BASF’s Ralf Fink, vp global marketing at BASF Pharma Ingredients & Services business unit, added: ‘With our broadest portfolio of solubilisers and excipients for hot-melt extrusion, coupled with Catalent’s strengths in development, formulation and manufacturing, we are in a unique position to solve the solubility challenge.’
