FMC acquires Bioprogress' Nrobe technology

FMC to acquire exclusive worldwide licence for the BioProgress Nrobe dosage form, process, equipment and enabling technology.

March, UK-based BioProgress has entered into a global strategic alliance with FMC BioPolymer, a division of FMC Corporation, under which FMC will acquire an exclusive worldwide license for the BioProgress Nrobe dosage form, process, equipment and enabling technology, and will be solely responsible for commercialisation of the systems and associated films.

BioProgress and FMC BioPolymer will collaborate on the construction of a purpose-built pharmaceutical standard (cGMP) film production facility, believed to be the first such facility in Europe and only the second in the world, at the BioProgress site in Cambridgeshire UK.

Graham Hind, chief executive of BioProgress, said: 'Nrobe is a big proposition for the pharmaceutical industry and it has the potential to change the way drugs are delivered. While offering a tremendous long-term opportunity, the technology is the most challenging of our new dosage forms for a small company like BioProgress to commercialise effectively.

This is an important strategic alliance for BioProgress as FMC BioPolymer operates globally, has well established pharmaceutical experience and reputation, and senior level relationships with major pharmaceutical companies.'

Commenting on the agreement David Simcox, general manager of FMC's Pharmaceutical business said: 'FMC Bio-Polymer is constantly looking for new opportunities to develop and enhance its product and service offerings to customers. Nrobe may revolutionise pharmaceutical dose form design, providing the industry with a unique and effective new solid oral dosage form.'