Melbourn Scientific offers contract research services

A service designed to give drug companies access to a fast track formulation and analysis support has been launched at CPhI 2008.

Melbourn Scientific is providing businesses with an integrated package of formulation that covers method development, analysis and short-run clinical manufacture.

Unlike other company formulators, which tie their service with a specific device or IP around the formulation and therefore, restrict the sponsor to a particular delivery mechanism, the new service works by offering users greater flexibility.

"Our approach is to see formulation as an integral part of the product development process," said business development director Mark Hammond. "By offering the services of our experienced formulators along with our existing battery of validation testing we can provide "accelerated feasibility services" whatever the stage of the project."

As part of the new services two new formulators have been appointed and will be working alongside the company's team of analyst. One of the new appointees is David Ward, who worked previously for the science and technology group Bespak.

The company has also invested in a suite of cleanrooms aimed at allowing enhanced flexibility for formulation and clinical supplies manufacturing. The acquisition will also extend the company's lab facilities by over 50% and will include new equipment. Amongst these additions is the introduction of Waters ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) technology. This technology has a high throughput and low run times, allowing teams to reduce the project turnaround time.