Capsugel acquires novel drug delivery technology
Innovative injection moulding technology produces a wide range of dosage forms for new methods of oral drug delivery
Capsugel, a leading hard capsule manufacturer and an innovator in drug delivery systems, has acquired FlexTab technology, a novel dosage form developed over the past eight years within GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). The technology uses injection moulding processes to produce unique capsule-shaped dosage forms that offer a new platform for formulating a wide range of new pharmaceutical and consumer health products.
The FlexTab technology allows for a variety of fill materials, including powders, pellets, liquids, micro-tablets and tablets, and can even deliver separate liquid and powder APIs in one dose. It extends Capsugel's capsule technology beyond the well-established dip-moulding process used today and opens the door to novel product designs and customisation options.
‘Capsugel is very excited to have this innovative technology as part of our suite of offerings,’ said Keith Hutchison, vice president of research and development at Capsugel. ‘We believe that the FlexTab technology's unique performance characteristics and novel presentation will enable us to formulate the next generation of pharmaceutical and biotech products for our customers.
‘With fewer new drug entities coming to market, our customers are looking for other ways to improve the therapeutic effectiveness of existing APIs for patients and consumers, for example through better patient compliance and convenience.’
Capsugel is moving forward immediately to bring the technology and assets in-house and plans to make the new dosage form available to customers as soon as possible.
