UK Penn forms strategic alliance with US company

Penn Pharmaceutical Services, of Tredegar in the UK, has formed a strategic alliance with US company Xerimis. The new international pharmaceutical clinical packaging services partnership is intended to promote and provide comprehensive customised services throughout the US and Europe.

Penn is one of the UK's leading integrated pharmaceutical outsourcing companies, with expertise in the provision of fully integrated pharmaceutical services and complete development services from concept and formulation, through clinical trial manufacturing, packaging and distribution, and analytical development, into early stage commercial manufacture. Xerimis is a leader in the field of customised clinical packaging services worldwide, serving pharmaceutical, bio-technology and clinical research organisations of all sizes.

'This alliance will enable Penn to operate more efficiently in the US, expanding our reach beyond our already successful business in Europe and Asia,' said Craig Rennie, chief executive of Penn Pharmaceutical Services. 'Penn offers four Qualified Persons on its Manufacturing License and can perform audits and release products to allow free movement of supplies within the EU - avoiding potential delays and ensuring expedited delivery of supplies to investigator sites.'

'Working with Penn Pharmaceutical Services will have a significant effect on handling clinical trials in the EU and the US in the manufacture, labelling and importation of investigational medicinal products,' said Dr Peter Bernardo, president and ceo of Xerimis. 'By integrating key services through the combined sites in the UK and the US, enhanced capabilities are available to the world's leading pharmaceutical firms.'

The joint effort will be implemented over the next few months. Initial plans include immediate availability of primary and secondary packaging services and global distribution of clinical supplies.