Bend expands drug delivery services
The ending of exclusivity for some processes will make Bend’s spray-dried dispersion (SDD) technology, controlled-release, multiparticulate and pulmonary delivery platforms more widely available.
Bend will still to work exclusively with Pfizer on the development of certain technologies, continuing the companies’ long standing relationship for the foreseeable future.
Rod Ray, CEO at Bend, said: "Our work with Pfizer has helped us tremendously to grow and develop our capabilities over the past two decades. In return, we have helped Pfizer advance a significant number of their compounds. Today, we're pleased to have the opportunity to collaborate with additional clients to enable the delivery of new medicines."
The partnership between Bend and Pfizer has proven to be fruitful, with the SSD technology alone being successfully applied to more than 200 preclinical and 17 clinical compounds.
One of these compounds was the ill-fated torcetrapib/atorvastatin formulation, which was intended to extend the lifespan of Lipitor but was terminated during clinical trials. SSD increases the bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs and will now be available to other companies.
Bend is also offering two techniques for formulating an oral controlled delivery system, its Osmotic Swellable-Core Technology (SCT) and Osmotic Asymmetric-Membrane Technology (AMT).
Clients of Bend will also benefit from the company’s manufacturing capabilities, from feasibility scales of less than 10 tablets, up to production runs of 250kg.
Another strand of Bend’s portfolio is its oral multiparticulate drug delivery system, which provides a broad range of administration options.
Formulations can be developed that offer extended, delayed or pulsed release, enhanced bioavailability or taste masking. One extended-release product has been commercialised using this technology.
Bend will also be offering companies its expertise in drug discovery, dosage form development, engineering and manufacture of clinical trials supplies having been freed from the exclusivity deal.
These services will be provided from Bend’s science and analytical laboratories, engineering pilot plant and current good manufacturing practice (cGMP) compliant facility, all of which are located in Bend, US.
