Xspray grows with demand for manufacturing tech
The production of high quality particles and powders is critical to the pharmaceutical industry and Xspray believes its technology can improve this process at scales from discovery through to commercial manufacture.
Scalability is one of the key benefits of the technology, according to Xspray, and this has attracted pharmaceutical companies, prompting the company to expand its operations.
Per Andersson, Xspray's CEO, said: "Interest from pharmaceutical companies has been steadily increasing over the last twelve months or so. Despite the current economical climate we have secured three commercial agreements, which show that customers are convinced by the benefits of the technology.
“This is an important step for the company and confirms that we have a strong offering, capable of adding real value throughout the pharmaceutical process from development to production."
Xspray signed its first commercial agreement with a client in Q4 2008 and since then two “major pharmaceutical companies” have undertaken evaluation projects.
The technology
Xspray’s RightSize Particle Manufacturing Technology uses supercritical fluid technology as a solvent for precipitation of an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) in one step.
The process is done without additional excipients and produces highly crystalline particles of controlled size and good flow characteristics, according to Xspray.
Using the technology enables “simplified formulation” and offers“better control over dose variation”. In addition Xspray says that the mild operating conditions allow it to process APIs that are damaged by heat.
The expansion
To cope with increased demand Xspray has recruited new staff, including Mikael Bisrat as chief scientific officer and Helene Derand as sales and marketing director, and expanded its laboratory.
This has allowed the company to add solid state characterisation and analysis capabilities and its new good manufacturing practice (GMP) compliant facility will open in the coming months.
