Solubility solutions: Catalent increases spray drying capacity at Pharmatek
The company has installed an additional GEA Niro Mobile Minor unit and a third Gerties Mini-Pactor.
Validation for cGMP use is expected by the end of April and early May 2017, respectively.
“Over 90% of drugs in development have solubility issues, which can compromise a molecule’s bioavailability,” said Elizabeth Hickman of Pharmatek.
“Spray drying is a powerful tool for overcoming bioavailability challenges, and complements Catalent’s existing broad toolkit for the enhancement of drug physiochemical properties.”
Hickman explained the San Diego-based facility will become the focal point of Catalent’s OptiForm Solution Suite platform, “combining world-leading screening capabilities and innovative drug delivery technologies to accelerate early-stage drug development and enable innovator companies to advance to the clinic sooner,” she told us.
Catalent acquired Pharmatek in 2016 at which time Outsourcing-Pharma.com reported the addition would expand Catalent’s bioavailability enhancement offering. As Hickman explained, “The acquisition of Pharmatek was strategic, not only to bring spray drying technology to Catalent, but also to enable us to work with companies earlier in the development process, where Pharmatek has significant experience.”
The company will continue to invest in its global facility network, Hickman added, “Including leading bioavailability enhancement solutions to overcome their challenges and, ultimately, enabling patients to benefit from new and innovative therapies.”
