Catalent, BASF in Bioavailability Alliance

Catalent Pharma Solutions and BASF have entered into a collaboration aimed at providing solutions for bioavailability challenges of new molecular entities with solubility or permeability issues.

The companies will combine their expertise to provide a range of services to address pipeline challenges with BCS Class II and IV poorly bioavailable compounds. Services include: feasibility studies across multiple technologies, solid state chemistry, consulting and training, expert formulation services, excipients and optimal dose form development, to scale-up and supply.

Ian Muir, president of Catalent’s Modified Release Technologies business unit, said, “We are very pleased to collaborate with BASF to bring this unique and impactful solution to our customers. BASF brings significant strengths and expertise that match very well with Catalent’s expertise in offering multiple solutions for poorly soluble compounds; including our Softgel platform and OptiMelt hot melt extrusion technologies. Our proven track record of developing, scaling up and manufacturing pharmaceutical products globally also provides for an important seamless integration from development to commercialization and ongoing supply.”

“We are glad to bring our in depth knowledge of polymeric excipients, including innovations like SOLUPLUS into this open alliance,” said Ralf Fink, vice president of global marketing at BASF Pharma Ingredients & Services business unit. “With our broadest portfolio of solubilizers and excipients for hot-melt extrusion, coupled with Catalent’s strengths in development, formulation and manufacturing, we are in a unique position to solve the solubility challenge. With this open alliance, we help our customers in the development and commercialization of drugs with poor bioavailability.”