The services firm has completed the installation of a GEA Niro Mobile Minor unit at its manufacturing facility in San Diego, California for manufacturing amorphous spray dried dispersions.
“Spray drying has become an essential option for anyone specializing in the development of poorly soluble compounds,” said Jeffrey Bibbs, CEO of the contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO).
“Over the past five years, we've developed a tremendous amount of expertise in amorphous dispersion development for poorly soluble compounds. This increased capacity allows Pharmatek to offer spray drying support through Phase 2b clinical studies.”
The firm is now able to offer its clients spray drying capabilities including aqueous and solvent processing in a closed loop system and, due to the installation of the tech in its high containment facility, the manufacture of highly potent and cytotoxic compounds.
The investment comes on the back of other expansions in spray drying tech for Pharmatek, including the installation of a Buchi B-290 for small-scale spray dried productions in 2011 and the purchase last year of a Gerteis Mini-Pactor, and was due to specific requests from current clients to increase capacity and growing demand for solubility services within the industry.
“Investment in the larger spray dryer is part of the company's ongoing efforts to provide comprehensive solutions for our clients,” President Tim Scott said. “The Mobile Minor adds to our portfolio of bioavailability enhancement technologies, including micronization, hot-melt complexation, and liquid-filled-capsule development.”