Pliva has introduced a granulate version of SAMe (S-adenosyl-L-methionine disulfate p-toluenesulfonate) to its fine chemicals portfolio.
SAM-e is a natural compound found in every human cell but has been in use for years in Europe as a pharmaceutical for the treatment of depression. Latterly, it has found a new market as a constituent of dietary supplements, and a recent report from the US Department of Health and Human Services' Agency for Healthcare Research Quality concluded that it can be as effective as prescription antidepressants, treat osteoarthritis pain as well as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and help some liver conditions.
Croatia-based Pliva has developed the granulated form of the ingredient to better meet the needs of finished product manufacturers. SAMe granulate is free flowing and substantially less hygroscopic compared to SAMe bulk powder which requires a dehumidified processing environment and special water-free tablet coatings.
Pliva claims that the granulate can be processed in a normal environment and with standard water-based coatings, offering manufacturers easier processing and flexibility to develop multi-ingredient formulations.
The product, to be sold globally, will help manufacturers move to producing their own final dosage form, and in introducing innovative branded formulations, added the company, the largest pharmaceuticals company in Central and Eastern Europe.
Pliva is expanding in international markets with recent acquisitions in the Czech Republic, France, Germany, UK and US.
The company's fine chemicals division specialises in the production of bulk active pharmaceutical ingredients and intermediates, with a focus on speciality generics. It operates two manufacturing facilities, one in Zagreb, Croatia, and another in Brno in the Czech Republic.
Contact Zdravko Mauko, SAMe project manager at Pliva, for more information on this product.