Catalent to offer GSK-developed compound optimisation platform

Catalent Pharma Solutions is offering Optiform, a GSK developed compound optimisation platform, to researchers for the first time.

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) developed and refined the technology over the past 10 years, applying it to more than 500 compounds. Catalent is now offering it as a service to support clients compound optimisation efforts and help them shorten the time taken to bring a drug to market.

Optiform is a solid-state and highly-automated analysis platform for salt, crystal-form and co-crystal screening. It can be applied to compounds from early stage through to commercialised products to create faster and more material-efficient development workflows.

The platform and team behind it will now be integrated into Catalent’s 300-strong development and clinical services operations in Research Triangle Park (RTP), North Carolina, US.

David Igo, director, Optiform, said: "My team and I are very excited that other companies now have access to these industry-proven technologies and workflows.

“The pairing of leading-edge technology with a scientific team that has been embedded in hundreds of project teams to successfully address solid-state problems spanning lead-identification to commercial launch is unparalleled."

SR One, GSK’s corporate venture fund, brokered the deal.

Service offering

Catalent will integrate Optiform into its existing portfolio of development and clinical services. This spans areas including analytical services, stability studies, biopharm product development and bioassay development.

“We believe that the Optiform technology provides yet another means for Catalent to help our customers reduce development time and build a more robust product”, said Kent Payne, vice president and general manager, development services at Catalent.