Bend will gain access to Hovione’s worldwide commercial-scale pharmaceutical production facilities, which include cGMP (current good manufacturing practice) facilities in the US, Ireland, Portugal, and China.
In return, API (active pharmaceutical ingredient) manufacturers Hovione will gain access to Bend’s novel formulations expertise, which includes solubilisation (spray-dried dispersions), hot-melt extrusion, inhalation, controlled-release, and biotherapeutic technologies.
"Hovione has world-class commercial-scale spray-drying capabilities-both staff and facilities. We're excited about this collaboration because Hovione will expand the range of manufacturing options available to our clients," said Bend CEO Rod Ray.
Dave Hoffman, Hovione VP, exclusives and particle design, added: "Leveraging on Bend’s capabilities, this collaboration will allow both companies to provide a comprehensive and integrated solution from development to commercial scale."
Inhalation
The companies say the collaboration builds upon both their expertise in engineered particles for inhaled delivery.
News of the collaboration comes in time for Hovione’s launch of its rapid proof of concept study for the development of dry powder inhalation (DPI) products, announced yesterday.
Hovione says its new service will simplify the development of formulations, and can turn out a proof of concept formulation of a client´s molecule in just a few weeks.
Peter Villax, Hovione´s VP of pharma and innovation, said: “This new service offers clients a low risk look at the feasibility of developing a DPI product and gives clients greater confidence about going into later stage development.
“Clients of the new service don´t just get a report, they get their first DPI formulation."