Catalent Announces Commencement of Supply of Abilify® Orally Disintegrating Tablets to Otsuka and Extensive Investments to Zydis® Technology Capabilities in Swindon, UK
pharmafile | August 16, 2012 | News story | Manufacturing and Production |
Somerset, NJ, July 24, 2012 – Catalent announced it has commenced supply to Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. of Abilify® OD Tablets (orally disintegrating tablets (ODT)), which utilize Catalent’s Zydis® fast dissolve drug delivery technology.
Otsuka is one of the leading innovative pharmaceutical companies in Japan and has developed Abilify® OD for the treatment of schizophrenia and improvement of manic symptoms associated with bipolar disorder.
Additionally, to support the increasing demand for Zydis® ODT formulations from the Japanese market, Catalent intends to make multi-million dollar investments to its Zydis® ODT operations in Swindon, UK.
Commenting on the new launch and investments, Dr. Ian Muir, President of Catalent’s Modified Release Technology business stated, “We are delighted to partner with Otsuka on the launch of this important new formulation of Abilify® OD. Catalent’s Zydis® fast dissolve technology has provided a tablet that is very palatable, and disintegrates within seconds in the mouth, making it very easy to take. As patient medication compliance is critical for those requiring antipsychotic therapies, Otsuka believes this new formulation will be of great assistance to patients in Japan. Abilify® OD is the 8th drug approved and launched in Japan, using Catalent’s Zydis® ODT.”
Mr. Hans-Joachim Rohe, President of Catalent Japan added, “We are very excited with the growing demand for Catalent’s Zydis® ODT in Japan, where many products could benefit from this type of ODT formulation. We have seen an increasing number of customers specifically seeking truly rapid disintegration and superior palatability in order to differentiate their products in Japan’s competitive market. In this regard, Zydis® ODT can excel over competing alternatives such as loosely compressed tablets.”
