SCM Pharma unveils formulation development business

pharmafile | September 27, 2011 | News story | Manufacturing and Production SCM Pharma, phamra manufacturing news, pharma manufacturing news 

UK contract manufacturer SCM Pharma has set up a formulation development business, thanks to a collaboration with the University of Sunderland that will also see it acquire new laboratory space.

SCM is taking over lab space at the University of Sunderland’s new science complex – set up with an investment of around £8.5 million ($13.2m) – which is also home to the company’s existing 17,000 sq.ft. clinical trial materials manufacturing unit.

A dedicated department that includes several experienced formulation scientists has been set-up to support virtual and specialty pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, universities and big pharma firms needing to formulate or reformulate novel, difficult or complex formulations including those that are potent.

The new formulation service is seen as one that will naturally complement the sterile product manufacturing business, SCM said in a statement.

Initially, the company will provide developmental services for liquid formulations including emulsions and suspensions for parenteral, oral and topical administration using either proprietary or customers’ novel delivery systems. Stability and analytical testing support services will also be provided along with the capability to provide GMP formulation if required.

Dianne Sharp, managing director of SCM Pharma, said that the company can now support clients from “start to finish”, which translates to “lower tech transfer costs [and] quicker time to market”.

The move by SCM Pharma follows a two-year development project with fellow UK company Mitovie Pharma in which it assisted the speciality drug developer with formulation support for one of its four lead candidates, a drug intended for use in accidental overdose.

Commenting on the project, Mitovie’s chief executive Michael Hawthorne said: “The knowledge acquired by SCM Pharma during this formulation process will be vital in helping us quickly tech transfer our product into clinical trials manufacturing within their cGMP production facility.”

Phil Taylor

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