Solubilisation Expert to Expand Pharma Center of Excellence in Delaware

Ashland has announced plans to expand its pharmaceutical research and development Center of Excellence at the Ashland Research Center in Wilmington, Delaware, US. Ashland will be expanding its existing capabilities to include formulation development and GMP contract manufacturing services for solid dispersions and oral solid dosages. To support early-stage clinical trials, the expansion will include spray drying and extrusion processes previously located in Columbia, Maryland, US. Approximately 20 positions will be relocated from Columbia to Wilmington in connection with the expansion.

The company expects the new facility to be operational by summer 2014, enabling the company to further support the evolving needs of its pharmaceutical customers. Ashland has additional pharmaceutical technology centres in: Buenos Aires, Argentina; São Paulo, Brazil; Shanghai, China; Düsseldorf, Germany; Hyderabad, India; Istanbul, Turkey; and Mexico City, Mexico.

“This relocation and expansion supports Ashland’s commitment to ongoing investment in drug solubilisation to help our customers capitalize on future growth opportunities,” said John Panichella, President, Ashland Specialty Ingredients. “Delaware’s recent decision to provide incentives to encourage Ashland’s growth demonstrates the state’s positive outlook and its commitment to business expansion in Delaware. I am extremely excited about the growth opportunities for our pharmaceutical product line and recognise that the state’s actions were integral to our decision.”

“This expansion highlights our ability to provide high-value ingredients backed with superior technical support," added May Shana’a, Vice President, Technology and Growth Strategy, Ashland Specialty Ingredients. “This Center of Excellence, combined with our multiple technical support labs around the world, will enable Ashland to deepen our relationship with customers and allow us to quickly solve customer problems.”                                                                                                   

Ashland Specialty Ingredients, +1 302 594 6850 , rrruberti@ashland.com, www.ashland.com.