Technical service lab for pharma polymers in Shanghai expands
Evonik has expanded its technical service laboratory for pharmaceutical polymers in Shanghai from 130 to 750 m2 in response to Chinese pharmaceutical market growth. “The expansion was based on our excellent reputation in the region as a provider of controlled drug release solutions and the strategic decision to add to our R&D activities in Asia,” said Axel Bergt, vice president healthcare Asia-Pacific, Evonik, during the opening ceremony.
The expanded laboratory serves both as a technical service laboratory and as centre of excellence for contract development of oral drug delivery systems. The free services offered to customers who use EUDRAGIT products include training, for example, on the handling of pharmaceutical polymers. With the help of Evonik experts, customers can also simulate the actual manufacturing process in the service laboratory and see how coating, tabletting or granulation works.
Furthermore, Evonik also offers paid formulation services for pharmaceutical companies, where scientists develop drug delivery systems on the basis of an active substance and a specified release profile. On request, they can also supply all data required for product approval and provide support with the approval process.
Laboratory head Henry Han used the opportunity of the expansion to further improve the technical equipment of the laboratory, both for analytical services and drug product manufacturing. “We are now able to simulate the first scale-up step in our laboratory,” he explained. “This simplifies the subsequent transfer of the production process to the customer.”
Representatives of around thirty pharmaceutical companies in China were present at the opening ceremony to find out more about the new services available at Xinzhuang Industry Park.
Evonik Industries AG, www.evonik.de.