Pharmatek Expands Spray Drying Capabilities

Pharmatek has announced that it has completed installation of a GEA Niro Mobile Minor™ for the GMP manufacture of amorphous spray dried dispersions. The Company is currently completing equipment validation. The spray dryer is complemented by the Company’s purchase last year of a Gerteis MINI-PACTOR™.

The Mobile Minor acquisition increases the Company’s current spray-drying capabilities. Pharmatek first invested in spray drying in 2011 with the purchase of a Buchi B-290 for small-scale spray dried productions. The Company has seen growing demand in this area and has received specific requests from clients to increase spray dry capacity.

In order to provide greater flexibility, Pharmatek’s GMP spray drying capabilities will include aqueous and solvent processing in a closed loop system. Additionally, the spray dryer will be installed in the Company’s high containment manufacturing facility, allowing for the manufacture of highly potent and cytotoxic compounds.

“Spray drying has become an essential option for anyone specializing in the development of poorly soluble compounds. Over the past five years, we’ve developed a tremendous amount of expertise in amorphous dispersion development for poorly soluble compounds,” stated Jeffrey Bibbs, CEO and CSO of Pharmatek. “This increased capacity allows Pharmatek to offer spray drying support through Phase 2b clinical studies.”

“We continue to invest in our client’s needs. And investment in the larger spray dryer is part of the company’s ongoing efforts to provide comprehensive solutions for our clients,” said Tim Scott, president of Pharmatek. “The Mobile Minor adds to our portfolio of bioavailability enhancement technologies, including micronization, hot-melt complexation, and liquid-filled-capsule development.”