UPM Pharmaceuticals To Manufacture BioPharmX's Solid Dose Product
By Cyndi Root
UPM Pharmaceuticals has agreed to manufacture BioPharmX’s solid dose product at its new large-scale manufacturing facility in Bristol, Tennessee. The companies announced the deal in a press release, stating that the commercial supply agreement supports BioPharmX’s strategy to expand its over-the-counter (OTC) product portfolio. Dr. John M. Gregory, Chairman and CEO of Gregory Pharmaceutical Holdings, the parent company of UPM, said, "UPM's new large-scale manufacturing facility and capabilities for solid dose processing is an ideal setting for BioPharmX, which has a focus on patented products in fast growing markets."
UPM and BioPharmX Agreement
The agreement between an UPM and BioPharmX, calls for UPM to manufacture solid doses of iodine at its 475,000 square-foot manufacturing site, formerly a Pfizer facility. Anja Krammer, President of BioPharmx, stated that UPM will be an essential partner and that high volume processing is expected. The two companies did not disclose the terms of the agreement.
UPM Manufacturing
UPM Pharmaceuticals is a contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO). The company focuses on analysis, stability testing, formulation development, and cGMP manufacturing. UPM works with small and large companies on solid dosage forms, including capsules and tablets. Its facilities allow for small batches for clinical trials to large-scale commercial production. In April 2014, the company agreed to manufacture two products for Amerigen Pharmaceuticals in a 10-year supply term.
Solid-Dose Manufacturing
A Pharma Tech report argues that drug manufacturing companies must continue to study the attributes of the materials, including cohesion, permeability, and density. The report author also identifies raw-material specifications as a potential source of improvement in the industry and says that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is working with manufacturers on an excipients database.
In solid-dose processing, process analytical technologies (PAT), real-time monitoring, online monitoring, and near infrared (NIR) analysis are helping manufacturers improve efficiencies and quality. For example, when compression forces are monitored, tablets can be rejected if a compression irregularity is identified. Other tools can monitor a tablet’s weight, hardness, and thickness.