Ashland Aids Pharmaceutical Manufacturers With Formulation Services

Pharmaceutical scientists at Ashland understand how polymers interact with complex drug molecules. These experts presented at CPhI India to explain how Ashland is providing formulation services to manufacturers in the region that require assistance in tailoring polymer-based drug delivery systems for optimal bioavailability, stability, and patient compliance.

“The pharmaceutical market in India is now the third largest in the world,” said Nelson Corda, General Manager, Rest of Asia, Ashland Specialty Ingredients. “Last year, Ashland opened a Pharmaceutical Center of Excellence in Hyderabad to conduct oral solid-dosage form research and to assist manufacturers with novel therapeutics through polymeric drug delivery systems. With this facility, we recognize the importance and vitality of the Asia Pacific pharmaceutical market and the particular relevance of India within this market.”

At the exhibition, Ashland also showcased a series of polymer excipients that enable manufacturers of oral dosage forms to produce finished products with relative ease and efficiency. Among the products on display will be Klucel hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), a premier tablet binder that makes tablet preparation easy. Polyplasdone crospovidone, a super disintegrant for immediate-release oral dosage forms, will be presented as a core technology proven to enhance dissolution.

Natrosol hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC), a non-ionic water-soluble cellulose ether, will be spotlighted as a technology to control the rheology of solutions and gels. AquaSolve hypromellose acetate succinate (HPMCAS), a solid dispersion polymer, will be presented as a novel technology for bioavailability enhancement of poorly soluble active pharmaceutical ingredients. Direct compression grades of Benecel hypromellose will be offered as a technology to control the release of complex drug molecules in solid-dosage forms.

“Ashland brings to India an unparalleled excipient portfolio and a global research and development (R&D) team focused on all of the major formulation trends,” said Thomas Durig, Senior Director, Pharmaceutical and Nutrition Specialties R&D, Ashland Specialty Ingredients. “Our Pharmaceutical Center of Excellence in Hyderabad is a world-class resource, completely secured, inspected, and certified to India’s highest regulatory standards. At this facility, we conduct formulation development, respond to technical service requests, perform customer trials, and create new technologies for our customers in India and the Asia Pacific region.”

Ashland Specialty Ingredients is the leading global producer of cellulose ethers and a global leader in vinyl pyrrolidones. It offers industry-leading products, technologies and resources for solving formulation and product-performance challenges. Using natural, synthetic and semisynthetic polymers derived from plant and seed extract, cellulose ethers and vinyl pyrrolidones, as well as acrylic and polyurethane-based adhesives, Specialty Ingredients offers comprehensive and innovative solutions for today’s demanding consumer and industrial applications. Key customers include: pharmaceutical companies; makers of personal care products, food and beverages; manufacturers of paint, coatings and construction materials; packaging and converting; and oilfield service companies.

Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH) is a global leader in providing specialty chemical solutions to customers in a wide range of consumer and industrial markets, including adhesives, architectural coatings, automotive, construction, energy, food and beverage, personal care and pharmaceutical. Through our three business units – Ashland Specialty Ingredients, Ashland Performance Materials and Valvoline – we use good chemistry to make great things happen for customers in more than 100 countries. For more information, visit www.ashland.com.