Molecular Profiles Ltd., a subsidiary of Columbia Laboratories, Inc., (Nasdaq: CBRX) has completed a significant investment into additional equipment as part of a wider project focusing on enabling technologies that facilitate processing of difficult-to-progress molecules.

The UK-based pharmaceutical development and manufacturing services provider has invested in GMP hot melt extrusion (HME) technology along with further milling equipment, enabling the company to accelerate formulation development for its clients.

Dr Rob Harris, chief technical officer at Molecular Profiles, said: “Over the years, our company has gained a strong reputation in advanced characterisation, formulation development and dealing with complex molecules. We have been working in this space for nearly a decade, bringing a high level of understanding to, for instance, the stability and failings that occur in HME.

“Expanding our in-house equipment is all about complementing this expertise by bringing on-stream an even more diverse range of enabling technologies to assist clients in developing challenging compounds.

“Supported by our world-class suite of processing and characterisation tools, our new Enabling Technologies Division forms the backbone of our early formulation development services. Utilising a science-led approach, this team is primarily focused on screening formulation options for challenging molecules,  quickly developing effective formulations, and finding solutions to our clients’ product development requirements,” added Dr Harris. 

This is the latest significant venture for Molecular Profiles, which opened its new clinical production site last July following a successful inspection from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

Dovetailing with its development capabilities, the organisation manufactures a range of dosage forms for clinical trials spanning solids, liquids, semi-solids and inhaled products, including potent compounds.

Extending both its GMP and development equipment further strengthens the company’s ability to formulate a broader range of dosage forms which are able to deliver the drug substance more effectively. 

The company recently hosted a high-profile two-day conference focused on overcoming biological barriers in drug development.  The event was attended by dozens of pharmaceutical executives, scientists and leading academics from across the globe.

About Columbia Laboratories

Columbia Laboratories, Inc. provides pharmaceutical development, clinical trial manufacturing, and advanced analytical and consulting services to the pharmaceutical industry.  The Company has a successful heritage in pharmaceutical research and development, particularly in women's healthcare and drug delivery.  Its most successful product to date, CRINONE^® 8% (progesterone gel), is marketed by Actavis, Inc. in the U.S. and by Merck Serono S.A. in over 60 additional countries worldwide.  

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