Bespak and OzUK have extended their pressurised Metered Dose Inhaler (pMDI) development partnership.
This has been achieved by the inauguration of OzUK's independent laboratory, which has been specifically designed for initial formulation and component screening.
The lab can also be used for product development, as well as pMDI-specific feasibility studies.
After early-stage development at OzUK's laboratory, drug products can be transferred to Bespak's HFA-152a GMP filling line, which can provide brands with a clinical supply from the UK.
By combining their abilities, Bespak and OzUK hope to create an efficient development pathway for UK clients in the pMDI space — as well as those futher afield.
Growth in the pDMI space
The extension of Bespak and OzUK's partnership follows OzUK's recent inauguration of its ATEX-rated pilot plant.
The plant is suitable for the development of pMDI products with a low global warming potential (GWP), which has become increasingly important as the pharmaceutical industry moves towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions.
OzUK's novel facility is fully ATEX compliant, so the company can produce solution and suspension batches at a pilot scale.
Because of this collaboration, Bespak can maintain an end-to-end service offering for its customers, as the company intends to close its product development and testing centre in North Carolina, US, by Q1 of 2025.
Christ Hirst, CEO of Bespak, noted: “We’re thrilled to partner with such a trusted and well-respected team. By drawing on OzUK’s know-how and recently expanded capabilities, this partnership strengthens the development pathway for vital low GWP pMDIs. We’re also excited to bring our end-to-end pMDI services fully into the UK, reflecting the manufacturing excellence we have here, and bringing the entire low GWP pMDI value chain together.”
Robert Johnson, COO of OzUK, added: “By partnering with Bespak, we can help drive the low GWP pMDI transition with agility here in the UK. We’re excited by what’s possible as we continue to deliver our service as an independent research centre, and in parallel, work with the trusted Bespak team to offer the most extensive reformulation service to our customers."
"Our offering from early-stage development to clinical and commercial supply in partnership with Bespak is a winning formula to support the transition to climate-friendly inhalers.” He concluded.