Collaboration deal in sterile IMP outsourcing

UK-based Penn Pharmaceutical Services and Specials Clinical Manufacturing have entered into a strategic alliance to provide outsourced services in sterile manufacturing, packing and distribution of investigational medicinal products (IMPs).

By working together the two independent companies will be able to offer a full range of IMP-related products and services under their individual brands, embracing both sterile and non-sterile manufacturing technology. The agreement will also open up Penn's established international sales network to Specials" established expertise and product range.

Under the alliance agreement, Penn will provide non-sterile services such as formulation development, analytical development, stability testing, secondary packing and distribution, while Northumberland-based Specials will provide sterile manufacturing, filling, primary packing, micro-biological testing and method development services.

John Roberts, commercial director at Penn said: "This agreement brings together two established, MHRA approved companies with an excellent track record in the manufacture, packing, testing and supply of IMPs for clinical studies.

The compelling combined service offering provided by Penn and Specials in the field of sterile IMP development will enable clients to significantly accelerate the progress of their products through phase I-III clinical studies."

Shirley Dann, business development director at Specials said the partnership would open up new market sectors and opportunities for both companies.