Degussa launches pharmaceutical service platform

Degussa, of Duesseldorf, has launched a new service for customers in the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical sectors, covering the entire value chain for drug manufacturing from a new active ingredient via its synthesis and building blocks through to dosage and controlled release within the body.

Managed by an interdisciplinary team of experts drawn from all parts of the group, Degussa for Pharmaceuticals encompasses seven of Degussa's organisational units and incorporates all Degussa products, technologies, development and application services.

'We show our customers the shortest route to their goal, regardless of the point at which they enter our network, and of whether they are looking for an individual product, process development or a complete service package,' said Dr Matthias Kottenhahn, head of business development (pharma) in the fine chemicals business unit.

Degussa for Pharmaceuticals is divided into two sections: Synthesis and Formulating. The product range in Synthesis covers a wide range of intermediates, APIs, nucleic acids and their derivatives, homogeneous and heterogeneous chemical and biocatalysts for production enantiomerically pure molecules, solvents and silicon-based auxiliaries, among others. The range of services offered ranges from discovery of new lead structures for APIs, development of catalysts, protection-group reagents and multistep syntheses to production of APIs on the laboratory, multi-kilo and multi-ton scales in cGMP and FDA-certified plants.

The Formulating section covers a range of pat-ented systems for controlled release in the entire GI tract, and formulating aids for all types of dosage forms, including tables, syrups, infusion solutions and suppositories, as well as aromatic and flavouring agents for taste-masking.