BASF has joined forces with GEA Niro in cGMP spray drying for custom synthesis pharma production

Evionnaz , Switzerland, and Søborg , Denmark – BASF’s Business Unit Pharma Ingredients & Services has entered into a cooperation with GEA Niro, which will allow BASF to make cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practice) spray drying tests and pilot productions of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) at GEA Niro’s Pharma Test Station in Copenhagen. GEA Niro’s Pharma Test station is one of the most advanced and versatile cGMP spray drying facilities worldwide.



Spray drying is an important technology to improve the bioavailability of poorly soluble APIs. The spray drying technology can be applied in pharmaceutical production to obtain several benefits including increased bioavailability, controlled release or taste masking, and to produce fine powders for inhalation or other applications. Through this alliance, BASF will add spray drying of APIs and formulations to its offerings as a provider of custom synthesis services for small molecules to the pharmaceutical industry.



By combining BASF’s state of the art custom synthesis capabilities and expertise in excipients with GEA Niro’s spray drying know-how and cGMP facilities, BASF has created a unique value proposition for its pharmaceutical customers.



Dr. Folker Ruchatz, BASF`s Director of Global Business Management Custom Synthesis: “BASF has already substantial know-how in spray drying. With this cooperation we add to our portfolio the ability to offer a cGMP facility. Teaming up with GEA Niro gives us access to a superior facility, and by working with the leading supplier of spray drying technology worldwide, we can provide the best solutions to our customers’ needs sustainably.”



Niels Erik Olsen, Executive Vice President at GEA Niro: “The spray drying technology poses a vast potential for the pharmaceutical industry, and BASF’s expertise across the entire pharmaceutical value chain will be a huge benefit to many companies. We hope this alliance with BASF will help drive the market even further. Together, we offer the pharmaceutical industry a unique set of resources and competencies covering the complete value chain”.



A press photo by GEA Niro can be found for download at www.basf.com/pressphoto-database under the keyword “BASF SE” and the search term “Pharma Solutions” or “Spray Drying”.



About GEA Niro

GEA Niro is a world leader in spray drying technology, and has a long history of serving the pharmaceutical industry. The supply includes spray dryers for R&D as well as industrial-size plants for continuous production of pharmaceutical compounds under cGMP conditions. The expertise includes technologies for processing API and excipients using spray drying, agglomeration, encapsulation, and spray congealing as well as drying of final drug formulations.

GEA Niro’s Pharma Test Station is the world’s most advanced cGMP spray drying facility, and a part of the GEA Niro Test Center, which is the world’s major competence center for spray drying technology. For more information, pls. visit www.niro.com/pts



About BASF Pharma Ingredients & Services

BASF produces and markets a broad range of active ingredients and excipients, as well as exclusive synthesis services for the pharmaceutical industry. These products are made using the latest technologies, to the highest quality standards and in compliance with cGMP guidelines. Further information can be found at: www.pharma-ingredients.basf.com.



About BASF

BASF is the world’s leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics and performance products to agricultural products, fine chemicals and oil and gas. As a reliable partner BASF helps its customers in virtually all industries to be more successful. With its high-value products and intelligent solutions, BASF plays an important role in finding answers to global challenges such as climate protection, energy efficiency, nutrition and mobility. BASF posted sales of more than €62 billion in 2008 and had approximately 97 ,000 employees as of the end of the year. Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.