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.
Reportedly, through this alliance, BASF is expected to add spray drying of APIs and formulations to its offerings as a provider of custom synthesis services for small molecules to the pharmaceutical industry.
BASF said that by combining BASF’s 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.
Folker Ruchatz, director of global business management custom synthesis at BASF, said: “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 of 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.”