Hovione and Solvias Announce a Collaboration to Provide for Improved Drug Solubility

LISBON, Portugal, November 28, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Hovione and Solvias today announced the establishment of a collaboration focused on the development and GMP supply of pharmaceutical co-crystals. This strengthens Hovione's expertise and experience in overcoming drug delivery challenges and also the supply of GMP materials from phase I to commercial scale, with Solvias' excellence in solid state chemistry.

Hovione offers a series of innovative particle engineering technologies focused on amorphous solid dispersions, crystal design and reduction and control of particle size. The collaboration provides Hovione access to Solvias' co-crystallization expertise and capabilities, thus reinforcing and complementing the crystal design solutions to overcome poor bioavailability and other drug delivery challenges. Solvias continues its strategy of partnering to enhance access to its solid-state solutions.

"We are delighted to announce this collaboration with Solvias increasing the breadth of drug delivery solutions through our Particle Design offering. Solvias has a tremendous reputation for science, quality and expertise in crystal design for improved drug performance. This agreement reinforces our strategy of combining strengths with innovative companies to allow our customers a seamless and integrated approach to their drug delivery challenges." said Dr. Colin Minchom, Hovione's Vice President of Particle Design.

Dr. Martina Diekmann, Solvias' Global Head of Business Development Analytics commented "Solvias is delighted to work with Hovione.  In establishing this agreement with Hovione, we are able to generate added value for our customers and to help them solving their drug delivery requirements."

About Hovione. Hovione is a global company with over 50 years' experience in Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient and Drug Product Intermediate development and compliant manufacture. With four FDA inspected sites in the U.S., China, Ireland, and Portugal, the company focuses on the most demanding customers in the most regulated markets. Hovione offers integrated API, particle design, formulation development and GMP manufacturing. In the inhalation area, Hovione is the only independent company offering such a broad range of services.

About Solvias. Solvias is a privately held company located in Basel, Switzerland, with recognized high standards as a service provider to the pharmaceutical industry with full cGMP compliance (FDA, Swissmedic). With over 250 highly qualified employees, Solvias supports the research and development of new drug substances and drug products for pharmaceutical and life science companies worldwide.Solvias'profound know-how for analytical and chemical development, its experience and proven track record include:  Analytical Services for small molecules and biopharmaceuticals,;
Solid-State Services: Polymorphism, Salts, and Crystallization; Chemical Development and API Manufacturing up to phase II; Catalysis; Process Analytical Technology.

For more information about Hovione, please visit http://www.hovione.com or contact Marketing & Communication,  Isabel Pina, +351-21-982-9362, e-mail: ipina@hovione.com.

For media requests, please contact: Tim Senn, Marketing Communication Manager at tim.senn@solvias.com or +41-61-845-61-41