COLUMBIA, MD. – Oct. 9, 2017 – W. R. Grace & Co. announces that it has acquired from Formac Pharmaceuticals NV exclusive licensing rights on multiple patents and know-how for ordered mesoporous silica-based technology to enhance the oral bioavailability of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).
Grace and Formac formed a strategic partnership in 2011 to jointly develop new silica-based drug delivery technologies. Now, Grace will have sole control of the unique application that uses ordered mesoporous silica as a vehicle for the amorphous form of the API for effective drug delivery.
“Formac’s groundbreaking research into this technology offers formulation scientists a new approach for improving the uptake of poorly soluble drugs. We are thrilled to have Grace as a commercial partner to continue to bring this technology to pharmaceutical customers around the world,” said Professor Johan Martens from University of Leuven, one of Formac’s founding partners.
“Since forming a joint research effort, Grace and Formac have developed novel silica-based drug delivery applications,” said Manoj Koranne, Ph.D., Grace’s Global Director of R&D, Materials Technologies. “We are excited about acquiring the intellectual property rights to further broaden the range of creative formulation solutions that increase the bioavailability of poorly soluble APIs.”
Earlier this year at the Global Drug Delivery and Formulation (DDF) Summit in Berlin, Grace presented the latest SILSOL® application of non-ordered silica drug delivery technology to improve solubility and bioavailability. Grace will present its latest silica-based drug delivery technologies to the world’s major pharmaceutical companies, formulation experts, and technology providers at the next DDF Summit, March 12-14, 2018, in Berlin.
About Grace
Built on talent, technology, and trust, Grace is a leading global supplier of catalysts and engineered materials. The company’s two industry-leading business segments—Catalysts Technologies and Materials Technologies—provide innovative products, technologies, and services that enhance the products and processes of our customer partners around the world. With approximately 3,700 employees, Grace operates and/or sells to customers in over 60 countries. More information about Grace is available at grace.com.
