BASF’s Pharma Ingredients & Services business unit, which makes APIs and excipients and carries out exclusive pharmaceutical synthesis at the former Orgamol site in Evionnaz, Switzerland, has begun a co-operation with GEA Niro. This will enable it to carry out cGMP spray drying tests and pilot productions of APIs at GEA Niro’s Pharma Test Station in Copenhagen.

BASF already has “substantial know-how” in this field, according to Dr Folker Ruchatz, director of global business management for custom synthesis. However, access to the Copenhagen site, which is one of the most advanced of its kind worldwide, will give it access to cGMP spray drying of APIs and formulations and the help of a technology leader in the field.

Spray drying is used to improve the bioavailability of poorly soluble APIs. It can also be used to obtain controlled release, taste masking, or fine powders for inhalation or other applications. GEA Niro is a major player in for the pharmaceuticals industry, offering R&D- and industrial-scale spray dryers to process APIs and excipients and for agglomeration, encapsulation, spray congealing and drying of final drug formulations.