Codis to Acquire Catalent's Nottingham Facility for European Spray Drying Excellence

Codis to Acquire Catalent's Nottingham Facility

In a significant move for the pharmaceutical manufacturing landscape, Codis, a global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), has announced its intent to acquire Catalent Pharma Solutions' facility in Nottingham, United Kingdom. This strategic acquisition, projected to conclude in the third quarter of this year, is set to propel Codis into a leadership position in integrated spray drying solutions across Europe.

The Nottingham plant is renowned for its specialized capabilities in the development of oral solid dosage forms (OSD) and small-scale commercial manufacturing, supported by over two decades of experience in the UK market. Codis aims to utilize this facility to create what they describe as the primary collaboration pathway for comprehensive spray drying solutions, ranging from research and clinical supply to commercial intermediates and final oral dosage forms.

One of the hallmarks of this acquisition is the facility's highly skilled workforce and substantial scientific expertise in formulation development and clinical supply. For more than 20 years, the Nottingham site has successfully delivered both spray drying solutions and OSD at a developmental scale, making it a vital asset for Codis.

Lauded for its strategic complement to Codis’s existing large-scale commercial spray drying operation located in Haverhill, UK, this acquisition will bolster engineering capabilities and enhance the user experience. The Haverhill facility is already undergoing expansion with the installation of a new GEA Pharma-SD® PSD-4 commercial spray dryer, set to be validated by 2027. Together, these facilities will deliver an integrated portfolio of solutions aimed at improving bioavailability, with development, analytical testing, clinical trials, and commercial manufacturing all conducted under one roof.

According to Nicolas Fortin, CEO of Codis, this acquisition solidifies Codis's reputation as a leading provider of integrated spray drying solutions in Europe. "The proximity of our facilities in Nottingham and Haverhill provides us with a unique advantage. Codis will now be able to offer access to top scientific expertise combined with robust in-house manufacturing capabilities under a single quality system," Fortin stated.

Fortin also highlighted the challenges often faced in drug development, particularly concerning small-molecule candidates that frequently present solubility issues. He pointed out that utilizing spray-dried dispersions has become one of the major methods for enhancing bioavailability; however, transitioning a formulation to commercial-scale production involves considerable risk. By integrating formulation development and manufacturing in compliance with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), Codis aims to offer the fastest and least risky pathway to unlock a molecule's full potential.

In conclusion, the acquisition of the Nottingham facility by Codis is poised to enhance not only its operational capabilities but also to solidify its position in the competitive pharmaceutical landscape. With the continuous evolution of drug formulations and patient care, Codis stands at the forefront, prepared to address new challenges and demands while delivering superior services in spray drying and beyond.

About Codis

Codis specializes in commercial spray drying, amorphous solid dispersions, particle engineering, and finished dose manufacturing within pharmaceutical, consumer health, nutraceutical, and over-the-counter products sectors. With over 400,000 square feet of cGMP facilities in St. Louis, Missouri, Seymour, Indiana, and Haverhill, UK, Codis amalgamates decades of regulatory, development, and manufacturing expertise under one brand. For more detailed information, please visit www.codis.com.