Capsugel injects molding tech into oral forms

Pfizer's Capsugel unit has garnered rights to the FlexTab dosage-form platform, following eight years of effort with drug giant GSK. FlexTab extends Capsugel's base of oral-delivery formulation technology beyond dip-molding to injection-molding processes.

FlexTab accommodates  various fill materials, including powders, pellets, liquids, micro-tablets and tablets. The company says the technology also can deliver separate liquid and powder APIs in one dose.

Separately, UK contract manufacturer Molecular Profiles is adding a Capsugel Xcelodose 1205 powder micro-doser for capsule and vial filling. The CMO sees the unit, which provides for dosing in quantities as small as 100 micrograms, as a way to attract business from sponsors running early-phase studies. Precision small-quantity dosing lets sponsors skip formulation development and stability studies, the company says.

- see the Molecular Profiles release
- here's the FlexTab announcement