Catalent Expands European Clinical Packaging Capabilities

Catalent Pharma Solutions has tannounced several expanded capabilities within its European Clinical Supply Services network. The expansions have been implemented in response to increased customer demand for specialty clinical packaging, where the proportion of highly potent or temperature-sensitive investigational medical products continues to increase.

At its Schorndorf, Germany, facility, Catalent tripled its frozen storage (-18 °C) capacity and has added a second automated Inova packaging line for pre-filled syringes, with capabilities including plunger-rod insertion, application of single panel labels, finger flanges, and safety device mounting. At its controlled substances facility in Deeside, UK, the company has expanded its clinical storage capacity with the addition of a third vault, bringing the combined controlled substance storage capacity to over 14,000 cubic feet. The Bathgate, UK facility’s cold storage capabilities have been updated to include a cryogenic storage service, suitable for stem cells, regenerative therapies and other clinical materials.

And finally, at Catalent’s primary packaging facility, in Bolton, UK, the company has installed two new energy-efficient chiller units that increase output capacity by more than 10%.

“As with our recent investments in our US capabilities, we are committed to offering comprehensive clinical supply solutions throughout our European network,” commented Gerry Hepburn, Chief Operating Officer, Vice President and General Manager of Catalent’s Clinical Supply Services business. “A key part of that commitment is ensuring that our facilities are well aligned with the current, emerging and future needs of our customers, as evidenced by our recent investments in Europe and the harmonization of key systems across all Catalent sites.”

The 60,000 sq ft Schorndorf facility offers primary and secondary packaging for oral dose solids and pre-filled syringes; cold, frozen and controlled drug clinical storage; and EU-GMP audit, importation, release and consulting services. The 125,000 sq ft Deeside facility provides comprehensive primary and secondary packaging services, with extensive capabilities in the cold storage of temperature-sensitive and controlled drug substances handling. The 141,000 sq ft Bathgate facility provides primary and secondary packaging services and returns and destruction management. The 61,000 sq ft Bolton facility offers state-of-the-art clinical supply services and is capable of supporting a range of primary and secondary packaging projects, from early stage clinical studies to specialty commercial packaging needs, including cold storage or highly-potent drugs handling. All four sites provide end-to-end clinical supply solutions that also include clinical supply management and comparator sourcing.