Serving the pharmaceutical drug development pipeline

The development of a new drug is a long pipeline that can take years to complete. Since 2008, Solid Form Solutions has been supporting pharmaceutical companies through this process, most recently from its new laboratory facility at Edinburgh Technopole. The company specialises in testing the solid-state properties of drug candidates, as Stephen Watt, President of Solid Form Solutions, explained: “Our researchers work to determine whether products have the potential to be a drug, providing a range of analytical services that assess the physical properties of these chemicals, to anticipate any potential downstream problems. For example, we check the solubility of drug candidates, allowing us to foresee if the product will not dissolve in the body, then come up with solutions so that our client can move forward with development.”

“We also offer a polymorph screening service, interrogating the chemical structure to help our clients identify the most stable form of their products. Creating a stable product is important to avoid it breaking down or changing characteristics over time, especially if it’s going to be shipped worldwide. Once the best physical form of the potential drug has been established, the client then scales up production to generate a few hundred grams. We then re-assess it to make sure that the drug retains its structure and properties when it is produced in large quantities.”

“The whole process from the first point of discovery to a new drug reaching the market can take 10 to 15 years. It’s a very long process, so our aim is to offer our clients an efficient path to success, aiming to reduce risk and save as much time as possible. Our in-house expertise, together with access to the world-class facilities at nearby universities, puts us in an excellent position to provide the services our clients need.”

*Now part of Cambrex plc

 To learn more about Solid Form Solutions, visit www.solidformsolutions.co.uk