INTERVIEW
formulation development. These capabilities play a critical role in addressing patent-related challenges, developing novel excipients, and facilitating the faster introduction of high-quality generics to the market. As a result, the time-to-market for new drugs is significantly shortened, ensuring faster and more efficient access to high-quality formulations that meet both regulatory and therapeutic standards.
How is the centre integrating advanced formulation platforms such as amorphous solid dispersions, lipidbased formulations, or nanoparticle systems?
The Center is equipped with cuttingedge technologies to meet the growing demand for advanced pharmaceutical formulations. It offers a range of amorphous solid dispersion( ASD) technologies, including solvent-free methods such as hot-melt extrusion, as well as solvent-based approaches like spray drying and carrier loading. In addition, the Center supports specialized techniques such as complexation, vacuum compression molding, and advanced analytical tools including Differential Scanning Calorimetry( DSC) and Near-Infrared( NIR) Spectroscopy to study interactions and compatibility among excipients
Looking ahead, the Center plans to strategically expand its focus into novel drug delivery systems, particularly those based on lipid carriers and nanoparticulate technologies.
What kind of scientific expertise and multidisciplinary collaboration does the centre foster? How does it support continuous learning and innovation among its scientists and pharma manufacturers?
Merck’ s Formulation & Technology Centre serves as a dynamic platform for collaborative research in drug formulation and delivery, acting as a knowledge hub that connects academia and industry. By bridging scientific innovation with practical application, the centre fosters the development of high-quality formulations that meet rigorous regulatory, therapeutic, and quality standards. The centre offers a collaborative platform where customers can explore novel excipients, understand their unique characteristics, and evaluate their quality for solid dosage forms. The facility offers access to advanced technologies for developing solid dosage forms, along with numerous strategies in the area of solubility enhancement.
For academia and research institutions, the Centre offers specialized training programs, handson learning, and research support. It
28
BioVoiceNews | June 2025