PRESS RELEASE
Monheim, September 10, 2008
Cognis strengthens pharmaceutical drug delivery platform with Vitamin E TPGS
Global specialty chemicals supplier Cognis has started with the production of
TPGS (D-alpha Tocopheryl Polyethylene Glycol 1000 Succinate) that meets the market standards in terms of composition and manufacturing technology. The product will be introduced at this year’s CPhI tradeshow (Sept. 30-Oct. 2; Frankfurt, Germany) and will be offered under the trade name Speziol TPGS Pharma. It is used as an emulsifier, drug solubilizer, absorption enhancer, and as a vehicle for lipid-based drug-delivery formulations. It has already been successfully used by international pharmaceutical companies for oral and topical formulations including immunosuppressants, HIV protease inhibitors and anti-cancer drugs.
Cognis is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of natural-source vitamin E as well as for pharmaceutical-grade excipients. Now the company has additionally developed the technology needed for the commercial manufacturing of TPGS, a water-soluble derivative of vitamin E that can directly enhance the bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs. It is described in the USP/NF.
Facilitating the delivery of life-saving drugs
Because TPGS increases the bioavailability of poorly active ingredients, it is frequently used in anti-HIV medications, and as a delivery agent for anti-cancer drugs. In particular, they ease the difficulties of formulating cancer drugs, and make them easier to deliver into the body. TPGS is also found in an array of other ethical and prescription free pharmaceutical formulations.
Adding value by providing single-source solutions
Cognis is one of the most established suppliers of natural-source vitamin E which forms the basis of TPGS. This results in synergies of obvious benefits to customers. Comments Thomas Rosen, Global Product Line Manager Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare: “We have many years of experience in manufacturing pharmaceutical excipients and ingredients to the strict standards of the life science industry. As a result, by using our own Vitamin E feedstocks, Cognis can ensure that its TGPS products are fully compliant with IPEC-PQG GMP standards and guarantee consistency of quality. TPGS is an excellent strategic fit to Cognis’ Vitamin E business and is fully vertically back integrated within Cognis, securing competitive and reliable supply for our customers.”
About Cognis
Cognis is a worldwide supplier of innovative specialty chemicals and nutritional ingredients, with a particular focus on the areas of wellness and sustainability. The company employs about 7,600 people, and it operates production sites and service centers in 30 countries. Cognis has dedicated its activities to a high level of sustainability and delivers natural source raw materials and ingredients for food, nutrition and healthcare markets, and the cosmetics, detergents and cleaners industries. Another main focus is on products for a number of other industries, such as coatings and inks, lubricants, textiles, as well as agriculture and mining.
Cognis is owned by private equity funds advised by Permira, GS Capital Partners, and SV Life Sciences. In 2007, Cognis recorded sales of about 3.52 billion euros and an Adjusted EBITDA (operating result) of 410 million euros.
Contact
Dr. Thomas Rosen, Global Product Line Manager Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare
Cognis GmbH
Phone: +49-2173-4995-479
Email: thomas.rosen@cognis.com
Internet: www.cognis.com
Raquel Ark, Senior Communications Manager
Cognis GmbH
Phone: +49-2173-4995-464
Email: raquel.ark@cognis.com
Internet: www.cognis.com