Catalent, a global provider of advanced delivery technologies and development solutions for drugs, biologics and consumer health products, has acquired Micron Technologies, a Boise, Idaho-based global provider of particle size engineering technologies.

Catalent will add Micron Technologies’ particle size engineering capabilities to its suite of drug delivery and development solutions. Catalent now can partner with more pharmaceutical innovators at the earliest stages of the drug development process with a set of options and experience ranging from OptiForm API optimization and Micron Technologies particle size optimization, to formulation and final dose form design services, through to bioavailability solutions such as RP Scherer Softgel lipid systems and OptiMelt hot melt extrusion technologies. Catalent can support its customers all the way through scale up, clinical and commercial manufacturing of finished oral and inhaled dose forms around the world, including for highly potent compounds.

“This strategic acquisition allows Catalent to provide an unprecedented set of integrated development solutions and superior drug delivery technologies to the industry, partnering with our customers’ R&D teams earlier in the development cycle and helping them deliver better treatments to clinic and to market faster and more efficiently,” said John Chiminski, Catalent president and CEO.

The acquisition is Catalent’s second since its IPO in July, following its purchase of Redwood Bioscience, with its SMARTag Antibody-Drug Conjugate (ADC) technology platform, in October. 

Micron Technologies currently operates two state-of-the-art facilities in Malvern, Pa., and Dartford, U.K., and employs 100 across both sites. Micron Technologies has over 25 years of experience in air jet milling micronization and is capable of processing R&D and commercial volumes at both of its sites. It currently supports active programs involving over 300 customers around the world. Both facilities are equipped with advanced systems to ensure the quality, safety and total containment of highly potent and cytotoxic compounds, and provide integrated analytical services capabilities from early stage development to commercialization.

Joseph Drost, CEO of Micron Technologies, who will continue to lead the business, said, “We are excited to become part of Catalent, as there is a natural synergy between our organizations. … Through access to Catalent’s global network, development expertise and innovative technologies, we can jointly provide end-to-end solutions to accelerate drug development programs and bring better treatments to patients worldwide.”