Catalent Pharma Solutions, Somerset, N.J.-based developer of solutions and drug delivery technology, is investing $20 million to expand its inhalation drug development, delivery and supply capabilities by enhancing its Inhalation Center of Excellence in Research Triangle Park in North Carolina. The investment will focus on expanding pressurized Metered Dose Inhaler (pMDI) clinical and commercial supply capabilities as well as other enhancements to the facility.

Catalent provides a broad range of inhalation services including API optimization, pre-formulation, formulation, analytical testing and manufacturing across all inhaled dosage forms at the current facility in New Jersey, and its advanced aseptic development and fill/finish supply solutions facility in Woodstock, Ill.

“Pulmonary and nasal represents the second largest drug delivery market by delivery route. Catalent’s investment in commercial manufacturing at our Inhalation Center of Excellence not only fits with our advanced drug delivery growth strategy, but also positions us as a world leader supporting inhaled products,” said Scott Houlton, president of development and clinical services, Catalent. “In addition to the introduction of scalable processes for micro-dosing inhalation powder formulations, and the recent commissioning of our new nasal filling suite, this $20 million investment will upgrade our pMDI manufacturing capacity and allow us to better support our customers from early development all the way through to commercialization; bringing more products and better treatments to market faster.”