Recipharm, the international contract pharmaceutical development and manufacturing organization, has been contracted by ViroPharma to complete commercial scale-up manufacture of Plenadren (hydrocortisone), used for the treatment of adrenal insufficiency in adults.

In addition, ViroPharma is investing in new equipment for Recipharm to increase the manufacturing capacity for Plenadren to support commercial product launches across Europe.

The new agreement follows the completion of Recipharm’s initial scale-up contract with DuoCort Pharma—recently acquired by ViroPharma following Plenadren’s receipt of European marketing authorization and confirmation of orphan drug designation.

Additionally, Recipharm will be able to use the new equipment for other projects, with ViroPharma retaining its status as highest priority customer.

Helene Fehrm, general manager of Recipharm Stockholm, said, “This investment and the work we are doing for ViroPharma will give us further valuable experience in tablet manufacturing with API in the coating—a unique advantage over conventional approaches—both for Plenadren itself and other customers moving forwards.