The Dow Chemical Co. has entered a strategic alliance with Colorcon, Inc. for the global marketing, sales, technical service and development, and distribution of Dow's excipient products for use in controlled release applications. The agreement applies to select Methocel hypromellose polymers, Ethocel ethylcellulose polymers and Polyox poly(ethylene) oxide resins. Distribution of these polymers for controlled release applications will be transitioned to Colorcon from Dow's existing distributor network.

This alliance combines Dow's excipient technology with Colorcon's drug dosage formulation expertise. Controlled release excipients provide the benefits of consistent drug release over time. The goal of the collaboration is to bring more technologically advanced excipients to more drug manufacturers worldwide.

"The alliance between Dow and Colorcon is a natural outcome of a 28-year-old cooperation between the two companies and our answer to the global pharmaceutical industry's demand for faster development and more efficient production of drug ingredients," says Philip Pilnik, commercial director for Dow Pharmaceutical Excipients.

Jim Coward, vice president and general manager for Colorcon Modified Release Technologies said, "We see this global alliance as a natural progression for both companies in providing increased value to the pharmaceutical formulator. Our goal is to provide a full range of products, tools and services for modified release application in tablet, multi-particulate and osmotic formulations. By expanding our relationship with Dow we expect to accelerate our new product development efforts, as well as improve existing solutions for controlled release."