Bend Research, Inc. is expanding its pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities for hot-melt extrusion. The company has purchased intermediate-scale equipment for hot-melt extrusion at its facility to provide additional processing options for clients.

The 18-mm extruder provides capacity between existing 7.5-mm and 27-mm extruders. This enables manufacture at the appropriate scale for the development phase of a compound. The three extruders allow scale-up of a formulation from small-scale development work through large-scale manufacture of clinical supplies using cGMP regulations for human clinical trials.

"This added capability strengthens our established position as a leading drug-formulation outsource for pharmaceutical companies that need innovative delivery technologies," said Bend Research president and chief executive officer Rod Ray. "In addition, the new equipment broadens the company's technology offerings for the delivery of low-solubility drugs."