Catalent began supplying Abilify OD Tablets (orally disintegrating) to Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., using its Zydis fast dissolve drug delivery technology. Otsuka’s Abilify OD is for the treatment of schizophrenia and improvement of manic symptoms associated with bipolar disorder. Catalent plans to further invest in its Zydis ODT operations in Swindon, UK to support the increasing demand from the Japanese market.
 
Dr. Ian Muir, president of Catalent’s Modified Release Technology business said, “We are delighted to partner with Otsuka on the launch of this important new formulation of Abilify OD. Catalent’s Zydis fast dissolve technology has provided a tablet that is very palatable, and disintegrates within seconds in the mouth, making it very easy to take. As patient medication compliance is critical for those requiring antipsychotic therapies, Otsuka believes this new formulation will be of great assistance to patients in Japan. Abilify OD is the eighth drug approved and launched in Japan, using Catalent’s Zydis ODT.”
 
Mr. Hans-Joachim Rohe, president of Catalent Japan said, “We are very excited with the growing demand for Catalent’s Zydis ODT in Japan, where many products could benefit from this type of ODT formulation. We have seen an increasing number of customers specifically seeking truly rapid disintegration and superior palatability in order to differentiate their products in Japan’s competitive market. In this regard, Zydis ODT can excel over competing alternatives such as loosely compressed tablets.”