Aptuit has invested in a Thermo Fisher 16 twin screw extruder, adding Hot Melt Extrusion Technology (HME), to its range of technologies for processing poorly soluble drugs. HME can offer enhanced dissolution and bioavailability, sustained drug release over an extended period of time, conversion of raw materials into a uniform shape and density, and can be used in continuous wet granulation.
 
Dr. Jonathan Goldman, chief executive officer, Aptuit, said, “The poor solubility of new chemical entities (NCEs) is one of the most frequent and greatest challenges to formulation scientists in the development of oral solid dosage forms. Now that we have added the new Thermo Fisher 16 extruder, Aptuit is in prime position to offer a suite of capabilities covering all technologies for increasing API bioavailability. Our addition of HME technology complements our existing micronization, wet bead nanomilling and spray drying capabilities.”
 
Dr. Manuela Leone, executive vice president of operations, Aptuit, and general manager of the Aptuit Center for Drug Discovery & Development in Verona, Italy, added, “Our purchase of the Thermo Fisher 16 is in line with the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) encouragement for drug-makers to use continuous manufacturing processes. It is a really exciting technology and complements our unique, integrated development solutions we provide to the industry.”