Olon Group, a chemical pharmaceutical group, and the Politecnico di Milano, Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering, announced a public-private partnership agreement for a research project on the advanced study of polymorphism and the characterization of the solid state of the molecules of active ingredients.

The three-year project involves a PhD program dedicated to the development of new knowledge on the polymorphism of active ingredients and the advancement of methods for characterizing the solid state of their molecules.

The program will be overseen by researcher Ajay Suresh, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research.

Suresh will work on the project in Italy, in collaboration with Olon and the Department of Chemistry, at the Politecnico di Milano, under the direction of professor Pierangelo Metrangolo, department of chemistry, materials and chemical engineering, and president of the physical and biophysical chemistry division at the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry.

“The collaboration and exchange of knowledge between two of the leading poles of knowledge and expertise in this area certainly has the potential to produce significant results,” said Metrangolo. “The study of polymorphism is one of the most promising areas of study in terms of engineering of molecules, above all because it lays the foundations for the development of much more sustainable and efficient industrial chemical processes.”

Giorgio Bertolini, head of research and development, Olon Group said: “Through this long-term collaboration, we will be able to expand substantially our internal expertise in the analysis and study of the physical state of active ingredients, and at the same time increase our polymorph screening capabilities. Two key areas of expertise to ensure competitiveness on the global pharmaceutical market.”