Hovione has signed a partnership agreement with Ligand to significantly ramp up the production of Captisol. Captisol, a Ligand product, is a chemically modified cyclodextrin to improve the solubility and stability of drugs. It’s used in the formulation of Gilead’s Covid-19 treatment Veklury (remdesivir). Hovione is the sole producer of this key enabling excipient.

The Covid-19 pandemic has to date killed one million people; studies show that in the next 3 months cumulative deaths may more than double.

“To meet Captisol demand associated with Veklury, Hovione will soon be producing per month the quantity it usually produces in one year. This sudden spike in demand has required unique mobilization efforts across the Hovione network to secure additional raw material supply, execute major capital expenditure projects at our sites, maximize operational efficiency, hire additional talent and identify external partners to expand our overall capacity, The pharmaceutical supply chain is working together in an unprecedented fashion to treat patients and save lives.  Hovione is privileged to be part of this truly global response.” said Jean-Luc Herbeaux, Chief Operating Officer.

“Ligand values its longstanding partnership with Hovione,” said Matt Foehr, President and Chief Operating Officer of Ligand.  “Their excellent customer service, global commitment to quality and high pharmaceutical standards make them an ideal partner for Captisol, a critical component for a number of life-saving medicines. We commend them for responsibly and efficiently partnering with Ligand to manage the scale up and expansion of their operations to contribute to global health during the pandemic.”