Pfizer hires Catalent to make smaller format Advil using Optigel tech
The deal – financial terms of which were not disclosed – will see Catalent make Advil Liqui-Gels Minis at its facility in St. Petersburg, Florida, facility under an unspecified “long-term” supply agreement.
Pfizer launched the Advil Liqui-Gels Mini capsules earlier this month, over the Independence Day weekend.
They are smaller than previous versions of the drug thanks to Catalent’s Optigel Mini technology, which allows higher concentrations of active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) to be encapsulated in a single unit.
A spokeswoman told us the technology can be used to reduce the size of a standard capsule by up to 50%.
The contract manufacturing organisation (CMO) says drugs made using the Optigel Mini platform more patient-friendly and convenient, highlighting them as suitable for children and the elderly.
Catalent has made the original format AdvilLiqui-Gels capsules for Pfizer for 20 years.
The spokeswoman explained that: "Liqui-Gels Minis are produced using the same rotary-die process" adding that "Catalent’s expertise in formulation allows for higher API concentrations in these smaller capsules."
