Capsugel Announces License Agreement With Teijin Pharma to Offer Vcaps(R) HPMC Capsules for Dry Powder Inhalation

Capsugel , the leading global provider of dosage form solutions, has announced it will offer its Vcaps® HPMC (hypromellose) capsules for use in dry powder inhalation (DPI) products worldwide. The announcement follows the successful conclusion of a license agreement between Capsugel and Teijin Pharma Limited, part of the Teijin Group of Japan. The agreement grants Capsugel a license to Teijin's entire patent portfolio related to the use of HPMC capsules for inhalation products.

"We are extremely pleased with this agreement as it allows us to offer our innovative HPMC capsules in new therapeutic areas and new geographic markets," said Guido Driesen, President of Capsugel. "It supports our strategy to offer a wider range of drug delivery solutions to our customers around the world."

Inhalation drug delivery technology offers benefits to patients beyond the traditional treatments for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder. The technology holds promise for systemic inhalation therapies that improve speed-of-onset of action and provide an alternative to needle injection. DPI devices are one of the preferred ways to administer these drugs.

HPMC-based capsules have a number of advantages when used in DPI devices, such as low moisture content and easy piercing of capsules . These characteristics allow optimal release of the drug formulation from the capsule. Capsugel's Vcaps capsules will ensure minimum powder retention after use.

As the world's leading provider of HPMC capsules, Capsugel focuses on superior quality and process controls, assuring consistent batch-to-batch performance.

About Capsugel:

Capsugel , the world's leading provider of dosage form solutions to the pharmaceutical and related healthcare industries, is a division of Pfizer Inc. Offering a diverse array of products and services, Capsugel is at the forefront of drug delivery innovation. Recent product launches include the CFS 1200 Liquid Filling and Sealing Machine and the Xcelodose® Precision Powder Micro-filling System. Both utilize advanced technology that can better enable R&D scientists to accelerate the pace of drug development.

About Teijin Limited

The Teijin Group is a wide range of businesses, including fibers, films, plastics, pharmaceuticals and home health care, fiber products marketing and information technology-related services, with about 150 companies and over 18,000 employees internationally.

Teijin Pharma Limited, the core company of Teijin Group's medical and pharmaceutical business, focuses on three key therapeutic categories: respiratory, bone/joint, and cardiovascular/metabolic diseases, with about 1700 employees. Teijin Pharma has strong marketing positions particularly in the respiratory and bone/joint areas. In its home healthcare business, it enjoys strong market share in home oxygen therapy in Japan.

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