The challenge of processing complex oral solid dosage, from formulation design to scale-up and manufacturing is driving more drug developers to outsource these steps, according to a report by Roots Analysis.
Service providers have introduced the latest upgrades in their portfolio in order to achieve a competitive edge. These upgrades primarily target upstream bottlenecks related to the development and oral solid dosage manufacturing, such as low solubility, poor bioavailability, bitter taste, and high potency. Further, they also aim to streamline the manufacturing of complex formulations, including fixed dose combinations, orally disintegrating tablets, minitablets, flavored chewables, and double-layered tablets.
Both growth and consolidation are trends in companies offering these services, the report continues. Many projects (48%) were focused on expanding the capabilities related to oral solid dosage manufacturing, including handling highly potent oral solid dosage forms, according to the report. Nearly half the expansions were in North America. And over 50% of the annual, global OSD manufacturing capacity belongs to very large players with over 10,000 employees.