Based on its recent analysis of the pharmaceutical drug delivery industry, Frost & Sullivan recognizes Acino Pharma AG with the 2014 Europe Frost & Sullivan Award for Enabling Technology Leadership. Acino's expertise in targeted drug release profiles and strong technical know-how in pellet-coating, transdermal therapeutic patches and biodegradable implants has made it the preferred vendor in contract manufacturing. It has also exhibited considerable skill in developing and manufacturing 'difficult to produce' solid oral dosage forms and transdermal systems.
Acino's products tick the top five purchase factors of highest efficacy, Swiss quality standards, well-proven active ingredients, advanced drug delivery formulations and enhanced quality of lives for patients. Beyond that it is one of the very few global pharmaceutical companies with a comprehensive product portfolio in the malaria therapeutic segment, leveraging therapies that have been in existence over 20 years. Furthermore, it caters to the diverse requirements of local populations from endemic countries as well as those travelling to infected countries.
Acino has extensive experience with pellet-based systems, wherein free-flowing pellets can be filled into capsules or alternatively, combined with suitable excipients and pressed into tablets to form multiple unit particulate systems (MUPS) tablets. Its innovative technologies have also enabled the creation of rapidly dissolving oral disintegrating tablets (ODTs) and pellets in stick packs.
"The company employs active pharmaceutical ingredients such as oxycodone and metoprolol to form innovative MUPS for supply to leading European generic companies," said Frost & Sullivan Senior Research Analyst Aiswariya Chidambaram. "The oral dispersible forms are also suited for active ingredients with a high first-pass effect and facilitate the rapid onset of action because of their quick dissolution."
Meanwhile, Acino's transdermal and topical therapeutic patches ensure prolonged, systemic blood levels of active pharmaceutical ingredients. Its patches are specially designed, fabricated with multiple layers including a backing film, one or more drug incorporating layers (the adhesive system) and a release liner, which is removed before application. In Europe, Acino is the second largest manufacturer of transdermal systems.
Acino also has distinct biodegradable subcutaneous drug implants that facilitate reliable, extended release of the drug over a period of one to six months, minimising the burst phenomenon. Its success in developing, manufacturing and filing transdermal patches and biodegradable implants can be amongst others be attributed to its intelligent selection of suitable materials (films, polymers, absorption enhancers) to optimise formulations.
The company's strong proprietary product portfolio of oral dose formulations, transdermal formulations and parenterals caters to many therapeutic markets ranging from analgesics and anti-infectives to chronic diseases. These technologies are particularly useful in innovator/branded drug reformulations, as they can be pursued under the 505(b)(2) regulatory pathway for faster, lower-cost product development with higher approval probability.
"Acino, with its proprietary transdermal delivery systems and ODTs is best positioned to target a wide patient population, including geriatric, paediatric, as well as adults and adolescents with swallowing difficulty," said Frost & Sullivan Senior Research Analyst Aiswariya Chidambaram. "Its technology expertise and innovation have set it apart in the industry and will allow Acino to further expand on its market share."
Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents this award to a company that has developed a pioneering technology that not only enhances current products but also enables the development of newer products and applications. The award recognizes the high market acceptance potential of the recipient's technology.
Frost & Sullivan Best Practices awards recognize companies in a variety of regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer service and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analysis and extensive secondary research to identify best practices in the industry.
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