TFF Pharmaceuticals and Catalent Announce Development and Manufacturing Agreement

TFF Pharmaceuticals, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, and Catalent announced on March 1, 2022 a collaboration for developing and manufacturing inhalation dry powders through the application of TFF Pharmaceuticals’ patented Thin Film Freezing (TFF) technology.

TFF may improve solubility and absorption of poorly water-soluble drugs. It is suited for inhalation drug delivery because it produces particles with low bulk density, high surface area, and typically an amorphous morphology, according to the press release. Laboratory tests show that the particle properties allow delivery to the deep lung.

Under the agreement, TFF Pharmaceuticals will become Catalent’s preferred development and manufacturing partner, and Catalent will be able to offer its customers TFF technology.

Catalent’s current capabilities in spray drying for the development of inhalable drugs were established after the company’s acquisition of Acorda Therapeutics. Catalent’s use of TFF freezing technology has the potential to build upon those capabilities for inhalation drug delivery.

“Catalent is widely known as a global leader in enabling pharmaceutical development and manufacturing and has distinguished itself by demonstrating cutting-edge expertise across multiple modalities and innovative projects,” stated Glenn Mattes, CEO of TFF Pharmaceuticals, in a press release. “We are therefore delighted to significantly expand our collaboration with the Catalent team. This strategic collaboration significantly expands our access to manufacturing capabilities and provides scalability for our technology, while simultaneously affording us the opportunity to build our portfolio of technology licensing partnerships.”

Source: Catalent