Patheon Inc. Signs Agreements To Commercialize OROS-Based Controlled Release Products

Patheon Inc., a global provider of drug development and manufacturing services to the international pharmaceutical industry, is pleased to announce that is has signed agreements to commercialize two OROS technology controlled release products from their Cincinnati facility. The first product will launch in late 2009 and the second is planned to launch in the third quarter of 2010.

OROS is a specialized drug delivery technology used to achieve the controlled release of active drug substances. When a patient swallows an OROS tablet, water is drawn into a specially formulated portion of the tablet which swells, exerting pressure on the tablet drug layer. This gentle pressure forces the active drug out through laser-drilled holes in the tablet, allowing for a gradual release of the active drug substance.

Patheon has developed the expertise for the OROS technology in collaboration with clients and the equipment manufacturer and developed the Cincinnati facility as the Center of Excellence for controlled release technologies. Terry Novak, President of North America and Chief Commercial Officer stated, "This process is very unique and requires special equipment and expertise to successfully develop and commercialize OROS-based products. Having the development and commercial expertise available at our Cincinnati facility allows our customers to quickly and successfully launch OROS-based products and extend the life cycle of their products."

About Patheon
Patheon Inc. is a leading global provider of contract development and manufacturing services to the pharmaceutical industry. Patheon prides itself in providing the highest quality products and services to more than 300 of the world's leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. Patheon's services range from preclinical development through commercial manufacturing of a wide array of dosage forms including parenteral, solid, semi-solid and liquids. For more information visit www.patheon.com

Patheon's comprehensive range of fully integrated Pharmaceutical Development Services includes pre-formulation, formulation, analytical development, clinical manufacturing, scale-up and commercialization. Patheon's ability to integrate development and manufacturing services ensures that our customers' projects are delivered on time and meet the high standards of quality that Patheon is known for.

Patheon's integrated network strives to ensure that customer products can be launched with confidence globally.

SOURCE: Patheon Inc.