Catalent Closes Cook Pharmica Acquisition; Defines New Business Units

Catalent announced on Oct. 24, 2017 that the company completed its acquisition of Cook Pharmica LLC, a Bloomington, Indiana-based biologics contract development and manufacturing organization. The acquisition strengthens Catalent’s position in biologics development and analytical services, manufacturing, and finished product supply, Catalent reported in a press statement.

Catalent also announced plans to reorganize operations and create two dedicated business units. A Biologics & Specialty Drug Delivery business unit will feature the company’s eight facilities focused on biologics development, manufacturing, analytical, sterile fill/finish, and Catalent’s respiratory and ophthalmic business platforms. Barry Littlejohns, most recently president of the company’s former Drug Delivery Solutions business unit, has been named president of the Biologics & Specialty Drug Delivery unit. Tedd Green, former president of Cook Pharmica, will serve as senior vice-president, Catalent Bloomington.

Catalent also reported that it reorganized the remainder of its former Drug Delivery Solutions business into an Oral Drug Delivery business unit; Jonathan Arnold was named president of the unit. Oral Drug Delivery will operate nine facilities and feature the company’s capabilities in advanced delivery technologies and development solutions, including formulation and analytical development, bioavailability enhancement including micronization, hot-melt extrusion, spray-dry technologies, controlled release, Zydis orally disintegrating tablet technology, and commercial supply.

Arnold has more than 23 years of experience in life-science companies. For the past six years, he has served as vice-president and general manager for Catalent’s Drug Delivery Solutions business unit.

“The establishment of these focused business units reflects the rapid growth we are seeing across key markets, particularly for biologics and differentiated dosage forms,” commented John Chiminski, Chair and CEO of Catalent, in the press release. “We have an exciting strategic plan to accelerate our portfolio of capabilities, as evidenced by the recent growth investments we have made, including multi-million-dollar site expansions and the newly completed acquisition of Cook Pharmica. We are confident that the experience and expertise of Barry, Jonathan, and Tedd will provide valuable leadership as we move forward in this exciting phase of our development.”

Source: Catalent