OSD
Reformulation refers to the development of a new formulation for an existing drug, and can offer many benefits to both the formulation of small and large molecules.
Big-brand global pharmaceutical companies often consider reformulation as a strategy for enhancing the lifecycle management of their patented product and to delay generic entry as far as possible.
For small molecules, reformulation can allow developers to improve performance and patient centricity of an existing drug. It may be done to create a version of an existing drug that is more convenient and easier to use for the patient, increasing quality of life or boosting adherence and, in turn, therapy success.
Reformulation for large molecules enhances solubility to improve absorption or to boost the stability of the formulation.
In both cases, reformulation can save a considerable amount of time and financial resources compared with the discovery and development of an entirely new chemical entity. Working with a pharmaceutical contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO) partner can help them find that additional resource, enabling them to manage multiple reformulations simultaneously while freeing in-house capacity to focus on innovation.
In an article with Pharmaceutical Technology, Balasubramaniam Jagdish, Assistant Vice President, Formulation Development at Recipharm, discusses the benefits of reformulation.