Stuart Needleman, President and Chief Operating Officer, Aptuit LLC, announced that Aptuit and Aegerion Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, Massachusetts, have signed a long-term supply agreement for commercial quantities of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) lomitapide. 

Lomitapide is Aegerion's orphan drug that is targeted to the treatment of a rare disease caused by a genetic disorder. The drug received NDA approval in December of 2012 and is expected to be launched commercially in January of 2013. Previously, Aptuit scientists had established the chemistry for lomitapide, developed and validated its analytical methods, delivered solid state form control and crystallization R&D, and supplied registration batches of material. Post-launch, Aptuit will continue to supply commercial quantities of lomitapide to Aegerion.

Mr. Needleman explained, "Because of the drug's orphan status and high unmet medical need of the patients, on time and in full delivery of the API is crucial. Collaboration across several Aptuit sites in the US and Europe has made this possible. By accessing the vast drug development expertise of our organization, we have been able to accelerate the delivery of materials, methods, solid state chemistry and regulatory documentation and help the client win prompt NDA approval."

Although the exact terms of the agreement were not disclosed, Mr. Needleman added, "The collaboration represents another good example of how Aptuit's integrated, global drug development capabilities can have a direct, positive impact on the pharmaceutical industry."

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