Patheon constructs new pharmaceutical development center in Bourgoin-Jallieu

Patheon (TSX: PTI) a global provider of drug development and manufacturing services to the international pharmaceutical industry announced today it has begun construction of a new pharmaceutical development center at its existing manufacturing facility in Bourgoin-Jallieu, France. This new addition will enable the Bourgoin site to offer a full range of solid dose services as part of its Pharmaceutical Development Services (PDS) business.

"We currently provide our customers with solid dose Phase 3 and commercial supply from our facilities in North America. With this expansion we will offer the same services in Europe by the end of 2010," said Wes Wheeler, Patheon's CEO and President. "The investment reinforces our commitment to provide our customers with a full range of product development services - from pre-clinical through late phase stages, on to commercialization."

The state-of-the-art facility has been designed for the supply of late-phase clinical trial tablet and capsule products, and will be capable of handling batch sizes up to 120 kg. It will consist of a new pilot plant and equipment designed to contain high potency products. Process trains will be scalable to commercial lines, offering clients the ability to produce Phase 3 and commercial product in the same location.