Materials specialist expands polymer site and relocates R&D

Ashland has completed the expansion of its Viatel bioresorbable polymer manufacturing site and has relocated research and development (R&D) from Dublin to the National Science Park, Mullingar, Ireland. 

The National Science Park in Mullingar is home to a network of innovative organisations including Ireland’s leading research centre for manufacturing solutions (IMR).

Seán McMahon, business manager, Viatel bioresorbable polymers, Ashland, said: “Viatel bioresorbable polymers are used to deliver improved treatment solutions for many chronic diseases. These materials are the building blocks in extended-release drug formulations, bioresorbable medical devices and tissue engineering scaffolds. Relocation of R&D to the Mullingar site is critical for our new product development strategy and our ability to solve complex customer challenges with customised chemistry.”

Ashland supplies more than 70 GMP grades of lactide/glycolide/caprolactone copolymers within its Viatel portfolio, along with a custom-made polymer production unit to serve changing customer requirements.

Dean Ross, global business manager, pharmaceutical specialities, Ashland, said: “This facility expansion allows Ashland to focus on serving our customer needs as they pursue clinical studies and prepare for commercialisation. We believe the Mullingar facility provides an excellent environment for manufacturing and creative problem-solving.”