Penn Pharmaceutical Services and Specials Clinical Manufacturing have entered into a strategic alliance to provide outsourced services in sterile manufacturing, packing and distribution of investigational medicinal products (IMPs).
   
Together, the two companies will be able to offer a full range of IMP-related products and services under their individual brands for both sterile and non-sterile manufacturing technology. The agreement will combine Penn’s international sales network with Specials’ expertise and product range.
   
Under the agreement, Penn, based in the UK, will provide non-sterile services such as formulation development, analytical development, stability testing, secondary packing and distribution, and Northumberland-based Specials will provide sterile manufacturing, filling, primary packing, micro-biological testing and method development services.
   
John Roberts, commercial director at Penn said, “This agreement brings together two established, MHRA approved companies with an excellent track record in the manufacture, packing, testing and supply of IMPs for clinical studies. The compelling combined service offering provided by Penn and Specials in the field of sterile IMP development will enable clients to significantly accelerate the progress of their products through Phase I-III studies.”
   
Shirley Dann, business development director at Specials said, “Specials Clinical Manufacturing was founded with a £5 million investment in 2004 and has rapidly built up a strong reputation in the industry for quality, reliability and efficiency. The deal with Penn offers strong mutual benefits in terms of shared marketing and knowledge. This partnership will open up new market sectors and opportunities for both companies and the Specials team is very excited about being associated with the Penn brand. Together, we can be a powerful force in the development and production of IMPs.”