Singapore: Catalent Pharma Solutions announced two joint ventures in China for its Softgel Technologies and Clinical Supply Solutions businesses. Catalent continues to expand its global leadership by providing access to drug delivery and clinical trial capabilities for customers in Asia Pacific.

The company intends to make additional investments in these two facilities over the next several years to broaden its offerings in the Chinese market.

First, Catalent has agreed to acquire, pending regulatory approvals, a majority share in Haining-based, privately held by Zhejiang Jiang Yuan Tang Biotechnology. The business produces nutritional softgel products for Chinese and Asia Pacific markets, and employs 120 staff. Catalent intends to work with regulators for future expansion into OTC and prescription softgel manufacturing in China.

In the second announcement, Catalent and ShangPharma, a leading China-based pharmaceutical and biotechnology research and development outsourcing company, have formed a joint-venture called Catalent (Shanghai) Clinical Trial Supplies. A new 31,000 sq ft facility in Shanghai (currently under construction) will be the first in China to provide end-to-end solutions for clinical trial supplies, including comparator sourcing, primary and secondary packaging and labeling, and storage and distribution.

Commenting on both investments, Catalent's President & CEO, Mr John Chiminski, said, "As part of our growth strategy, these initial steps enable us to better serve the important Chinese market for both global and domestic customers. Our clients and their patients will benefit from access to Catalent's advanced technologies and solutions, together with best-in-class innovation, reliable supply and quality compliance."

"We are delighted to be working with Catalent, a world leader in drug development services and clinical supply services," said Mr Michael Hui, founder and CEO of ShangPharma. "This cooperation will enable both ShangPharma and Catalent to better serve our multinational pharmaceutical customers through tailored, integrated solutions."

The chairman and CEO of Zhejiang Jiang Yuan Tang Biotechnology, Mr Jiang Renfei, commented "The combination of Catalent's unparalleled track record of Softgel innovation and commercial success, and our deep understanding of the local market, will provide extensive benefits for our customers".