Health Care

Blog Stories

Here you will find a selection of our articles and blogs. Please find out more about the latest trends, formulations and production in the life science industry. As science and technology are in a permanent state of motion.

Interview: Brewing breakthroughs - Harnessing large-scale fermentation for pharmaceutical products 

with Colby Adolph | August 2024

Fermentation is an age-old craft that is propelling innovations in both human and animal pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and nutraceuticals to name just a few industries. In this interview, Colby Adolph explains the advantages of partnering with an experienced CDMO on a large-scale microbial fermentation project.

Acquisitions are more than assets – people and culture are key  

with Theresa Ledbetter | June 2024 

One of the most successful and significant acquisitions for the Evonik Health Care business was the purchase of Tippecanoe Laboratories from Eli Lilly in 2010. In this article, Theresa Ledbetter discusses what made this acquisition successful, why there was an extremely high retention rate of staff at the acquired company and how the acquisition continues to benefit Evonik nearly 15 years on.

Interview: Pure polymers, pure excellence – decades of setting the standard with RESOMER® parenteral functional excipients 

with Whitney Moro and Tom Tice | April 2024 

Evonik has been delivering its portfolio of RESOMER® parenteral functional excipients to formulators developing complex injectable drug products for more than 30 years. In this interview, Whitney Moro and Tom Tice discuss what makes RESOMER® the most versatile polymeric excipient available on the market. 

Solving the solubility and stability challenges of L-cystine in culture media 

by Dr. Martin Schilling | February 2024 

In this Ask the Expert session, we spoke with Martin Schilling, Business Director, Cell Culture Ingredients, Evonik to discuss next generation peptide and how it is improving cell culture processes and increasing productivity.

CMO services for custom polymers: Three real-life case studies

by Stefan Menzler | February 2024 

What is it like working with Evonik on a custom polymer project? In this article, Stefan Menzler takes you through three case studies where Evonik has worked with customers on tailored polymer projects.  

Enhancing Biopharmaceutical Production: The Impact of Chemically Defined Peptides on Biopharma Upstream Process Efficiency and Cost

by Dr. Martin Schilling | January 2024 

By chemically coupling L-Tyrosine to glycine via a peptide bond, cQrex® GY delivers solubility that is up to 50 times higher than free L-Tyrosine at neutral pH. This means you can prepare concentrated feeds without the need to modify pH, reducing process complexity and risk. Plus, cQrex® GY is non-animal derived and chemically defined, making it a safe and reliable choice for your cell cultivation needs. Learn more in this article.

Archive of publications

Pharmaceuticals go green: how Evonik Health Care is adopting sustainability practices, principles and technologies  

by Evonik Health Care | December 2023

Can pharmaceutical manufacturing become more sustainable while maintaining strict safety standards? In this interview, Eric Neuffer discusses the adoption of sustainable practices such as waste reduction, using renewable energy sources, adopting green energy principles, and investing in research and development of sustainable technologies.  

LIPID NANOPARTICLES ARE HAVING A BREAKOUT MOMENT

by Evonik Health Care | November 2023

After more than 25 years of commercial use with almost 20 parenteral drug products, lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are having a breakout moment. This article discusses several reasons why LNPs are now increasingly as a preferred formulation technology for specialized parenteral drug products and significant opportunities for LNP-based formulations to create drug products for protein replacement therapy, for preventative or curative vaccines, and for gene editing purposes. 

Enhancing the solubility of L-Tyrosine in cell culture media applications 

by Dr. Martin Schilling | October 2023

L-Tyrosine is an important amino acid for protein synthesis and cellular metabolism, however L-Tyrosine is not readily soluble. In this article, Dr. Martin Schilling discusses how replacing L-Tyrosine with dipeptides can enhance the solubility for free L-Tyrosine at neutral pH.  

LNPS VS. CONVENTIONAL LIPOSOMES

by Jay Natarajan | October 2023

Those who think that liposomes and lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are interchangeable terms for the same drug delivery technology would be wrong. Key differences exist not only in their target applications, but their actual morphology, composition and manufacturing process. In this interview with Dr. Jay Natarajan, one of Evonik’s formulation and manufacturing experts for LNPs and liposomes, some of these differences are reviewed.

Talking toxicology for safer HPAPIs

by Dr. Michael Nonnenmacher | October 2023

Highly potent APIs are estimated to make up approximately one quarter of all new pharmaceutical entities. In this article, we explain why toxicological evaluation is important at every stage of HPAPI development and manufacturing and how experienced CDMOs ensure new life-saving treatments are brought to market safely.

Improving cell culture performance with the right L-Glutamine dipeptide

by Dr. Martin Schilling | September 2023

L-Glutamine is used by practically all human and animal cells as a carbon source for growth and as a building block for proteins. In this article, Dr. Martin Schilling talks through approaches to stabilize L-Glutamine against chemical degradation in cell culture media applications.  

Bioresorbable polymers bring a smile to patients and dentists 

by Mahrokh Dadsetan, Jian-Feng Zhang, Cécile Boudot and Caroline Lauret | July 2023

Dentistry and periodontal surgery have been at the forefront of the development and use of bioresorbable biomaterials for several decades. This article discusses the exciting future prospects for bioresorbable dental devices.

Optimizing the stability and solubility of cell culture media ingredients

by Dr. Martin Schilling | July 2023

Cell culture media used in biopharmaceutical production have come a long way over the last few decades. In this interview Dr. Martin Schilling highlights the key solubility, stability and other challenges that still face many media developers and biopharma companies.

Overcoming issues in solid oral drug formulations 

by Felix Hofmann, Nina Hauschildt, Miriam Robota | July 2023

The process of applying coatings to pharmaceutical tablets is complex, involving many variables – and any problems in the process have the potential to impact the quality of the end product. In this article, we talk about what can go wrong during the coating process and outline helpful troubleshooting strategies. 

Biomaterials for aesthetic applications

by Caroline Lauret | June 2023

A person’s skin can often give an indication of their overall well-being and health. Biomaterial technologies used for treating wounds, scars and to counteract skin aging have progressed rapidly in recent years. This article examines two aspects of sustainable skin self-healing: the use of non-animal-derived collagen for tissue regeneration, and the use of bioresorbable polymer powders to stimulate the body’s natural collagen production.

Boosting cell culture performance with L-Cystine peptides 

by Dr. Martin Schilling | June 2023

L-Cysteine and its oxidized form L-Cystine are essential amino acids used in cell culture and are present in all chemically defined media formulations. In this article, Dr. Martin Schilling describes how L-Cystine peptides can boost Cys-solubility and performance in cell culture media applications. 

Formulation design is key to product success

by Nina Hauschildt, Miriam Robota | June 2023

Formulation design can make or break an oral drug product, and striking the right balance between functionality, performance and solubility is vital for its success. This article discusses the intricacies of formulation design and gives helpful tips to boost performance and accelerate speed to market of an oral drug product. 

Targeted functional polymers for superior drug delivery

by Nina Hauschildt & Miriam Robota | May 2023

For more than 70 years, innovations in the complex oral drug product industry have formed the foundation of modern medicine in a variety of applications. This article describes the role of functional polymers in the ability to control a drug’s release profile.

HOW SMART MEDIA FORMULATIONS DRIVE CELL CULTURE PERFORMANCE

by Dr. Martin Schilling | May 2023

Cell culture processes are the technological foundation of the biopharmaceutical industry. The continued revolution in health care, driven by biological drugs has raised the importance of high-performing cell culture for the biopharmaceutical industry. This article is about how biopharmaceutical companies can ensure productivity, supply security, quality and consistency in their cell culture processes.

Matching dipeptides to the needs of the biopharma industry

by Dr. Martin Schilling | April 2023

Chemically defined amino acids and their derivatives are often the preferred choice for use as components in cell culture media for biopharmaceuticals and vaccines. In this article, Dr. Martin Schilling discusses how dipeptides are evolving to match the performance, quality and processing needs of biopharma. 

Collaborating on RNA-based drugs

by Andrea Engel |  March 2023

Evonik has just entered into a new collaborative research project to investigate new materials for RNA-based medicines. The three-year project is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action, who will support the research  with a two-digit million-euro sum. Find out more in this interview with Andrea Engel, head of Health Care growth projects at Evonik. 

Are you missing out on the benefits of microparticles for solubility enhancement?

by Yiming Ma |  June 2022

Spray-dried dispersion, hot-melt extrusion and solubilizing excipients are the most common techniques for solubility enhancement, but the pharmaceutical sector needs new innovations to maximize amorphous solid dispersion benefits. In this article, Yiming Ma discusses how microparticles can offer a potential extra avenue for successful solubility enhancement.

Is it time you knew more about biodegradable polymers for parenteral drug delivery?

by Tom Tice & Whitney Moro | May 2022

Functional lactide/glycolide polymers play a key role in complex parenteral drug delivery products. In this article, two Evonik experts discuss the history and significance of polymer drug delivery, and what needs to be considered when formulating long-acting injectables.

How can pharmaceutical manufacturing become greener?

Interview with Jochen Becker | February 2022

As the human impact on our environment continues to increase, all industries will need to act to reduce their environmental footprint, improve sustainability and live within the boundaries of our planet. In this interview, Jochen Becker talks about what this means for pharmaceutical manufacturing.  

Consider Biosynthetic Cellulose for Wound Management, Implants & Drug Delivery

Interview with Uwe Beekmann | April 19, 2022
MD+DI

Biosynthetic cellulose is a nature-identical material that is bioengineered by bacteria. In this article, Evonik’s Uwe Beekmann discusses the applications of this versatile material in wound dressings, implantable materials and drug delivery systems.

Excipients: Exciting Expansion & Innovation 

Interview with Jay Stone | April 2022

Many excipients are opening exciting opportunities for drug developers. One area of interest is the lipid drug delivery platforms used for transporting mRNA and nucleic acids. In this special report, experts from a range of companies provide their insight into how excipients are being used to support the APIs of today and tomorrow.

Examining 3D Printing for Orthopedics - Additive manufacturing is finding its place in making complex orthopedic implants and components

Interview with Thiago Borges | March 24, 2022

In this article on the application of additive manufacturing in complex orthopedic implants and components, Sam Brusco, Associate Editor at ODT, draws on expertise from a number of key companies working in the medical device space. Evonik’s Thiago Borges contributes with insights into RESOMER® PrintPowder for 3D printing.

What is the key to being a leader in the industry? 

Interview with Jane Meyer | March 11, 2022

With contributions from nearly 50 companies, this roundtable looks at which new technologies are emerging in the healthcare business, and the challenges and capabilities required to navigate and maximize the benefits of these technologies.

What important company milestone do you anticipate reaching in 2022? 

Interview with Jane Meyer | March 11, 2022

This year will be an exciting time for parenteral drug delivery at Evonik. In this roundtable, Jane Meyer describes the highlights anticipated for 2022: fueling the growth of nucleic acid therapies with the supply of lipids, formulation technologies, manufacturing and much more! 

Rewriting the health code

by Stefan Randl and Maaike Everts, January 2022

The Covid-19 pandemic has ushered in a new era in medicine – that of mRNA technology. But the potential of mRNA for preventing and treating a whole range of diseases reaches further to infectious diseases, cancer immunotherapy and gene therapy.

Seizing the opportunities from disruptive forces in biopharma

by Gaelle Phillips, January 2021

COVID-19 has put biopharmaceuticals in the spotlight although business analysts had been awestruck by the meteoric rise of the industry for some time.

YOUR BIGGEST FORMULATION DECISION

June 2021

Find out how to choose the right development partner and solution providers for your nutraceutical products!

VALUE THROUGH SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

by Gilles Razzauti, November 2021

Consumers are becoming more informed about their nutraceutical choices. They want more natural, organic, sustainable, pure and vegan products which are less processed and free from food additives or impurities. 

Continuous manufacturing of APIs 

Chemical & Engineering News 
October 2020

This white paper explores opportunities to accelerate development workflows, optimize purity and yield, and reduce capital investment by applying modular approaches to the continuous manufacturing of APIs or advanced intermediates under cGMP conditions. 

Requirements of Safe HPAPI Manufacturing 

CheManager
by Andreas Meuth, September 2020

The pharmaceutical industry is focusing increasingly on specialized drugs with new treatment modalities.  Behind these substances are pharmacologically active substances (HPAPIs) that develop their biological activity at extremely low concentrations. 

Aseptic filling of powder, liquid suspension and combination forms

Pharmaceutical Technology
September 2020

Get information on a review of a modular aseptic filling platform for use with complex and personalized parenteral medications in powder, liquid, suspension or combination form!

Top ten tips on formulation opportunities 

August 2020

Successful nutraceutical manufacturers recognize that the right choice of ingredients and formulation services can make all the difference when it comes to brand preference and consumer acceptance.

Securing the Supply Chain

Pharmaceutical Technology
by Felicity Thomas, June 2020

The global COVID-19 pandemic has underlined the need for the pharmaceutical industry to strengthen its supply chain enabling lower costs, efficient drug development and commercialization channels.

A Welcome Change: The Benefits of Reformulation

Pharmaceutical Technology
by Felicity Thomas, May 2020

Reformulation strategies can help formulators reduce product development times, increase patient adherence, enhance brand preference, and extend the commercial life cycle of the product by using proprietary formulation technologies that are difficult to copy by potential generic competitors.

New opportunities for consumer convenience

by Lucia Heckler, April 2020

The old addage "you are what you eat" could equally be said for cell culture, because the quality of what you put into your bioreactor dictates the quality of what comes out. Discover how smart media formulations drive performance!

Excipients: matching ingredients to molecules improves functionality

Drug Development & Delivery
April 2020

In this annual report, excipient manufacturers describe how their excipient offerings improve drug release, solubility, taste, physical properties, viscosity and more for a range of molecules.

Advanced technology platforms 

Chemical & Engineering News
by Dr. Dana Kralisch, April 2020

Advanced technology platforms for defining pharma-CMO relationships enable the combination of advanced technologies for complex projects such as coupling HPAPI, catalysis, cyrogenic and organometallic technologies for high potency compounds that require a complex manufacturing process. 

EXCIPIENTS: MATCHING INGREDIENTS TO MOLECULES IMPROVES FUNCTIONALITY

Drug Development & Delivery Magazine
April 2020

The development of more functionalized and specialized drugs can optimize performance as well as safety and patient acceptance. Functional excipients can be used in a range of oral and parenteral dosage forms to achieve virtually any desired release profile. 

Improving Bioavailability & Solubility: Understand Your Molecule

by Bente Jonassen, March 2020

If you are seeking to develop or enhance a nutraceutical product targeting a specific consumer group or application area, read on to find out how you can create preferred formulations which are highly accepted and preferentially used.

Improving Bioavailability & Solubility: Understand Your Molecule

Drug Development & Delivery Magazine
March 2020

Stabilized amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs) are the most effective and widely used method for improving drug solubility, which can lead to higher bioavailability, especially when permeability is not the limiting factor. This is because in order to make an active ingredient bioavailable, a certain level of solubility in water must be achieved.

Qualification of a small-scale facility for ultra-HPAPIs

Speciality Chemicals Magazine 
by Dr. Tim Pohlmann, February 2020

Learn more about how a facility has been qualified to handle high-potency active pharmaceutical ingredients through industrial hygiene measures, risk management and a robust hazard assessment.

LIPID NANOPARTICLE MEDIATED GENE THERAPY

Teknoscienze (TKS)
January | February 2020

The article briefly reviews the emergence of lipid nanoparticle formulations of nucleic acids from liposomal systems and the differences in formulation and manufacturing practices that have enabled clinical application.

Natural products for the satisfaction of consumer preferences

by Clarisse Binet-Gross, January 2020

Omega-3 fish oil supplements are becoming increasingly popular. However, processing fish oil into a convenient and palatable form is a major challenge and often results in consumers' needs not being met. Discover how we can help change that!

Manufacturing of Highly Potent APIs 

American Pharmaceutical Review
by Nadine Bremser, January 2020

It is an important regulatory and safety requirement that the potential hazards of handling HPAPIs be identified and understood to enable the development of occupational exposure limits (OELs). Therefore, we explain their manufacture with best practice safety and containment control procedures.

Manufacturing of highly potent APIs with best-practice safety and containment control procedures

American Pharmaceutical Review , September | October 2019

Panel Discussion on Flow Chemistry

Tekno Scienze Publisher, May | June 2019

Development of a continuous process for organometallic reactions - a perspective

Tekno Scienze Publisher, May | June 2019

Drug Delivery Roundtable

Americal Pharmaceutical Review, October 2019

The Fundamentals of Dissolution Testing

PharmTech, October 2019

Selecting a Solid Approach

PharmTech, July 2019

Excipients: Formulators Want Excipients for Solubility & Beyond

Drug Development & Delivery, April 2019

Improving Bioavailability & Solubility: Chemical & Physical Modification vs. Formulation Development

Drug Development & Delivery, March 2019

Drug Delivery Roundtable

Americal Pharmaceutical Review, October 2019

Outsourcing Formulation Development & Manufacturing: CDMOs Shift to Offer More Specialized Services

Drug Development & Delivery, June 2019

An Interview with Danielle Clay, Director of Global Strategic Marketing and Business Development for Injectable Drug Delivery, Evonik

American Pharmaceutical Review, February 2019

Evonik Completes Multi-Million Dollar Expansion of its CMO Capabilities for API & Advanced Intermediates

Drug Development & Delivery, September 2018

Evonik Expands CMO Capabilities for APIs and Intermediates

PharmTech, September 2018

Cultural change in the Midwest - Evonik claims success in turning a Lilly drug plant into a pharmaceutical services facility

Chemical & Engineering News, March 2018

Continuous flow development

Pharma and Chemical Industry, February 2018

Evonik Launches Advanced Combination Polymer for Enteric Coatings

PharmTech, October 2018

Evonik Launches EUDRAGIT FL 30 D-55

American Pharmaceutical Review, October 2018

Coating for Tastemasking

PharmTech, September 2018

Improving Bioavailability & Solubility: A Top-Down Versus Bottom-Up Approach

Drug Development & Delivery, March 2018

Evonik Expands North American Contract Development & Manufacturing Capabilities for Advanced Injectables

Drug Development & Delivery, August 2018

Outsourcing Formulation Development & Manufacturing: CDMOs Are Innovating for 21st-Century Medicine

Drug Development & Delivery, June 2018

Development and implementation of a large-scale HPAPI manufacturing process

Tekno Scienze Publisher, September | October 2017

Evonik Industries and Eli Lilly renew agreement

Manufacturing Chemist, November 2017

Advanced approaches for delayed-release formulations

OnDrugDelivery Magazine, July 2017

Trends in Excipient Demand

Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, June 2017

Developing dosage forms

WorldPharma, January 2017

A 30-Year History of PLG Applications in Parenteral Controlled Drug Release

PharmTech, July 2017

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