SAFC Pharma Expands Its Pharmorphix Solid State Chemistr...( ST. LOUIS Jan. 30 /- SAFC(R) a me...),Health

ST. LOUIS, Jan. 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- SAFC(R), a member of the Sigma-Aldrich(TM) Group (Nasdaq: SIAL), has announced the second-phase of a $600,000 expansion of its solid-state services Pharmorphix(TM) research facility in Cambridge, UK, adding 7,500 sq. ft. of laboratory capacity to support this fast growing business within its SAFC Pharma(TM) focus area (http://www.safc-pharmorphix.com).

Solid-form characterization and research enhances understanding and allows modification of the physical properties of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) to ensure patient benefit, optimize product development and protect intellectual property. As part of a multi-phase development program the additional, fully refitted space is scheduled for completion in the first quarter, 2008 and will augment the current 12,500 sq. ft. facility. The development includes office reorganization and will facilitate installation later this year of additional state-of-the-art spectroscopic and diffraction equipment.

SAFC Pharma Vice President of Manufacturing and European Operations, Michael Harris commented, "As new drugs and the regulatory climate continues to become more complex, testing analysis and optimization of APIs plays an increasingly key role in drug development. Through our Pharmorphix solid-state research services SAFC Pharma is a recognized and capable player in this complex field. The additional facilities reinforce our commitment to support customers in niche technologies and is expected to support SAFC business growth from Europe, the US and, increasingly, from Asia Pacific".

SAFC Pharma is a trusted leader for development and manufacturing of complex small molecu
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