Research and development experts

A wide range of capabilities and a unique business model has drawn talent to a speciality pharmaceutical company.

Robert Becker, PhD, joined Eurand as chief research officer, a newly created position, in April 2009. He is responsible for overseeing all global research and formulation activities worldwide. Becker joined Eurand with nearly 25 years of pharmaceutical industry experience, including leading positions at Boehringer-Ingelheim, Eli Lilly and Biogen Idec. He holds a degree in Chemistry and a PhD in Physical Chemistry from the Technical University of Munich.

‘I first became aware of Eurand’s drug delivery technology expertise in the late 1990s when I had to solve a few drug delivery challenges at Boehringer- Ingelheim,’ says Becker. ‘Since that time, I have interacted with Eurand scientists on multiple projects, and I was always excited about the company’s expertise, experience and creativity in overcoming complex and challenging drug delivery tasks.’

This experience and creativity is supported by a range of proprietary technology platforms including bioavailability enhancement (Biorise®), modified release delivery (Diffucaps®), taste masking via microencapsulation (Microcaps®) and orally disintegrating tablets (AdvaTab® ODT). With the company’s broad project experience, extensive network of company relationships as a contract development organisation, and sound scientific knowledge, Eurand is a reliable partner for demanding development activities. Most recently, the company co-developed a new ODT formulation of Lamictal® (lamotrigine) with pharmaceutical partner GlaxoSmithKline, which was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in May 2009.

New role ushers in a paradigm shift
Eurand’s R&D activities are subdivided into two key areas: 1. customer business with the focus on oral drug delivery, and 2. creation of a pipeline of innovative pharmaceutical specialities of its own. Research and development will become an even greater contributor to Eurand’s success and growth. The position of chief research officer was created to consolidate the company’s core technologies and expand on the existing technology platforms by identifying new formulation principles. ‘This will enable the company to augment its competitive position in the field of drug delivery partnering and strengthen its role as an integrated pharmaceutical company,’ adds Becker.

Larger pharmaceutical companies run a large and complex R&D engine, which requires well-defined structures and processes. On the other hand, sufficient room for creativity and innovation is also a necessity. Combining large pharma R&D management skills with the flexibility of a smaller company – and ensuring continuous flow of information along the R&D path – will capitalise on Eurand’s position in a growing competitive environment. ‘After having established the most effective infrastructure, Eurand’s R&D organisation will be able to leverage its innovation potential to advance the shift toward an integrated pharmaceutical company,’ says Becker.

The company has already begun to develop its own diverse product portfolio. Zenpep™, for example, a pancreatic enzyme product for the treatment of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, has recently been approved by the FDA. The product was developed leveraging the company’s proprietary drug delivery technology platforms. ‘Robert’s extensive experience in product development will help to fuel our continuing growth as a speciality pharmaceutical company focused on the gastroenterology market,’ says Gearoid Faherty, chairman and chief executive officer.

With such a mandate for growth and development, and a creative and innovative environment, Eurand is an exciting prospect for talented scientists. ‘Everybody in our R&D organisation is highly motivated to support the continued growth of the company and to search for new product development opportunities,’ Becker says. ‘There is a spirit and mindset here that everyone shares – to build Eurand’s future.’

Company profile

Eurand is a global speciality pharmaceutical company that develops, manufactures and commercialises enhanced pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical products based on its proprietary drug formulation technologies. Eurand has had six products approved by the FDA since 2001 and has a pipeline of products in development for itself and partners.

For more information, visit: www.eurand.com.