Dow Chemical and Colorcon Form Controlled Release Pact

Midland, MI (Mar. 21)-The Dow Chemical Company (www.dow.com) formed an alliance with Colorcon, Inc. (West Point, PA, www.colorcon.com) for the global marketing, sales, technical service and development, and distribution of Dow pharmaceutical excipient products for use in controlled-release applications.  The companies made the announcement at a press briefing held last week.

The agreement applies to select “Methocel” hypromellose polymers, “Ethocel” ethylcellulose polymers, and “Polyox” poly(ethylene) oxide resins.

This global strategic alliance combines Dow’s position in excipient technology with Colorcon’s position in drug-dosage formulation.  

“By formally joining Dow’s expertise in polymer science and technology development with Colorcon’s global infrastructure, application development, and customer service experience, we are able to create a more valuable and easily accessible resource for our pharmaceutical customers, who are increasingly global in their operations,” said Philip Pilnik, commercial director for Dow Pharmaceutical Excipients in a company release.

As a result of the alliance, Dow and Colorcon expect to further develop the market for Methocel, Ethocel, and Polyox resins for controlled-release applications. Additionally, distribution of select Methocel, Ethocel, and Polyox  resins for controlled-release applications will be transitioned to Colorcon from Dow’s existing distributor network.