Catalent

Catalent is a leading global provider of advanced delivery technologies, development, and manufacturing solutions for drugs, biologics, cell and gene therapies, and consumer health products. Founded in 2007 when Blackstone Group acquired Cardinal Health's pharmaceutical technologies and services segment, Catalent has grown to become a key player in the contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) industry. The company offers a comprehensive range of services, including formulation development, clinical trials support, commercial-scale manufacturing, and packaging across various dosage forms and delivery systems.

Catalent's expertise spans multiple areas, including oral dose forms, sterile injectables, biologics, and cell and gene therapies. The company has developed proprietary technologies such as Zydis, a fast-dissolving oral dosage form, and GPEx gene expression technology for biologic drug development. Catalent's services cover the entire pharmaceutical development lifecycle, from early-stage formulation and process development to commercial manufacturing and packaging.

In recent years, Catalent has expanded its capabilities through strategic acquisitions and partnerships. Notable acquisitions include Cook Pharmica in 2017, which bolstered Catalent's biologics manufacturing capabilities, and MaSTherCell in 2020, enhancing its presence in the cell and gene therapy space. The company has also played a significant role in the manufacturing and distribution of Covid-19 vaccines, partnering with major pharmaceutical companies like Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, and AstraZeneca.

Catalent operates a global network of facilities across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. As of 2024, the company is in the process of being acquired by Novo Holdings for USD 16.5 billion, with the deal expected to close by the end of the year. Additionally, Novo Nordisk is set to acquire three of Catalent's fill-finish sites in a separate USD 11 billion transaction.

Key customers and partnerships

Catalent has established partnerships with numerous pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, providing contract development and manufacturing services across various therapeutic areas. The company has worked with major players in the industry, including Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca, and Moderna, particularly in the production of Covid-19 vaccines. In 2020, Catalent partnered with multiple drugmakers to provide manufacturing, vial filling, and packaging capabilities for Covid-19 vaccine candidates.

In the biologics space, Catalent has collaborated with companies like Triphase Accelerator for antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) development in oncology. The company has also partnered with GB Sciences to develop a cannabinoid-derived medicine for Parkinson's disease using its Zydis delivery technology.

Catalent's customer base spans a wide range of pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, from small startups to large multinational corporations. The company's ability to provide end-to-end solutions, from early-stage development to commercial manufacturing, has made it an attractive partner for organizations across the healthcare industry.