Press Room

Event

RDD Europe 2023

Start
Tuesday, May 02, 2023 - 09:00
End
Friday, May 05, 2023 - 17:06
Location: Antibes, France
Booth Number: Table #20
Drug Delivery Formulation | Hovione

Hovione will be exhibiting at RDD conference from May 2-5. Don’t miss the chance to speak with our experts in the Inspiring Dry Powder Inhalation Knowledge Space and learn how our development and manufacturing services for inhalation and nasal - integrated on a single site - can support in bringing your product to market.

 

Find us at the Blue Knowledge Space - Inspiring Dry Powder Inhalation - Table #20

 

schedule a meeting
https://go.hovione.com/l/47122/2014-08-06/9grc

 



 

 

On May 3rd, don’t miss the joint workshop with Hovione and H&T Presspart 

 

Title - “Integrated Development for Capsule-based DPIs - Solving New Challenges”

Presenters: 

  • Susana Saldanha, M.Sc. - R&D Manager, Formulation Development, Hovione
  • João Pereira, M.Sc. - R&D Analytical Development,  Analytical Manager, Hovione
  • Mirjam Kobler Ph.D. -  Global Business Development Manager, H&T Presspart 

Abstract:

This workshop will address the most relevant aspects of DPI development covering formulation to device development, as well as process optimization and analytical characterization.  The most common challenges expected at each stage will also be highlighted. A data-based development approach will be applied using risk analysis and structured experimental design based on various case studies, for different development stages, including process optimization and scale-up activities. Starting with a review on the design and development of a highly efficient capsule-based device, the participants will further learn how to use tools to prepare and design development plans to achieve optimal performance from different formulation strategies to drug-device combinations. Case studies will be presented on the interplay of carrier-based and carrier-free formulations, with a newly designed device. The higher focus will be placed on the hurdles of composite particles formulation and process development as well as capsule filling of said challenging formulations.  Unit operations such as spray drying and capsule filling will be covered during this workshop.

 

On May 4th, don’t miss the POP Session – “Posters on the podium” with Patricia Henriques, M.Sc.

 

Title - Benchmarking of Particle Engineering Strategies for Nasal Powder Delivery: Characterization of Nasal Deposition using the Alberta Idealized Nasal Inlet

 

Abstract:

Powder formulations of a drug and mucoadhesive polymer have increased residence time in the nasal cavity and can be manufactured by blending, spray-drying or agglomeration of primary particles into chimeral agglomerates (CA). While spray-drying allows particle size control and generation of amorphous solid dispersions, blending is simpler and CA should allow faster dissolution after breakup into smaller particles. The objective of this study was to characterize nasal deposition and benchmark nasal powders manufactured by different particle engineering strategies, namely spray dried microparticles (SDM), CA and blends, using the Alberta Idealized Nasal Inlet (AINI). The AINI method conditions were firstly optimized by selecting appropriate angle of actuation and flow rate. Then, six different formulations prepared with distinct polymers and particle engineering strategies were evaluated.

 

On May 5th, don’t miss the Podium Presentation with Eunice Costa R&D Director, Inhalation & Advanced Drug Delivery 

 

Title - “Addressing challenges in high dose dry powder inhalation: formulation and device”

 

Abstract:

High dose delivery to the lungs is gaining momentum to address a diversified array of diseases being treated via respiratory drug delivery, comprising a range of drug classes, spanning from less potent small molecules to biologics. Dry Powder Inhalers (DPI) are the dosage form of choice for delivering high payloads to patients. Still there are opportunities for improvement in terms of ensuring that the formulation addresses the pharmacokinetics needs of the specific drug and indication, in close integration with the device, while ensuring delivery efficiency and safety. 

Herein, different high dose delivery platform approaches are discussed in terms of relative advantages and potential pitfalls, followed by some exemplary case-studies: from small molecules to biologics: development of high dose crystalline formulations and high dose spray dried proteins, as well as implementation of a DPI device suitable for cohesive high dose formulations. 

 

 

Two posters will also be presented:

  • Title - In Vitro Methodologies for the Screening of Nasal Powders: Polymer-based Formulations 

    Presenter: Patricia Henriques, M.Sc. – University of Coimbra, Hovione

     
  • Title - Expediting spray dried DPI formulation via the use of PAT

    Presenter: Maria Inês Lopes, M.Sc. – University of Lisbon, Hovione

 

 

Schedule a meeting with our team and get to know more about our unique range of particle engineering technologies for Inhalation & Nasal such as jet milling, wet milling and spray drying.

Let’s discuss your project together.

schedule a meeting
https://go.hovione.com/l/47122/2014-08-06/9grc



 

 

 

 

Schedule a meeting with our experts.

Find more about RDD Europe.

 

 

 

Also in the Press Room

See All

With more than six decades of experience in pharmaceutical development and manufacturing, Hovione is an international CDMO offering a comprehensive range of services for New Molecular Entities (NMEs), including drug substances, intermediates, and drug products. The company also supplies niche generic APIs and delivers advanced technologies supporting multiple drug delivery platforms, including oral, injectable, inhalation, and topical formulations.  Today, Hovione employs 2,500 people worldwide and operates 900 m3 of manufacturing capacity across four sites in Europe, the U.S. and Asia. Japan has played an important role in the company’s global strategy since its early years. Initial export activities were followed in 2017 by the establishment of a Japanese subsidiary in Osaka.   Read the full article in Japanese at Yakuji.co.jp Read the article translated in English  

Press Clipping
Yakuji Nippo Magazine, 13 March 2026

International CDMO strengthens its presence in Japan: from active pharmaceutical ingredients to formulations, all at the same location

Mar 13, 2026

In an interview with Executiva, a portuguese media outlet focused on women´s leadership, Diane Villax, co-founder and long-standing leader of Hovione, reflects on her journey and the company’s development over more than six decades. Diane Villax’s career began at a time when few women worked outside the home. At 19, she joined a trading company as a foreign languages correspondent, where she developed essential business skills — including commercial correspondence, banking and export procedures — that later proved instrumental in helping her husband, Ivan Villax, establish Hovione in 1959. From its earliest days operating in the family home in Lisbon, Hovione adopted an international outlook. The company’s first major customers were in Japan, setting demanding quality standards that helped shape its long-term position in global markets. Over the following decades, Hovione expanded its footprint with the construction of its first manufacturing site in Loures (1969), followed by expansion to Macau (1986), the United States (New Jersey, early 2000s) and Ireland (Cork). The company grew into a global organization with more than 2,500 employees — including over 300 scientists — and a reputation as a preferred supplier to leading pharmaceutical companies worldwide. Throughout the interview, Diane highlights the values that have guided the company’s development: a commitment to excellence, a strong work ethic, and a focus on quality and long-term relationships. Although she did not have formal business training, she learned “on the job” and brought discipline, precision and structure to her role — particularly in the company’s early financial and administrative leadership. Now in her nineties and an active member of Hovione’s Board of Directors, Diane Villax remains engaged with the company’s evolution and governance, reflecting a continued commitment to its long-term development. Her story reflects entrepreneurial drive, resilience and long-term leadership — and offers insight into the values that have shaped Hovione’s trajectory for more than six decades. Read the full interview at Executiva.pt (in portuguese).    

Article
Executiva, 23 February 2026

Hovione’s Diane Villax: “I was not brought up to be a business woman”

Feb 23, 2026

Márcio Temtem, vice president, Strategic Business Management, Hovione, addresses molecule complexity, speed, and regionalization via integrated manufacturing. The landscape of small molecule manufacturing is rapidly evolving, according to Márcio Temtem, vice president, Strategic Business Development, Hovione, who provides an expert look into how his firm is evolving their approach as the industry changes. With 17 years of experience at Hovione, a family-owned CDMO with a 66-year legacy, Temtem identifies three pivotal trends currently shaping the industry: increased complexity, accelerated development speed, and the regionalization of supply chains. Temtem observes that small molecules have grown significantly in size and complexity, often requiring multiple chemical steps and high-potency handling. This shift necessitates a specialized "toolbox" to overcome modern bioavailability challenges. Highlighting Hovione's technical approach to these hurdles, Temtem states, "We use a platform called amorphous solid dispersions, produced by spray drying to address this challenge of bioavailability.” This platform represents a core area in which Hovione maintains global leadership, utilizing innovative tools to scale processes efficiently while minimizing the use of APIs. Temtem also mentions the increased influence of AI in drug discovery and deployment, which requires CDMOs to bridge the gap from grams to tons at a much faster pace than in previous years. He further addresses the trend of regionalization, noting the rise of countries such as the US and China prioritizing regional supply chain strategies. He explains that Hovione is uniquely positioned to navigate these new challenges with supply chains through its FDA-inspected sites across three continents. Central to Hovione’s competitive advantage is their integrated manufacturing offer, which combines drug substance and drug product expertise at a single location. Temtem emphasizes the value of this model, stating, “The company… has been investing in an integrated offer, bridging the problems of chemists and formulators all at the same shop.” To support this integration, the company continues to pioneer advanced manufacturing avenues, including continuous flow for drug substances and continuous tableting for drug products. Watch the full video interview or read the transcript at PharmTech.com  

Article
PharmTech, 6 February 2026

Hovione’s Strategy for Complexity, Speed, and Regional Supply Chains

Feb 06, 2026

Also in Events

See All