AstraZeneca Challenge: Novel Approaches to Form and Particle Control a Crystalline Material

Solids can either be arranged in a repeating three-dimensional crystalline structure or in an amorphous state where there is no regular pattern. The crystalline form affects the solubility and the dissolution rate of a solid, thus the form influences the efficacy of the drug and must be carefully controlled during the manufacturing process. AstraZeneca is seeking collaboration partners who can identify novel technologies or approaches for the large-scale manufacture of a highly complex crystalline pharmaceutical material.

This is an electronic Request-for-Partners (eRFP) Challenge; the Solver will only need to submit a written proposal to be evaluated by the Seeker with the goal of establishing a collaborative partnership.

To ensure a high level of purity and thermodynamic stability, many active pharmaceutical ingredients are manufactured in a crystalline state. AstraZeneca is looking for a collaborator with whom to develop novel isolation techniques for producing this crystalline pharmaceutical material with limited chemical stability in suitable solvent systems. Successful proposals should focus on novel approaches that will yield the desired crystalline form and particle size (> 20 µm) in a cost-effective manner, under conditions that conform to the Good Manufacturing Practice Regulations at a large-scale in a controlled process.

This is an electronic Request-for-Partners (eRFP) Challenge. The Solver will write a preliminary proposal (maximum of 10 pages, including supporting non-confidential information and contact details) to be evaluated by AstraZeneca with a goal of establishing a collaborative partnership. Upon completion of the evaluation, AstraZeneca may contact selected Solvers directly to work out terms for a collaboration contract. The monetary value of the contract will vary depending on the amount of work to be delivered and the agreed time frame.

[NOTE: Only proposals from Solvers who have the ability to work as a collaboration partner will be considered.]

Submissions to this Challenge must be received by 11:59 PM (US Eastern Time) on April 16, 2018. 

Late submissions will not be considered.

ABOUT THE SEEKER

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialization of prescription medicines, primarily for the treatment of diseases in three main therapy areas – Oncology, Cardiovascular & Metabolic Diseases and Respiratory.  AstraZeneca also is selectively active in the areas of autoimmunity, neuroscience and infection. As an innovation-driven research organization, AstraZeneca recognizes that great ideas come from many sources. Open innovation is an avenue by which ideas can be shared and AstraZeneca recently launched a pavilion to further its commitment to facilitate the advancement of pharmaceutical research.