Discover how dsm-firmenich has remained on the pulse of pharmaceutical innovation in 2022 – and what’s in store for 2023

• The pharmaceutical industry continues to evolve at a rapid rate – and 2022 was no exception. So how has dsm-firmenich stayed on the pulse of innovation to maintain its leading position in the market?  

• From stepping up as a pioneer in the CBD space and responding to the nitrosamine challenge with safe solutions, to spotlighting the game-changing potential of medical nutrition in cancer care, dsm-firmenich wraps up yet another exciting  year with purpose-driven success.
• Read on to discover the company’s key takeaways from 2022 and look ahead to what’s in store for 2023 and beyond.

Further unlocking the power of medical CBD

2022 was a big year for medical cannabinoids, particularly cannabidiol (CBD). From the emerging positive science to favorable regulatory updates and rising interest amongst the general population, the opportunities in the market are huge. This year, dsm-firmenich has continued to build on its capabilities in the space by launching a cannabinoid innovation platform to facilitate early-stage drug development.

Although CBD is demonstrating positive therapeutic potential across a number of indications, its role in mental health has been a particularly important focus area for new developments. Around an estimated 5-10% of people globally suffer with anxiety disorders, making mental wellbeing a top priority for consumers across the world and placing CBD at the center of a number of research projects. This was the subject of an expert-led webinar dsm-firmenich hosted in partnership with Manufacturing Chemist. During the session, Dr Mariana Coelho, Clinical Project Scientist at dsm-firmenich, and Dr José Alexandre de Souza Crippa, Department of Neurosciences and Behavior, University of São Paulo, dived into the promising science behind CBD and mental health and revealed how manufacturers can tap into new opportunities in the landscape.

CBD was also a major talking point at the recent CPHI Frankfurt trade show. Here, DSM showcased its cutting-edge technologies designed to enhance CBD bioavailability – a common challenge experienced with the molecule – and how it can support customized CBD formulation in a variety of oral dosage formats. In addition, dsm-firmenich has led an exclusive customer event with partner, Brains Bioceutical, where we detailed the latest advances in CBD research and development and how it will continue to power the market forward. Click here to explore dsm-firmenich's CBD capabilities.

Think nitrosamine-free pharmaceuticals, think dsm-firmenich

The recent discovery of nitrosamines in common drug products and urgent legal obligation to implement a control strategy (where necessary) has put nitrosamine mitigation at the top of the agenda for many pharmaceutical companies. One approach recommended by the Food and Drug Association (FDA) is harnessing the power of ascorbic acid and alpha-tocopherol excipients to block the formation of nitrosamines. dsm-firmenich offers a high quality, science-backed excipient portfolio including these ingredients, along with technical guidance and experience in nitrosamine assessment; helping drug developers reformulate or create new, risk-free pharmaceuticals with confidence.

In June of this year, dsm-firmenich brought together experts from across the pharmaceutical industry for a webinar in partnership with Pharma Excipients International to explore the ways in which formulators can continue to support the health of patients globally by tackling the challenges presented by nitrosamine formation. The session strengthened dsm-firmenich’s position as a purpose-led partner that is uniquely positioned to deliver more than ingredients and placed it at the center of the nitrosamine conversation. Click here to visit dsm-firmenich's dedicated nitrosamines page to discover more. 

TheraPEA™: A novel biodegradable polymer

Delivering next-generation, patient-focused solutions to the pharmaceutical industry is at the heart of innovation for dsm-firmenich. TheraPEA™ – a novel biodegradable platform of Polyester Amide (PEA) polymers – allows for the development of sustained release systems with small molecule drugs and biologics for systemic and site-specific parenteral drug delivery. It offers a tunable degradation profile and many benefits over commonly used materials in the biomedical market, including broad compatibility with a wide range of drugs and excellent biocompatibility – proven in multiple settings including ophthalmic, intravascular and intra-articular applications. Click here to discover dsm-firmenich's extensive Biomedical capabilities. 

Making a difference in cancer care with medical nutrition

Malnutrition is common in cancer patients, yet only 30-60% of these patients receive nutritional support. If left unaddressed it can lead to poorer health outcomes, reduce the effectiveness of oncology treatment, delay recovery and significantly impact quality of life. Alarmingly, 10-20% of deaths in patients with cancer are linked to malnutrition.

To better support patients with cancer, dsm-firmenich is leveraging the game-changing potential of combining drug therapies with medical nutrition solutions. When targeted medical nutrition solutions, such as oral supplements, are integrated into therapeutic care plans, patients are helped to optimally fight diseases, like cancer, recover quicker and enjoy a better quality of life. Click here to find out more about dsm-firmenich's expertise in the field. 

Looking ahead to 2023

Heading into a new year, dsm-firmenich will advance its capabilities and expertise in the CBD arena. This includes developing a comprehensive toolkit designed to effectively improve CBD formulation. Plus, dsm-firmenich will continue to support its customers by developing safe nitrosamine mitigation strategies ahead of the October 2023 deadline.

Like most pharmaceutical companies, sustainability also remains an important focus. The company continues to champion sustainability; taking full responsibility for its carbon footprint and moving forward with the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) targets it set in 2019. This includes a reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of 50% by 2030 and increasing the purchasing of renewable electricity 75% by 2030. dsm-firmenich is also hoping to achieve NetZero GHG emissions across all operations and value chains by 2050 and has a water reduction target of 10% efficiency in areas of water stress which is set to be reached by 2030.

In addition, dsm-firmenich is helping its partners in the pharmaceutical market achieve their own sustainability goals, ultimately creating a greener and brighter future for all. This includes bringing safe and sustainable innovations to the market, such as TheraPEA™, and ensuring that all manufacturing sites are GMP-qualified. dsm-firmenich has also committed to remaining a pioneer of the most eco-conscious technologies and production processes for active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and will continue these efforts into 2023 and beyond. Learn more about dsm-firmenich's sustainability initiatives here.