Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH) has introduced Permexa sodium caprate, an intestinal permeation enhancer designed to improve the oral bioavailability of peptide, biologic, and low-permeability drug formulations.
The Wilmington, Delaware-based specialty ingredients company positioned the product as a solution for pharmaceutical developers aiming to transition therapies from injectable to oral delivery, particularly in high-growth areas such as GLP-1 agonists, diabetes treatments, weight loss medications, metabolic disorders, and endocrine therapeutics. The excipient leverages an intellectual property-protected process to enhance powder flow, compressibility, and formulation consistency while maintaining permeability benefits.
Ashland said Permexa sodium caprate addresses key challenges in oral peptide development, including formulation consistency, process robustness, and scalability. The company conducted global pre-launch engagement with pharmaceutical, biotech, and contract development and manufacturing organizations through sampling activities, technical evaluations, and formulation development discussions.
Alessandra Faccin, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Life Sciences at Ashland, noted the accelerating demand for excipients that balance biological efficacy with manufacturability. "The rapid growth of oral peptide development is creating demand for excipients that support both biological performance and pharmaceutical manufacturability," she said. The company also highlighted synergies with its existing vinyl pyrrolidone and derivatives portfolio.
Ashland, which employs approximately 2,900 people and operates in over 100 countries, serves global markets including architectural coatings, construction, energy, food and beverage, personal care, and pharmaceuticals.
