Ashland Inc. has launched permexa sodium caprate, a sodium caprate-based intestinal permeation enhancer designed to improve the absorption of oral peptides, biological products, and low-permeability medications. The new excipient targets pharmaceutical developers seeking oral alternatives to injectable therapies, including GLP-1 agonists, diabetes treatments, weight-loss drugs, metabolic disorders, and endocrine therapeutics.
The excipient addresses formulation consistency challenges in tablet manufacturing by improving powder flow, compressibility, and formulation robustness while maintaining permeability-enhancing properties. Ashland engaged with global pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs) prior to commercial launch through sampling, technical evaluations, and formulation development discussions.
The product complements Ashland’s existing portfolio of vinyl pyrrolidone derivatives, with additional items in development. Ashland, listed on the New York Stock Exchange under ticker ASH, employs approximately 2,900 people and operates in over 100 countries, serving consumer and industrial markets including pharmaceuticals.
Alessandra Faccin, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Life Sciences at Ashland, noted the rising demand for excipients that support both biological performance and pharmaceutical manufacturability amid rapid growth in oral peptide development. Caroline Cooreman, Director of Life Sciences Strategy, highlighted ongoing product development and synergies with Ashland’s vinyl pyrrolidone portfolio.
As of the market close on August 21, Ashland’s shares traded at $72.66, down $0.16, or 0.22%.
