Somerset-based Catalent wraps up deal for Cook Pharmica

Catalent Inc. just finished acquiring Cook Pharmica LLC.

The Somerset-based company’s position in biologics development and analytic services is strengthened by the addition of the Indiana company.

“The establishment of these focused business units reflects the rapid growth we are seeing across key markets, particularly for biologics and differentiated dosage forms,” said Catalent Chairman and CEO John Chiminski. “We have an exciting strategic plan to accelerate our portfolio of capabilities, as evidenced by the recent growth investments we have made, including multimillion-dollar site expansions and the newly completed acquisition of Cook Pharmica.”

With the acquisition, Catalent plans to reorganize its operations to create two new dedicated business units that will sharpen the focus on growth, performance and customers’ needs.

One is a business unit focused on biologics and specialty drug delivery, which will be led by President Barry Littlejohns.

He will oversee eight Catalent facilities focused on biologics development, manufacturing, analytical and sterile fill-finish, along with Catalent’s respiratory and ophthalmic business platforms.

Former Cook Pharmica President Tedd Green will serve as senior vice president for Catalent Bloomington.

The remainder of Catalent’s former drug delivery solutions business will go to the newly formed oral drug delivery business unit, led by President Jonathan Arnold.

Oral drug delivery will bring together Catalent’s expertise and capabilities in advanced delivery technologies and development solutions across nine facilities.

“We are confident that the experience and expertise of Barry, Jonathan and Tedd will provide valuable leadership as we move forward in this exciting phase of our development,” Chiminski said.

Littlejohns has been with Catalent for 26 years, initially with its predecessor RP Scherer, and most recently served as president of the company’s former drug delivery solutions business unit.

Arnold has worked for leading life science organizations for more than 23 years. He has held senior business leadership roles with Catalent in both Europe and the United States. He has been vice president and general manager for Catalent’s drug delivery solutions business unit for the past six years.