Evonik Industries and Laxxon Medical See Future In 3D Screen Printed Pharmaceuticals

Evonik Industries AG, a leading global supplier of specialty chemicals, announced Monday their venture capital company's strategic investment with Laxxon Medical Corporation.

Laxxon Medical is a U.S.-based company whose patented 3D screen printing technology enables the controlled release of multiple active pharmaceutical ingredients within a single tablet. Evonik's specialized polymers ensure targeted delivery of the active ingredients in the novel tablets.

In addition to the investment of an undisclosed amount, Evonik and Laxxon Medical have concluded a joint product development and cooperation agreement. According to the agreement, Evonik will manufacture tablets with Laxxon Medical's 3D screen printing technology. In the future, Evonik's products will be used in Laxxon Medical's printing pastes.

Three-dimensional screen printing is significantly faster than established 3D printing processes. In addition to such manufacturing abilities, 3D screen printed drugs allow for improved drug delivery. Through drug improvements with 3D screen printing, pharmaceutical companies have the opportunity to extend existing patent protections on their products.

"This technology is great for patients. We expect fewer side effects from a more controlled drug delivery and having fewer pills reduces the risk of forgetting doses during the day," said Lutz Stoeber, head of Evonik Venture Capital North America. "We are pleased to support innovation that brings real benefits to people and their health."

Laxxon Medical's technology is relevant to Evonik's growth fields Healthcare Solutions and Additive Manufacturing. "Drug delivery is becoming ever more precise and increasingly tailored to specific patient groups," Thomas Riermeier, Head of Evonik's Heath Care Business Line, said. "Working with Laxxon will allow us to accelerate our activities in this important and emerging market."

Laxxon Medical was founded in Switzerland in 2017 by Helmut Kerschbaumer, Klaus Kuehne and Achim Schneeberger. Due to the planned IPO on the NASDAQ, the company has relocated its headquarters to the U.S. in 2021, but still has a German and a Swiss subsidiary.

"Evonik is the perfect partner to support the development of novel tablets with unique release properties," said Kerschbaumer, Chief Executive Officer of Laxxon Medical. "We are pleased to have one of the world's leading specialty chemical companies at our side, with whom we can further develop our products while manufacturing them commercially."