Almac and the Royal Society of Chemistry Host a Workshop on the use of Analytical Techniques to Control and Monitor Solid Form

CRAIGAVON, Northern Ireland, November 19, 2010 /PRNewswire/ — Almac, in
association with the Royal Society of Chemistry, hosted a scientific workshop
focusing on advanced analytical techniques used to optimise, monitor and
control solid state properties during the development of new medicines.

The milestone event, attended by representatives from industry and
academia, included presentations and round table discussion regarding x-ray
powder diffraction, hyper differential scanning calorimetry and Raman
spectroscopy.

An important element of the workshop was the presentation of results from
Almac’s collaborative research with Queens University Belfast regarding Raman
spectroscopy. ‘The effect of crystal orientation on Raman Spectra’ has been
observed for the first time and these findings will have profound
implications for the use of this technique in characterising physical forms.

Linda McCausland, Head of Physical Sciences, Almac, commented: “Almac has
invested extensively in research and development in the field of solid state
science and is currently involved in a number of academic collaborations. The
research output of these studies will be available to clients to augment the
development of their drugs. This workshop provided an opportunity for Almac
to share its expertise with the pharmaceutical community and we are very
proud to have worked with the Royal Society of Chemistry in staging such an
exciting event.”

She added: “The insight harnessed from the study’s findings is testimony
to Almac’s status as a leader in the field of solid state science.”

Prof Duncan Burns, Analytical Division, Royal Society of Chemistry,
remarked: “The workshop was a truly memorable day of excellent and well
presented analytical science.”

Notes to Editors:

About Almac

The Almac Group offers a broad range of services from R&D, biomarker
discovery and development, API manufacture, formulation development, clinical
trial supply and IXRS technology (IVRS/IWRS), to commercial-scale
manufacture. Almac provides services to more than 600 companies, including
all the world leaders in the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors. The company
employs almost 3,000 individuals and is headquartered in Craigavon, Northern
Ireland. US operations are based in Pennsylvania, North Carolina and
California. Almac has officially gained full possession of its new $120m
North American Headquarters which started in July 2008 and employees will
relocate during the fall.

For more information on Almac, please visit http://www.almacgroup.com

SOURCE Almac