AMW and AdhexPharma Successfully Complete Strategic Transfer of Transdermal Delivery Systems
Warngau, Germany, Chenôve, France, May 27, 2025
AMW GmbH, a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on biodegradable controlled-release drug delivery systems, and AdhexPharma SAS, an independent pharmaceutical company specializing in the development and manufacturing of patches and oral films, today announced the successful completion of the transfer of transdermal delivery systems (TDS) under the companies’ strategic partnership.
After the partnership was launched in 2021, AMW focused on its core business, while AdhexPharma was taking over commercial manufacturing and lifecycle management of TDS products. Following a transition period of 30 months, AdhexPharma obtained AMW’s TDS manufacturing machinery and equipment as well as IP for Buprenorphine and Rivastigmine, TDS products originally derived from AMW’s pipeline. This process has now been completed, which the two companies celebrated at AMW’s headquarters in Warngau on May 26, 2025.
In parallel, AdhexPharma has launched investments in new manufacturing facilities totaling 8,000m² following the acquisition of tesa Labtec, another developer and manufacturer of TDS products. These facilities, scheduled for completion by the end of 2025, will significantly expand AdhexPharma’s production capacity.
The manufacturing capacity freed up at AMW in Warngau is currently being expanded by a further 50% for the production of biodegradable implants. This will bridge the capacity requirements until AMW’s new manufacturing building will be completed.
“We are very pleased with the successfully completed transfer process of our TDS to AdhexPharma. Their expertise and manufacturing capabilities enabled broader access for patients, thereby leveraging the products’ technical advantages,” commented Philipp Karbach, CEO of AMW. “Furthermore, this strategic partnership allowed us to focus our resources on our core business of developing, manufacturing and distributing biodegradable controlled-release drug delivery systems to patients worldwide.”
Roland de la Brosse, President of AdhexPharma, added: “This partnership enabled us to offer licensing and manufacturing opportunities for the Rivastigmine patch and to expand our portfolio with the narcotic transdermal system Buprenorphine. By integrating AMW’s contract manufacturing business and equipment, we could further pursue our successful growth path to become a leading global patch manufacturer.”
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About AMW GmbH:
AMW is a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on biodegradable implants, providing patients and partners access to value-added medicines for improved adherence and cost-effective therapies. The Company covers the entire value chain, from (co-)development to manufacturing and international commercialization.
AMW has two approved medical products: implants releasing goserelin or leuprorelin respectively, which are distributed worldwide via direct sales and out-licensing. In Germany, leuprorelin is marketed as Leugon® by AMW’s fully owned subsidiary Endomedica GmbH. Based on its unparalleled expertise in formulation development, the Company collaborates with pharma and biotech partners worldwide to develop and manufacture high-quality products and life-cycle solutions.
AMW is based in Warngau near Munich, Germany.
About AdhexPharma
AdhexPharma, together with its German subsidiary Labtec GmbH, is an independent pharmaceutical company specializing in the development and manufacturing of patches and oral films. As such, AdhexPharma provides its customers with industrial technology expertise and know-how in the formulation, development and production of such systems. AdhexPharma holds cGMP certifications for both Europe and the United States, including authorization to handle highly potent APIs (including hormones) and narcotics.
Founded in 2007 for the purpose of acquiring the transdermal patch unit of Solvay in France, AdhexPharma currently manufactures eight approved products representing more than 150 million units per year. AdhexPharma is headquartered in Paris and operates industrial activities in Chenôve, Burgundy and in Hamburg, Germany. AdhexPharma’s formulation and pharmaceutical development activities are located in Langenfeld/Rheinland, Germany.
AdhexPharma has been awarded European Long-Term Growth Champion in 2025 by FT Financial Times and Statista, recognizing its average annual growth rate of 27% over the past ten years.
About Rivastigmine
Rivastigmine is an active ingredient used for reducing symptoms of mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. In patients with Alzheimer’s disease, neuronal cell death leads to decreased levels of acetylcholine, a key neurotransmitter. Rivastigmine inhibits cholinesterase enzymes that break down acetylcholine, thereby increasing its availability and contributing to maintaining the cognitive function.
Following the expiry of Novartis’ patents for the active ingredient (2008) and transdermal system (2012), AMW GmbH developed a Rivastigmine TDS available in 4.6 mg/24h, 9.5 mg/24h and13.3 mg/24h dosages. This product successfully completed two clinical trials and was approved in 2015.
About Buprenorphine
Buprenorphine is a potent analgesic used for treating cancer-related and other severe pain. Depending on the dosage form, buprenorphine can be used in different areas. For acute pain, Buprenorphine is typically injected into the bloodstream. Because Buprenorphine tablets are rapidly metabolized in the liver and thus have low efficacy, sublingual tablets are placed under the tongue to dissolve, which improves bioavailability and therapeutic effect.
A transdermal patch containing Buprenorphine significantly enhances bioavailability by bypassing first-pass metabolism. Moreover, in the case of chronic severe cancer-related pain, it is essential to ensure continuous and controlled release of the active substance over a 24-hour period.
For further information please contact:
AMW GmbH
Eva Hoffmann
Phone: +49 8024 470999-0
E-mail: news@amw-pharmaceuticals.com
AdhexPharma S.A.S.
Hugo Vimal
Tel.: +33 (0)7 77 68 48 23
E-mail: h.vimal@adhexpharma.com