The SOLIQS drug delivery business unit of Abbott GmbH & Co. KG originated from a collaboration between Knoll and BASF to adapt extrusion technology for use in the formulation of pharmaceuticals. This project, resulting in the development of the Meltrex process, was transformed into a business unit within Knoll in 1997 with a focus on working with external partners to enhance the bioavailability of compounds with low water-solubility and as a tool in product life-cycle management
With the acquisition of Knoll by Abbott Laboratories in 2001, the unit was re-named SOLIQS and became the global drug delivery business of Abbott.  As well as working with most of the top 30 pharma companies, SOLIQS has also developed Abbott’s Kaletra® Tablets, a protease-inhibitor combination for the treatment of HIV.  Kaletra® Tablets have significant advantages for the patient compared to the previous soft-gel capsule formulation, as evidenced by the FDA’s decision to fast-track their approval, granted in October 2005.  In addition, SOLIQS has developed a sustained-release formulation of verapamil (Isoptin-SRE®) and a fast-onset ibuprofen.

 

In 2010 Abbott announced that the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the new tablet formulation of the protease inhibitor  Norvir®. This new heat-stable formulation can be stored at room temperature and does not require refrigeration, making it more convenient for patients.