Brenntag, Budenheim Cooperate to Offer Phosphate-Based Excipients in Parts of Europe
Customers in Germany, France, Benelux, Poland, and the Nordics will be able to purchase the higher bulk density excipients, which are useful for those seeking to reduce tablet size, from Brenntag.
Global chemicals and ingredients distributor, Brenntag, is now offering Budenheim phosphate-based excipients to its customers based in Germany, France, Benelux, Poland, and the Nordics (1). Phosphate-based excipients have a high bulk density, allowing for formulation of dosage forms with a reduced tablet size.
The highly functional phosphate-based excipients are manufactured by Budenheim in Germany and provide a number of solutions for pharmaceutical dosage form development. For example, the excipients can be used in the development of mini tablets, thanks to their excellent mechanical strength, and they offer the possibility of producing vegan and lactose-free medicines. Mini tablets are useful in patient populations that encounter difficulties with swallowing tablets, such as pediatric patients. These mini tablets are between 1–3 mm in diameter and less than 2 mm thick.
Initially mentioned in 1963 as “micro-tablets”, later defined as “mini tablets” in 1998, these smaller-sized dosage forms have experienced a resurge in popularity latterly (2). Scientific research, such as the introduction of new pharmaceutical excipients, has helped overcome some of the technical limitations that originally impacted the tablets.
“Mini tablets based on Budenheim phosphate are a huge value add in many use cases,” said Elvira Edel, Industry Market Manager Excipients Brenntag Specialties Pharma EMEA, in a company press release (1). “We are happy that the cooperation with Budenheim allows us to offer this highest quality pharmaceutical ingredient to our tablet producing customers from Germany, France, Benelux, Nordics, and Poland.”
Earlier in 2025, Brenntag also announced the formation of a strategic partnership with pharmaceutical excipient manufacturer, MEGGLE Excipients, expanding its portfolio with lactose-based excipients. Under the terms of the partnership, Brenntag can now distribute MEGGLE’s pharma grade, lactose-based excipients to the Netherlands, Belgium, Norway, Finland, and Sweden (3).
“Customers are now supplied by us with lactose excipients of the highest quality, which are required to produce effective pharmaceuticals,” commented Joakim Rehné, Brenntag Specialties President Pharma EMEA, in a company press release about the partnership (3). “The expanded product range strengthens our role as a key supplier to the global healthcare industry.”
“This partnership enables us to make our excipients even more accessible to our customers,” added Ruth Leinenbach, Director BU Excipients at MEGGLE, in the press release (3). “With Brenntag s' extensive logistics network, proven expertise, and reliable infrastructure, we can ensure consistent and efficient delivery.”
References
Brenntag. Brenntag Specialties Pharma is Offering Phosphate-Based Excipients by Budenheim, Enabling the Easy Development and Production of Mini-Tablets. Press Release, July 15, 2025.
Lura, V.; Lura, A.; Breitkreutz, J.; Klingmann, V. The Revival of the Mini-Tablets: Recent Advancements, Classifications, and Expectations for the Future. Eur. J. Pharm. Biopharm. 2025, 210, 114655.
Brenntag. Brenntag Specialties Announces Exclusive Distribution Agreement with MEGGLE Excipients for Pharmaceutical-Grade Lactose in Benelux and Nordics. Press Release, Feb. 3, 2025.