Interview with our Formulation Project Manager – Tamas Kiss PhD

What kinds of products or projects are you mainly working on at the moment?

Most of the projects I’m working on are confidential. Still, I can say that we’re involved in multiple formulation development programs for pharmaceutical products, including ocular, parenteral, and oral dosage forms, which I help coordinate. I’m also responsible for some internal pipeline projects that we’re developing in-house.

How are cyclodextrins usually used in your formulations — is it more for solubility, stability, or something else?

You’re right — cyclodextrins are primarily used for improving solubility and stability. But they also offer several other benefits due to their ability to form inclusion complexes with parts or even the whole molecule. For example, they can mask unpleasant taste or odor, and they can interact with cholesterol in biological membranes, which in turn may enhance the permeability of certain APIs, especially those in BCS Class III or IV.

What’s the most challenging part of developing cyclodextrin-based formulations?

One of the main challenges is that only a limited number of cyclodextrins are approved for most administration routes, so you can’t just choose any cyclodextrin for a given formulation. You must be very careful when selecting excipients. That’s where expertise really matters — having a solid understanding of the regulatory landscape can save a lot of time and effort by avoiding unnecessary studies.

What does a typical project timeline look like, from idea to client delivery or product transfer?

I’d say we’re quite agile — after the initial consultation with a client, we typically prepare a detailed work proposal with pricing within about two weeks. This timeline can be longer if we need to outsource specific tasks, for example, when handling highly potent APIs. Project durations vary depending on complexity, but most run between 4 and 40 weeks. The number of experimental iterations and the duration of stability studies are key factors that influence the overall timeline. If the formulation performs as expected, we need a few additional weeks for tech transfer so it can be manufactured at scale under GMP conditions.

Do you also get involved in discussions with partners or clients about new projects?

Yes, I’m involved in discussions with clients at the early stage of several parallel projects, even before the actual work begins. From there, I take on the coordination role — which doesn’t necessarily mean doing the lab work myself, but instead planning and overseeing activities based on the agreed timeline, scope, and budget and being the link among the stakeholders. In the projects I manage, I’m also responsible for summarizing the results and conclusions in a final report for the client.

What do you enjoy most about working there so far — scientifically or otherwise?

What I enjoy most is working on several projects in parallel and organizing my tasks effectively. I like using tools that help me stay on top of things. I also really enjoy deepening my knowledge in the pharmaceutical field. Over time, I’ve come to understand regulatory thinking better, and I feel I’m continuously improving in managing R&D projects. Additionally, I’ve recently taken on business development responsibilities in the cosmetics sector, which is an entirely new endeavor for both me and the company. It’s a big challenge, but one I find really exciting. Besides, I am responsible for the intern at our company, I enjoy mentoring him.

Where do you see the company’s biggest opportunity for growth in the next couple of years?

I think the company’s most significant opportunity lies in the success of multiple pipeline projects, not just one standout, but several. If these milestones are reached, it will significantly increase our visibility in the industry. Beyond our current revenue streams from grants and CRO-type services, generating income from our pipeline assets would dramatically strengthen the business model, providing us with greater independence and recognition.

VI International Summer School on Cyclodextrins

The VI International Summer School on Cyclodextrins, held in Genoa, Italy, brought together young scientists and leading experts under the theme “Natural molecules for a better life”. Hosted in the historic surroundings of the University of Genoa, the event kicked off with impactful keynote lectures by Dr. Milo Malanga (CarboHyde) on sustainable and scalable cyclodextrin synthesis, and Prof. Li (National University of Singapore) on supramolecular cyclodextrin assemblies for drug and gene delivery.

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The summer school served as a vibrant platform for PhD students and early-career researchers to present their work, such as on thermosensitive intranasal gels, amino-acid functionalized CDs, and other drug delivery systems — via posters and flash oral presentations. Participants appreciated not only the scientific value but also the strong networking opportunities and the support of mentors like Milo Malanga and Prof. Sorrenti.

CarboHyde Cyclodextrin Masterclass VII – Cyclodextrin Basics

In order to receive the link to join, you have to register at the external CarboHyde link of the event too.

Join us for the 7th Cyclodextrin Masterclass by CarboHyde, where we dive into the fascinating world of cyclodextrins—cyclic oligosaccharides with unique capabilities that have revolutionized pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic applications.

In this introductory session, we’ll revisit the origins of cyclodextrins, their distinctive ring-shaped structures, and how these features enable them to form host–guest complexes with a wide range of molecules. Whether you’re new to the field or seeking a structured refresher, this webinar will provide a clear, concise foundation in cyclodextrin science.

We’ll explore how cyclodextrins behave in various environments, their physicochemical properties, and why their safety profile makes them ideal for diverse formulation challenges. Join us to understand the core principles behind these versatile molecules—and set the stage for deeper insights in the sessions to follow

New Podcast Episode: Cyclodextrins in Food and Nutraceuticals

From improving bioavailability to enhancing stability and masking off-flavors, cyclodextrins are revolutionizing the way we formulate food supplements and functional ingredients.

In this episode, we break down the science into practical insights and explore how these ring-shaped sugar molecules are making a real impact in health and nutrition.

Tune in now and discover why cyclodextrins might be your next formulation game-changer!

Carbohydrate Chronicles Season 2 / Ep 4 Cyclodextrin in food and nutraceuticals – CarboHyde