A fresh start for Pennsaid Gel – made in Switzerland

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28.04.2026

A fresh start for Pennsaid Gel – made in Switzerland

When the previous manufacturer in Canada ceased production of Pennsaid Gel, the supply chain was in jeopardy. The collaboration between Gebro Pharma AG and the FRIKE GROUP demonstrates just how challenging a change in manufacturer can be — and how it can still be successfully achieved.

A Request with Consequences

Gebro Pharma and the FRIKE GROUP have known each other for years, not least through their joint involvement in the industry association VIPS, where CEO Marcel Plattner serves as chairman. At the end of 2023, Gebro made an inquiry that changed everything: Their long-standing manufacturer in Canada had been sold, and production of the proven Pennsaid gel had been halted. Without a new partner, a supply disruption loomed — a risk that would have had immediate, tangible consequences in Switzerland.

How the FRIKE GROUP brought Pennsaid gel from Canada back to Switzerland and obtained approval from Swissmedic.

Why Pennsaid isn't a standard product

It quickly became clear that the transfer would be far more than just routine work. Pennsaid gel contains a high concentration of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), a highly potent solvent that corrodes plastics, rendering hoses, seals, and standard components unusable. Added to this is the packaging: an airless bottle with an aluminum pouch that is filled under positive pressure — a process that works reliably only with a specially developed nozzle.

Taking new paths, step by step

After a thorough risk analysis, we decided to take on the project. We adapted the manufacturing specifications to our equipment, designed a custom filling nozzle, and tested several technical variations until the filling process ran smoothly. At the same time, we searched worldwide for DMSO suitable for pharmaceutical use. Although an initial supplier provided compliant product, its stability was insufficient: over time, the raw material developed an onion-like odor. Together with Gebro, we finally found a supplier that met the quality requirements.

Transfer, validation, and final approval

With the supply chain secured, the actual product transfer began. We developed new testing methods, optimized the processing of the challenging excipient, and produced three validation batches. Each batch was thoroughly tested until all quality parameters were consistently and reproducibly met.

A significant moment for both companies

Swissmedic recently approved the change of manufacturer. The first batch for the Swiss market has already been released — a milestone that caps off many months of detailed technical work.

For Gebro Pharma AG and FRIKE GROUP, this project is more than just a successful technology transfer initiative. It demonstrates how two Swiss companies are working together to tackle a complex challenge and make an important medication available again.

Maciej Libort, Business Development Manager Pharma

«Sounds exciting? Let’s talk about your ideas and upcoming projects!»

maciej.libort@frike-group.com +41 44 949 21 62 Request callback

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