We provide research support to academia and industry by evaluating the biopharmaceutical properties of drug candidates from early discovery to formulation.
What We Do
Our mission is to support every research project with rigor and expertise.
Identify Your Needs
Formulation, ADME and bioanalysis: we precisely identify the requirements of your project.
Design Experiments
Custom protocols tailored to your molecules and scientific objectives.
Deliver Results
Quality, traceable data interpreted with the expertise of our team.
Accelerate Discovery
Reduce timelines and maximize the chances of success for your drug candidate.
Our Publications
Explore our published work.
Our Services
We support drug characterization and development with flexible, personalized, and high-quality services tailored to your needs.
Analysis
Physicochemical, structural and thermal characterization of your active substances and formulations.
Bioanalysis
Quantification of molecules in complex biological matrices by LC-MS/MS and HRMS.
DMPK / ADME
Metabolism, permeability, membrane transport and in vivo pharmacokinetic studies.
Formulation
Development of solid, liquid and advanced nanoformulation pharmaceutical forms.
Analysis
A complete characterization of the physical, chemical and structural properties of your compounds.
Physicochemical & Particulate Properties
- Physicochemical characterization: pKa, LogP/LogD, solubility, stability
- Particle size and distribution (laser diffraction, DLS)
- Thermal properties (DSC, TGA)
- Rheological and powder flow properties
- Water content and particulate matter (USP <788>)
Structural Characterization & Analytical Methods
- Structural characterization: XRPD, FT-IR, SEM, NMR
- Analytical method development and stability-indicating methods
- Forced degradation and purity studies
Bioanalysis
Rigorous bioanalytical methods developed and validated to quantify your molecules of interest in the most complex biological matrices.
LC-MS/MS and HRMS Methods
Development and validation of bioanalytical methods for small molecules, peptides, oligonucleotides and proteins according to regulatory guidelines.
Complex Biological Matrices
Analyses in plasma, blood, tissues, CSF, urine, feces, cells and other matrices. Full support for in vitro and in vivo studies.
Endogenous Molecules & Biomarkers
Targeted quantification of biomarkers, neurotransmitters and hormones to support your research in pharmacology and translational medicine.
DMPK / ADME
Complete coverage of the metabolic, transport and pharmacokinetic properties of your candidate molecules
Metabolism & Enzymatic Interactions
- Multi-species metabolic stability (microsomes, hepatocytes, S9)
- Metabolite identification and profiling (MetID)
- Reactive metabolites (GSH trapping)
- CYP450 inhibition and induction
- Plasma, microsomal and tissue protein binding
- Plasma stability and blood/plasma ratios
Permeability, Transport & Pharmacokinetics
- Caco-2 and MDCK-MDR1 (P-gp)
- PAMPA and PAMPA-BBB
- In vitro diffusion (Franz cells)
- In vivo pharmacokinetic studies (mouse, rat, dog, etc.)
- PK/PD analysis and modeling
Formulation
From preformulation to the development of advanced nanoparticulate systems, our team designs innovative and stable formulations, tailored to ICH regulatory requirements.
Preformulation & Conventional Forms
- Preformulation adapted to project needs
- Development of solid and liquid pharmaceutical forms
- Dissolution, content uniformity and formulation stability
Advanced Nanoformulations
- Liposomes and polymeric nanoparticles
- Nanocrystals and nanoemulsions
- Functionalization (active targeting, fluorescent labeling)
Stability Studies (ICH)
- Stability studies according to ICH guidelines
- Accelerated, intermediate and long-term conditions
- Photochemical and solution stability
Instruments
Analytical
- HPLC-PDA-MS/MS (Sciex QTrap 6500+ and 4000)
- UPLC-PDA-QTof (Waters Xevo G2-XS)
- HPLC-UV/PDA/Fluo/ELSD (Shimadzu and Agilent)
Storage & Infrastructure
- −80 °C freezers
- Sterile and chemical hoods
- Incubators
- Stability chambers
- Animal facility
Characterization
- pH measurement of solutions, gels and creams
- Dissolution and disintegration baths
- Friabilator
- Hardness tester
- Tapped density tester
- Rheometer
- Analytical sieves
- Particle size analyzer
- Particle counter
- Microscopes
- FTIR-ATR and UV-fluorescence spectrometers
- Karl Fischer titrator
Formulation
- Granulators
- Roller compactor
- Mixers
- Tablet presses (hydraulic or rotary)
- Semi-automatic capsule filler
- Mills and nanomills
- Dryers
- Lyophilizer
Contact Us
Questions, Information & Quote Requests
Mihaela Friciu, M. Sc.
Preformulation & Formulation Specialist | Scientific Team Coordinator
Pavillon Jean-Coutu, office 4192
514-343-6111 ext. 04140
Parcel, Sample & Product Deliveries
(No reception on Fridays in June, July and August)
Mihaela Friciu, Biopharmacy Platform
Pavillon Jean-Coutu laboratory 4137
Quai de livraison #20, Pavillon Marcelle-Coutu
Faculty of Pharmacy, Université de Montréal
2940, Ch. de Polytechnique, Montréal (Québec) H3T 1J4
Letter Mail via Canada Post
Mihaela Friciu, Biopharmacy Platform
Faculty of Pharmacy, Université de Montréal
P.O. Box 6128, Succ. Centre-ville, Montréal (Québec) H3C 3J7
Cheque Payments
Please make the cheque payable to:
«UNIVERSITÉ DE MONTRÉAL, FACULTÉ DE PHARMACIE» and send it to the following address:
Grégoire Leclair, Professor
Faculty of Pharmacy, Université de Montréal
P.O. Box 6128, Succ. Centre-ville, Montréal (Québec) H3C 3J7