The idea behind Process Analytical Technology has been a proven technology in oil refineries, petrochemical, food 7a beverage and semiconductor industries. Pharmaceutical and Biotech companies can ensure improved quality, reduced scrap and enhanced productivity by learning from the experiences of these industries.
Despite the advantages PAT offers to the pharmaceutical industry, many companies remain hesitant about its implementation due to high investment costs.
Biopharmaceutical manufacturing processes like cell culture, harvesting and downstream purification are rapidly gaining importance as process robustness and assurance of product safety in these processes are being considered seriously. This article looks into the lean concepts and ready-to-use technologies that are gaining prominence in the manufacturing of biopharmaceuticals.
True innovation is not achieved by superficial imitation or the isolated or random use of lean tools & techniques and systems ("know how"), but instead requires the "know why"-i.e., an understanding of underlying principles.
The spectroscopic signature of a product, developed for PAT, may also be used in the field to determine whether a product is real or counterfeit.
Only a cross-functional and integrated approach can be successful in defeating counterfeiting and fraud, as well as the diversion of pharmaceutical products.
Manufacturing Control Systems are likely to emerge as the new standard manufacturing solution by the end of the decade
High shear homogenizing and low pressure homogenizing open new pathways for fine emulsions with narrow drop size distributions. Their flexibility allows the introduction of exactly desired and validated shear forces.
In an increasingly competitive marketplace, the current organisational models for supply chains will no longer be effective. A process excellence culture will enable an organisation's resiliency and provide a competitive advantage to it in the future.
Pharmaceutical manufacturers are looking to Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles to help them boost operational efficiency and improve quality, while facilitating compliance.
Fully automated control of fermentation processes on the basis of cell count is now possible in a production environment for the first time.
Micro and nanotechnologies will have a high impact on the pharmaceutical industry making the way to personalized therapy for better treatment efficiency and fewer side effects.
GMPs are necessary for the manufacture of biopharmaceuticals that are administered to patients enrolled in clinical trials. Gail Sofer discusses the approaches for compliance in the areas of cell banking, cell culture and downstream processing.
Japanese pharmaceutical companies have struggled to find a way into the global marketplace. According to Tadayoshi Kawasaki, with government support, it won't be long before Japan makes its presence felt worldwide in the development and manufacturing of biopharmaceuticals.
Having gained a strong foothold in India's domestic sector, one Haryana-based company specialising in super speciality injectable drugs is working towards expanding its place in the world pharmaceuticals market.
With high product quality, continuous innovation and improvement and over 70,000 unit sales in over two decades, Asia's largest separator manufacturer has proved its strength in providing the very best sieving machines.
UPLC presents the possibility to extend and expand the utility of conventional HPLC, a widely used separation science.
When a compound progresses to a medicinal product the complexities of disease, drug action, and the diversity of patient response can mean that nuances of drug behaviour may not be fully evident. However, new insights may emerge on more widespread use. These can provide ideas for new indications or better treatment of the existing indication.
A four-year research project began in 2002 to study pharmaceutical manufacturing and deviation management performance. The analysis reveals five key outcomes that influence manufacturing performance.
Automation platforms that can be easily expanded to other process automation applications within the manufacturing facility would significantly reduce cost involved in ensuring regulatory compliance.
Single-use / disposable technology offers a cost-effective and flexible process design for biopharmaceutical manufacturing facilities.
UPLC presents the possibility to extend and expand the utility of conventional HPLC, a widely used separation science.
Orally disintegrating tablets are an emerging trend in formulation, gaining popularity due to ease of administration and better patient compliance for geriatric and pediatric patients.
RFID is performing functions relevant to pharmaceutical distribution and administration.
The earlier understanding that packaging is not consumed by the end-user, therefore it need not be considered an integral part of the drug, is fast fading off.
There has been a significant progress in the systems biology field during the last decade. Sudhir Sahasrabudhe explains how his company's application of proteomics technologies has resulted in the identification of novel disease targets, drug candidates and biological markers predictive of drug response.
The pharmaceuticals industry makes a significant contribution to Singapore's economy. To strengthen this position and to foster future development, the Institute of Chemical and Engineering Sciences was established. Professors Keith Carpenter and KC Nicolaou talk about the institute's future aims.
As a thriving location with a proven track record in pharmaceutical manufacturing, Singapore has built up world-class capabilities throughout the drug-making process. Yeoh Keat Chuan explains how his country aims to strengthen its capabilities to become the biomedical centre of Asia.
Pharmaceutical counterfeiting is increasing, potentially putting the safety, possibly lives, of millions of patients at risk. Julian Mount explains what his company is doing to ensure and enhance patient safety.
Hospitals worldwide are increasingly looking to implement laboratory automation systems to ensure good practice. Kerstin Zumstein, Editor, Pharma Focus Asia speaks to Professor Sunil Sethi, National University, Singapore, about the wider implications.
RFID is performing functions relevant to pharmaceutical distribution and administration.