Formulation and Drug Delivery

The 59th Pittsburgh Conference gathered more than 1000 exhibitors on its showroom floor this week.

Also, Millipore plans to open Singapore facility, Michael J. Simms joins Alexza Pharmaceuticals, more...

After two centuries, there's no reason to maintain two tablet compression tooling standards.

The United States Pharmacopeia emphasizes mechanical calibration and a performance test to esnure integrity of the dissolution procedure.

New research and ideas for March 2008

Chemical imaging of solid dosage forms has become a powerful analytical tool for the development of solid dosage forms.

Show blasts off this month in Philadelphia with more suppliers, new trends, and real-world solutions.

A news roundup for March 2008.

Twenty years ago it was commonplace for pills, tablets and capsules to come in small, plastic or even glass bottles. Syrups were a much more common galenic solution than today, and individual dosages of injectables were only offered in glass vials and ampoules.

The stability of drugs in solid forms such as powders, tablets and capsules is usually determined very thoroughly by the drug's manufacturer. Based on stability study data, the shelf-life of a drug substance or a drug product is assigned. In addition to dispensing solid dosage forms to patients, pharmacists are frequently asked to compound oral liquid preparations for which the shelf-life or beyond-use date are assigned based on the pharmacist's best judgment - often without the benefit of stability data.

Conventional influenza vaccines use an egg-based culture and harvest process. This is slow and inflexible compared with emerging cell culture-based approaches that respond rapidly to the influenza virus's inherent ability to 'drift' or, more dangerously, 'shift' - a critical factor that would arise in the event of a pandemic.

The pharmaceutical industry has experienced a number of difficulties during recent years. Greater competition from generics (more than 60% of prescription drugs are supplied from the generic market) and increased gaps in the drug pipeline that result in acquisitions or strategic alliances has led to a feeling of uncertainty in the bio/pharma marketplace. There have also been changes in the marketplace with a shift from primary care to specialty drugs, the introduction of personalized medicine driving the need for biomarker/diagnostic technology and the introduction of biopharmaceuticals.

Also, Genmab will acquire PDL Pharma's Minnesota manufacturing facility, DSM Pharmaceuticals appointed Hans Engels president and business unit director, more...

Also, Biocon will acquire 70% of AxiCorp, ARIAD Pharmaceuticals promoted Richard W. Pascoe to the new position of COO, more...

Scientists at The Wistar Institute are taking further steps into understanding a gene regulator that can lead them closer to developing new cancer therapies.

Chesapeake to relocate and expand, AVI BioPharma appoints CEO, More...

Nektar Therapeutics eliminated approximately 150 positions as part of a restructuring program designed to help the company complete its transition from a drug-delivery service provider to a drug-development organization.

Amira and GSK Form Agreement, Xenome Appoints Ian Nisbet CEO, More...

PharmTech's polls feature user feedback on issues facing the pharmaceutical industry.

A news roundup for February 2008.

Can an overload of patent applications lead to the US' demise as a scientific leader?

An updated book summarizes recent research for formulators and drug-delivery specialists.

Codexis Opens Budapest Lab, Allos Names Bruce K. Bennett VP of Manufacturing, More...

As part of a major project to design and build a new bulk vaccine antigen plant, the authors were asked to investigate and implement a suitable fumigation system for clean room decontamination. The facility was designed to handle and contain live influenza virus, and has clean room suites designed to containment levels CL2 and CL3 according to the Approved Code Of Practice and Guidance (ACOP, Control of Substances Hazardous to Health 4th Edition). From the outset, specific areas within the facility were identified as requiring fumigation and this formed part of the initial design brief.

We are currently experiencing a problem with one of our tablet lines. While the tablets appear white immediately after manufacture, after a time many of the tablets begin to take on a yellowish appearance. Could this be an issue that surface analysis could help resolve?

Actavis Acquires Site From Pfizer, Cardiokine Names President and CEO, More...

Novo Nordisk Drops Inhaled Insulin Product, Neurocrine Appoints CEO and President, More...