Process and Automation

Optima Pharma is exhibiting a range of technologies from sterile-filling and freeze-drying solutions to isolators and restricted access barrier systems.

GEA will showcase the ConsiGma continuous coater and the PCMM (portable, continuous, miniature, and modular) manufacturing technology platform for continuous production of oral solid dosage forms.

PAT holds the key to real-time quality assurance and consistent product quality in pharmaceutical manufacturing.

The countdown has begun for one of the biggest trade shows for the process industry.

Economic benefits, equipment availability, research results, and FDA support are driving progress in continuous processing.

Systec & Solutions' HMI hardware and Werum's PAS-X manufacturing execution system are designed to work together.

Transitioning from paper records to electronic batch records decreases costs and increases efficiency.

Virtualization has been mainstream in information technology (IT) for decades.

In-silico design facilitates process optimization and evaluation of process control strategies.

Multivariate data analysis (MVDA) is being used to effectively handle complex datasets generated by process analytical technology (PAT) in biopharmaceutical process development and manufacturing.

Use of modeling software can help improve process understanding, and can be used in open- or closed-loop control.

Real-time, noncontact imaging and spectroscopy techniques provide insight into pharmaceutical processes.

The new flow sensors, BioPAT Flow, enable precise, reproducible data to be collected on flow rates and mass balances without coming in contact with the medium during measurement.

PAT has aided formulation, both pre-and post-filing, by reducing costs and time frames.

A new release of FactoryTalk Batch software from Rockwell Automation eases recipe creation and adds security.

Siegfried Schmitt, Principal Consultant, PAREXEL International, discusses the benefits of automated processes.

Pharmaceutical Technology’s survey collected industry feedback on trends and the utility of equipment used in finished drug-product manufacturing.

PharmTech's annual equipment and manufacturing survey shows gains in process analytical technology and indicates areas for future innovation.

The Modular Automated Sampling Technology platform allows sampling of bioreactors.

Common challenges and key considerations when developing a freeze-drying cycle for protein pharmaceuticals.

A new process analytical technology based on impedance spectroscopy has potential applications for characterizing product attributes during the freeze-drying process.

Quality-by-design principles enhance a thorough understanding of both product and process technology, which is needed for optimization of solid-dosage manufacturing, including processes for improving solubility, such as hot-melt extrusion, softgels, and liquid-filled capsules.

Automation System Improves Operational Insight

An updated bioreactor based on rocking technology has more advanced controls but is easier for biopharmaceutical manufacturers to use.

Case studies on the manufacture of a bluk powder and the development of a tablet show the application of QbD principles.

New product reviews for May 2013, featuring automation, IT, and process control systems.

A Pharmaceutical Technology survey shows satisfaction with utility and innovation in most solid dosage and parenteral drug-manufacturing equipment.

Industry is moving toward closed-loop control of continuous processing.

Process analytical technology (PAT) is being successfully used to improve understanding and optimize pharmaceutical unit operations, but greater value can be obtained by integrating PAT with overall process control of a continuous manufacturing system. Pharmaceutical Technology spoke with Ivo Backx, manager of business and project development for the pharmaceutical industry at Siemens Industry Automation Division, to gain insight on the issues involved.