The Commitment Continues

In the premiere issue of Pharmaceutical Technology magazine, which was published in June 1977, Publisher Edward D. Aster described the new publication as “committed to serving the needs and interests of quality-assurance, quality-control, and production-management personnel engaged in the manufacture of drug and pharmaceutical preparations, clinical diagnostics, and cosmetics” (1).

Four decades later, we are pleased to publish this special issue commemorating 40 years of technical articles, peer-review papers, news, new technology reports, and analysis for bio/pharmaceutical formulation, development, and manufacturing. 

In the years since the initial publication, PharmTech has expanded its coverage to meet market dynamics, added a European edition, developed a comprehensive Internet presence through PharmTech.com, and provided the insight needed to successfully bring drugs to market.

The magazine’s success is the result of contributions from pharma industry leaders, scientists, formulators, and technical experts. We extend our thanks to the authors, advisory board members, and contributors who have shaped the editorial focus of the publication. 

In business-to-business publishing, where the publication is supported financially through advertising, the editors strive to maintain objective coverage of developing technologies and services. We appreciate the patronage of advertisers that provided financial support for the publication while recognizing the importance of an independent source of pharmaceutical development and manufacturing information. 

Above all, we would like to thank the loyal readers who turn to the print magazine, website, newsletters, and other PharmTech media properties for information about bio/pharma development and manufacturing.

In this issue, the editors interview industry experts involved drug development and manufacturing processes, to reflect on industry progress and suggest areas that need improvement. 

Regulatory oversight: Washington columnist Jill Wechsler reviews significant legislation enacted in the past 40 years that changed the way drugs are developed and manufactured.

Formulation: The history of poly(lactide-glycolide) for parenteral drug formulations with extended-release properties and the need for a safe supply of the product are reviewed.

Excipients: Tablet and capsule coatings have progressed from sugar coatings to copolymers, thanks to advances in formulations and equipment (page 34). 

Drug product manufacturing: Advances in automation, containment, robotics, and drug delivery devices have improved the quality and cost-effectiveness of drug manufacturing.

Continuous manufacturing: The regulatory approval of the first continuous manufacturing lines for oral solid-dosage drugs is sparking interest among other drug companies and contract manufacturers.

Biologics drug manufacturing: Single-use technology, more productive bioreactors, and improved upstream and downstream processes set the stage for flexible manufacturing.

Analytics: Representatives from instrument manufacturing companies identified advances in analytical technology that have improved accuracy, performance, characterization, and in-process monitoring.

Packaging: Drug companies continue to develop innovative packaging to promote patient adherence to prescribed drug regimens, including smartphone options (page 72).

Contract services: The history of outsourcing, as well as future prospects for the market segment, are discussed in two features.

Reference

1. E.D. Aster, “Welcome”, Pharm. Tech., 1(1) 5 (1977).

Article Details

Pharmaceutical Technology
Vol. 41, No. 7
Page: 10

Citation

When referring to this article, please cite it as R. Peters and M. Tracey, “The Commitment Continues,” Pharmaceutical Technology 41 (7) 2017.