INTERPHEX 2022 Moves Back to Spring-time Schedule

Serialization, quality control, and aseptic filling continue to be major themes in pharmaceutical packaging. Attendees at INTERPHEX 2022 (May 24–26, 2022, at Javits Center in New York, NY) will be able to view the latest innovations in all three areas as the annual show returns to its usual spring-time dates after being canceled and delayed by the pandemic for two years.

Serialization and quality control

Addressing serialization and quality control needs, Wipotec-OCS will display its TQS HC-A checkweigher and serialization unit. The flexible system handles a wide range of carton sizes, shapes, and formats. Short for “Traceable Quality System,” the TQS HC-A system integrates the company’s TQS-SP track-and-trace unit with a precise checkweighing station to deliver quality control and traceability for a broad array of products. Electromagnetic force restoration weigh cells ensure accurate weighing. Flexibility is enhanced by ConfigureFast software, which expedites setup and changeover with control of all system components including camera, printer, and transport system. With ConfigureFast software, identical print data are sent directly to both the printer and the camera’s print imager.

In operation, the TQS HC-A system receives folding cartons via a synchronized, adjustable top belt, which provides smooth transport and seamless spacing for the coding and checkweighing processes. Products with out-of-specification codes are discharged into a separate, lockable container for manual examination, while those with out-of-tolerance weight are segregated through a separate rejection system. At the end of the line, a fully automated grouping table arranges serialized and checkweighed cartons into rows for packing or next-level aggregation (1).

In another serialization innovation, Mettler-Toledo Product Inspection plans to introduce its PCE T16 system. The manual multi-aggregation unit aggregates serialized packages to a case in one click. It also can aggregate packages to pallet. An integrated high-resolution camera verifies product codes and label artwork. The company also plans to demonstrate its X34C x-ray inspection system and C 35 checkweigher with FlashCell load cell (2).

Quality control also is the focus at PTI Packaging Technologies & Inspection. Its VeriPac 465 sub-micron leak detector, introduced in October 2021 at INTERPHEX 2021, is a deterministic micro leak tester for container/closure integrity testing for parenteral products and rigid containers that require precise measurement. Perma-Vac vacuum leak detection technology controls the test system volume and maximizes the signal-to-noise ratio between good and defective samples. The non-destructive test requires no sample preparation and can detect leaks as small as 0.005 cubic centimeter. The unit comes with PTI Ethos 21 Code of Federal Regulations Part 11 software and also can detect leaks in flexible and semi-flexible packaging formats (3,4).

Aseptic fill/finish

AST plans to show semiautomatic, benchtop aseptic filling equipment including the Genisys lab container filling system for filling syringes and cartridges or filling and stoppering vials and bottles. A second benchtop unit, the Genisys lab closing system, closes syringes or cartridges using both vacuum and vent-tube methods and handles a wide range of container sizes quickly and easily. A third system, the Genisys lab vial sealing system, applies aluminum caps and accommodates a wide range of vial sizes and finishes. Targeted to small batches, all three systems offer precise control and compatibility with cleanrooms, bio-safety cabinets, laminar airflow hoods, and aseptic isolators (5).

Datwyler Pharma Packaging USA intends to feature its array of elastomeric components and its StarterPack for small quantity component needs. Produced in partnership with Schott, each StarterPack contains compatible components for a low-volume run: Schott’s adaptiQ vials plus Datwyler’s OmniFlex stoppers and Prime caps. All components are ready to use and stability verified (6, 7).

References

1. Wipotec-OCS, “At INTERPHEX NYC, Wipotec–OCS to Showcase Format-Agnostic Checkweigher & Serialization Unit,” Press Release, March 23, 2022.

2. INTERPHEX, Mettler Toledo Product Inspection, METTLER TOLEDO Product Inspection - Exhibitor Details (interphex.com), accessed April 11, 2022.

3. INTERPHEX, PTI Packaging Technologies & Inspection, PTI Packaging Technologies & Inspection - Exhibitor Details (interphex.com), accessed April 11, 2022

4. PTI Packaging Technologies & Inspection, “PTI Launches New VeriPac 465 Micro Leak Detection System at INTERPHEX Achieving Sub-Micron Leak Detection,” Press Release, Oct. 8, 2021.

5. INTERPHEX, AST, AST - Exhibitor Details (interphex.com), accessed April 11, 2022.

6. INTERPHEX, Datwyler Pharma Packaging USA Inc., Datwyler Pharma Packaging USA Inc - Exhibitor Details (interphex.com), accessed April 11, 2011.

7. PharmTech, “Packaging Components for Parenteral Drug Development,” PharmTech.com (Aug. 11, 2021).