What’s in a seal?
Split butterfly valves are ideal for areas where containment is key
As API potency levels continue to increase, so too does the need for co-operation between equipment maker and seal manufacturer. Elastomer maker Precision Polymer Engineering and ChargePoint Technology explain how the optimum elastomer was selected for a split butterfly valve
LatestTechnical
Making the French connection – 2-Sep-2010
The annual CPhI events move back to Paris next month. Hilary Ayshford questioned the organisers on their expectations for the shows and the future outlook
Microbial control of combo devices – 29-Aug-2010
New drug delivery systems or ‘combo’ devices are becoming more prevalent in the market. Mark Botting, UK commercial manager, Isotron, reviews some current challenges and potential future changes in sterilising drug device combination products
Management cost vs value – 27-Aug-2010
Clinical trials are usually tendered for and awarded on cost. Paul Naybour, md at Parallel Project Training, and Roger Joby, project management consultant at 1to1to1, argue that the focus should be on value rather than cost
Long-term CRC strategy – 25-Aug-2010
As the deadline for registration in the UK Government’s Carbon Reduction Energy Efficiency Scheme approaches Dave Lewis, head of business energy services at npower, argues it is essential for pharma businesses to have an energy and carbon management strategy
Changing the concept of quality – 3-Aug-2010
The cost of a pharmaceutical ingredient is determined by far more than its monetary value. Hilary Ayshford talked to Tom Beil, vice president of quality at SAFC, about the ways in which the industry is seeking to protect itself
Simplified scale-up – 21-Jul-2010
Reaxa ceo, Dr Pete Jackson, illustrates how EnCat technology is proving to be cost-effective in simplifying process work-up for pharma production at scale
A golden era for catalysts – 20-Jul-2010
Nature’s keys – catalysts – can unlock doors to better product yields and faster reactions. Dr Sarah Houlton reviews the latest research using carbon nanofibres, enzymes and even gold for producing new catalysts
Probing designs – 19-Jul-2010
Improved pH monitoring is key to improved quality, reduced cost and increased yield in high-end hygienic processing. Helen Christopher, Bürkert Fluid Control Systems, explains how a new generation of enamel probes is making the process easier
Moisture analysis – 19-Jul-2010
Freelance Sarah Webster describes how Biopharma Technology is using laser-based headspace moisture analysis for moisture determination of freeze-dried pharmaceutical products
Security against cyber attack – 19-Jul-2010
Ian Curtis, Siemens Industry Automation, looks at a growing issue facing pharmaceutical process control operators – protection from cyber attacks
Haupt Pharma builds a new WFI loop – 19-Jul-2010
Water For Injection is an essential ingredient for injectables, produced and used in volume by Haupt Pharma Livron. Lionel Bouvier, head of General Engineering – Metrology, describes the design and installation of the company’s new WFI system
Contained but not constrained – 19-Jul-2010
Highly potent drugs require specialised manufacturing facilities to ensure they do not escape into the environment. SAFC’s Trevor Calkins describes how the company designed its multipurpose manufacturing plants to meet the complex containment requirements
Closed vial technology – 22-Jun-2010
Ready-to-fill syringes are increasingly being adopted by pharma, so what about ready-to-fill vials? Germana Molinari, manager of fill/finish process design in Foster Wheeler’s Milan Pharma division, looks at closed vial technology
Turn batch to continuous processing – 28-May-2010
Continuous processing is a future goal for the industry. Process expert Nigel Fletcher, Foster Wheeler, examines the effects of converting a conventional batch process into a continuous one and the benefits that were realised once in production
Viral count for vaccines – 27-May-2010
Knowing viral concentrations increases our understanding of the behaviour of some vaccines. Andrew Malloy, head of Applications Sciences, NanoSight, explains how nanoparticle tracking analysis can quantify viral content
Monitoring mycoplasma – 27-May-2010
Mycoplasma can be a costly safety hazard for the biomanufacturing community. Martha Rook, Frank Panofen and Wayne Miller at Millipore Corporation reveal a new rapid test that can help companies reduce the financial risk and optimise product yields
Developments in depth filtration – 27-May-2010
The filtration of pharmaceutical and biological fluids requires a complete understanding of the filtration media and process. Michael Sidebottom reviews recent developments in depth filtration made by Carlson Filtration
A silent revolution – 5-May-2010
Increased understanding of RNA interference has led to an explosion of gene silencing drug research projects. Dr Sarah Houlton reviews the progress being made in recent drug trials and looks at the remaining challenges
Compliance conundrum – 5-May-2010
A boost to patient outcomes or an expensive luxury? Hilary Ayshford considers the extent to which innovative packaging can help patient compliance
Right response to FDA 483 letters – 4-May-2010
Form 483 letters from the FDA on temperature, humidity or quality control issues are something that no company likes to receive. Ken Appel, Veriteq, reveals how to respond to the FDA’s criticisms
Examining excipients – 4-May-2010
Adulteration of excipients is of growing concern in today’s global supply chain and the US Pharmacopeia has made several changes to protect patients. Philip Payne, investigative partner of testing laboratory RSSL, highlights the latest requirements
Keeping to schedule – 19-Apr-2010
Manufacturing for multiple clients requires constant attention to planning and scheduling. Preactor’s dedicated software is keeping Lonza on track
Reaping the benefits – 19-Apr-2010
Herbal pharmaceutical company Schwabe Group is gaining greater control, flexibility and visibility thanks to RS PMX MES from Rockwell Automation
Rapid methods make fiscal sense – 9-Apr-2010
Cindy Lieberman, Celsis International, takes a new look at how high-throughput, rapid microbial screening systems can make for leaner operations
Effective outsourcing measurement – 7-Apr-2010
Outsourcing is not always straightforward and requires careful monitoring. Dr Ilan Oshri, Associate Fellow at Warwick Business School and Associate Professor at Rotterdam School of Management*, offers an approach to effective outsourcing measurement