More projects, more technical concepts – no doubt about it, continuous production of solid dosage form pharmaceuticals is gaining momentum. The interpack is the ideal platform to get a comprehensive overview of the possibilities and perspectives offered by continuous production processes.
More projects, more technical concepts – without doubt, continuous production of solid dosage form pharmaceuticals is gaining momentum. But “Conti” is not just “Conti”. The spectrum ranges from sequential throughput of limited smallest batches to a fully continuous process. Compared to batch processes, the sequence of process steps is usually retained. The throughput times can be empirically determined with reliability. This makes it possible to comply with regulatory requirements on the traceability of contents all along the value added chain. Specifying the batch size within the framework of statutory regulations is very largely within the manufacturer’s scope of discretion. Process knowledge grows with the sophisticated instrumentalisation of plant. At the same time, it becomes easier to describe (model-technical) what is happening in downsized process areas. The process is therefore easier to control. “Conti” also accelerates development through to knowledge-based production.
Improved quality, batch size flexibility, clearly reduced space needs, easier cleaning and the faster product changeover this implies – with these characteristics “Conti” is becoming a serious rival to traditional batch processes. The question of supplementing conventional production processes is still in the foreground today. But over the long term, continuous processes could supplant batch processes as the standard way to manufacture solid-dosage form pharmaceuticals. Multi-purpose plant units based on Conti processes take up significantly less building volume in conditioned production spaces than in comparable factories using batch processes – a decisive advantage when it comes to investment and running costs! And: Visionaries even see on the horizon a redesign of the entire manufacturing chain from active ingredient production through to the finished pharmaceutical in which whole manufacturing steps are eliminated and today’s segregation of ingredient production and finished medicine production will disappear.
But is “Conti” really arriving on a wide front or will its application remain restricted to niches? The pharmaceuticals industry’s conservatism when it comes to manufacturing processes is well known. The wheels turn slowly – but surely. Where a new technology is acknowledged as advantageous, it will establish itself in the long run. One example of this is the isolator technology in sterile filling. The first isolators were installed in the mid-1980s. Since then there has been a debate on the pros and cons of this. But now it seems that the pro arguments have convinced the market. Most current projects are now for filling lines with isolator technology.
VDMA “Machines and Plant for Pharma and Cosmetics” at the interpack
Visit VDMA at Hall 5 J 38. Please ask for Mr Dr. Peter Golz
