Pharmaceutical Solutions Offering Faster, More Efficient Production To Debut At Pharma EXPO

Lower pricing flexibility, a stronger US dollar, slower new product adoption and the patent cliff are all factors that will continue to challenge pharmaceutical manufacturers and shape expectations for lower growth, according to Moody’s Investors Service. To gain the competitive edge, companies in this space must lean on technologies that enhance production efficiency, ensure regulatory compliance and boost product safety and quality.

These solutions can be found at Pharma EXPO (McCormick Place, Chicago; Nov. 6 – 9, 2016), a joint venture of the International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE) and PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies – as well as the owner and organizer of PACK EXPO International. The show will present a wide range of technologies that address challenges along the entire pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, nutraceutical and medical device lifecycle.

At Pharma EXPO, 10,000 pharmaceutical professionals from these sectors will meet with 250 suppliers showcasing the latest processing and packaging technologies over more than 100,000 net-square-feet of exhibit space. The co-location with PACK EXPO International 2016 will broaden the scope of resources, particularly for pharmaceutical professionals seeking inspiration from other industries in the utilization of the Internet of Things (IoT) and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE). Combined, both events will feature more than 2,500 exhibitors and draw 50,000 attendees.

Here is a sneak peak of some of the innovations debuting at Pharma EXPO:

Filling and Closing System Combines Small Batch, Small Footprint and Significant Output
As requirements for filling and finishing equipment have shifted from high speed filling lines toward the processing of diverse biotech products in smaller batches, Groninger is introducing the FlexPro 50, a modular filling and closing system designed to process ready-to-use vials, cartridges and syringes, as well as vials in bulk and trays. Flexpro 50 can be executed with manual or fully automated process steps depending on the requirements. Users can even achieve greater flexibility by exchanging the machine trolleys to process vials in trays or vials in bulk in the same line configuration. Depending on the line configuration, an output of up to 4,700 objects per hour is possible.

Integrated Serialization Solution Saves on Time and Costs
With pharmaceutical companies faced with the requirement to serialize their products by 2017, Covectra has developed one integrated serialization system that generates and manages serial numbers in its AuthentiTrack database. This system includes aggregation of all packaging levels and then sends the serial numbers to the AT Enterprise packaging line serialization sub-system. Unlike traditional serialization systems, which require the purchasing of separate sub-systems, the AuthentiTrack database also sends the serial numbers back up to the event repository, while shipment information is updated as supply chain partners are provided access to AuthentiTrack to update the database. Not only will pharmaceutical companies save time and costs by using this system, patients will also have the ability to monitor their adherence to medications by the use of a Covectra-developed mobile app.

Packaging Sterilizer Reduces Waste and Energy Costs
ITHPP Alcen’s (Booth #W-533) compact in-line packaging sterilizer helps manufacturers in the pharmaceutical industry to reduce operation costs and ramp up production rates. Utilizing pulsed electron beam technology instead of chemical based processes, the packaging sterilizer reduces energy consumption with short cycles and generates high throughput (60,000 units per hour). By ensuring a dry process with ITHPP Alcen’s packaging sterilizer, there is no need for waste management. The equipment integrates remote control features and demonstrates an efficient six-log reduction with less than 25 kilogray (kGy) for significant bacteria.

Pharma EXPO will also offer comprehensive educational programming:

• The Innovation Stage, at the entrance to the Pharma EXPO exhibits, will offer free 30-minute educational seminars focusing on breakthrough technologies and processes with applications in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, biotechnology and medical device sectors. And because they’re right at the door, you won’t lose a moment of time on the show floor.
• A world-class conference program, powered by ISPE – a global leader in pharmaceutical manufacturing solutions – will offer sessions covering best practices for manufacturing operations, compliance trends and pharmaceutical packaging. More details on sessions and pricing are online at pharmaexpo.com. Pharma EXPO keynote sessions, however, are free and open to all registered attendees.

To register for Pharma EXPO, visit www.pharmaexpo.com. Attendees will have access to both PACK EXPO International and Pharma EXPO with one badge. Registration is $30 until Oct. 14, 2016 and will increase to $100 thereafter.