University Of Ghent, Belgium - Research For Real-Time Release

A recently initiated collaborative effort between Siemens and the University of Ghent (UGhent) aims to help pharmaceutical companies gain greater efficiency and control in their freeze-drying processes through the use of Process Analytical Technology.

Freeze-drying is a complex, multistep process that is critical for end quality. However, in the manufacturing environments of today, the only information being monitored during lyophilization is process data on the parameters of the freeze-dryer, not what is actually happening with the product itself. The result is that any degeneration of the product during the process can only be identified and rectified by postprocess sampling and analysis.