Custom Pharmaceutical Extrusion: Powering The Next Generation Of Drug Delivery Systems

Extrusion is a critical manufacturing process for creating advanced drug delivery systems, from long-acting injectables to solid implants. While common in other industries, its application in pharmaceuticals, especially for complex or novel products, demands bespoke automation and precision engineering that goes beyond standard equipment.

This article details the fundamental principles of pharmaceutical extrusion, outlining methods like hot-melt extrusion for controlled-release formulations and cold/wet extrusion for temperature-sensitive actives. Successful implementation relies on mastering critical process considerations: selecting the appropriate extruder based on material behavior, precisely controlling post-extrusion curing and solidification, and ensuring downstream handling maintains product integrity. A key emerging frontier is aseptic extrusion, which is essential for maintaining sterility in products like biologics and long-acting injectables.

To understand the core challenges and solutions in developing custom extrusion systems that meet strict process and product requirements, access the full article now.