Pharmaceutical manufacturers are increasingly interested in biologically derived drug products. Many biopharmaceuticals are
administered as injections, and sterility is of paramount importance for parenteral delivery. This month's featured products
are appropriate for biopharmaceutical production processes that require sterility. The first is a filter that removes bacterial
contaminants and can be used in biopharmaceutical fill–finish applications. The second is an automated, aseptic filling system
for injectables that can accommodate a disposable fluid path. This month's third product is a series of platinum-cured stoppers
that withstand gamma irradiation and various chemicals, thus facilitating sterilization.
Filling system accepts various vial sizes
FPC50 filling and plugging system (Watson-Marlow Flexicon)
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The "FPC50" system from Watson-Marlow Flexicon (Wilmington, MA) automatically and aseptically fills, plugs, and caps injectable-drug
vials for clinical-trial and small-batch applications. The compact, universal-format unit never needs extra format parts,
according to Peter Lambert, the company's filling-division manager.
The system includes a walking-beam mechanism that easily adjusts to 2–100-mL vial diameters. It keeps vials stable and ensures
that they do not tip over while they are being conveyed or indexed. The unit also incorporates universal stopper- and cap-sorting
bowls that sort 13- and 20-mm closures.
Lambert adds that the FPC50 unit features Watson-Marlow's peristaltic dispensing pump. The peristaltic pump allows the use
of disposable fluid paths, which simplify the cleaning validation of injectable filling.
The FPC50 system is designed to enable tool-free format changeovers.
Filter withstands gamma-sterilization
Steridyne 50 filter (Meissner Filtration Products)
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Meissner Filtration Products (Camarillo, CA) recently introduced its 0.2-µm-rated, 50-mm "Steridyne 50" vent filter for biopharmaceutical
applications. The filter is made of polyvinylidene fluoride, which can be gamma-irradiated or autoclaved for sterile applications.
The Steridyne 50 unit can be easily incorporated into single-use biocontainer assemblies as a sterile vent filter. The product
is also designed for in line filtration of air or gases and as a sterile barrier in receiving vessels, culture vessels, bioreactors,
fermentation tanks, transfer vessels, carboys, and other small containers.
Stoppers meet regulatory standards
Platinum-cured silicone closures (AdvantaPure)
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AdvantaPure (Southampton, PA) has introduced platinum-cured silicone closures and stoppers for containers used in pharmaceutical
and biopharmaceutical processing. The closures are free of animal-derived ingredients and meet US Pharmacopeia Class VI and US Food and Drug Administration standards.
The platinum-cured silicone units offer higher purity and longer life expectancy than components made from other materials,
according to the company. Unlike rubber products, the closures withstand temperatures from –100 to 400 °F and resist cracking
and various chemicals. In addition, users can sterilize the components by autoclave or gamma radiation. The products are appropriate
for reuse and single-use applications.
The biologically safe products are designed to ensure aseptic fluid transfer, sealing, filling, and sampling.
New Product Announcements may be sent to New Products Editor, Pharmaceutical Technology, 485 Route One South, Building F, First Floor, Iselin, NJ 08830,
fax 732.596.0005, ptpress@advanstar.com
