Lab Line Is Designed for Developing Drug Implant Technology

The Thermo Scientific Pharma mini implant line is an integrated solution for polymer-based drug implant development and production using hot-melt extrusion (HME). Built around the Thermo Scientific Pharma mini HME twin-screw micro compounder, the continuous, automated production line minimizes formulation development time. The line is also designed to allow contract research and manufacturing organizations to develop and optimize small-scale formulations before engaging in larger-scale production.

Components of the line include:

• A containment valve to add the API and the polymer, designed to protect the operator from exposure to the API and prevent contamination of the API

• A gravimetric feeder to deliver the API/polymer into the micro compounder for heating and mixing before the melt is extruded through a die that creates a continuous filament

• New bi-axial lasers that measure the thickness or diameter of the filament to adjust the stretching or “take-off” speed of the conveyor belt

• Proprietary equipment that cuts the filament to a desired implant length while maintaining “roundness” without deforming the implant shape.

Source: Thermo Fisher