Capsugel has added a new Harro Hӧfliger Modu-C MS encapsulation unit with a capacity of over 72,000 capsules per hour for late-stage clinical trial and commercial production of dry powder inhaler formulations, the company said. The new system installed at the company’s Bend, Oregon facility (formerly known as Bend Research) features 100 percent dosed powder mass monitoring and dose accuracy of less than 3% RSD.
In late 2013, Bend Research purchased an Xcelodose 600S powder micro-dosing system for Phase 1 and Phase 2 clinical trial DPI capsule filling. The addition of the Harro Hӧfliger unit allows the company to offer complete DPI development services from formulation development through to commercial manufacturing.
Capsugel Head of Inhalation Product Development Devon DuBose commented, “Drug delivery via the lung is becoming an increasingly viable treatment option for a wide range of therapeutic areas, including infectious diseases, genetic disorders and acute systemic conditions that have traditionally been treated via other delivery routes. Spray-dry processing is finding greater utilization in DPI applications because of its superior particle size control, higher drug loading and fewer formulation dependencies compared to traditional lactose blend formulations. Our customers are seeking partners with not only advanced particle engineering technology and expertise, but also integrated inhalation product development solutions that minimize program risk and complexity.”
Read the Capsugel press release.
