Optima Pharma to Explore Key Trends at Achema 2015

Optima Pharma has announced it will be exploring key trends and issues in the pharmaceutical industry in its series of expert interviews known as O! talks.

New equipment types and features tailored to meet changing customer needs will be discussed at Hall 3, stand number A73 at Achema 2015.

The latest industry news will be addressed in a series of expert interviews at the Optima fair stand.

Topics include the latest trends in pharmaceutical freeze drying such as development goals of specialists at Klee, where isolator technology is heading and what the next five years will look like.

Another focus of the talks is on filling and closing technology concerning how these processes can be optimised for small batches.

Interviews will also address how flow visualisation can be effectively used in customer projects.

At Achema 20215, Optima Pharma will exhibit a system that generates only a single vial of product loss in the entire batch process, including startup, weighing, production and end-of-batch.

The system demonstrates even small batches with the highest sterility assurance level (SAL) can be cost-effectively processed. The exhibited machine includes a rotary washing machine, a sterilisation tunnel and a filling and closing unit.

In the 4 + 2 peristaltic dosing system, the dosing pump is situated outside the isolator-protected area, which is one of the reasons why the machine can be completely changed over to a new product within 15 minutes.

A practically maintenance-free isolator from Metall+Plastic provides H2O2 and catalytic ventilation for shorter cycle times. Maximum output is 5,500 vials/h, with a format range from 10ml-500ml.

Combining system flexibility with time and cost advantages, the OPTIMA H4 processes nested vials, syringes and cartridges. It can accommodate filling systems based on rotary dosing pumps, peristaltic filling and time-pressure filling.

High-tech functions are integrated into the modular type to further enhance the underlying flexibility of the machine.

If necessary, a robot can open tubs and remove Tyvek paper. This function was installed in the filling machine section, saving space. Semi-automatic systems can also be integrated.Whether it is oRABS, cRABS or an isolator, all systems can be fitted to a standardised machine base. A ten-position system is provided for filling.

The transport system in the OPTIMA H4 ensures gentle container handling. It achieves a standard output of up to 24,000 objects/h, and can be retrofitted to reach 36,000 objects/h.

The machine can also be upgraded with in-process control (IPC) and vacuum filling / stopper insertion, without changing anything on the machine base.

The combined system of a KUGLER Linoline and multiple INOVA components shows how bottles, vials, conical closures, screw caps and pipettes can be flexibly and aseptically processed.

A rotary washing machine and sterilisation tunnel prepare containers for the filling process.

A single-position peristaltic pump fills the containers, followed by 100% filling weight checking. To minimise product loss, dosing can take place on scales at the beginning of the batch and at the end.

Stoppers, caps and parts that come into contact with the product can be introduced via SteriSet boxes. The format range runs from 0.5ml-50 ml, with a maximum output of 3,000 containers/h.

Designed for wall mounting, the system can be completely operated from a single side and comes equipped with a SCADA system. Glove ports in isolators are the weakest point in protective housing.

The new glove tester from Metall+Plastic checks glove integrity directly on the machine. Up to six gloves can be tested simultaneously in 15 minutes and the results documented.

The unit requires nothing more than an electrical outlet as two compressors are integrated.

RFID technology allows the gloves to be identified. Test protocols are saved in protected storage and transmitted via a secure WLAN radio module. Following testing, all test covers and tubes can be conveniently returned to their storage hangers.