Bosch Packaging Technology, a leading supplier of process and packaging technology, held its Pharma Solid Symposium in Schopfheim, Germany, on 19-20 February 2014 which gave occasion for the opening of its new pharmaceutical laboratory.
The international conference offered industry experts an opportunity to learn about current trends and developments in the manufacturing and processing of solid dosage forms.
'We can look back on two exciting and successful days, during which top class speakers provided our international guests with up-to-date industry knowledge,” explained general manager Martin Gross. 'In addition, our diversified programme provided sufficient room for personal exchange, as well as the chance to get to know our site in Schopfheim better.'
Inauguration of new laboratory
On the first day Gross and his guests inaugurated the new laboratory during a tour of the site. The new facility combines the pharmaceutical portfolio focus areas of the German Bosch Packaging Technology sites Schopfheim and Waiblingen with the British site Knowsley in one centre of competence. 'We have consistently expanded our laboratory over the past years. Now we offer our customers the appropriate services and machines for all stages – from development to production of their solid pharmaceuticals,' Gross explained.Ten machines from the Hüttlin and Manesty product portfolio, as well as from the site in Waiblingen, are available for tests in an area of more than 300m2. The wide range of equipment covers all process steps in the production of solid dosage forms: from mixing, drying, granulating and coating of fine particles and pellets to pressing and coating of tablets and filling of capsules.
Bosch Packaging Technology’s pharmaceutical laboratory concept enables customers to test machines and formulations on-site. Bosch experts are on hand to support them during the entire development process of their pharmaceuticals, right through to the start of production and beyond.
Additional laboratories for trials and feasibility studies are being established at different sites around the world. In the recently opened customer center in Waiblingen, experts assist pharmaceutical manufacturers in familiarising with Bosch capsule filling machines.
Concentrated expert knowledge
The second day of the symposium focused on lectures and a panel discussion. After the welcome address by Ralf Schmied, director of product area Pharma Solid in Waiblingen, representatives of leading pharmaceutical companies and renowned research institutes reported on new procedures and challenges in the production of solid dosage forms.
Speakers included delegates of Hoffmann LaRoche, Capsugel and Excella, as well as the Heinrich Heine University of Düsseldorf, the Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, and the Ernst Moritz Arndt University of Greifswald.
The speakers explored a range of new trends and developments in the fields of microdosing, nanoformulation, biopharmaceuticals and containment. The subsequent panel discussion, moderated by Dr Martin Opitz, senior market expert from Bosch Packaging Technology, provided the opportunity to debate and reflect the presented topics. 'We are very satisfied with the outcome of the Bosch Pharma Solid Symposium 2014,' Opitz emphasised. 'The active participation in the discussions showed how exciting it can be to look upon current topics from different perspectives. Once again, our guests also gave us valuable food for thought.'