Liquid Dosage
Inhalation is often the preferred drug delivery method for lung diseases, offering a number of advantages for both patients and medical professionals for the administration of vaccines and other biological drugs.
The active ingredient of many inhalable products, such as anti-asthma medications, acts on the muscle cells of the pulmonary airways. Such medications can be rendered inefficient, however, if particles aggregate in the inhaler. In addition, to prevent dry powder aerosols from depositing particulate matter in the oropharyngeal cavity — and in the inhaler — dispensed particles should have a geometric diameter of 1–3 µm and a mass density of approximately 1 g/cm3.
Inhaled drugs are usually dissolved in an aqueous system, such as an isotonic salt solution, and aerosolized at a high pressure to obtain nebulized particles. The liquid solution is pumped through a homogenizing valve at 500–1000 bar, using a single stage process, during which semi-solid particles become dispersed in the liquid.
The high-pressure homogenization enables the size reduction of average to large particles and makes the suspension more stable as a result of the decreased sedimentation rate. Moreover, it eliminates biological risk and provides better tolerance to irritants, as well as improving the clarity and transparency of the processed product.
In addition to a comprehensive range of homogenizers, GEA also offers production-scale mixing, blending, spray drying and micronization solutions for the manufacture of inhalable products, plus an unparalleled level of expertise in the design and layout of suitable plant: from vessel size dimensions to valves and 3D P&IDs, and from R&D to full-scale production.
Showing 4 of 32
Combining process monitoring using online analyzers, together with solid process engineering principles and advanced process modelling techniques will enable processes to be actively controlled in order to compensate for input variations.
Aseptic valves face exceptionally high demands within UltraClean and Aseptic processes. You can be assured that they all provide highest quality in terms of hygienic design and sustainability.
Aseptic back-pressure valves are used to regulate a pre-defined pressure in UltraClean and Aseptic processing plants.
GEA separators are designed for liquid-based applications. Using centrifugal force, they are used for separating suspensions consisting of two or more phases of different densities, i.e. they can be used for liquid-liquid separation, for liquid-liquid-solid separation or for liquid-solid separation. They are equally as effective at separating liq...
The importance of quality cold chain management cannot be underestimated. Ensuring that perishable foodstuffs are safe and of high quality at the point of consumption is a tremendous responsibility for those operating cold chain...
The latest evolution in automated milking introduces batch milking – a dairy farming practice where cows are milked in groups at fixed milking times, usually two or three times per day. The automation technology is helping to...
Access to safe water and sanitation is still a challenge in a lot of countries. Illness from dirty drinking water and daily treks to fetch it, mean many children cannot attend school. Thanks to a collaboration with Hamburg-based...