Liquid Dosage
Hormones & Steroids
Steroids, endogenous hormones such as the sex hormones estrogen and testosterone or the hormones of the adrenal cortex, cortisol and aldosterone, play a key role in metabolic processes and have a number of pharmaceutical applications, including hormone therapy, anti-rheumatic, anti-arthritic and bodybuilding preparations.
Mainly used in the global hormone replacement therapy, currently worth about $3.6 billion, the three major segments comprise estrogen, growth and thyroid hormone, and testosterone replacement therapy. A major market driver is the increased awareness of postmenopausal hazards amongst women; others include an ageing population, innovative drug delivery systems and the pharmerging economies.
Predominantly based on cholesterol, steroid hormones are synthesized in the endocrine glands and transported to target tissue by the blood. At their site of action, they dock with highly specific cellular receptors and perform a key function in protein formation. To produce steroid hormones for pharmaceutical applications outside the body, a direct extraction procedure from special nutrient solutions is used.
Counter-Current Liquid-Liquid Extraction
In continuous direct extraction from GEA, the fermented nutrient solution is treated by liquid-liquid extraction in a counter-current process. Following precipitation, concentration, crystallization and drying of the extract, the steroid hormones are available in the form of a raw salt and can be correspondingly processed by the pharmaceutical industry. In a continuous direct extraction process, the fermented nutrient solution undergoes a counter-current liquid-liquid extraction process (also known as also known as solvent extraction or partitioning). Following precipitation, concentration, crystallization and drying, the extracted steroid hormones are available in the form of a raw salt and can be subsequently processed by the pharmaceutical industry.
Fromfacility design and layout, manufacturing process controls (including adherence to standard operating procedures) and environmental control systems (HVAC) to extraction systems, industrial hygiene solutions and fully integrated, end-to-end containment solutions, GEA has the experience and know-how to implement and optimize end-to-end production lines for steroid- and hormone-based applications.
Products & Technologies
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Aseptic valves & components
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.
Centrifugal Separator
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...
CIP/SIP Solutions
Innovative CIP concepts of GEA meet comprehensive high standards. Our experts guarantee product safety at every point of the process. Every upgrade is adapted to individual local conditions and customer requirements and leads to noticeable savings.
Hygienic pumps
GEA Hilge offers a versatile range of centrifugal and positive displacement pumps for a wide variety of sensitive applications in the beverage, food and pharmaceutical industries.
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GEA Insights
GEA and Pulmuone honor generations of cold noodle craftsmanship
When plant-forward South Korean food producer Pulmuone brought GEA the challenge of developing a modern spin on the traditional chewy cold (naengmyeon) noodle, GEA’s R&D experts were up to the challenge. They helped develop what is now a commercial hit produced with less water and electricity than previously existing methods. The result is also true to the traditional origins of the dish as well as Pulmuone’s health, well-being and sustainability roots.
Pre2Fuel: Cleared for takeoff
GEA's innovative process marks a milestone in the pretreatment of biofuels such as hydro-treated vegetable oil and sustainable aviation fuel. By eliminating the bleaching process, manufacturers benefit from significant savings potential: over 50% lower operating costs and up to 12% less CO2 emissions.
