Aims and Objectives

The aim of the Process Engineering and Product Formulation Group is to increase the understanding of both processing and product formulation, in order that quality/robust products can be successfully produced on a commercial scale. The group will focus on product formulation, (solid, semi-solid and liquid) and pharmaceutical processing, for instance, mixing, drying, comminution, wet granulation, dry granulation/roller compaction, dry milling, compaction and new formulation and process technology approaches. In addition to Quality by Design strategies, PAT applications, Quality Risk assessments which demonstrate product and process understanding to the regulatory authorities.

Group Focus

• Facilitate discussion and exchange of information both within pharmaceutical companies and industry sectors involved in similar or new types of process technologies, e.g. ceramics, foods, paints, agrochemicals, electronics, automobile, fine chemicals, household products etc.
• Provide a link between Industry and Academia.
• Organise symposia at least once or twice a year.
• Foster interaction between other Focus groups in particular Inhalation and Film Coating.

Areas of Interest

• Novel formulations and Process technologies
• Modelling and Simulation of processes
• Use of Artificial Intelligence/Statistical Approaches to Process understanding and Product Formulation.
• Property measurements on intermediate particles and final process formulation dosage forms.
• Comminution and Compaction
• Particle processing
• Particle agglomeration
• Product design principles which include quality by design principles
• Analytical PAT techniques and equipment