Feliza Mirasol is the science editor for 

Feliza Mirasol

Discussion about advancements in flow sensor technologies with PSG Biotech's Michael Franco.

INTERPHEX 2025: Advanced Flow Sensor Technologies Enable More Accurate Measurement

At INTERPHEX 2025, Michael Franco, global sales director at PSG Biotech, spoke with the PharmTech Group about how recent advancements in pharmaceutical flow sensor technology focus on improving measurement accuracy as drug production becomes more expensive and precise. A key development, he notes, is the enhancement of Coriolis single-use flow meters, which now feature a higher turndown ratio. This enhanced feature allows a single sensor to accurately measure both high and low flow rates. With this innovation, inventory needs can be reduced, and sensor usability across various process conditions is extended, which improves sustainability.

“When we talk about high turndown ratio, it's very good for the industry, because with one sensor, you can measure more than just low flows or high flows. So, in terms of sustainability, there's less need for inventory, and the sensor can be used for longer, because it can be operated in different process conditions. [In] terms of the future, we're adding more digital communication platforms so customers can communicate to the sensors in different ways, making sure that the sensors talk to pumps, and to get a really good performance between the two. [Those] are the things that probably are going to be asked more and more from customers,” Franco says.

Looking forward, this integration of digital communication platforms to enhance sensor interoperability is expected to enable better coordination with pumps and optimize system performance. These advancements are increasingly demanded by customers for improved bioprocessing applications, including tangential flow filtration (TFF) and chromatography skids. The ongoing adoption of these technologies as observed at INTERPHEX, notes Franco, highlights their growing importance in pharmaceutical manufacturing.

INTERPHEX 2025 occurred in New York City on April 1–3.

Michael Franco is global sales director at PSG Biotech.

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Michael Franco, global sales director at PSG Biotech, spoke with the PharmTech Group at INTERPHEX 2025 about recent advancements in pharmaceutical flow sensor technology.

Discussion with WMFTS' Nicole Hunter about the industry initiative around single-use assembly components caused by supply disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic.

INTERPHEX 2025: Industry Initiates Interchangeable Single-Use Assembly Components in Response to COVID-19 Supply-Chain Disruption

During the COVID-19 pandemic, supply-chain disruptions led to extended lead times, sometimes exceeding a year, which significantly impacts biopharmaceutical manufacturing and patient access to therapies, says Nicole Hunter, head of Global WMArchitect at Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Solutions (WMFTS). Hunter spoke with the PharmTech Group at INTERPHEX 2025, which occurred April 1–3 in New York City.

“We really saw in COVID this really exacerbated example of demand exceeding supply. What we saw was lead times going up for assemblies to sometimes [more than] 52 weeks, which is [a] really, really long time and obviously very disruptive for the biopharma company and getting the therapy to patient[s]. So, one of the reasons for that was that one component would be validated in an assembly, and that meant if that component was difficult to get hold of—because the demand was really, really high—you couldn't supply the whole assembly,” Hunter says. “So, what would be better is if you could have that component or another one built in, where the other component may be more freely available, and then you can minimize the time to deliver the whole assembly and minimize the impact to patients.”

As Hunter notes, the dependence on specific validated components in assemblies was a key issue. This dependence caused bottlenecks when those components became scarce due to high demand. To address this challenge, the bio/pharmaceutical industry began an initiative and introduced the concept of interchangeable parts. This approach allows for substituting validated components with equivalent alternatives that meet the same specifications in terms of fit, form, and function, Hunter explains.

By pre-agreeing on the equivalency between suppliers and manufacturers, the process remains compliant, maintains quality, and minimizes disruptions to production workflows. This initiative enhances supply chain resilience by reducing dependency on single-source components and improving assembly efficiency, Hunter emphasizes. She points out that industry professionals are discussing advancements in this field and looks forward to the collaborations and innovations that will be fostered at INTERPHEX to optimize bio/pharmaceutical manufacturing processes.

Hunter gave a talk at INTERPHEX 2025 on “

Futureproofing Single-use in Bioprocessing

Nicole Hunter, PhD, Head, Global WMArchitect, Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Solutions

Nicole Hunter, PhD, is the head of WMArchitect single-use solutions at Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Solutions (WMFTS). Prior to joining WMFTS, she held the position of R&D manager at Thermo Fisher Scientific leading a team of chemists and microbiologists developing 

 diagnostic devices. Her PhD in the area of pharmaceutical materials science was undertaken at the University of East Anglia, United Kingdom. Hunter also has pharmaceutical industry experience gained from working in the drug discovery department of Pfizer Animal Health. She is an active member of several industry working groups and committees including BioPhorum, the Bio-Process Systems Alliance, the International Organization for Standardization, and the British Standards Institution.

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Sitting down with the PharmTech Group at INTERPHEX 2025, Nicole Hunter, head of Global WMArchitect at WMFTS, explains the industry initiative around single-use assembly components resulting from supply disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. 



ITT's Dave Loula speaks about innovation in advanced sensing technologies that answer customers' need for reliable valve function at INTERPHEX 2025.

INTERPHEX 2025: Innovations in Advance Sensing Technologies that Answer the Need for Reliable Valve Function

The primary focus in valve technology advancements is reliability, particularly in pharmaceutical applications where system integrity and contamination prevention are critical. Talking with the PharmTech Group at INTERPHEX 2025, Dave Loula, global product director, ITT Engineered Valves, emphasizes that customers seek valves that are easy to maintain and provide consistent performance. Key innovations in advanced sensing technologies are those that address customers’ need for reliable and easily maintained valves.

“The advanced sensing—we term this ‘Integrated Sensing Platform,’ our new ISP technology—is part of that reliability solution that the customers are looking for when they're looking for feedback on their valves. They want to make sure that they're getting a reliable sensing of the position of the valve so that they know that a valve is in the open position or in the closed position so they can go on and do their particular operation. The ISP, which is a very small, compact device that fits on top of one of our valves, provides that type of reliable feedback on valve operation,” Loula says.

ISP technology plays a crucial role in maintaining process integrity, reducing the risk of system failures, and ensuring compliance with stringent regulatory requirements. Additionally, the broader platform includes sensors, actuation systems, and advanced monitoring solutions to support end users, original equipment manufacturers, and distributors, Loula explains.

Loula is most looking forward to engaging with industry stakeholders at INTERPHEX to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange. He believes that such engagement ensures that emerging needs in pharmaceutical valve technology are met with cutting-edge solutions.

Attendees can visit ITT at Booth #3337 at INTERPHEX 2025, being held in New York City on April 1–3.

David Loula, Global Product Director, ITT Engineered Valves

David Loula has extensive experience in the biopharmaceuticaland industrial sectors, specializing in sales,product management, and business strategy. Currently serving as global product director and previously as global marketing manager at ITT Engineered Valves since August 2012, Loula has driven significant product initiatives and marketing strategies. Prior roles include business development manager at ITT Industries and sales manager at ITT PureFlo, where he managed sales efforts for the Pure-Flo hygienic diaphragm valve product line across a 15-state region. Loula's educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineeringdegree from the University of Michigan.

Speaking with the PharmTech Group at INTERPHEX 2025, Dave Loula, global product director, ITT Engineered Valves, discusses innovation in advanced sensing technologies that addresses customer need for reliable valve function.

INTERPHEX 2025: Innovations in Advanced Sensing Technologies that Answer the Need for Reliable Valve Function

Discussion with Chris Murphy of Environmental Specialties about the design and critical role or walk-in chambers in bio/pharma development and manufacturing.

INTERPHEX 2025: Use of Walk-In Chambers for Bio/Pharma Development and Manufacturing

Walk-in chambers are critical infrastructure in pharmaceutical facilities, primarily used for product storage under highly controlled environmental conditions, such as temperature and/or humidity, says Christopher Murphy, director, Global Business Development and Service Customer Support, Environmental Specialties. Murphy sat down with the PharmTech Group at INTERPHEX 2025 to discuss the role walk-in chambers play in bio/pharmaceutical development and manufacturing as well as sustainability.

Given the stringent requirements of pharmaceutical products, these chambers are often large-scale, resembling warehouses. However, their energy-intensive nature poses sustainability challenges.

“Proper design of a walk-in chamber can contribute to sustainable practices. It is no secret that a walk-in room, because of the exacting conditions it has to create, can be an energy hog. It can be a drain on utilities. But if properly designed, and if the manufacturer asks the correct questions about the use of the space, then it can be engineered in a way that minimizes that impact and runs at optimum performance,” Murphy says.

As Murphy explains, proper engineering and design can mitigate energy consumption, optimize performance, and extend the chamber’s operational lifespan, thereby reducing maintenance costs and environmental impact. He also points out that thoughtful construction minimizes the need for frequent replacements and spare parts, promoting long-term sustainability.

Meanwhile, Murphy remarks that the current market dynamics and economic conditions influence investment in such technologies, raising questions about whether the observed market fluctuations are temporary or indicative of long-term trends. At INTERPHEX 2025, he is keen to explore strategic partnerships with emerging companies because such partnerships can facilitate knowledge exchange and help stakeholders align technological capabilities with market needs. Murphy emphasizes that the industry must balance precision storage requirements with sustainability and economic considerations to ensure long-term operational efficiency and environmental responsibility.

Attendees can visit Environmental Specialties at Booth #2864 at INTERPHEX 2025, which runs April 1–3 in New York City.

Christopher Murphy, Director, Global Business Development & Service Customer Support, Environmental Specialties

Christopher Murphy currently serves Environmental Specialties as director of global business development and service customer support. For the past 12 years, he has been vice-president or president of companies serving regulated markets. He has a proven track record of driving double-digit annual sales growth. In his previous role, he joined a company that had been flat for the decade prior to his arrival and was able to generate a 23% compound annual growth rate over his four-and-a-half-year tenure, doubling the company’s revenue. Prior to that, he achieved title of president while leading growth from $2 million to $50 million in annual sales. Murphy has been responsible for the launch of numerous innovative products, including being a co-author of a patent for a predictive maintenance technology related to components within medical diagnostic Instruments in his most recent role. Murphy has extensive experience in global business, having managed teams in China, led distributors and agents across Asia and Europe, and performing business development efforts, including mergers and acquisitions, globally.

Sitting down with the PharmTech Group at INTERPHEX 2025, Christopher Murphy, director of Global Business Development and Service Customer Support at Environmental Specialties, discusses the design and critical role of walk-in chambers in the bio/pharmaceutical industry.

INTERPHEX 2025 video interview with Iwata Label USA discussing practical security benefits of functional labels for parenteral drugs.

INTERPHEX 2025: How Functional Labeling Can Protect Parentals in Vials and Syringes

Sitting down with the PharmTech Group at INTERPHEX 2025, William Wainwright, business development manager at Iwata Label USA, a division of Japan-based IL Group, highlights the need for improved protection of pharmaceutical vials and syringes, particularly through functional labels. Previously, vials were not sufficiently protected due to cost considerations, but after conducting recent studies, the company began to understand the financial and human costs of breakage. Instead of overhauling packaging, however, Wainwright asserts that functional labels can reinforce existing vial infrastructure by preventing breakage, cracks, and leaks.

“We traditionally have not protected the vials as stringently as we should and could, just simply for cost reasons. It's just now that we've done more studies on the costs associated with broken vials, or even the human cost of negative effects to healthcare workers, [that] the need for heightened protection on vials has increased,” Wainwright says in the interview. “And then with functional labels, what they can do is, instead of reimagining the whole packaging system, you can use existing packaging infrastructure, [such as] the traditional vials, but then add on a specialty label that helps protect the vial from breakage, cracks, or seepage of the internal contents.”

He goes on to explain that, for syringes, the primary concern is material-induced drug migration, which can alter the chemical composition of highly potent medications. Preventing migration is critical to maintaining drug integrity. Another key function of these labels is shielding vial and syringe contents from light exposure, which can degrade pharmaceutical compounds. Functional labels, therefore, serve a dual purpose: physical protection and preservation of drug stability.

Wainwright also expresses enthusiasm for engaging with industry leaders at INTERPHEX 2025 to encourage broader adoption of these specialized labeling solutions within the pharmaceutical sector.

Attendees can visit Iwata Label USA at Booth #1362 at INTERPHEX, which is being held on April 1–3 in New York City.

William Wainwright, Business Development Manager, Iwata Label USA, a division of IL Group

William Wainwright is business development manager for Iwata Label USA, a division of IL Group, and a provider of precision labeling solutions for global pharmaceutical and healthcare companies. The company’s portfolio includes good manufacturing practice-compliant roll-on and shrink-tack labels featuring value-added benefits, such as tamper evidence, protection against breakage, and light-shielding properties, as well as specialty constructions whose functions range from reliable adhesion in cryogenic applications to detachable elements for ease of medical recordkeeping.

William Wainwright, business development manager at Iwata Label USA, discusses the practical security benefits of functional labels at INTERPHEX 2025.

AES Clean Technology (AES), a provider of modular cleanroom solutions, announced on April 1, 2025 that it has officially launched Omni ASCENT, a next-generation off-site manufactured (OSM) vertical utility solution that is designed to optimize the flexibility and efficiency of cleanrooms, at INTERPHEX 2025. The company said in a press release that the launch of this OSM solution is a significant advancement toward cleanroom utility integration (1). INTERPHEX is being held on April 1–3 in New York City.

Omni ASCENT is built on the foundation of AES’s Omni utility raceway, which is a system that integrates critical cleanroom utilities into a modular, adaptable framework. Omni ASCENT enables strategic placement of utilities anywhere on the cleanroom floor. In comparison, traditional systems limit layout options and pose challenges to accessibility, according to AES in the press release. Omni ASCENT enables greater flexibility, efficiency, and safety, and allows pharmaceutical and biotech facilities to optimize space and workflow without having to compromise compliance, according to the company.

“Omni ASCENT is a direct response to the evolving needs of modern cleanroom environments,” said Shawn Reniker, senior vice-president of Operations, AES Clean Technology, in the release (1). “By eliminating the need for wall or ceiling-mounted utilities, we are giving manufacturers the freedom to configure layouts more efficiently, enhance accessibility for maintenance and operations, and accelerate deployment—all while maintaining the highest industry standards.”

Omni ASCENT is designed for rapid deployment; it arrives fully assembled and ready for installation, which can be done in under half a day. This shortened deployment significantly reduces downtime. Meanwhile, its strategic utility placement enhances ergonomics while creating a safer workspace by eliminating unnecessary ladder use and tripping hazards. In addition, the new system can be easily integrated with existing Omni raceway solutions. This compatibility facilitates a streamlined transition for both new cleanroom builds and facility retrofits, according to the press release.

“Last year, the CleanLock Module reinforced the demand for smarter, more flexible cleanroom solutions. Omni ASCENT builds on that momentum, providing even greater adaptability in utility integration and ensuring that facilities can scale efficiently without redesigning their infrastructure,” said Chris Miller, chief executive officer, AES Clean Technology, in the release.

 the CleanLock Module, which is an airlock solution for cleanrooms that has been engineered to minimize the risk of contamination. The module minimizes contamination risk by integrating AES’ proprietary cleanroom finishes, patented lighting, predictable airflow patterns, and advanced door controls. These features offer the advantage of being integrated into any facility without delay. The module allows for secure transition of people and materials entering and exiting cleanrooms.

"We are thrilled to introduce the CleanLock Module airlock to the market," said Grant Merrill, AES chief commercial officer, in a press release at the time of the CleanLock Module launch in 2024 (2). "This product addresses the critical need for maintaining ultra-clean environments in industries such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and medical device manufacturing. With its state-of-the-art technology and precision engineering, the CleanLock Module will set a new standard for contamination control and efficiency in design and construction execution."

Attendees can visit AES at Booth #2509 at INTERPHEX 2025.

1. AES Clean Technology. AES Cleanroom Technology Introduces Omni ASCENT: A Breakthrough in Cleanroom Utility Integration at INTERPHEX 2025. 

. April 1, 2025.
2. AES Clean Technology. AES Clean Technology Sets New Standards for Cleanliness and Efficiency in Cleanrooms with the Launch of Its CleanLock Module. Press Release. April 16, 2024.

The Omni ASCENT, officially launched at INTERPHEX 2025, is a next-generation off-site manufactured vertical utility solution aimed at optimizing the flexibility and efficiency of cleanrooms.