Melanie Sena is community editor of Pharmaceutical Technology.

Melanie Sena

The small platform of the CS series allows up to seven camera stations for the inspection of ampules, cartridges and vials up to 100 mL of size, to detect particles in the product and cosmetic defects of the container. In addition to the visual inspection by camera high voltage leak detection, head space gas analysis, near infrared spectroscopy or glass stress verification can be integrated into the machine to detect invisible defects. The CS is equipped with improved software design and a new integrated electrical cabinet. The HMI offers the operator a graphic user interface and scores with advanced recipe manager, smart camera trigger technology, and OEE report for easy analysis of line efficiency. The separated cabinet at the back of the machine allows for quick access to electrical components as well as accessibility from all sides for cleaning. 

Articles

CS Inspection Machine Improves Efficiency

reported a pediatric HIV treatment donation program to improve access to the company’s approved HIV medicines for children and adolescents failing HIV treatment in sub-Saharan Africa. At the 17th International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa, Ministries of Health (MOHs) in sub-Saharan Africa were invited to submit a formal Expression of Interest to participate in the charitable pediatric HIV treatment donation program. 

Through this program, Janssen will donate its HIV medicines Prezista (darunavir) and Intelence (etravirine), including child-friendly formulations, free of charge to eligible countries with the clinical capacity and willingness to address second- and third-line pediatric HIV treatment. Each child enrolled will receive Janssen’s donated HIV medicines as needed until they turn 19 at which point they will be transitioned into the adult national HIV program or other designated by the national HIV program for continued treatment.

The donation program is intended to be a first step in a broader collaborative effort to build awareness, incite action, and advance learning around second- and third-line pediatric HIV treatment in sub-Saharan Africa. Janssen is working with the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, the Partnership for Supply Chain Management (PFSCM), and MAP International to fully maximize the impact and reach of this initiative.

The submission period for the Expression of Interest by country MOHs to participate in the drug donation initiative will run from Jan. 15, 2014 until Feb. 14, 2014. An independent, third-party review committee of international experts in pediatric HIV will review all applications to determine country eligibility to receive the donation.  Country approvals will be announced in March 2014. Countries interested in more information or submitting an Expression of Interest should visit: 

Janssen's donation program will improve access to the company's approved HIV medicines for children and adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa.

Janssen Announces Drug Donation Program for HIV Treatment-Experienced Children

The Ribbon Blender Model 42N-270 has a maximum working capacity of 270 cu.ft. and a full holding capacity of 300 cu.ft. The stainless steel wetted parts are polished to 150-grit finish for cleanability. The gasketed three-piece cover, safety grating, and pneumatically-operated 10” knife gate valve are all designed to facilitate ingredient charging and dust-tight operation. The double ribbon agitator is fabricated to produce a well-balanced axial and radial flow of powders while holding tightly-controlled clearances between the trough. The solid agitator shaft is driven to 20 rpm by a 100 HP TEFC motor.  All Ross Ribbon Blenders are equipped with a direct drive gear motor for improved performance and lower maintenance. With Ross-supplied controls, users receive a production-ready blender and benefit from electronic speed control, soft-start capabilities, and overload protection without any wiring hassles.



Ribbon Blender Model 42N-270 Increases Performance

 on Nov. 5, to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the International Trachoma Initiative (ITI), an independent, not-for-profit program dedicated to the elimination of blinding trachoma as a public health concern. Through the ITI, Pfizer has donated more than 340 million doses of the antibiotic Zithromax (azithromycin) to help wipe out blinding trachoma by the year 2020.

On November 10, the 100 millionth Carter Center-assisted dose of Zithromax was distributed in Amhara Region, Ethiopia, during a celebration with the Ethiopian government, Pfizer, ITI, the Lions Clubs International Foundation and Lions of Ethiopia, and other partners. The Amhara Region is thought to be the most trachoma-endemic area in the world, and together the partners are actively working to demonstrate that blinding trachoma can be eliminated from a highly endemic country.

The Carter Center, together with the Ministry of Health and other partners in Ethiopia, has helped demonstrate that community-directed infrastructures for preventing trachoma can mobilize millions of people to accept treatment and adopt behavior changes, even in remote areas where there is limited access to basic medical care, water, and sanitation.

The international trachoma campaign uses the SAFE strategy, approved by the WHO, to prevent and treat trachoma. SAFE stands for: Surgery to prevent blindness; Antibiotics to treat active infections; Facial cleanliness; and Environmental improvements, such as latrines to reduce the breeding grounds of flies that help spread the disease.

Using these interventions, Ghana, Morocco, Oman, Vietnam, Iran, and Gambia have all achieved success against the infection. Mali, Niger, and Sudan also are on track to make significant inroads in their fight against blinding trachoma by 2015.

Former US President Jimmy Carter and Pfizer commemorate the 15th anniversary of the International Trachoma Initiative to end blinding trachoma by the year 2020.

Jimmy Carter and Pfizer Mark 15-Year Effort To Help End Blinding Trachoma

The ALpHA G is an absolute rated depth type prefilter, which has been optimized for compatibility with a gamma irradiation cycle commonly used to sterilize single-use systems. ALpHA G features a tapered pore structure, which provides high flow rates and delivers increased dirt holding capacity. ALpHA G capsule filters are available in retention ratings from 0.6 μm to 20 μm. The filter can be specified in a wide range of capsule configurations to provide seamless scalability from laboratory work and process development through production. For applications requiring multistage filtration and larger surface areas than can be accommodated by a single filter, the ALpHA G media can be specified in the UltraSnap filter assembly. The UltraSnap assembly can be delivered as a single presterilized unit with one inlet and one outlet for maximum convenience and plug and play functionality.

ALpHA G Capsule Filter for Single-Use Systems

The N200 Pharma Nibbler offers a 200 mm diameter inlet and throughput of 1.500 (1/h), providing an alternative to hammer mills and more complex equipment for consistent size reduction of materials and agglomerates found in pharmaceutical production. Products enter the inlet either by a dump or controlled feed where a paddle assembly then rotates the product inside the size reduction chamber at a slow rotational speed. Attrition milling shears the product through the screen where it is discharged through the single outlet. The N200 Nibbler model features high capacity size reduction, a compact design, low power consumption and noise levels, minimum product temperature rise and fines generation, consistent particle size, and low rotational speed. It is suitable for glove box mounting and offers easy basket removal to provide improved access for cleaning. 



Gericke N200 Nibbler Provides Size Reduction