Inhalable Fine Powder Processing for Pharmaceutical Drug Dosage Forms
Inhalables and aerosols, no matter whether they are in liquid or solid form, must be delivered to the oral cavity or the greater respiratory system.
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. Producing powders for inhalation is relatively straightforward on a small scale; but, it can be hard to replicate at a commercial level.
To facilitate the process, GEA has developed a highly specialized spray drying system that offers large-scale particle engineering capabilities. This makes it possible to accurately manipulate the aerodynamic size and flow properties of particles to produce fine, free-flowing powders for applications such as commercializing biological compounds including hormones, peptides and proteins that risk degradation if ingested.
When it comes to mixing and blending very fine powders, homogeneity and stability are key factors during the production of inhalable drugs. As such, GEA also offers production-scale mixing and blending solutions to produce inhalable products (dry powders and suspensions).
The TRV high-speed blender, a standalone PharmaConnect® module, is particularly suitable for the rapid batch blending of small quantities of APIs with base excipients. By combining the high surface area of the main impeller blade with the directional effects of the feeder blade, rapid, homogenous and stable blends can be produced in a reproducible manner.
Products & Technologies
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Analytical, in-line control & measurement devices
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.

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.

Contained Materials Handling Systems
Contained Materials Handling solutions for Primary and Secondary Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare. With extensive experience within the generics sector, supply a wide range of technologies and equipment that improve and enhance the efficiency and performance of Oral Solid Dosage production.

Continuous Direct Compression Line
The ConsiGma® DC for direct compression is the latest expansion of GEA's continuous portfolio for cost effective, compact, high yield manufacturing systems. It offers a robust and flexible manufacturing method for a wide range of products.
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GEA Insights

The breakthrough that changed spray drying
In 1976, NIRO engineers responded to a competitive challenge by rethinking what spray drying could do. Their idea became the multi-stage dryer MSD. Fifty years later, the same fundamental principle helps turn liquids into the powders used in essential nutrition products and important medicines around the world. Refined through decades of engineering expertise, customer insight and continuous development, MSD is a story of innovation with lasting impact.

Beyond the machine: unlocking better plant performance
An efficient machine does not automatically make an efficient factory. Real improvement often starts by looking beyond individual equipment and understanding how processes, energy systems and operating decisions affect one another. It’s a holistic approach designed to uncover opportunities that might otherwise be missed.

How a valve reshapes the way food and drinks are made
In food and beverage plants, valves are commonly operated using compressed air. GEA Hydract® Actuation Technology moves valves with water instead, in a closed, digitally controlled circuit. The result is a valve that can be held exactly in place and steered in fine-tuned steps. This results in lower energy use and greater control.