Continuous Tableting Development

ConsiGma® SimpleCT

Making continuous tableting accessible for R&D

ConsiGma CDC with 1 operator

— The R&D Paradigm

Why continuous tableting development feels complex

continuous processing icon

During pharmaceutical R&D, continuous tableting lines require multiple operations to run in parallel, from material feeding and blending to sampling, RTD studies and data alignment. Priorities are different compared to production: rapid experimentation, efficient DoE execution and robust process insight.

Without the right tools, these activities rely heavily on manual coordination, specialist operators and time-consuming workflows that slow down every iteration.


RTD studies are resource-intensive

Spiking, sample collection and time-alignment require precise coordination, and even small misalignments compromise data quality.

Experiments need constant coordination

DoE execution, setpoint changes and sampling must happen simultaneously, requiring multiple operators to stay in sync at every step.

Specialist expertise becomes a bottleneck

When development depends on a small number of experts, every program slows down and capacity becomes the limiting factor.

— Our solution: SimpleCT

From complexity to confidence

SimpleCT is a set of automated development tools integrated into the ConsiGma® continuous tableting platform. It is purpose‑built for R&D — focusing on rapid learning, efficient experimentation and reliable process insight, rather than production complexity.

All tools are designed for contained, repeatable and data aligned operation, supporting a structured and reliable development workflow.


1 operator

To run complex multivariate experiments Tasks that previously required multiple specialists, now handled by a single trained user.

Fewer weeks

Shorter development timelines Even modest reductions in development time have meaningful impact on time-to-market and project value.

1:1

Direct transfer to production Process parameters transfer directly to the ConsiGma® production platform. No re-development.

Overview of the SimpleCT tools

SimpleCT - Assisted DoE

Development steps can be predefined and executed automatically. Instead of manually adjusting dozens of parameters under time pressure, operators move through experimental conditions in a controlled, repeatable way — reducing setup time and minimising the risk of missed steps or incorrect entries.

SimpleCT - Automated Residence Mass Collection

System hold-up assessments and aligned data capture can be triggered at the touch of a button — removing co-ordination overhead and ensuring data integrity across experimental runs.

SimpleCT - Automated Tablet Sampling System

Automated sampling systems collect, bag, label and document samples at high frequency without manual intervention. Tasks that once required multiple operators working closely together can now be performed safely and consistently by a single trained user.

SimpleCT - CAS

Manual spiking operations have historically posed safety and operational concerns. Automated RTD tools ensure accurate timing, consistent spike introduction and full alignment between process data and experimental events — removing a common source of uncertainty in RTD studies.

GEA’s ConsiGma® - a real success story.

One workflow, fewer manual steps

— Key benefits

Faster experiments, safer development

By removing manual coordination and embedding automation into critical development steps, SimpleCT helps R&D teams work faster, generate more reliable data and build confidence in continuous tableting early in the product lifecycle.


01

Faster development and decision making

Run multivariate experiments in fewer runs Reduce manual setpoint changes and coordination Shorten development timelines and speed up progression

02

Higher data quality and process insight

Time aligned process and sampling data Reduced human error during experiments Greater confidence in RTD, mixing behavior and operating windows

03

Lower resource and expertise burden

Complex development activities can often be run by a single operator Reduced dependence on highly specialized personnel More efficient use of limited R&D resources

04

Safer, more contained development

Minimized manual handling of APIs Improved operator safety and containment Lower risk during intensive experimentation

— GEA & Hovione

Built together

Together with Hovione, a leading pharmaceutical CDMO, we developed SimpleCT to address the challenges that R&D scientists actually struggle with in continuous manufacturing development. 

It integrates seamlessly across GEA's ConsiGma® continuous ecosystem, so process knowledge transfers directly to production without the need to start again from scratch.

"SimpleCT allows teams to build confidence in continuous tableting early, creating a stronger foundation for later development stages and commercialisation."

Anthony Tantuccio

Fellow Scientist, Continuous Tableting/Technology Intensification at Hovione

R&D scientists discussing results

What R&D teams most frequently ask when evaluating SimpleCT

R&D scientists discussing results

SimpleCT is a set of automated development tools that embed automation, guided workflows and structure directly into continuous tableting development. It automates the most operationally demanding tasks — Assisted DoE execution, tablet sampling, RTD studies and residence mass collection — so teams can run complex experiments with fewer operators, less manual coordination and more reliable data.

R&D scientists discussing results

Getting started is simple. Schedule a discovery call with our team, and we'll walk you through the process.

R&D scientists discussing results

The SimpleCT tools are applicable on all ConsiGma lines

R&D scientists discussing results

By removing the manual steps that introduce most data uncertainty. Automated tablet sampling collects, bags, labels and links samples to their exact process conditions at high frequency. Contained automatic spiking ensures accurate RTD timing and consistent tracer introduction. Time-aligned data capture means process events and experimental data are synchronised from the start, eliminating the timing errors, mislabelling and inconsistent sampling that compromise data integrity in manual workflows.

R&D scientists discussing results

In a typical continuous tableting development run, tasks like simultaneous sampling, setpoint changes and RTD monitoring require multiple experienced operators coordinating in real time. SimpleCT automates these steps, so the same experiments can be run with fewer people and less reliance on specialist continuous manufacturing expertise. For R&D teams balancing multiple programmes with limited headcount, this is a significant practical advantage.

R&D scientists discussing results

Manual spiking operations and frequent sampling during continuous runs require operators to work in close proximity to moving equipment and active pharmaceutical ingredients, sometimes under time pressure. SimpleCT's contained automatic spiking system and automated sampling remove these manual handling steps, reducing API exposure, minimizing the risk of errors during intensive experimentation and improving overall containment during development.

R&D scientists discussing results

SimpleCT is designed to lower the barrier to entry, not add to it. It integrates with GEA's ConsiGma® continuous direct compression platform and is built around guided workflows, meaning teams do not need deep continuous manufacturing expertise to start running experiments. GEA provides full onboarding support, and the system is validated for use from the first development run.

R&D scientists discussing results

Yes on both counts. SimpleCT integrates across GEA's ConsiGma® continuous ecosystem, including the production-scale continuous direct compression platform. Process parameters developed in R&D transfer directly to production: no re-development, no scale-up from scratch. If you already work with ConsiGma® equipment, SimpleCT is designed to work alongside it.

R&D scientists discussing results

Yes. SimpleCT is not a training tool for teams new to continuous manufacturing, it is a productivity and data quality tool for teams at any level of experience. Even expert teams spend significant time on manual coordination during development runs. SimpleCT automates that coordination, freeing experienced scientists to focus on process understanding and decision-making rather than operational management. The result is faster development cycles regardless of the team's existing expertise.

Ready to integrate continuous tableting in your R&D?

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