Building the First HFA-152a Pilot System for greener pMDI technology
Summary
As the market shifts towards sustainable alternatives, we offered the expertise needed to navigate this transition, providing a stepping stone that allowed them to explore and validate new propellants with confidence. Depending on the client’s choice of sustainable propellant, we can offer scalable solutions to facilitate the transition from pilot to commercial systems.
Scope
The customer sought out leading suppliers of mixing systems, choosing Briggs of Burton for our longstanding history of expertise. The client approached our team to create a sophisticated pilot mixing system for Hydrofluoroalkane (HFA-152a) to develop pressurised Metered Dose Inhaler (pMDI’s) formulations. This advanced technology is essential for producing treatments for patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
The team actively works with both upstream and downstream suppliers in the industry to offer fully integrated pilot and commercial systems to introduce to the market. Our mixing vessels are at the core of the process, where upstream gas propellants and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) converge for precise mixing before the final product moves downstream to the filling and packaging line.
Challenges
- Adhering to stringent Atmospheres Explosibles (ATEX) requirements
- Ensuring the system was versatile enough for small batch production
- Designing it with an eye for future commercial scale-up
- Facilitating the transition between drug delivery propellants
Solution
The primary aim of this pilot system was to test and validate the drug formulation, mitigating potential risks associated with the propellant transition. We supplied a tailor-made solution that integrates an 8 L and 10 L mixing and conditioning vessel capable of supporting the intricate development processes required for pMDI formulation – the world’s first HFA-152a pilot system. Designed for a controlled environment, the system meets rigorous ATEX requirements for handling pressurised gases. To further support the client’s development and manufacturing process, we collaborated with a leading filling provider, ensuring that the system was cutting-edge and complemented by expert service.
Impact/Result
Installed at the client’s site in France, the system is know globally recognised for pMDI formulation development and testing. It has been instrumental in allowing the client, as well as other major inhalant manufacturers, to scale up operations seamlessly. This pioneering pilot system has advanced respiratory therapy by providing a robust platform for developing new, more effective inhalants. It positions the client at the forefront of pMDI technology innovation while supporting patients.
Find out more: Pressurised Metered-Dose Inhalers (pMDIs) | Briggs | Briggs (briggsplc.com)
Pathway to a sustainable future: Sustainable process engineering | Briggs | Briggs (briggsplc.com)
