Low-cost option for dissolution testing

The Varian 705 DS Dissolution Apparatus is specifically designed for applications - such as quality control, stability testing, R&D and method development - that need a flexible, low-cost system.

Although a lot of attention is paid to high-throughput and automated systems, the reality is that 'manually operated dissolution testers are widely used in the drug industry, particularly for immediate release products', according to Varian​.

Dissolution testing is used to determine the rate of release, or the rate at which active ingredients in pharmaceutical dosage forms become available to be absorbed by the body. It is required throughout the pharmaceutical manufacturing process to ensure product quality and stability.

A dissolution apparatus prepares samples under controlled conditions to secure the proper release of the active drug ingredients, whether in the form of solid oral dosage products, ointments, creams, transdermal, or implant systems.

Varian says the 705 DS is the only instrument of its kind with a chemical-resistant touch screen that provides navigation and control of all apparatus functions from one location. In addition, the apparatus is the only one on the market to record spindle hours, allowing the user to schedule preventive maintenance based on actual equipment runtime. Other features include an easy-to-clean water bath with a built-in drain hose.

Fast changeover between paddles and baskets is possible without resetting the instrument's shaft heights and without cross contamination, which makes it useful for multiple tasks. It has eight spindles and can accommodate a wide range of vessel sizes, including 100 mL, 200 mL, 500 mL, and 1 L.

Orders are currently being taken for the system and shipments are scheduled to start in May, said the company.