The company claims the NovaSeal is a straightforward way to cut a disposable assembly into two individual fluid parts but still keeping them sterile. The technology also eliminates steam-in-place, cleaning processes and validation.
Bioprocess manufacturers are turning their attention to disposable products as opposed to previously using stainless steel applications, to reduce cost and time spent on steps like cleaning and validation. As an example, the vaccine sector estimated that 70 per cent of development and production time is spent on safety and quality controls.
"Disposable assemblies in general contribute tremendously to speeding the time to market new drugs. As part of Millipore's Mobius disposable product group, NovaSeal further enhances the "speed" advantages of disposable technologies," Shannon Meirzon, spokesperson for Millipore, told In-PharmaTechnologist.
"NovaSeal first seals and then cuts the disposable tubing. The sterility of the fluid path and the integrity of the liquid are maintained at all times."
Millipore anticipates the NovaSeal will be used in a number of applications, such as sampling, transfer and transportation of sterile liquids. The technology promises no capital investment upfront and requires less inventory space, according to the company.
Millipore launched NovaSeal in January 2007 and the product is part of the company's patented NovaSeptum sampling solution.