The eight DIS6000 systems – one of the most compact dissolution testers available - have already been installed and commissioned with support from a Copley team, who also completed full on-site operation qualification (IQ/OQ).
Melbourn claims the new units will allow it to meet increased client demand for larger and more complex studies.
Rebecca Nesbitt, spokesperson for Melbourn, told In-PharmaTechnologist the company enjoyed a close relationship with Copley.
“Copley ensure we are well supported in our work,” she said, “they do more than simply supply us with the testers, they also provide support services such as calibration.”
Tablet testing
Nesbitt went on to explain the many and varied ways the new equipment will be put to use as Melbourn continues to expand its services.
“We will be using it for tablet testing to support a range of studies for our clients,” she said. “This includes stability studies, release testing, and research and development of novel drugs.
“It is important for us to keep up with the latest technology, and with the new dissolution testers we can have a high degree of confidence in the accuracy of the results.”
Melbourn says investing in the new dissolution testers will allow its analysts to run multiple dissolutions simultaneously, thereby speeding up the testing process and potentially providing clients with savings.
Future trends
Cambridge, UK-based Melbourn has thrived during the recent economic downturn, and Nesbitt said she believed the company’s continued expansion helped secure its position in an ever-changing market.
“We have seen a general market trend to increased outsourcing of primary stability studies and release testing,” she said, “outsourcing provides a flexible resource for a changing industry in challenging times.
“Looking to the future I think it will be increasingly challenging to bring drugs to market, and the amount of testing required is likely to increase. Our current expansion means we will be well placed to support drug development and testing in the future.”
Strength to strength
Commenting on the order, sales director at Copley Scientific, Mark Copley, said: “We’re delighted Melbourn Scientific is going from strength to strength in these challenging times.
“Joint projects we’ve worked on, to establish and refine the capabilities of new equipment, have been highly successful with all research carried out to the very highest standards. We wish them every success with the new work.”