Software and technology company Emerson has inked a joint commercialization agreement with Integra CMS, a continuous manufacturing specialist focused on the pharma industry, to collaborate on technologies and services for continuous process. The goal of the collaboration is to quicken adoption of continuous manufacturing processes across the pharma field.
According to the companies, continuous manufacturing stands to reduce costs while boosting quality, quantity and reliability of pharmaceutical manufacturing, as compared to traditional batch methods. However, considering the complexity of continuous processes, companies require specialized expertise in order to successfully implement such processes.
With this collaboration, Emerson and Integra CMS aim to deliver the necessary knowledge and experience to help clients successfully adopt continuous manufacturing processes. The companies plan to provide customers with comprehensive support, including process design to regulatory approval.
Fernando Muzzio, president of Integra CMS and director of Rutgers University's Engineering Research Center for Structured Organic Particulate Systems (C-SOPS), said companies often are interested in adopting continuous manufacturing and are aware they could use expert help in taking it on.
“Many companies that are interested in implementing continuous manufacturing systems have relatively little experience in the use of process engineering methods,” Muzzio said “Emerson’s extensive toolbox and worldwide presence provides a foundation of technology on which we can deliver end-to-end support in selection, implementation and optimization of the formulation and the process to customers anywhere in the world.”
“The design of an integrated continuous manufacturing system and selection of the best equipment for each application requires a rare and deep scientific expertise,” added Xavier Marchant, vice president of life sciences at Emerson. “Integra CMS through their thorough process understanding, their top network of global universities and their step-by-step approach have already helped many pharmaceutical manufacturers achieve their goals of maximum product quality at minimal cost; Emerson’s advanced process control solutions are key to continuing to achieve these objectives.”
Integra CMS reportedly will apply its extensive understanding of continuous manufacturing and technology integration process to help define requirements, process parameters, and materials specifications. Emerson plans to oversee project management, aiding clients in the selection, design and implementation of automation systems; its global engineering and installed base of advanced life-sciences technologies (such as its DeltaV distributed control system and Syncade manufacturing execution system) also will be utilized.
For 10 years, Emerson has supported development of continuous manufacturing technology at C-SOPS. In 2015, Rutgers University engaged Integra CMS to work on development, practice, and commercialization of advanced continuous manufacturing.
