Lonza has enhanced its powder characterization capabilities at its small molecules site in Tampa, FL. The facility has been upgraded to include universal powder flow testing alongside automated particle size and shape analysis capabilities.

The addition of new instruments at the site aims to enable a greater understanding of the behavior of powdered drug substances, excipients and blends used in the development of new dosage units.

The new powder flow tester can characterize powder flow properties, offering valuable insight for pharmaceutical processing and formulation. In addition, the high sensitivity of this instrument enables the identification of minimal property differences.

For example, the tool can test samples in various states by simulating a range of powder processing conditions. Examining different aspects of a powder’s behavior can unlock a more comprehensive understanding of its dynamic flow, bulk and shear properties.

According to the company, these enhanced capabilities will support Lonza’s scientists and customers when filling capsules with powders and blends, both for solid oral dosage forms or inhalation drug products.

The site has also installed a new instrument that uses static image analysis techniques to characterize particles. Its capability to comprehensively map the size and shape of powder particles will be advantageous when designing and manufacturing new dosage forms.

Meanwhile, this upgrade will improve the evaluation of powders used in inhalers, where the identification of particle size and shape can be critical.

Mark Cappucci, pre-formulation team lead, Lonza Tampa, said: “With the enhanced characterization capabilities and tools at our Tampa facility, we can now better understand powder behaviors and – in turn – optimize drug product formulations for our customers. This is an important development in the context of the increasing complexity of molecules in the pipeline.”