Pharmatek Laboratories has expanded its existing liquid encapsulation capabilities by purchasing a Qualicaps FS3 Automated Liquid Filling and Banding System. The addition of the FS3 unit to Pharmatek’s manufacturing capabilities increases overall efficiency at the Phase II production scale, according to the company.

“The Qualicaps FS3 unit increases our scale of capsule filling, and it also has a number of other features that increase the quality of this particular dosage form,” stated Kevin Rosenthal, director of Manufacturing for Pharmatek. “It has a robust gelatin band sealing technology that allows a quick visual check of seal integrity. The unit also has a heated hopper system for handling a broad range of liquid viscosities, including semi-solid and other BCS Class II formulations.”

The Qualicaps FS3 is equipped with an inert gas purge system and unique capsule lifting feature, allowing for the handling of oxygen-sensitive drug products. The inert gas purge system presents warmed air, or inert gas, into the headspace of the capsule, minimizing process defects and thus increasing the overall product yield. The FS3 liquid filling and banding system is configured to handle clear or colored banding and gelatin or HPMC capsules ranging in sizes from 4 to 00.

“The acquisition of the Qualicaps FS3 unit increases our cGMP liquid capsule filling rate substantially. This increased rate allows Pharmatek to be more cost effective for larger scale liquid encapsulation projects. More efficient production of larger scale batches helps us to better support our clients through their late-stage Phase IIb clinical studies,” stated Jeffrey Bibbs, chief executive officer and chief science officer of Pharmatek.