NanGenex adds bench-top, pilot nano API production tech

31-Aug-2010 - Last updated on 01-Sep-2010 at 09:05 GMT

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NanGenex is introducing GMP bench-top and pilot plant reactors to scale-up its process for the continuous production of nanostructured active ingredients.

Using the NanoActive instrument line NanGenex can continuously produce nanoparticles while controlling and optimising parameters. Nanoparticles produced using the technology can have improved bioavailability, increased solubility and dissolution rates, and fewer side effects.

Addition of the larger scale equipment is a key part of NanGenex’ strategy, Gabor Heltovics, CEO of the company, told in-PharmaTechnologist. Using the new equipment NanGenex can show clients the scalability of its process for continuous production of nanostructured active ingredients.

Hungary-based NanGenex provides clients with services to demonstrate the capabilities of its technology. Clients can then choose to use the equipment in-house through a technology transfer or outsource production to NanGenex.

Heltovics said addition of the larger equipment meets client demand for scale-up. A number of clients have shown interest in the technology and projects using the larger scale machines have begun.

Using the good manufacturing practice (GMP) compliant bench-top instrument NanGenex can produce up to 70 grams of nanostructured active ingredient a day. NanGenex said the larger, pilot plant reactor can produce up to four kilograms of nanostructured active ingredient a day.

New scales, same process

The new models join NanoLead, an instrument for lead generation and optimisation, in NanGenex’ range of flow reactors. All models use a bottom-up continuous flow nano precipitation method for synthesising nanoparticles which allows for modification of resulting characteristics.

Modification is achieved by controlling a number of parameters, such as pressure, temperature, flow rate, pH and concentration, during the process. Integrated size and distribution measuring analytics, as well as prediction and optimisation software, are used to control the parameters.

NanGenex says the process has excellent reproducibility and can reduce the time taken to formulate nanostructured active ingredients by up to 90 per cent.