Emerson, Integra CMS collaborate on continuous pharmaceutical manufacturing

Emerson reported Sept. 17 that it's agreed with Integra CMS to provide comprehensive technologies and services for continuous processes. Integra CMS is a specialty consulting company focusing on specification and implementation of continuous pharmaceutical manufacturing systems. The two companies aim to quicken adoption of continuous manufacturing processes throughout the industry.

They report that continuous manufacturing reduces costs and improves the quantity, quality and reliability of pharmaceutical manufacturing compared to traditional batch manufacturing methods. Continuous processes are complex, however, and require specialized expertise, which contract manufacturers and makers of over-the-counter and generic drugs, ingredients and supplements often lack. Emerson and Integra CMS add they bring deep knowledge and practical experience to provide customers with end-to-end support, from process design to regulatory approval.

“Many companies that are interested in implementing continuous manufacturing systems have relatively little experience in the use of process engineering methods,” says Fernando Muzzio, president of Integra CMS and director of its structured organic particulate systems (C-SOPS). “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.”

Integra CMS will apply its unique understanding of continuous manufacturing and the technology integration process to define requirements, process parameters, and materials specifications, while Emerson will oversee project management, helping customers select, design and implement automation systems. Emerson’s global engineering and large installed base of advanced life sciences technologies, including the DeltaV DCS and Syncade MES, will facilitate faster global adoption of continuous manufacturing.

Emerson has supported the pioneering development of continuous manufacturing technology at Rutgers University's Engineering Research Center for C-SOPS for 10 years. In 2015, Rutgers University licensed Integra CMS to develop, practice and commercialize advanced continuous manufacturing services.

“The design of an integrated continuous manufacturing system and selection of the best equipment for each application requires a rare and deep scientific expertise,” adds Xavier Marchant, life sciences VP 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.”