Piramal Pharma Solutions Enhances Manufacturing Capabilities with Advanced Bilayer Tablet Press Technology
Key Insights
Piramal Pharma Solutions has acquired a state-of-the-art Korsch (search) XM-12 bilayer tablet press at its Morpeth, UK facility to enhance formulation development capabilities.
The new equipment enables production of both single-layer and bilayer tablets with advanced features for high potency API containment and rapid changeovers.
The facility's Formulation Development Team will undergo comprehensive training protocols to ensure safe operation and high-quality output from the XM-12.
Piramal Pharma Solutions, a leading global Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO), has acquired a state-of-the-art Korsch (search) XM-12 bilayer tablet press at its drug product facility in Morpeth, UK. The strategic investment aims to enhance the company's formulation development capabilities and expand its capacity for producing complex oral solid dosage forms.
Advanced Manufacturing Technology
The Korsch (search) XM-12 bilayer tablet press represents a significant technological advancement for Piramal's Morpeth facility, which specializes in the development and manufacturing of oral solids and hormonal products. The equipment is designed for both single-layer and bilayer production, offering the Formulation Development Team greater precision and efficiency in achieving high tablet output across flexible formats.
The XM-12 features several advanced capabilities including sanitary fittings for inlet hoppers, a special product chute designed for the containment of high potency APIs (search), and both B and D changeout turrets to support rapid changeovers between different formulations. The equipment is equipped with built-in technology that maintains consistent precision output with minimal operator interaction once critical settings are established.
Comprehensive Training and Quality Protocols
Piramal Pharma Solutions has implemented robust training protocols to ensure safe operation and high-quality output from the new equipment. Frank Bugg, Managing Director and Site Head at Piramal Pharma Solutions' Morpeth facility, explained the comprehensive approach to implementation.
"In preparation for using the Korsch (search) XM-12, Piramal's scientists, operators, and maintenance teams will undergo thorough training alongside Korsch factory technicians, while Piramal's validation experts carry out qualification and validation. All activities will meet both industry standards and Piramal's own quality requirements," Bugg stated.
The training program will be specifically tailored to meet the unique requirements of each role within the Formulation Development Team. "The training will be customized for Formulation Development operators and scientists, technical transfer staff, and maintenance groups. Both bilayer and single-layer modes will be challenged, as well as instruction on changeovers, cleaning, and even future containment testing," Bugg noted.
Strategic Impact on Drug Development
The addition of the Korsch (search) XM-12 bilayer tablet press provides the facility's Formulation Development Team with an important tool for developing fixed dose combinations and modified release drug delivery systems. This capability is particularly valuable for creating complex pharmaceutical formulations that can improve patient compliance and therapeutic outcomes.
The new equipment enables the facility to produce premium tablets at scale with enhanced accuracy, speed, and flexibility. This technological advancement supports Piramal's broader mission of delivering innovative therapies to patients while reducing the global burden of disease.
Company Background and Global Reach
Piramal Pharma Solutions operates as part of Piramal Pharma Ltd. (search), serving customers through a globally integrated network of facilities in North America, Europe, and Asia. The company offers comprehensive services including drug discovery solutions, process and pharmaceutical development services, clinical trial supplies, and commercial supply of APIs and finished dosage forms.
The organization also provides specialized services such as the development and manufacture of highly potent APIs, antibody-drug conjugations (search), sterile fill/finish, peptide products (search) and services, and potent solid oral drug products. Through its associate company Yapan Bio Private Limited (search), PPS also offers development and manufacturing services for biologics including vaccines and gene therapies.
The strategic investment in the Korsch (search) XM-12 bilayer tablet press at the Morpeth facility reinforces Piramal Pharma Solutions' commitment to advances in drug delivery, continuous improvement, quality, and patient centricity across its global operations.