The Reality of Continuous Manufacturing - a visit to MSD, Cramlington

It was an early start for #TheContiTruth delegate as we headed to Cramlington to visit MSD. The company has recently installed a Continuous Direct Compression (CDC 50), two ConsiGma Coaters, a Bruker Tandem and is utilizing Siemens PAT technology.

MSD sees #GoingConti as an enabler of modernised drug production, offering better product quality, lower costs and more flexibility. At the same time, they’re equally aware that there’s a burden of management associated with implementing too much PAT and advise that “balance is key to optimisation.”

Adopting continuous manufacturing is not just about equipment, says (a representative from MSD): “It’s a business and strategy issue and requires taking a different approach to aspects such as validation.”

However, they also describe the #ConsiGma continuous coater as a game changer for the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry, even for friable cores. The MSD Cramlington plant was designed and built with both CM and data integrity in mind. And now, the company is asking whether any and all new drug products are CM-compatible. They’re making a firm commitment to the technology.

Furthermore, they expect to see a growth in dual registrations for novel drug products and are currently planning to validate a 40 hour run at a throughput of 7 kg/h on the GEA CDC 50.

After an energetic Q&A session and a fine lunch, GEA’s Phil Gabb thanked our hosts, speakers and delegates by commenting: “This event was just an idea until you, by attending and contributing, made it a reality. We’re extremely grateful for all the input and lively discussions, and look forward to welcoming you to the next edition.”

#TheContiTruth @merck