The need for contained handling and processing of pharmaceuticals started to increase significantly about 15 years ago; the reasons for this were an increased focus on health and safety, and also the development of more highly potent active pharmaceutical ingredients (HPAPIs). The response from pharmaceutical equipment suppliers resulted in market improvements in the containment levels achievable, using both established solid-handling
equipment and new innovative techniques.
At the beginning of this development, attention was focused on the revolutionary split valve technology, which is now established as a standard for contained material handling and is offered by a number of suppliers. The current trend, however, is heading strongly towards flexible, disposable containment solutions, first, for cost reasons – no initial investment, no cleaning, safety (no cross contamination) – and second, because of its high flexibility. This market segment is still at the beginning of its development, and it is here where the most exciting innovations are starting to be launched onto the market.
This article presents a brief overview of the techniques available on the market, and concludes with an analysis of the prospects for innovative flexible, disposable containment solutions.
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