New Generation Xcelodose(R)S Precision Drug Powder Micro-filling System Offers 50% Increased Throughput
01/11/2007 10:02
PR Newswire
CAMBRIDGE, England, November 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Capsugel will unveil the successor to its unique Xcelodose system for
micro-dosing of drug powders into capsules and vials at the American
Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) Annual Meeting in San Diego
(November 11th -15th, 2007).
The new Xcelodose S system will feature a 50% increase in throughput rate
for filled capsules. Additional improvements include an integral High
Throughput Unit and expanded software functionality.
These enhancements will be available in both the 120 and 600 models,
which will replace the existing Xcelodose products. The Xcelodose system,
launched in 2002, revolutionized the preparation of drug materials for early
stage clinical trials and formulation development. For the first time,
pharmaceutical companies could fill pure Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient
(API) directly into capsules or other small dose containers, with a level of
accuracy and precision previously unattainable.
By automatically dispensing drug substance alone into capsules,
pharmaceutical companies can benefit from a reduction in development time by
as much as six months. Eliminating the need for formulation for early stage
trials enables companies to more quickly reach the crucial "Go/No Go" point
for continuing development following Phase I clinical studies. In short, the
Xcelodose system has made achieving the goal of "Faster Time to First in Man"
a reality.
David Edwards, Director of Pharmaceutical Technology for Capsugel, said
the impetus behind the new generation of Xcelodose machines was increased
throughput. "Since we originally launched Xcelodose, we have found that batch
sizes have increased tenfold; from thousands of capsules per batch, to tens
of thousands or more per batch. It became clear that the number one customer
requirement was for increased throughput, followed closely by reliability
over longer runs."
Keith Hutchison, Capsugel's Vice-President of R?, re-affirmed the
company's commitment to innovation. "With more than 50 Xcelodose systems
installed at pharmaceutical, biotech and CRO companies worldwide, capsule
micro-filling has become an established technology for early stage clinical
trials. Our goal with the Xcelodose S is to substantially advance our
strategy of providing innovative solutions to our customers."
The new Xcelodose S system will be featured at Capsugel Booth #691 at the
AAPS Annual Meeting.
Note to Editors:
Capsugel, the world's leading provider of dosage form solutions to the
pharmaceutical and related healthcare industries, is a division of Pfizer
Inc. Offering a diverse array of products and services, Capsugel is at the
forefront of drug delivery innovation. Recent product launches include the
CFS 1200 Liquid Filling and Sealing Machine and the Xcelodose S Precision
Powder Micro-filling System. Both utilize advanced technology that can better
enable R? scientists to accelerate the pace of drug development.
Contact for communications: Kate Cartmell, Marketing and Commercial Executive, Kate.A.Cartmell@pfizer.com, Capsugel Division of Pfizer, Cambridge Research Centre, Granta Park Great, Abington, Cambridge CB21 6GP, Tel: +44-1304-644791, Fax: +44-1223-892326