Novartis Ag

Nektar Therapeutics

Inhale Therapeutic Systems, Inc.

Gordon Stout

Michael J Rocchio

Derrick J Parks

Xuyen Pham

Kyle A Naydo

Patrick Reich

Dale W Ploeger

Markus Krumme

David Hook

Steve Deming

Massimo Moratto

Steffen Lang

Joerg Ogorka

Norbert Rasenack

Diane Brannigan

Elodia Di Renzo

Jim Parks

Fabian Weber

Patrick Tritschler

Stefan Steigmiller

Hendrik Schneider

Andrew J Boeckl

A method of preparing a pharmaceutical product comprises the steps of (a) providing a neat active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) complying with at least five of the following parameters determined by using a FT4 powder rheometer: (i) specific basic flow energy of at most 60 mJ/g; (ii) stability index of 0.75 to 1.25; (iii) specific energy of at most 10 mJ/g; (iv) major principle stress at 15 kPa of at most 40; (v) flow function at 15 kPa of at least 1.3; (vi) consolidated bulk density at 15 kPa of at least 0.26 g/mL; (vii) compressibility of at most 47%; and (viii) wall friction angle of at most 40&#xb0;; (b) dispensing the neat API of step (a) into a bottom part of a pharmaceutical carrier using a vacuum assisted metering and filling device; and (c) encapsulating the bottom part, thereby producing a pharmaceutical product.

Method for preparing a pharmaceutical product

The invention provides methods, systems and apparatus for the metered transport of fine powders into receptacles. According to one exemplary embodiment, an apparatus is provided which comprises a hopper having an opening. The hopper is adapted to receive a bed of fine powder. At least one chamber, which is moveable to allow the chamber to be placed in close proximity to the opening, is also provided. An element having a proximal end and a distal end is positioned within the hopper such that the distal end is near the opening. A vibrator motor is provided to vibrate the element when within the fine powder.

Powder filling apparatus and methods for their use

An apparatus for filling a receptacle comprises a reservoir adapted to contain a supply of powder pharmaceutical formulation, a holder adapted to hold a receptacle in a position where it may receive powder from the reservoir, an extension extending above the receptacle, and a plunger moveable within the extension, whereby powder from the supply may fill the receptacle and at least a portion of the extension and the plunger may force the powder in the extension into the receptacle. In one version, the plunger may be a portion of the receptacle or may be adapted to install a portion of the receptacle. Alternatively, vibrational or other energy may be used to cause powder in the extension to be filled in the receptacle.

Apparatus and method for filling a receptacle with powder

Power filling apparatus and methods for their use

Growing community of inventors

El Cerrito, CA, United States of America

Gordon Stout