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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: GR/J72233/01
Title: FORMATION, PROCESSING AND CHARACTERISATION OF PHARMACEUTICAL POWDERS
Principal Investigator: Ghadiri, Professor M
Other Investigators:
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
GlaxoSmithKline plc (GSK) Pfizer Pre Nexus Migration
Roche (UK)
Department: Chemical & Process Engineering
Organisation: University of Surrey
Scheme: Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts: 01 October 1994 Ends: 30 September 1997 Value (£): 215,843
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Particle Technology
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology
Related Grants:
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
A large proportion of pharmaceutical products are in the powder form. The manufacture of such products involves processes such as crystallisation and size reduction followed by formulation, compaction and tabletting. It is well-known in practice that these processes can greatly influence the chemical activity and physical properties of the final product, but yet little is understood of the underlying mechanisms. Consequently the production of pharmaceutical powders is fraught with unforeseen difficulties. In view of the large number of pharmaceutical ingredients and excipients and continual development of new drugs, current practice of trouble shooting based on informed empiricism and past experience often causes significant delays in the production. A fundamental approach in analysing these processes in order to provide the capability for predicting the powder behaviour in the course of production will therefore be of significant benefit in reducing the development time and providing optimum process conditions.The programme aims to discover some of the links between the physical properties of the active materials and excipients with specific emphasis on crystallisation, size reduction and characterisation of the physical form at the various processing stages. It will be carried out in close collaboration with the research groups of Professors J Sherwood and P York. The main objective in this part of the programme is to establish a predictive knowledge linking the parameters of size reduction process with the material properties, and the behaviour of the product in the subsequent stages of processing. Characterisation of the mechanical properties, impact damage analysis and jet milling are the topics that will be addressed. Aspects related to the formation and processing will be covered by the other two groups.
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Organisation Website: http://www.surrey.ac.uk