Brandon Cole, P.Eng., Business Development and Strategic Planning Manager, ATS Life Sciences, presented recently at Interphex about the potential for using lyophilized beads (lyobeads) instead of traditional lyo cake. And the reaction indicates freeze drying is becoming the hottest thing in pharma.
Applying the lyophilization process to a single droplet of liquid and forming it into a bead provides many benefits, including:
- Easier reconstitution (higher volume to surface area ratio)
- Reduced logistics costs (ship only the reagent and reconstitute on site)
- Simplified distribution – no cold chain
- Lower risk of contamination
- Longer shelf life (~2-5 years depending on API or reagent)
- Easier storage (room temperature)
- Less waste
Depending on how you’ll be using the beads, the dispense methods can be adjusted to change the shape of the bead, add colour, and adjust size anywhere from 700 nanoliters to 200 microliters. Read more to see how this process could solve many of your production concerns.
