SGS Boosts Pharmaceutical Spray Testing with Cutting-Edge Laser Diffraction Technology in Belgium

SGS Boosts Pharmaceutical Spray Testing with Cutting-Edge Laser Diffraction Technology in Belgium

(IN BRIEF) SGS has introduced advanced laser diffraction technology at its Wavre, Belgium lab, enhancing its ability to measure droplet sizes in spray drug delivery systems. This investment in Malvern Spraytec technology allows for real-time data collection during the spray event, crucial for optimizing drug formulations and device compatibility. The lab’s new capabilities align with FDA requirements, ensuring precise assessments of factors like actuation force on droplet size, essential for effective and safe medication delivery. SGS’s Wavre facility is part of a global network supporting the pharmaceutical industry from development to market.

(PRESS RELEASE) GENEVA, 6-Nov-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — SGS, a global leader in testing, inspection, and certification, is enhancing its spray testing capabilities at its Wavre, Belgium laboratory through the integration of advanced laser diffraction technology. This new equipment is set to refine droplet size measurement processes, a critical factor in the effectiveness of spray drug delivery, commonly used in treatments from nasal decongestants to vaccines.

Sprays offer a swift, non-invasive method for delivering medications, bypassing the gastrointestinal system and thereby preserving the active ingredients. Droplet size is paramount in determining how well the active substance is delivered to and absorbed by the body. Variables such as formulation thickness, storage conditions, and agitation of the container can impact droplet size, underscoring the need for precise measurement to ensure optimal pairing of the drug formulation with its delivery device.

By investing in the Malvern Spraytec laser diffraction system, SGS demonstrates its commitment to cutting-edge pharmaceutical testing technology. This system provides real-time measurement during the spray process, which occurs in mere fractions of a second. The Spraytec captures droplet data at up to 10 kilohertz, generating a comprehensive profile crucial for refining both drug formulations and the design of delivery devices.

Key Features:

• Real-time droplet analysis: Enables high-speed data acquisition throughout each spray actuation, essential for assessing reproducibility and enhancing delivery efficiency.
• Wide measurement range: Accurately measures droplets from 0.1 to 2000 microns, ideal for analyzing nasal sprays within the 20–120-micron range.
• Laser diffraction technology: Measures droplet size by analyzing the light diffraction patterns created as droplets scatter light, offering detailed insight into average droplet sizes essential for product optimization.

In line with FDA regulations, which classify sprays as combination products, SGS’s testing methods ensure that both formulation and delivery device are evaluated simultaneously. Using the Malvern Spraytec and Mighty Runt actuator, SGS can precisely measure the influence of actuation speed and force on droplet size, helping pharmaceutical developers meet regulatory requirements.

SGS’s state-of-the-art lab in Wavre is part of a global network that spans North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, providing comprehensive testing, clinical research, formulation, and manufacturing support for pharmaceutical products. With extensive expertise and high standards, SGS supports clients from development through to the commercial manufacturing stages, ensuring products meet international standards for safety, efficacy, and compliance.

About SGS

SGS is recognized worldwide as a leader in testing, inspection, and certification, setting the benchmark for quality, integrity, and sustainability. With a workforce of 99,600 professionals across 2,600 offices and laboratories, SGS continues to lead the way in innovation and excellence.

Media Contact:

Katie De Waele
Head of Business Development – Health Science
t: (+32) 10 42 11 11

SOURCE: SGS