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Downstream processing is a crucial part of pharmaceutical drug development. The purification and filtration of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and pharmaceutical drugs are time-consuming and costly, but vital downstream processing steps to bringing a purified drug to market.

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Based on project requirements, a pharmaceutical drug can be purified at every scale through a number of purification processes, which can address some of the complex challenges of drug purification. Purification processes for pharmaceutical drugs include, but are not limited to, sterile filtration, chromatography, sterile sampling, ultrafiltration, process development, and single-use manufacturing.

Finding leading providers of pharmaceutical filtration equipment and purification services

Pharmaceutical Technology has listed some of the leading suppliers of pharmaceutical purification and filtration equipment and technologies based on its intel, insights, and decades of experience in the sector.

The companies on the list offer various products and services such as cyclone systems for API recovery, filtration and separation solutions for purifying APIs, filtration and screening products, disposable and single-use flowmeter solutions for the biopharmaceutical industry, process filters, gas chromatography equipment, fluid bed dryers for pharmaceutical applications, pilot and process-scale customised chromatography equipment, pharmaceutical extraction, synthesis, purification, and air filtration solutions.

The information in the download document is intended for pharmaceutical executives, research scientists, research associates, chemists, technical associates, engineers, business development managers, and other individuals involved in purification and filtration operations within the pharmaceutical industry.

Related Buyer’s Guides which cover an extensive range of pharmaceutical equipment manufacturers, solutions providers and technology, can also be found here.

The pharmaceutical filtration process

The process of filtering is applied to a variety of pharmaceutical processes and its flexibility allows it to be widely used within the . Some of the most commonly used filtration technologies are surface filtration, depth filtration, cross-flow filtration, ultra-filtration, and cake filtration.

These technologies can be applied across all pharmaceutical production areas, depending on the type of solution being used.

For full details (including contact details) on the leading companies within this space, download the free Buyer’s Guide below:

Frequently asked questions

  • What is the purpose of filtration and purification in pharmaceutical manufacturing?

    Filtration and purification processes are essential for removing impurities from active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and ensuring the final drug product meets safety and efficacy standards. These processes are vital at every stage of drug development, including sterile filtration, chromatography, and ultrafiltration, all of which contribute to producing a highly purified and compliant drug product ready for market.

  • What are the different types of filtration technologies used in pharmaceuticals?

    Pharmaceutical filtration technologies include surface filtration, depth filtration, cross-flow filtration, and ultrafiltration. Surface filtration captures particles on the surface of a membrane, while depth filtration traps contaminants within a thicker medium. Cross-flow filtration is often used in separating biomolecules, and ultrafiltration is employed to remove small particles or solvents, ideal for highly sensitive drugs.

  • How does ultrafiltration benefit pharmaceutical processes?

    Ultrafiltration is widely used in drug purification as it allows the selective separation of particles based on size, which is crucial for biopharmaceuticals like proteins and antibodies. This process helps concentrate the desired product while eliminating contaminants, enabling high yields and reducing costs during manufacturing.

  • Why is sterile filtration important in drug production?

    Sterile filtration ensures that any biological contaminants, including bacteria and endotoxins, are removed from pharmaceutical products, particularly injectable drugs. This process is critical to maintaining product sterility and patient safety, as even the smallest contaminants can pose significant health risks when introduced into the body.

  • What role does single-use technology play in purification and filtration?

    Single-use technology in filtration systems offers flexibility and reduces cross-contamination risks in pharmaceutical production. These systems are pre-assembled and sterilised, allowing for quick setup and disposal after use, which is particularly beneficial for biopharmaceutical processes that require high levels of purity and compliance.