GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) is using Capsugel's integrated Licaps drug delivery system, comprising Licaps capsules and liquid encapsulation microspray sealing (LEMS) equipment to produce capsule lines.
Production scientists in one of GSK's Consumer Healthcare centres in Herrenberg, Germany are filling Capsugel's Licaps two-piece gelatin capsules with liquid formulations containing pumpkin seed, pumpkin seed oil or herbal extracts such as saw palmetto or hop extract.
The filled capsules are then sealed using Capsugel's LEMS automated capsule sealing system and the finished capsules are marketed by GSK as pharmaceuticals to treat several types of urological conditions or as nutraceuticals.
Dr Stephan Wurtz, head of production at GSK in Herrenberg, said: 'The capsules produced by the Licaps drug delivery system had intact seals during the complete period of stability testing, and we could not detect any leakage.' He added: 'The Licaps drug delivery system has integrated well with our Bosch capsule filling equipment, and because of the expert technical assistance we have had from Capsugel's installation and formulation teams, we have in a very short time put in place a number of validated production processes with five fully trained operators, who can perform them.
'During one shift using the Licaps drug delivery system, up to 350,000 Licaps capsules can be filled.'
