ERP Manufacturing

Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Technology

Pharmaceuticals in the United States represent a carefully regulated billion dollar industry. Technology as it relates to the pharmaceutical industry continues to accelerate at a fast pace. Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Technology is responsible for implementing the strict and stringent processes and procedures involved in the fabrication of medicines. The challenge for the manufacturers seems to be how best to further the quality of products it provides its consumers while at the same time filling the essential requirement for sustained, financial growth and success.

In today’s world, pharmaceutical manufacturing includes the manufacture and packaging of materials to be used as medications. Manufacturing is divided into two major stages: the primary processing of the active ingredient and the secondary processing: converting the active drugs into products suitable for medicinal administration. Steps necessary to pharmaceutical manufacturing are: preparation of process intermediates; introduction of functional groups; separation processes; and purification of the final product. Additional manufacturing steps may involve granulation; drying; tablet pressing, coating; filling; and packaging.

Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Technology allows for the following pharmaceutical groups: prescription only medicines; standard prescription-only medicines made to a formula; and, over-the counter medicines. Pharmaceutically manufactured products can take the form of tablets, capsules, liquids, creams, ointments, or aerosols. The major manufactured groups include: antibiotics; synthetic drugs, including sulfa drugs and analgesics; vitamins; synthetic hormones; drugs of vegetable origin; vaccines and sera; chemicals such as calcium, ferrous salts, antihistamines, and tranquilizers.

Just like any other business, the pharmaceutical industry has to generate profit. Therefore, advancements in technology have to be viewed in connection to fiscal growth. Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Technology must be incorporated into a broad range of business practices that manage costs, streamline labor, and offer proper treatment, as well as produce monetary gain. For example, many pharmaceuticals are now being designed for single-use only in order to increase the rate of sterile and sanitary treatment. Looked at from a business perspective, the proliferation of single-use products not only simplifies manufacturing and distribution, but it also increases the profit margins for manufacturers.

Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Technology has to be balanced between creating drugs that will make huge profits and keeping the healthcare of the consumer in mind. Drug research and development is expensive, no company can afford to manufacture a pharmaceutical that will not sell. At the same time, however, pharmaceutical technology has to guarantee that all drugs manufactured and then released to the public have been thoroughly tested, are safe, and will produce the desired effect.

Written by :

Amy Cruz