Japanese CDMO Peptistar has commenced the operation of Asahi Kasei’s forward osmosis–membrane distillation (FO–MD) system for the trial production of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). This innovative system, first announced by Asahi Kasei in 2018, allows for the dehydration and concentration of liquids without the need for heat or pressure, significantly reducing the time required for freeze-drying processes in API manufacturing.
The pharmaceutical landscape is evolving, with a marked shift in demand from traditional small molecules to more complex biologics, peptides, and oligonucleotides. These next-generation APIs often require sensitive handling due to their heat sensitivity, making conventional freeze-drying methods costly and energy-intensive. Asahi Kasei’s FO-MD system addresses these challenges by concentrating raw materials under mild conditions, thus preserving the integrity of heat-sensitive compounds.
By integrating this technology, Peptistar aims to enhance its capabilities in producing high-quality APIs while also exploring the potential for future commercialization of the FO-MD system. This development reflects a broader industry trend towards more efficient and sustainable manufacturing processes, crucial for meeting the growing demands of advanced therapeutics.
Open the full market picture for your next decision →
