Prof Rose Hayeshi, associate professor from the NWU's Preclinical Drug Development Platform, at work with the new machine.
Machine masters medical breakthrough
The NWU's Preclinical Drug Development Platform (PCDDP) on the Potchefstroom Campus is now using cutting-edge technology to shorten patient recovery time and to accelerate new drug development.
The PCDDP recently acquired a machine that can fill hard gelatine capsules with liquid or gel and then seal them. This is dramatically changing the way the PCDDP works, as this machine considerably shortens the process of manufacturing new drugs.
According to Prof Anne Grobler, director of the platform, this technological breakthrough is a first for the African continent. “The NWU is one of very few universities worldwide with access to this technology.”
The CFS1200 machine was developed by the international company Capsugel and adapted for use in South Africa.
How it works
Anne says the human body absorbs a liquid administration form more quickly, which increases a drug's effectiveness and accelerates patient recovery. “With the development of liquid administration forms, a capsule form is now also possible.”
She says the machine brings new opportunities. “The real breakthrough is that therapeutic molecules that could previously not be administered effectively in an oral dosage form can now be administered in capsule form.”
Prof Anne Grobler, director of the platform, says the multimillion-rand machine is now taking NWU scientists to new, previously impossible heights. With her is Dr Philippe Peter, project head of Capsugel.
Where does this machine come from?
Anne says negotiations started four years ago with Capsugel, an international company and leader in the field of dosage form solutions, about how to adapt their CFS1200 machine so that it can process South African drug formulations.
This new pharmaceutical technology was funded through commercial interests and government support. The cost of the machine runs into millions of rands.
At the forefront of drug development – the human body absorbs liquid more effectively. Using liquid forms to administer drugs increases the effectiveness of drugs and accelerates patient recovery.
Breakthrough builds on success
The NWU has already made an international contribution by developing and patenting a unique liquid delivery method of medication. This method is called the Pheroid method.
Using this liquid medication form, the NWU's scientists have developed formulations for eight classes of medication. Where previously the capsules had to be filled by hand, the machine has taken over, eliminating human error and possible contamination.
“This machine will improve many people's quality of life,” says Anne.
For more information, visit the PCDDP's website at www.nwu.ac.za/pcddp and the Capsugel website at www.capsugel.com.
Click to read more
