This presentation handled the topic of injectable drug administration. Bart Rimez explained that he would showcase four different applications developed in collaboration with customers, using Secoya's crystallisation and encapsulation platforms.
Secoya, a Belgian spin-off company from the Université Libre de Bruxelles, was founded in 2020. The company specialises in process engineering, focusing on technologies based on flow chemistry and physical chemical changes under flow conditions. Their goal is to develop scalable systems for complete production within GMP plants.
Rimez highlighted Secoya's four technological pillars: crystallisation, emulsification, pervaporation, and process intensification. The crystallisation technology, based on a continuous flow system, allowed for precise control of temperature, mixing, and shear rate, resulting in uniform particle sizes. He provided examples of successful applications, such as achieving a narrow particle size distribution for aspirin and developing nanometric precipitations and oral dosage forms.
Rimez then discussed a case study involving itraconazole, where the goal was to achieve a particle size distribution (PSD) with a D90 below 10 micrometres and maintain long-term stability. The study demonstrated that using Secoya's machine, they could achieve the desired PSD and stability with significantly reduced surfactant quantities.
He also presented another example involving Naproxen, where Eurofins, a Belgian CRO CDMO company, aimed to produce particles in the range of 500 to 600 nanometres. Using Secoya's technology, they successfully achieved the desired particle size without the need for traditional wet milling.
Rimez then shifted focus to encapsulation and emulsification technology, explaining the construction of singular beads and microcapsules. He described the RayDrop, a microfluidic device designed to produce uniform beads without surface treatments. The device allowed for high throughput and unmatched uniformity in bead production.
He concluded by emphasising Secoya's commitment to particle engineering and the quality of their products. The company's technologies enabled seamless scaling from early development to production, ensuring both quality and quantity.
