Efficiency is essential at every stage in the production of medicines in order to minimize waste and bring medicines to patients more quickly. This results in more profitable organizations and greater means to invest in research and development. Minimizing processing time is, therefore, an important consideration to optimize the design of a drug manufacturing process.

Daewoong Pharmaceutical is one of Korea’s leading healthcare organizations, with the largest prescription drug sales in Korea, including 15 blockbuster products. One of the Company’s key products is Botulinum toxin, a neurotoxic protein used to treat a range of medical conditions including muscle spasticity and migraine, as well as for cosmetic procedures (commonly known as Botox).

High flowrate at high pressure

During the filtration of Botulinium toxin, Daewoong encountered a problem of reducing flowrate at high pressure, leading to increased transfer time. The Company required a pump that could achieve high flowrates (10-15 l/min) even at high pressures (2.5-3.0 bar).

Quantum 600 pump from Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Group (WMFTG) was chosen to
overcome this problem, significantly reducing transfer time.

Designed specifically for bioprocessing applications, the Quantum 600 offers the added benefit of ultra-low pulsation due to its peristaltic design which guarantees low sheer. Consistent pressure prevents flowmeter instability and improves the reliability of the filtration process.

Extensive industry expertise

Daewoong pharmaceutical not only required efficient flow in high flowrate, high pressure situations but also in high flowrate, low-pressure situations. WMFTG used its extensive knowledge of biopharmaceutical processing to suggest a flexible combined system, satisfying both these requirements. A 730SN/R pump was provided alongside the Quantum 600, for application in high flowrate, low-pressure situations.

In-depth industry knowledge enables WMFTG engineers to provide bespoke solutions to manufacturing challenges. The breadth of the WMFTG product portfolio allows for an optimal solution to be developed, be that from a single component or integrated system.