Ahead by a nose

ImageTherm will manufacture and supply its SprayView NSx nasal spray actuation system for the Malvern Spraytec particle size analyser

Materials characterisation company Malvern Instruments and ImageTherm Engineering have entered into an agreement whereby ImageTherm will manufacture and supply its SprayView NSx nasal spray actuation system for the Malvern Spraytec particle size analyser.

The Spraytec system uses the technique of laser diffraction for high speed droplet size measurements in concentrated sprays and aerosols.

It is being widely adopted within the pharmaceutical industry for the characterisation of nasal sprays, inhalers and nebulisers.

The alliance with ImageTherm adds significant new capabilities within the Spraytec product range, further enhancing the ability of manufacturers to meet the requirements set out in the FDA's draft guidance covering the testing of nasal aerosols and sprays, says Malvern.

Paul Kippax, Malvern's product manager for diffraction systems, is pleased to have secured the agreement with ImageTherm.

He said: "The use of laser diffraction droplet sizing is becoming increasingly important in ensuring the complete characterisation of nasal pump sprays in line with the FDA's regulatory guidance.

"Reproducible, automated actuation systems are a key requirement within this field.

"ImageTherm's expertise and reputation in the area of nasal and pulmonary pharmaceutical spray characterisation were major factors in our decision to work with them, extending the ability of Malvern Instruments to meet the needs of our customers globally".

The SprayView NSx actuator provides researchers with a precise means of controlling the actuation of nasal pump sprays during product testing, eliminating user bias and ensuring that meaningful product comparisons can be made.

The system allows users to specify both the velocity and acceleration of actuation, providing a realistic mimic of how a patient may use a given device.

In addition, an integration kit (the SprayView NSx-MS) is available that allows accurate positioning of the actuator within the Spraytec's optical bench.

This includes software feedback of the distance between the nasal spray nozzle and the laser diffraction measurement zone.

Dino Farina, president and founder of ImageTherm, stated that "ImageTherm has always worked to provide innovative solutions for pharmaceutical product testing to its customers.

"Working with Malvern represents a significant opportunity for us to expand our business and provide better customer support to the global pharmaceutical product testing market.

" The integrated SprayView NSx and Spraytec solution provides customers with a best of breed solution for efficient and reliable nasal spray characterisation.".

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