Contract Sterilization |
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Transcoject has been a reliable partner in the ethylene oxide sterilization of thermo-sensitive products for the medical and pharmaceutical industries for more than 40 years. For the past decade, we have sterilized using a dual-chamber system, each with a volume of 33 m. Being certified according to ISO 11135-1, we do not just run standard cycles, we also develop special cycles customized according to the properties of the product and the client’s needs. |
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Our experienced team of experts advises and assists our customers through the individually designed sterilization cycle from validationright up to product sterilization. This also includes the microbiological testing in our in-house laboratories, including bio-burden, proof of successful sterilization through sterility testing on bio-indicators and residual gas analysis. As regards logistics, we also like to take on challenges. Once an arrangement is in place, receipt of delivery to our premises may be possible day and night, also on week-ends. We offer 24/7 Service, commencing sterilization cycles in the middle of night if necessary. We use cutting-edge bioindicators so that – depending upon the articles’ degassing characteristics – a product release may be possible at earliest two days after sterilization We remain at your disposal with our wide range of individual services, from concept development to market launch as a full-service partner in the EtO sterilization When desired, we can arrange radiation sterilization with external partners. |
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Equipment | ||||
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Sterilization Cycle Development | ||||
Process Design |
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We have designed both our filling concept and line very variable to permit us to adapt to customers’ needs and requests. This starts with raw materials: the customer determines specifications and Transcoject uses the raw materials to prepare the solution and fill it into to the agreed containers. When necessary, Transcoject will develop and validate a specific filling process, tailored to the properties of the medium. Designing the process means identifying (and defining) the ideal filling parameters, such as stirring time and choice of filters. Thanks to our vast flexibility, we produce varying batch sizes, from the small series up to larger batches of up to 200 litres, in manual or semi-automatic filling. Working on 2 shifts, we plan and perform production campaigns ideally suited to your article. As regards the containers to be filled, we are just as flexible: almost anything goes, from small syringes or vials up to syringes of 50ml volume. |
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Filling Procedure |
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PROCESS AND TECHNIQUE |
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The process of aseptic filling where a sterile product is filled into medical containers without the need for further terminal sterilization is a particularly critical process that Transcoject has operated successfully for years. Accordingly, Transcoject is certified according to ISO 13408 for aseptic filling. Qualified rooms and machinery as well as validated processes guarantee a safe product. We regularly review the quality and safety of the filling process by validating the procedure by means of integrated Media Fills that meet current GMP requirements. At the core of our filling area is a laminar flow enclosure according to cleanroom class A, surrounded by a class B cleanroom. This enclosure is where we fill medical devices up to class III. At present, amongst others, we are filling syringes with urology products, in particular Gepan® Instill for Pohl Boskamp as well as Instillamed® for Farco Pharma (Klosterfrau group) Sterile filtration of media makes sense – and is equally safe – when heat sterilization is not feasible. In general, the filtration is effected using filters of a pore size of 0,2µm which reliably retain animate cells while allowing the dissolved ingredients of the medium to pass the filter without undergoing any transformation. Sterile filtration is a gentle treatment of media, i.e. active ingredients and auxiliary substances are not exposed to radiation or heat. Having in-house laboratories for incoming and outgoing inspection allows us to perform nearly all relevant tests at short notice, whether raw materials or finished products. For example, we perform the following tests: |
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bioburden | |
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osmolalität | |
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viscosity | |
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proportion of decisive integredients | |
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pH value | |
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endotoxins | |
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Those tests that we cannot perform on our premises are assigned to certified external laboratories. |
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ASSURE AN ASEPTIC AREA |
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The filling runs are executed with dedicated equipment. All components that are in direct contact with the prodct are made of pharmaceutical-grade stainless steel and are sterilized regularly prior to any new filling run. Particular elements such as filters or tubes are exchanged before commencing a new production campaign. Cleaning programmes describe the process in detail, designate the cleaning agents as well as disinfectants and define the time frame. All this is strictly controlled and recorded in protocols. For every batch, an individual ambient conditions monitoring is conducted, including air, surfaces and personnel. According to our zoning concept, every single step is regulated, from gowning of the specifically trained personnel and inward transfer of the materials, all via diverse air locks, up to the production area sensu stricto. It goes without saying that the basic microbial load of the primary chemical material is of crucial importance for the aseptic filling. Therefore, our incoming inspection checks incoming base chemicals meet the specified threshold.
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Filling |
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COMPLEX PROCESSES, MADE-TO_ORDER |
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The filling of medical-pharmaceutical products is one of our most important divisions. As a full-service provider who contributes to peoples’ well-being, we naturally set high quality and safety standards in filling, as well as in all other divisions of our company. The aseptic filling, by which a sterile product is filled into vessels without the need for further terminal sterilisation, is a particularly critical process that not only requires qualified systems but also an extremely thorough validation of the aseptic conditions throughout the entire filling process. At Transcoject, we have successfully carried through this process for a number of years. In order to cater to the needs of our customers, we have designed both our concept and our equipment to be as adaptable as possible; this enables us to develop individualised processes. |
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Filling Procedure | ||
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Process Design | ||
