Pfizer, GSK collaborate on PCMM prototype for OSD

Pfizer’s current PCMM prototype is an autonomous and transportable pod that may be quickly shipped from location to location and readily brought online to create a fully functional module that is compliant with industry-standard good manufacturing practice (GMP) guidelines.

Together with GSK, which has notable technical and regulatory experience in continuous processing, Pfizer will conduct coordinated experiments to create the next-generation design of Pfizer’s current PCMM prototype.

This collaboration expands upon Pfizer’s existing collaboration with GEA and G-CON Manufacturing, which resulted in the design of the current prototype unit presently implemented at Pfizer’s labs in Groton, Conn.

Pfizer senior vice president of pharmatherapeutics research & development Rod MacKenzie said: "Pfizer’s success in building a first-of-a-kind, transportable, modular prototype for oral solid dose pharmaceutical development and manufacturing holds promise to help transform industry practices, and we invite other organizations to join us in this effort.

"We believe coupling Pfizer’s industry-leading development and manufacturing capabilities with GSK’s experience and expertise in continuous processing has the potential to lead to a superior technology, thereby allowing us to more quickly and efficiently bring therapies to patients."

GSK vice president and head of advanced manufacturing technologies Mark Buswell said: "GSK is pursuing a strategy to enhance our manufacturing supply chains and drive access to medicines for patients. Continuous manufacturing is a key part of that strategy.

"This strategic collaboration allows Pfizer and GSK to align on a vision for PCMM-OSD equipment designs and enables us to deploy flexible, agile and reliable manufacturing solutions to benefit patients."