[learn_more caption=”Adam Procopio, Ph.D.”] Adam Procopio is currently the Senior Principal Scientist, West Point, PA. This group is responsible for all aspects of compaction and mechanical property characterization of drug substance and product. His research interests are in both experimental and computational predictive technologies. He has numerous publications and patents to his credit and has given several invited presentations. He holds MS (1999) and PhD (2005) degrees in Materials Science and Engineering from Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA.[/learn_more]

Powder compaction is the workhorse of pharmaceutical processing yet is still not completely understood.  A recent survey highlighted that over 80% of all pharmaceutical drug products are in the form of tablets.  The use of experimental compaction simulation, either by hydraulic or mechanical means, is becoming ubiquitous in the industry as research in the preclinical and clinical areas aim to accurately predict manufacturing performance earlier in development to avoid costly (and risky) formulation switches downstream.  The mechanical strength of tablets is a function of many variables, but is dominated by the formulation composition and particle processing conditions.  This talk will highlight, through selected case studies and examples from internal Merck experiences and from key literature references, the use of hydraulic compaction simulation and associated small scale tools to understand primary particle and granular mechanical properties as they translate to final dosage form mechanical strength.