A new method for manufacturing drugs using highly pressurised carbon dioxide could be set to revolutionise the pharmaceutical sector.
Pressurised carbon dioxide kept at room temperature has successfully been used to create crystals in the compound processing phase of drug production by a team of scientists at the University of Missouri.
The researchers were led by Department of Chemistry professor Jerry Atwood, who believes this new method may eventually be used as an alternative to the complex and often expensive methods currently utilised in drug production.
Commenting on the findings, which are published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, Professor Atwood noted: "I believe this could have huge implications for the pharmaceutical industry.
"In addition to streamlining processes, pressurising gas could circumvent some of the more difficult techniques used on an industrial scale, leading to better pharmaceuticals, more effective treatments and ultimately a lower price."
Last month, a report by PricewaterhouseCoopers indicated that the UK pharmaceutical industry needs to undergo major reform to cope with modern demands.
Typical Guttridge equipment used in the pharmaceutical industry includes; Feeders – metering screw feeders – weighing systems
