At a time when the tablet coating industry faced numerous challenges, Gansons achieved a breakthrough development by overcoming a seemingly impossible process. In 1999, the achievement helped Gansons make a mark in the industry as not just an equipment manufacturer but a research-based and knowledge-oriented leader.

SmithKline Beecham (now GlaxoSmithKline), one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world, planned to discontinue the use of organic solvents which pose evident processing risks and effluents. The challenge was to aqueous coat a hygroscopic core tablet (amoxicillin/clavulanic acid). This posed a process conundrum for process technologists at SmithKline Beecham (SKB).

Augmentin®, a widely used antibiotic, has hygroscopic properties. Coating with an aqueous coating suspension would logically lead to degradation of the product. Additionally, along with extreme drying of the hygroscopic substance in the tablet, the tablet shelf life was also a major concern.

SKB approached global coating equipment manufacturers to develop a processing technology for this unique application.  Gansons was entrusted with this task.

Gansons process technologists, led by our technocrat CMD, Ashis Banerjee, developed process conditions through which this could be achieved.

The process mandated an extreme level of dehumidification for the tablet to be bone dry almost instantly after the aqueous coating. Specialised air handling units and sensors were integrated with The GansCoater™ to achieve optimal conditions, while closely monitoring process parameters.

Bringing experts in for each component of the coater, Gansons pushed the boundaries for innovation and delivered beyond the requirements. Achieving aqueous coating was not the only goal but making it more energy efficient and saving costs was the ultimate target.  Through energy recycling loops, The GansCoater™ reintroduced the heat from the dehumidification process towards heating the drying air.

We could achieve aqueous coating while ensuring that nearly 25 percent energy savings is attained. Our goal went beyond just aqueous coating, which was a challenge. It was a result of great teamwork day in and day out. Mr. Banerjee said while recalling the triumph. 

Mr. Banerjee added “We envisioned the commercialisation of aqueous-coated Augmentin® and ensured that the cost to manufacturer is minimised.” 

 The Gansons team thrives on problem-solving and pushing the envelope on what’s possible. We can’t wait to partner with you on your next project. 

 Call Gansons for process solutions: +91 22 25 86 80 59 | +91 22 25 86 80 84 (global) and +44 74358 97492 (Europe) or email us at tsd@gansons.com (global) and engineeringUK@gansons.com (Europe)