Lyophilization - a highly effective drying process

The term lyophilization (freeze-drying) is the drying of a frozen material under a vacuum by means of freezing out the solvent (usually water) which then vaporizes in its frozen state (sublimation drying).

Today, lyophilization is a common process for the carefull drying and conservation of delicate materials such as food, flavors, pharmaceuticals as well as biological materials. The final product of lyophilization is a very porous, stable and dry "lyo-cake".

In the pharmaceutical field, lyophilization is an important and widespread process particularly for sensitive materials. That is why, ever since the development of biological agents, the freeze-dried medications manufactured from them have gained worldwide significance. They are highly active, but especially sensitive and can therefore only be preserved for longer periods by means of lyophilization.

Innovations

It can be assumed that the demand for pharmaceutical lyophilization will further increase - in particular for lyophilizates which are stable at room temperature. By this means, an agent can be preserved for a specific period of time and can be transported.

Vetter Lyo-Ject frei 800x600
Dual-Chamber Syringe Vetter Lyo-Ject®

Most of the lyophilized pharmaceuticals are currently filled in vials and are only sulobilized to the actual medication immediately prior to injection. However, in recent years, there has been an increase in demand for such application sysems as the dual-chamber syringe and the dual-chamber cartridge which, in addition to the lyophilized agent, also contain water or a special solvent.

Vial lyo

Vial (lyophilized)