Abstract: A method of preparing a pharmaceutical product comprises the steps of (a) providing a neat active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) complying with at least five of the following parameters determined by using a FT4 powder rheometer: (i) specific basic flow energy of at most 60 mJ/g; (ii) stability index of 0.75 to 1.25; (iii) specific energy of at most 10 mJ/g; (iv) major principle stress at 15 kPa of at most 40; (v) flow function at 15 kPa of at least 1.3; (vi) consolidated bulk density at 15 kPa of at least 0.26 g/mL; (vii) compressibility of at most 47%; and (viii) wall friction angle of at most 40°; (b) dispensing the neat API of step (a) into a bottom part of a pharmaceutical carrier using a vacuum assisted metering and filling device; and (c) encapsulating the bottom part, thereby producing a pharmaceutical product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of preparing pharmaceutical products, involving filling active pharmaceutical ingredient powders into pharmaceutical carriers with a vacuum assisted metering and filling device. The methods disclosed herein can be used in a continuous process, such as in a high-throughput process for producing a pharmaceutical product. The present invention further relates to a particular quality of the neat active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) HDM201, i.e. siremadlin, present as succinic acid co-crystal, which can be used in the methods of preparation of the present invention.

Abstract: A method of preparing a pharmaceutical product comprises the steps of (a) providing a neat active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) complying with at least five of the following parameters determined by using a FT4 powder rheometer: (i) specific basic flow energy of at most 60 mJ/g; (ii) stability index of 0.75 to 1.25; (iii) specific energy of at most 10 mJ/g; (iv) major principle stress at 15 kPa of at most 40; (v) flow function at 15 kPa of at least 1.3; (vi) consolidated bulk density at 15 kPa of at least 0.26 g/mL; (vii) compressibility of at most 47%; and (viii) wall friction angle of at most 40°; (b) dispensing the neat API of step (a) into a bottom part of a pharmaceutical carrier using a vacuum assisted metering and filling device; and (c) encapsulating the bottom part, thereby producing a pharmaceutical product.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, systems and apparatus for the metered transport of fine powders into receptacles. According to one exemplary embodiment, an apparatus is provided which comprises a hopper having an opening. The hopper is adapted to receive a bed of fine powder. At least one chamber, which is moveable to allow the chamber to be placed in close proximity to the opening, is also provided. An element having a proximal end and a distal end is positioned within the hopper such that the distal end is near the opening. A vibrator motor is provided to vibrate the element when within the fine powder.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, systems and apparatus for the metered transport of fine powders into receptacles. According to one exemplary embodiment, an apparatus is provided which comprises a hopper having an opening. The hopper is adapted to receive a bed of fine powder. At least one chamber, which is moveable to allow the chamber to be placed in close proximity to the opening, is also provided. An element having a proximal end and a distal end is positioned within the hopper such that the distal end is near the opening. A vibrator motor is provided to vibrate the element when within the fine powder.

Abstract: The invention provides techniques for treating or conditioning powders subsequent to their packaging to facilitate extraction of the powders from their packaging.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling a receptacle comprises a reservoir adapted to contain a supply of powder pharmaceutical formulation, a holder adapted to hold a receptacle in a position where it may receive powder from the reservoir, an extension extending above the receptacle, and a plunger moveable within the extension, whereby powder from the supply may fill the receptacle and at least a portion of the extension and the plunger may force the powder in the extension into the receptacle. In one version, the plunger may be a portion of the receptacle or may be adapted to install a portion of the receptacle. Alternatively, vibrational or other energy may be used to cause powder in the extension to be filled in the receptacle.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling a receptacle comprises a reservoir adapted to contain a supply of powder pharmaceutical formulation, a holder adapted to hold a receptacle in a position where it may receive powder from the reservoir, an extension extending above the receptacle, and a plunger moveable within the extension, whereby powder from the supply may fill the receptacle and at least a portion of the extension and the plunger may force the powder in the extension into the receptacle. In one version, the plunger may be a portion of the receptacle or may be adapted to install a portion of the receptacle. Alternatively, vibrational or other energy may be used to cause powder in the extension to be filled in the receptacle.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, systems and apparatus for the metered transport of fine powders into receptacles. According to one exemplary embodiment, an apparatus is provided which comprises a hopper having an opening. The hopper is adapted to receive a bed of fine powder. At least one chamber, which is moveable to allow the chamber to be placed in close proximity to the opening, is also provided. An element having a proximal end and a distal end is positioned within the hopper such that the distal end is near the opening. A vibrator motor is provided to vibrate the element when within the fine powder.

Abstract: A single-post, height-adjustable and removable armrest apparatus (30) for a wheelchair having wheelchair frame (21). The armrest apparatus includes a base (31) formed for mounting to the wheelchair frame and an arm support assembly (32) having a height-adjustable armrest post (33). Interdisposed between the base and the support assembly is an elongated mounting assembly (34). A locking mechanism (37) is movably mounted to a mounting end (35) of the mounting assembly between a locked condition and a unlocked condition. In the locked condition, the mounting end is locked to the base member, while in the unlocked condition, the mounting end is released from the base. A securing mechanism (40) is movably mounted to an engaging end (36) of the mounting assembly between a secured condition and an unsecured condition. In the secured condition, the armrest post is locked to the mounting assembly, while in the unsecured condition, height adjusting movement of the armrest post is permitted relative to the engaging end.

Abstract: A cartridge is provided with an improved drive which meters ribbon to a constant and selected rate of ribbon advance. At least one ribbon drive cylinder is provided around which the ribbon is wrapped. The drive cylinder is preferably a rubber cylinder of selected diameter constituting a force fitted sleeve on a metering gear. Provision is made for a single but reversible coaxial small and large gear pair to mount at two different locations in the cartridge between a driven gear and the metering gear. The coaxial gears include a first large diameter gear with a greater number of teeth and a smaller diameter gear with a lesser number of teeth. By assembling the large gear in mesh the drive gear and the small gear in mesh with metering cylinder gear, ribbon speed is reduced. The ribbon can be moved at a low speed such as required in multi-strike ribbon applications.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, systems and apparatus for the metered transport of fine powders into receptacles. According to one exemplary embodiment, an apparatus is provided which comprises a hopper having an opening. The hopper is adapted to receive a bed of fine powder. At least one chamber, which is moveable to allow the chamber to be placed in close proximity to the opening, is also provided. An element having a proximal end and a distal end is positioned within the hopper such that the distal end is near the opening. A vibrator motor is provided to vibrate the element when within the fine powder.