Industry has been slowly warming up to the idea of continuous processing for the past few years and now suddenly, it seems to be the topic on everyone’s minds. Regulators and industry alike are salivating at the possibilities and benefits that promise to come from running an entire process, from raw-material input to finished packaged product, without interruption. Not only can such a process save time and help to increase product quality, but it can also save money.

According to one PharmTech source, quality by design has opened new doors for continuous processing to finally take root in the pharma industry. Although the food and chemical industries have applied it for decades and pharma has run semicontinuous units, QBD’s focus on innovation and flexibility are paving more solid ground for continuous-processing implementation in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Also pushing the movement is the increased communication that seems to be occurring between industry and regulators. By engaging in frank conversation with agencies such as FDA about acceptable process changes, industry is facing a new world of opportunity.

But what’s really needed throughout pharma to make this transition happen is innovation. Industry needs the equipment, the analytical techniques, and the know-how to implement what could be the biggest change in pharma manufacturing in decades. The food industry and equipment vendors have much to offer in this regard and dialogue between the sectors could be very beneficial. Senior management support is also key.

PharmTech would like to hear your thoughts on what’s behind the growing shift to continuous processing and whether your company is applying it.