EPISODE 8: Particle Identification
Particle Identification, CSI Edition: Unveiling Invisible Threats in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
In this episode we are joined by Pascal Chalus, Lonza's Associate Director of Particle Identification, to uncover the intricacies of ensuring drug products are free from both visible and subvisible particles.
Imagine a simple injection – a vaccine, an IV fluid, or an antibiotic. Its clarity is not just aesthetic; it's a testament to safety and efficacy. But lurking beneath this clear surface could be subvisible particles, invisible threats that pharmaceutical manufacturers work tirelessly to eliminate. These particles, although unseen, can reduce the effectiveness of a medication, trigger unwanted immune responses, or even cause dangerous blockages in the bloodstream.
How do we combat what we cannot see? This question leads us into an insightful discussion with Pascal Chalus, who draws intriguing parallels between pharmaceutical particle identification and the forensic science popularized by the TV series "CSI." Just as forensic experts identify unknown substances to solve crimes, scientists like Pascal identify and analyze particles in medications, tracing their origins to ensure patient safety.
This field impacts everyone who has ever received an injection, taken a tablet, or swallowed a capsule – essentially, every one of us. Innovations in this field hold the promise of raising the bar for drug safety standards and therapeutic efficacy.
Curious to Know More? Join us in this intriguing episode as we explore the "good, the bad, and the ugly" of particles in pharma manufacturing—including finding a bug leg and tracing down its origins using DNA testing. Discover the meticulous process that keeps medications safe and the continuous advancements in the field of particle identification.