12 January 2009; Nottingham, UK: Copley Scientific’s innovative approach to design has driven the company’s development of a range of compact instrumentation for the straightforward and accurate testing of transdermal drug delivery systems. This includes two units based on the vertical diffusion or Franz cell, a method that is well-established for in vitro testing of topical pharmaceutical semi-solid dosage forms, such as creams, ointments and gels. Streamlined heating systems and a novel clamping arrangement simplify equipment set-up and enhance measurement accuracy
The HDT 10 accommodates 10 diffusion cells in a single aluminium heating block. It is robust and extremely compact, with a very small footprint. Powerful magnetic stirrers are located beneath each test station, with stirrer speed and temperature being set, controlled and displayed from a single control panel. The heating block design gives stable temperature control and eliminates the ‘spaghetti’ of tubing associated with the use of more-conventional water-jacketed cells.
The HDT 1 is a smaller, lower cost unit with just a single cell. It is particularly useful during early phase evaluation studies when there is little material available and the testing burden is lighter. The cell design is identical to the HDT 10 and incorporates a novel three-pronged spring clamp that makes it easier to eliminate air bubbles during test set-up, for better quality data.
As well as vertical diffusion cells, Copley Scientific also offers rotating paddle and paddle-over-disc accessories, for use with traditional dissolution testers (USP Methods 5 & 6), for those employing alternative transdermal testing strategies. www.copleyscientific.com
CAPTION: The HDT 10 from Copley Scientific
About Copley Scientific
Copley Scientific is recognised as the world’s leading manufacturer of inhaler test equipment and is a major supplier of test equipment for pharmaceutical solid dosage forms, including tablet dissolution, disintegration, friability, hardness and powder testers. The company has offices in the UK and Switzerland and a partnership with aerosol particle science experts MSP Corporation in the US. Copley’s broad range of testing products for metered-dose inhalers, dry powder inhalers, nebulizers and nasal sprays are supplied and supported worldwide through close relationships with specialist distributors. Serving the pharmaceutical and associated industries, Copley offers an extensive range of equipment for research, production, clinical trials and quality control, as well as full validation and aftersales service, providing a single source for products that meet individual needs. www.copleyscientific.com
