Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1199406
6 January 2020 Tablets & Capsules I n October, Janet Woodcock, director of the FDA's Center for Drug Eval- uation and Research (CDER) published an article on the agency's website titled "To Help Reduce Drug Shortages, We Need Manufacturers to Sell Quality—Not Just Medicine" (tinyurl.com/CDER-Quality). In the article, Woodcock explains that an important aspect of quality in pharmaceutical manufacturing is "the ability to reliably make the product in sufficient quanti- ties and with sufficient speed to ensure that supply consistently meets demand over sustained periods of time." She cites an FDA study that found that 62 percent of the 163 drug product shortages between 2013 and 2017 resulted from "supply disruptions that were associated with manufacturing or product quality problems" and concludes that "whatever we can do to help reduce shortages related to manufacturing quality issues will be worthwhile." At Tablets & Capsules, we're committed to doing our part to help drug prod- uct manufacturers improve the quality, efficiency, and reliability of their processes and products by bringing readers timely, accurate, and useful technical information. We're also committed to the continuous improve- ment of our own processes and products. For example, in the coming months, you can expect to see an updated look for the magazine as well as a redesigned website. As the new year begins, we, like the FDA, look forward to continuing to collaborate with a range of industry stakeholders "to help ensure consistent and safe access to needed medicines." We welcome your suggestions for ways we can improve to better meet the needs of readers involved in the produc- tion of solid oral dosage forms. Nate Todd Editor 651 287 5625 ntodd@cscpub.com LETTER from the EDITOR • Lean, dense phase, plug-flow conveying of powders & small particles • Gentle - segregation & damage free • Conveying rates up to 10,000 lbs/hr • Safe, explosion free • Quiet, hygienic, reliable • No tools assembly Simply the best vacuum conveyor 609-265-0101 www.volkmannUSA.com PUT US TO THE TEST See Us at Pack Expo East Booth 918 Courtesy of Weiss Pharmatechnik GmbH