CSMA materials analysis solves pharma QA problem

CSMA, materials analysis expert and subsidiary of Ceram, has helped solve a production crisis for a major global pharmaceutical manufacturer, preventing a potential income loss of up to US$100million

CSMA, materials analysis expert and subsidiary of Ceram, the internationally renowned centre for materials and technology based in Stoke-on-Trent, has played an integral role in solving a production crisis for a major global pharmaceutical manufacturer, preventing a potential income loss of up to US$100million.

Diverting all analytical efforts to the problem over a three-day period, CSMA scientists were able to confirm that a mysterious growth pattern on a routine microbiological test was no more than a harmless chemical artefact.

This important information enabled the firm in question to immediately resume production and release the quarantined drug, turning a potential disaster into a minor production delay.

A senior spokesman for the company praised the CSMA "flexibility and tenacity in facilitating such a prompt and accurate solution to a critical problem".

The main analytical tool used in this problem was the Imaging Time of Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometer, with its high ion yielding Bismuth source.

This is the only commercial instrument of its type in the UK, having been installed in September 2005.

Tony Kinsella, managing director at CSMA, feels that the selection of CSMA to carry out the work reflects a growing trend amongst global firms to utilise the increasing pool of technical and academic expertise based in the North of England.

He comments: "Universities in the North of England have some of the most well respected research departments in the UK.

Combine this with the technical expertise offered by firms such as ourselves and Ceram, and it is clear to see the draw that the region holds for global firms looking for technical advice".

CSMA (the centre for surface and materials analysis) is a commercial materials analysis consultancy, with a range of international clients in the pharmaceutical, medical, coatings and semiconductor industries.

It has an unrivalled array of high performance instruments for determining the chemical composition and physical properties of materials and their surfaces.

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