KEREN SOOKNE’S PERSPECTIVE

Embracing Automation in the Life Sciences

Manufacturers make efficiency gains with centralized control, data analytics, and more. Plus, check out new technology at Healthcare Packaging EXPO.

“It shouldn’t be too surprising that the pharmaceutical industries are looking to optimize production with AI, considering that single batch values for some drugs can exceed $3 million,” says Automation World’s Dave Greenfield. But the industry lags behind others in using analytics to improve production. We hear these sentiments time and again—life science manufacturing is slow to adopt new technologies, with good reason. Patient safety and regulatory compliance are key. But more and more, companies are seeing that technology advancements can go hand-in-hand with safety and quality.

Our cover story highlights Kindeva’s new metered dose inhaler line (pp. 20), with 18 components integrated to place a full packaging line under one central control system. This was quite the undertaking, with machines from various suppliers all working together to give operators a “one machine,” consistent feel.

On pp. 33, Melissa Griffen offers a detailed overview of digital transformation activities happening in the pharma space. This includes the transition away from paper (yes, still), new inspection technologies, and even the mining of 483s and warning letters to better prepare for regulatory inspections.

This September, we’re back at in-person events, as Healthcare Packaging EXPO and PACK EXPO return to Las Vegas (Sept. 27 to 29) with PMMI’s PACK Ready safety protocols in place. Check out new machines and technologies, ideas for reusable packaging, networking events, and plenty more. See you there!

KEREN SOOKNE is the Director of Editorial Content of Healthcare Packaging. She may be reached at ksookne@pmmimediagroup or at linkedin.com/in/kerensookne

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