GiroNex powder dispensing technology targets more effective treatments

A Cambridgeshire-based technology spin-out has developed precision powder dispensing technology that could make  patient-specific dosing more available for more effective treatments.

GiroNex has developed technology which can quickly dispense from 0.1 milligrams to 5 grams of chemical powders into vials or capsules and with accuracies of 2% or better across the complete weight range. The approach was developed as a way of using localised manufacturing to help pharmaceutical companies offer more tailored treatments. It’s also intended to be used by hospital pharmacy compounding units involved in preparing patient-specific doses.

The technology, GiroNex, is hoped to enable a new generation of automated dispense and weigh systems.

James Veale, technology development engineer at GiroNex, said: “GiroNex has developed its new precision powder dispensing technology based on parent company GB Innomech’s experience in developing bespoke automation for some of the world’s top healthcare companies. The technology is robust and reliable, and offers a powerful combination of high performance, ease of use and low operating costs for use in a broad range of pharmaceutical R&D and manufacturing applications.”

GiroNex works by using a gently oscillating powder dispensing mechanism that can dispense the most sensitive of powders without damaging them or compromising on dispensing speed and accuracy. A series of interchangeable dispensing heads are stated to make the technology more cost effective and easier to use than existing technologies.

GiroNex is based on a proprietary algorithm that can learn how best to dispense new powders as it’s working, effectively characterising a powder’s flow behaviour while it is being dispensed. This means users will no longer need to invest R&D time and resources in developing and testing powder dispensing methods.