subject: Semi-solid Manufacturing [print this page] Semi-solid Manufacturing Semi-solid Manufacturing
Contract manufacturing of pharmaceuticals is a practice that is growing really fast in the pharmaceutical industry. More companies prefer this cost effective method of pharmaceutical manufacturing as compared to the traditional system where everything from the drug development to the manufacturing process was done by the same company.
Pharmaceutical CMOs could specialize in one of two forms of pharmaceuticals; either solid pharmaceuticals (for example tablets) or semi-solids (creams, gels, ointments and lotions) and liquids (suspensions and syrups). CMOs usually specialize in the production of either but some could also provide services for both forms of pharmaceuticals.
Of the two forms of pharmaceuticals, semi-solid contract manufacturing is more popular with more companies offering services in this area. This is because most of these products are usually over-the-counter pharmaceuticals and generally require higher volumes. Contract manufacturers prefer semi-solid manufacturing since these products generally offer greater margins as they are used daily. Unlike most solid pharmaceuticals which are low volume (small tablets), they are high volume and offer greater returns. In the semi-solid market, prescription pharmaceuticals mainly come in the form of smaller volume products for application such as dermatological creams.
Since most semi-solid pharmaceutical products are over the counter, there is need for good marketing of the product to ensure that it sells. This is why semi-solid manufacturing goes hand in hand with contract packaging with most companies offering these two services hand in hand. Semi solid manufacturers usually have the ability to offer numerous packaging options and marketing presentations to support their clients' branding initiatives and promote the purchase of their products. Another factor that has led to the popularity of semi-solid manufacturing as compared to solid manufacturing is the fact that most of the semi-solid products have proven to be quite versatile. Semi-solids have been known to have wide areas of application with some products developed to be able to handle two to three ailments at the same time. This makes them more popular with consumers and their market is ever growing leading to a constant demand that has to be satisfied. This has led to the growth of the semi-solid manufacturing segment in contract manufacturing with many contract manufacturers preferring to deal with these products.
Lastly, the look good craze that has swept the world of late has brought about a revolution in the cosmetics industry. Cosmetics are a multi-billion industry globally and everyday people are seeking for products to make them look and feel good. Pharmaceutical companies have cashed in on the craze creating entire departments to deal with cosmetics development and research into new cosmetic products. Since most of these products are in the form of creams and ointments, the pharmaceutical companies outsource their production to semi-solid contract manufacturing companies.
Clearly, most semi-solid contract manufacturing is driven by volume which in turn leads to higher profit margins due to economies of scale. This has led to the mushrooming of numerous semi-solid manufacturing companies each offering different additional services to ensure consumer satisfaction is guaranteed.
