10103314Process Analytical Technology (PAT) enabled manufacturing of cocrystals for EfferShieldClosedCollaborative R&DInnovate UKThe effervescence-producing products are widely used for delivering drugs, especially to the elderly and children. The fizziness is caused by an acid and a base such as citric acid and sodium bicarbonate reacting in the presence of water. Citric acid in effervescent products absorbs moisture when exposed to air and a reaction between acid and base starts to produce water and carbon dioxide. This water further destabilises the product by helping further reaction between the remaining acid and base. To prevent citric acid from absorbing moisture during manufacturing, the manufacturing area is maintained extremely dry. The products are packed in moisture-resistant packaging such as plastic tubes with silica to absorb moisture. This collectively makes manufacturing and packaging expensive and damaging to the environment. We have developed EfferShield technology uses non hygroscopic cocrystal form of citric acid. The moisture-resistant cocrystal of CA does not react with the base till it is added to the water. Manufacturing EfferShield tablets requires a supply of consistent quality CA cocrystals. This project is about the application of advanced analytical techniques to maintain the uniform quality of cocrystals with minimum wastage Octopoda Innovation, an innovation-based start-up that has licensed the patent rights of EfferShield from the University of Bradford is leading this proposal. Health Innovations will scale up the process of manufacturing of EfferShield. The outcomes of this proposal will provide commercialisation confidence and open up opportunities for licensing of EfferShield technology and conducting global business.