June 3, 2025 ​

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​The ETC is seeking an academic institute to help ETC further advance our understanding of the performance of both UltraPATs developed during the Phase 1 project. 

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The Robust in-line Sensor project was successfully completed by Feb 2025 through the collaboration between ETC and Photon System Incorporated (PSI). The project delivered two light-induced fluorescence (LIF) prototyped units (i.e., UltraPAT 1 and 2) circulated among ETC member companies for testing and evaluation. At the end of this project, a roadshow testing was conducted, providing necessary data to illustrate the deliverables of both UltraPATs, and as well highlighting necessary areas for continuous understandings of LIF in general for pharmaceutical applications.

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Please note, the selected academic will not be responsible for purchasing the UltraPAT units to conduct this work. ETC will coordinate with PSI to provide the UltraPAT units along with support to the selected academic for the duration of this project.

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Download the Request for Proposal and submit your response.

RFP ISSUED:  June 3, 2025

QUESTIONS on RFP DUE to ETC:  June 23, 2025

RFP RESPONSES DUE to ETC:  July 11, 2025

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Q&A - Note see FAQ document for answers to common questions​​​ 

• Greetings is their information on the size of the LIF system. I would like to have an idea of how we could integrate it within our system.

  • See the diagram below sent by PSI. The probe in the diagram is 20cm long. They can also make a 6cm version and 10cm also.

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• The dimensions of the UltraPAT probe, specifically the diameter, to design the interface and if it fits into our equipment.

  • The dimension of the probe is shown above. The diameter of the probe is 19mm, about ¾".

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• The material of the UltraPAT probe window. Can it be attached directly to the feed-frame?

  • Sapphire

  • It can be attached with a 19mm or ¾’ compression fitting or mounted on a micrometer and suspended onto the feedframe paddle notch.

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• The RFI mentions a “scale-down feed frame”. Do you mean a feed frame simulator? Should the work be carried out only in this reduced setting or on an actual industrial feed frame like Fette’s three-chamber Fill-O-Matic?

  • We would prefer to run the whole experiment in the scale-down feedframe , such as feedframe simulator, with the intention to save material consumptions.

  • It fits nicely into Expo Pharma feedframe, not sure about the three-chamber Fill-O-Matic

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• I am wondering about the criteria for evaluation (§3) “Availability of a scale-down feed frame”. Are there constrains/expectations for the scale of the feed frame? Can we partner with a (third party) company for access to a feed frame, assuming all IP can be worked out?

  • There are many scale-down feedframe reported in literature. Here are some examples.

    • Development of Near Infrared Spectroscopy-based Process Monitoring Methodology for Pharmaceutical Continuous Manufacturing Using an Offline Calibration Approach

    • FFSim™ Feed Frame Simulator

    • Benchtop NIR method development for continuous manufacturing scale to enable efficient PAT application for solid oral dosage form

  • You are more than welcomed to partner with a third party for accessing a scale-down feedframe.  Only restriction in partnering with a commercial competitor to the LIF system complete disclosure.

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Pharmaceutical Drying: Design and Manufacturing of a Drying Scale-Down Laboratory Kit

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