Inventors:
Eric W. Richmond - North Wales PA
Bruce R. Buchanan - Perkiomenville PA
Mark A. Baxter - Lansdale PA
Andy Duff - Lansdale PA
Oksana M. Tully - Lansdale PA
Samuel A. Thornton - Lansdale PA
Assignee:
Merck & Co., Inc. - Rahway NJ
International Classification:
G01N 2117
G01N 2125
Abstract:
A method and system for determining the homogeneity of one or more components of a mixture of ingredients, especially, is presented. Most importantly, it can be used to determine homogeneity of a tabletted mixture of the produced pharmaceuticals, including active and inactive ingredients. The method and system monitor the pharmaceutical material during tablet manufacture as a powder mix, granular mix and compressed tablets. This system uses near infrared technology for analyzing the uniformity and mass balance of the pharmaceutical mixture to control the tablet manufacturing process. As part of the system and method, a NIR spectral library, consisting of a pharmaceutical materials spanning the normal process range for is developed. Assessment of uniformity is accomplished by comparison of future production with the library of acceptable material.