Improving freeze drying processes for pharmaceuticals using microwaves
Official title: Development and Experimental Verification of Fundamental Models to Enable Implementation of Microwave-Assisted Freeze Drying
Funded at Physical Sciences, INC · NIH-10684767 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new way to freeze-dry medicines faster and cheaper while keeping them safe and effective, and it's for anyone interested in how we make pharmaceuticals better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Physical Sciences, INC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Andover, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $999,842 |
| NIH project number | 5U01FD007689-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10684767 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients who rely on pharmaceuticals that require freeze drying for stability and efficacy would be ideal candidates to benefit from this research.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not affected by freeze-dried pharmaceuticals or those whose treatments do not involve such products may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new model for Microwave-Assisted Freeze Drying (MAFD) to enhance pharmaceutical manufacturing. By creating a heat and mass transfer model, the project aims to predict how temperature and drying time are affected by various factors such as container type and product formulation. This innovative approach seeks to reduce the time and costs associated with traditional freeze drying while ensuring the stability and efficacy of pharmaceutical products. The collaboration between Physical Sciences Inc., the University of Connecticut, and Merck aims to advance manufacturing technology in the pharmaceutical sector.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to faster and more cost-effective production of pharmaceuticals, improving access to essential medications.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in improving freeze drying processes, but the specific application of microwave-assisted techniques is still emerging and largely untested.
Where this research is happening
-
Physical Sciences, INC
Andover, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gong, Emily S — Physical Sciences, INC
- Study coordinator: Gong, Emily S
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.