Raman spectroscopy has become a commonly used technique for physicochemical analysis that possesses many advantages over other analytical techniques. It is a very attractive characterization tool, not least because it enables measurements in water. However, very few examples of its application in an aqueous environment exist in literature. This paper provides some recent applications of Raman spectroscopy in pharmaceutical material and process characterization when water is present.

Parallel coordinate geometry (PCG) is a graphical methodology that enables multidimensional data to be displayed in two dimensions. Such methods are capable of allowing the formulator insight into the critical relationships and interactions within a formulation, and to explore the effect of formulation variations without recourse to detailed statistical analysis. This article describes the application of two PCG programs — Curvaceous Visual Explorer and Curvaceous Response Surface Visualiser — to evaluate a topical gel formulation.

Water interacts with pharmaceutical solids at virtually all stages of manufacture, from synthesis of raw materials to the storage of the final dosage form. The interactions of water with powders is, therefore, a major factor in the formulation, processing and product performance of solid pharmaceutical dosage forms.

The trend towards developing pharmaceutical products and their manufacturing processes in tandem supports optimized production. Such developments rely on gathering process-relevant information at an early stage and being able to draw on past and current processing experience. Here, we discuss how powder rheometers can make a real difference in building a database of powder properties and removing subjectivity.