ACTIVE PHARMACEUTICAL INGREDIENTS (API)
API's are typically produced by extraction or chemical syntheses. Following
crystallisation, the material is mechanically separated and then dried. These
steps can often be replaced by spray drying which can control the humidity or
residual solvent content, as well as create materials with a tailormade
particle size distribution and a dominant amount of amorphous material.
FINISHED DRUG PRODUCTS
Finished drug products are produced by mixing/blending API with excipients
(polymers, fine chemicals, etc.), solvents and others according to a specific
formulation, after which one or several process stages follow until the final
dosage form is reached.