China-based Tofflon is bullish on India and views it as an important and the fastest market for growth for lyophilization technology. The company has been catering to leading pharma and biopharma sector majors including Sun, DRL, Aurobindo, Cipla, Biocon, Mylan’s Agila among others.

Tefflon holds leadership position in lyophilization or the method of freeze-drying injectable drugs for the bio pharmaceutical companies engaged in the production of vaccine, blood plasma, herbs, antibiotics, healthcare foods and animal drugs. Globally, Tofflon has over 3,000 installations of freeze dryers in the markets of Europe, Africa, North America, South America, Russia and Asian countries.

“We are committed to serve the Indian pharma and biotech industry with greater localisation and service-driven approach. The company has grown from an equipment supplier to solution provider, said Robin Zuo, executive director, Tofflon India at a seminar and workshop on ‘Lyophilized maintenance and latest trends in lyophilization' held in Bengaluru on October 18, 2014.

The Indian biopharma industry’s strong presence in the oncology injectable and biological drug space is driving much of the increased investments for lyophilization, Steven Zhou business development director, International Business Division Tofflon told Pharmabiz.

Biologicals are difficult to manufacture primarily because these are extremely sensitive to oxygen, light and heat which could be detrimental to the stability of these drugs. Pharma companies opt for innovative ways to safeguard these important drugs compounds till these can be administered to patients. The drug majors look to save the biological activity, extend shelf life, and even increase dosing precision. “We offer innovative ways to help stabilise compounds so they can be reconstituted just prior to administration,” he added.

Lyophilized injectables as vials or in powder form require stringent standards of control because it is for human use to treat critical illness of patients with cancer or in intensive care unit for other conditions. India has been engaged in the production of high value biological and anti cancer drugs, requiring freeze drying technologies. The production of lyophilized drugs demand specific expertise and , Indian companies are showing a positive response as they are continuously investing in Tofflon’s lyophilized technology covering freeze dryer, auto loading systems, barrier systems, vial filling line, ampoule filling line and other pharmaceutical equipments, he said.

“Currently, India is indicating high growth over other countries and for the present we have set our focus set on this country to maximise our growth prospects”, stated Zhou.

Indian bio pharma has realized the risk, economics of cost and time when they are engaged in the production of lyophilized drugs, The trend is the demand for increased drug safety and a need for safe, long-term storage. The emergence of vaccine and blood plasma products further enhance the indispensability of freeze drying, primarily to sustain the efficacy of the formulation. Companies look for return on investment and therefore opt for the most advanced lyophilized technology, said Zhou.