All wrapped up: the packaging solution for pharmaceuticals

From injectable ampoules, tablets and syrups to PVC blisters and sealed carton boxes, one contract-manufacturer provides all the services.

In January 2004 Cenexi opened up its facilities to other pharmaceutical players, including customers supplying own-label products, while continuing to make products for its parent company, Roche Group. The new contractual manufacturing organisation (CMO) has expertise in prescription (both human and veterinary) and OTC products. Cenexi has an annual capacity of 200 million ampoules for parenterals, 10 million bottles of syrup and 1000 tons of tablets and a packaging capacity of 120 million cartons.

As one of Roche’s biggest sites, 485 employees work at Cenexi, which is located 5km from Paris. Around 75 per cent of its output is currently exported worldwide. In addition to manufacturing operations, Cenexi is offering a range of outsourcing services including analytical development, stability studies and assistance for product technical registration.

Injectable ampoules

Cenexi produces injectable ampoules and probably has one of the higest capacities in Europe (200 million ampoules for parenterals), which makes this galenical product a high volume and low costs logical process.

Funnel-tipped ampoules are locally washed and sterilised in high temperature tunnels before being filled. As standard practice, filling is done after two sterilising filtration steps. Products which can bear heat are autoclaved as well. These ampoules are labelled or silk-screen printed and a wide range of formats, from 1ml to 20 ml, are available.

Moreover, Cenexi is an expert in vitamins and knows exactly how to handle aseptic filling. Oily products are also handled by its specialists. High-quality and high-speed optical control lines and pinhole detection lines avoid any deviation from specification. Its pinhole detection machine for ampoules uses a high voltage electrical field and impedance measurement to check each container at four inspection points. The container is examined for hairline fissures and pinholes, leaking ampoule neck tips, insufficient glass thickness at the tip and absence of fill. The latest in high-frequency, high-voltage technology ensures reliable, accurate and non-destructive inspection required by today‘s growing industry standards for attractive pricing.

Solid form production

With annual capacities of 1000 tons of solid forms, the company offers dry, wet and alcoholic granulation, tabletting and coating. For more than 80 years, the plant has been producing solid forms which are supported by full regulatory and analytical expertise and provides a broad range of tablet sizes, shapes and coatings. From benzodiazepins to vitamins, staff are experienced in the major tablets launched by Roche.

More than any other classical process, the manufacturing of tablets requires good craftsmanship and experience. Should a customer have any current process difficulties with its present supplier, Cenexi’s team will solve the problem with its enthusiasm and pragmatism. Companies will find that they have a real partner to rely on.

Packaging by design

Cenexi performs packaging design according to the client’s specification, thanks to its graphic design team working in Illustrator, In Design and other programs. Its 15 high-speed packaging lines enable the company to supply many kinds of tubes, blisters or ampoule boxes.

With an annual capacity of 120 million finished packs, it provides secondary packaging in PVC blisters and in sealed carton packaging. The company produces packaging for more than 115 countries and knows all about small batches and market fluctuations. Part of the company’s strengths lies in its ability to deal with a sudden increase in demand.

Further information

Cenexi, Roche Group
Tel: +33 1 43 94 89 91
Fax: +33 1 43 94 88 76
Email: cenexi.contact@roche.com
Website: www.cenexi.com