Integrating Smart Equipment for Automated Process Systems
A CDMO's Digital Transformation
Program Overview
- Integration of METTLER TOLEDO AutoChem Equipment
- Custom software and data workflow automation
- Case studies in process optimization
- Simulation tools and modeling for strategic planning
Dario Telese from Porton Pharmatech presented their comprehensive digital transformation strategy, detailing the integration of advanced METTLER TOLEDO AutoChem equipment and custom software tools to automate and optimize process chemistry workflow
This presentation will provide a comprehensive overview of a modern, data-driven approach to process control and monitoring within our CDMO industry. We will demonstrate how an integration of Mettler Toledo's advanced equipment with custom-made and enterprise-level software creates a holistic digital ecosystem.The talk will begin by detailing our digital backbone, which uses custom tools like FileMaker and E-Lab for real-time sample tracking and workflow automation, and integrates with enterprise systems like iControl, Chemaxon, and MasterControl to ensure robust process control, chemical validation, and regulatory compliance.Next, we will present a series of detailed case studies that illustrate the tangible benefits of this approach. These include a Quality by Design (QbD) project, where we utilized a data-driven experimental design to successfully scale a chemical process from gram-scale to multigram-scale, ensuring safety and reproducibility. We will also show how in-situ analysis with the EasyViewer revolutionized our understanding of crystallization processes, leading to optimized purity and yield. A third case study will highlight our use of calorimetry to rigorously assess reaction safety, a critical step before any scale-up.The presentation will conclude by showcasing a custom-built rapid simulation tool, which leverages all the collected data to model and optimize entire production scenarios. We will demonstrate how this tool visualizes key performance indicators—such as equipment utilization and cost impact—to identify bottlenecks and drive strategic decisions.
About the Presenter
Dario Telese
R&D Lead Chemist, Porton PharmaTech d.o.o.
Graduated in Industrial Chemistry with a PhD in Organic Chemistry from the University of Bologna (Italy). The academic journey included international internships at the College of Charleston (USA) and the University of Copenhagen (Denmark). For two years, the focus was on process R&D for the manufacturing of novel materials for optoelectronic and cosmetic applications for a start-up. In the current role as R&D Lead Chemist at Porton PharmaTech, responsibilities include the coordination of a dedicated team for route scouting and the development of synthetic processes for active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), from lab scale to kilo-lab production.
Blaž Kisovec
R&D Synthesis technician, Porton PharmaTech d.o.o.
Graduated in Chemistry from the Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, in December 2023. Engaged on synthesis, purification, and identification of organic compounds on a small scale, working with batch sizes of up to 10.0 g.In September 2023, joined in Porton Pharmatech, a CDMO company based in Mengeš, Slovenia, as a Process Chemistry Technician in the R&D department. Responsibilities include performing organic synthesis on a laboratory scale (vials and round-bottom flasks), conducting scale-up processes in reactors up to 4.0 L, as well as working with reactors up to 50.0 L in the Kilolaboratory.
