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Why smaller pharma companies are missing out on the value of PAT

“Scroll through LinkedIn and you'll see plenty of posts singing the praises of Process Analytical Technology (PAT) — the benefits, the productivity boosts, the data-driven insights. And, they're absolutely right. PAT has become a cornerstone of innovation and efficiency in pharma manufacturing.

But here’s what’s often left unsaid: most of these success stories come from Big Pharma.”

Featured articles

The juice is worth the squeeze: Retrofitting PAT in Pharma

By Andrew Anderson | October 8, 2025

At a recent conference, one presentation triggered a moment of realisation for me. The speaker brought up the topic of retrofitting Process Analytical Technology (PAT) into existing equipment. I couldn’t help but smile; it immediately reminded me of my own experiences in the pharmaceutical industry, where retrofitting PAT often felt like a mix of engineering, design, and diplomacy.

For those who have experienced it, you’ll understand that retrofitting PAT is rarely straightforward. Existing GMP-qualified equipment does not always easily support new analytical...

Choosing a technology partner in Pharma

By Andrew Anderson | September 3, 2025

In my previous role as a technology seeker for a large pharmaceutical company, I was often approached by vendors eager to showcase their latest solutions. Whether it was NIR (Near Infrared) or Raman spectroscopy, the pitch was usually the same:

“Our system is amazing. Buy ours and replace your existing systems. How many would you be buying?”

These conversations happened not only through direct outreach but also at conferences and trade shows. Vendors were eager for us to adopt their systems. Still, my first question was always:...

When vendors challenge each other, everyone wins

By Andrew Anderson | March 6, 2026

Now that I’m back from IFPAC 2026 in Washington, DC, and everything has finally quieted down, I’ve been reflecting on what stood out.

Yes, there were great talks.

Yes, it was a valuable chance to reconnect with peers, talk to exhibitors, and swap ideas.

But the moment I keep coming back to is something smaller, rarer, and (honestly) more fun: what happens when two vendors using similar technologies end up in the same session… and they’re...

Inside the Pharma PAT Toolbox: How Technologies Are Really Selected

By Andrew Anderson | April 6, 2026

During a recent conversation with a client, we found ourselves unpacking a concept that, while familiar to most pharma professionals, is rarely examined in detail: the PAT toolbox.

Every pharmaceutical company has one. At a high level, these toolboxes look remarkably similar. Near-infrared, Raman, mid-infrared, UV/Vis spectroscopy, and particle size technologies are the staples. They form the backbone of most Process Analytical Technology (PAT) strategies and are widely accepted across development and manufacturing.

But here’s the critical insight: the real differentiation isn’t in...

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