IMA is loading

CELL & GENE AND HIGH-VALUE, SMALL BATCH PROCESSING LINE

Fill-finish processing and gloveless technologies to maximise the value of specialty pharmaceuticals and medicines for cell & gene therapies.

FUTURE-ORIENTED SOLUTIONS

The ability to integrate new technologies into a line comprising today’s most advanced machines is defining the future of aseptic processing.

An equipment line-up ensuring the best product characteristics, the most efficient processing methods and the versatility to suit a broad variety of demands and packaging options.

TILE-X WINNER OF BIOTECH INNOVATION AT INTERPHEX NY 2025 EXHIBITOR AWARDS

An integrated solution introducing a ground-breaking technology for high-value pharmaceuticals.

Following upstream bag/tub/tray-opening using robotics to minimise operator intervention, the Ready-To-Use component is ready to enter our very latest innovation, TILE-X, a unique, ground-breaking solution providing 100% gloveless processing within its own self-sufficient HVAC system and Grade A environment. Feeding of Ready-To-Use components into the TILE-X modules can be carried out with No-Touch-Transfer technology or other compact solutions for RTU tub/tray surface decontamination. Implementing electromagnetic levitation technology, programmed floating shuttles move the containers to filling and closing stations, and thanks to the flexibility of this system, TILE-X allows implementation of a gloveless modular construction philosophy, where each module handles a single phase of the process: introduction of RTU components, delidding and denesting, filling with 100% check-weighing, capping, and crimping. Perfect for high-value drugs, such as biopharmaceuticals and ATMPs with a focus on cell and gene therapies, with small-batch production, TILE-X processes 40 units/min. and with frictionless component handling, zero particulate is generated. Subsequent processing and packaging stages are fully integrated into this ground-breaking line.

TILE-X represents a revolutionary approach to the production of high value-added drugs, enabling the customisation required for advanced therapy products. These may include Cell & Gene therapies, advanced biological products, stem cell-based drugs and more generally small batches of customised drugs.

FILLING / DOSING

  • The filling process can be adapted to suit specific product characteristics:
    • Biological products or cell suspensions that are extremely sensitive to mechanical stress (shear)
    • Products that need specific temperature conditions
    • Products with fast processing time due to a short shelf life
    • Products with low or high viscosity
    • Products in the same vial that can be automatically mixed
  • Different dosing methods can be used (peristaltic or time-pressure) depending on product specifications.
  • Each filled unit is monitored in real time to ensure that volume and quality are compliant and fully traceable.
  • The 100% automatic weighing system adjusts the filling parameters to minimise waste and ensure the accuracy of each dose.

GLOVELESS CONCEPT

  • Designed as a fully gloveless concept, TILE-X enables the handling of small and micro-batches, while still providing maximum operational flexibility in an open and flexible process.
  • Innovative solutions have been implemented to handle formed parts, components in direct and indirect contact with the product and active/passive microbiological monitoring plates.
  • Containers are transported using magnetic levitation shuttles throughout the production process. This not only avoids particle generation typical of mechanical transport systems, but also ensures superior flexibility for the production steps, as well as re-dosing and re-stoppering.
  • Need for manual intervention is eliminated, drastically reducing the risk of contamination. This is particularly relevant for products destined for customised therapies, where quality and safety are paramount.

MODULARITY

  • Modularity and flexibility allow TILE-X to address the peculiarities and what is required for Cell & Gene therapies or advanced biological products.
  • Batch processing times are reproducible and reduced as much as possible in both the aseptic preparation and production phases.
  • Easy installation in pre-existing cleanrooms is possible thanks to the module’s isolator with integrated ventilation. This avoids the complexity of typical HVAC isolator management and keeps the height of the equipment below 3 metres.
  • Each isolated module is provided with an independent ventilation system with its own pressure regulation and filtration.
  • Upon request, isolator ventilation can be set up with a small HVAC for custom temperature and humidity requirements.

Enhanced sterility assurance, gloveless efficiency, robotic accuracy. Based on electromagnetic levitation, TILE-X is a compact, Grade A, modular processing unit for high-value pharmaceuticals such as ATMPs.

FAQ

  1. What type of container can be processed in TILE-X?

TILE-X can fill and close vials, syringes and pre-capped cartridges supplied in RTU packages.

  1. What size of container can be filled & close on TILE-X?

TILE-X can handle:

  • Vials in nest 2R – 50R.
  • Syringes 0.5 ml – 20 ml. 50 ml to be evaluated case by case.
  • Pre-capped cartridges 1 ml – 50 ml.
  1. Is TILE-X able to handle RTU containers supplied in tub and tray configuration?

TILE-X is designed to be loaded with containers supplied mainly in tubs with single or double bag packages.

  1. What is the output of TILE-X?

The layout of TILE-X modules can be configurated to produce up to 40 2R vials/min.

  1. Can TILE-X be supplied in order to handle vials ready for lyophilisation?

This type of layout configuration is under design.

  1. What type of closures are handled on the TILE-X module?

The TILE-X module can automatically orient and place:

  • Vial stoppers
  • Syringe plungers & pre-capped cartridges
  • Alu/Flip-off Caps
  • Snap-on combo vial caps
  1. How are filled containers collected?

Two possible configurations:

  • syringe & pre-capped cartridges renested outside the isolator on a dedicated TILE-X module
  • Vials:
    1. Renested outside the isolator on a dedicated TILE-X module
    2. Collected on a conveyor belt outside the isolator
  1. What Class areas can TILE-X lines be installed in?

TILE-X can be installed in two configurations:

  • Background area Class “C” as an open gloveless isolator in operation.
  • Background area Class “D” as a closed gloveless isolator in operation with dedicated loading and unloading procedures.
  1. Where are the dosing groups located? Inside or outside isolator?

TILE-X has been designed especially for products that use single-use SUS filling circuits. The main reason is to allow the automatic assembly of the filling needles without the use of gloves, therefore the peristaltic or Time-Pressure dosing systems are outside the isolator on a dedicated module. This solution also allows correct management of the cooling and shaking of the main product bag if required by the biological product.

Different requirements will be evaluated together with the customer.

  1. What is the accuracy of filling system?

As per peristaltic pump standards. For any specific requirements, product tests will be carried out at IMA Life R&D development lab.

  1. What is the uncertainty IPC value?

Currently our standard for normal machines is ±7mg. For any specific requirements, product tests will be carried out at IMA Life R&D development lab.

  1. For high-potent or BSL products, what solutions are available?

TILE-X uses an integrated and modular ventilation system to minimise space requirements, enabling installation in a cleanroom (height <3m) without the need for an HVAC system. For toxic products requiring high-containment configurations, a custom solution can be evaluated. Meanwhile, biohazard solutions up to BSL-2 can be accommodated with the integrated ventilation system, as post-batch deactivation strategies with VHP are feasible.

  1. What happens if one weight cell is not working properly (gets dirty, incorrect weight, etc.)?

TILE-X is provided with disaster recovery strategies and can activate dedicated filling recipes to avoid using the filling nozzle with the damaged weight cell.

  1. How do you perform the initial and periodical weight cell calibration?

Automatically. A dedicated shuttle bringing the sample weight will reach the cell and perform the control operations. This process will be done at the beginning of the batch and at any time the operator will require it.

  1. What type of RTP port is used to load stoppers and caps?

As standard, we use RTP XS190 manually operated from outside the isolator. Other RTP port sizes can be evaluated.

  1. Is the closure feeding system Annex 1-compliant?

Yes, the closure feeding system is Annex 1-compliant, both during installation and during operation. Thanks to the automatic transfer of all closure feeding system components into their final working position, the installation is operated after VHP with the isolator door closed.  

  1. How do you perform capping operations?

Capping is performed in a Grade A environment.

Capping unit, adjustable in height, equipped with 2 operating heads; sealing is carried out by means of vial rotation from the supporting plate and from the head that are mechanically synchronized, sealing through idle roller that guarantees low particle generation. Loading cells are present to control the applied closure force.

  1. Can we have an idea of VPHP time with a residual of 1 ppm, 0.5 ppm, 0.1 ppm?

The decontamination principle of TILE-X follows a classic approach with vaporised dry H2O2, a well-established method used in IMA isolators. The chamber size and the absence of high-absorption parts such as gloves limit the cycle time.

The presence of air-heated phase in the aeration strategies to accelerate internal chamber desorption could allow 0.1 ppm to be reached in a relatively short time, to be evaluated during cycle development. The decontamination time to reach 0.1 ppm will therefore be assessed during the cycle development phases, using highly sensitive instruments, as standard electrochemical sensors (e.g. Drager) cannot achieve this level of sensitivity. The materials used in the chamber are suitable in terms of chemical resistance and desorption risk.

  1. Will it be possible to decontaminate a single module without compromising the state of the other modules?

This solution is available upon request.

  1. How does the isolator perform in terms of leak testing?

The isolator’s tightness is qualified at 2% and follows ISO 10648 method. This limit falls within Class 4 of the ISO standard. It is possible to request a tighter limit of 1%, which would place the isolator in Class 3, but this is typically recommended only for products with a high toxicological or biological risk.

  1. What are the ranges of temperature and humidity of cleanroom air allowed to be fed into TILE-X, with standard integrated ventilation?

The integrated air system ensures thermal stability (±3°C) by managing inlet air temperature, with options for full temperature and humidity control via HVAC or a dehumidifier if requested.

  1. For a standard TILE-X (no HVAC), which components have to be considered for installation in a separate technical area?

The foreseen groups to be placed in the tech zone are:

  • EMS System
  • VHP generator
  • Nebula VHP skid (if present)
  • Chiller for TILE-X cooling
  • Vacuum pump
  • Electrical control cabinet
  1. Does the design of TILE-X (standard configuration – no HVAC) allow for line installation in a 3-metre-high environment?

Standard TILE-X will fit into a 3-metre-high environment.

  1. Are CFD studies available?

TILE-X has undergone several iterative cycles of design, CFD simulation, and optimisation. Ventilation aspects and pressure losses have been analysed through CFD, and using simulation systems. The internal unidirectionality within the chamber and critical process points have also been examined.

Localised CFD studies can be requested to evaluate specific machine zones.

  1. What is the pressure cascade of TILE-X?

The pressure cascade of the current TILE-X in production is isobaric, except for the final capping section, where a protective pressure drop is present towards the filling and stoppering area. The TILE-X module operates independently for pressure control, and different pressure cascade schemes can be evaluated, taking into account the air consumption required to stabilise the pressure in relation with adjacent environments.

  1. Are the shuttles running during the VPHP Cycle?

Yes, the shuttles are running. We have done tests to demonstrate that also the bottom part of each shuttle is decontaminated by VPHP during the Cycle.

  1. Is the EMS System customisable?

Yes

  1. What is the distance between the EMS points and the critical zone? How were the sample points chosen and how is the viable particle counting performed?

The position of EMS points was defined following a detailed risks analysis performed using the Biophorum suggested template which is available for the customer upon signature of an NDA.

Viable monitoring can be passive, active and real-time.

  1. Can the EMS System be integrated with a real-time viable monitoring system?

The design of the TILE-X module (space under working plane) allows for easy integration of a real-time viable monitoring system. The connection between probe and system is performed using a straight pipe; no bend is necessary.

  1. What are the possible IPC controls?

TILE-X:

  • 100% weight control with feedback adjustment and reject reduction procedure at start and end of batch. Refilling capability.
  • Check for stopper presence with re-stoppering for missed stoppers
  • Check for cap presence with re-capping for missed caps
  • Check of capping force
  • Plunger position check
  1. In a fully gloveless solution what would a disaster recovery strategy be like?

Detailed risk analysis has been performed to identify the riskiest operations (related to product losses) and the machine has been designed to address most of them:

  • ability to repeat the operations multiple times (i.e. filling, stopper & cap feeding, stoppering, capping, etc.).
  • redundancy (i.e. 2 needles, 2 stoppering stations, 2 capping stations), in case one station should stop working it is possible to complete the batch with the other station.
  • As an extreme solution: emergency gloves.
  1. What happens in the case of a power cut? How does the restart procedure work?

The shuttles line up on the working plane and if not manually moved, when the power is back on, they maintain their position. However, considering that in the case of black-out the line will lose its sterility, we suggest to putting the entire line under UPS.

  1. Can you confirm that the gripper removing the nest can be sterilised? How and when is it assembled?

We confirm that the gripper can be sterilised.

As standard, it is assembled before the VPHP cycle.

  1. How are the SUS (Single Use System) filling nozzles automatically handled?

The isolator is equipped with a fully automatic RTP port Type DPTE®-EXO ALPHA 190.

We have developed a system that, after the connection of the Beta-Bag containing the SUS nozzle, will allow the nozzles to move into the filling position.

  1. Are the arms carrying the filling nozzles sterilised and automatically assembled?

Yes

  1. Can the final parts of the pick&place system for stoppers and caps be sterilised?

Yes. We suggest the following process:

  • Change parts for stoppers are sterilised and automatically assembled after the VPHP cycle via MTI and shuttle.
  • Capper change parts are manually assembled before the VPHP cycle.
  1. How might the generated electromagnetic field interfere with product behaviours?

The vertical position of the container inside the shuttles has been decided after investigation of the residual value of the statically and dynamically induced electromagnetic field in order to eliminate risk. Detailed data are available for consultancy after signing an NDA.

  1. What are the reference market segments for TILE-X?

TILE-X is targeting all those market segments where minimising product losses (in terms of process step failures and contamination) is a must.

TILE-X is specifically designed for small batches of small molecules and large molecules, especially on ATMPs and Cell & Gene Biological Products.

Discover our Machines

keyboard_arrow_left keyboard_arrow_right
NEBULA
NEBULA

Responding to the GMP Annex 1 notes, whereby risks linked to sterility assurance must be minimised during material transfer and supported by high-capability transfer technology, NEBULA accomplishes what no other solution has done before.

Hyperspeed decontamination technology
TILE-X
TILE-X

Ground-breaking fill-finish process innovation, designed to handle Ready-To-Use components using magnetic levitation. Suitable for high-value pharmaceuticals such as biopharmaceuticals and ATMPs with a focus on cell and gene therapies.

Innovation goes magnetic.
ISOLATOR SYSTEM
ISOLATOR SYSTEM

In the pharmaceutical sector the need to protect the product from contamination due to the presence of personnel or the environment is one of the major drivers for containment. What matters most in aseptic processes is the max. reduction of contamination risk.

Unique potential. Integrated solutions for processing excellence.