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C-SOPS Vision
To be the national focal point for science-based development of structured organic composite products and their manufacturing processes in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and agrochemical industries.
C-SOPS Mission
1. Develop a scientific foundation for the optimal design of structured organic composites.
2. Develop science and engineering methods for designing, scaling, optimizing and controlling relevant manufacturing processes.
3. Establish effective educational and technology transfer vehicles.
4. Establish effective mechanisms for the inclusion and participation of minorities and women at all levels.
Outcomes that determine C-SOPS success as an ERC
• Faster, more reliable, less expensive drug product development
• Less expensive manufacturing
• Lower risk to patients through improved quality
• New multidisciplinary educational programs, enhanced manpower supply
• New technologies benefiting all industries that focus on delivery of bioactive substances
The Pharmaceutical Industry is Vital
• Contributed to a 30 year increase in average life span during the last century
• Main line of defense against new diseases
• A remaining area of US economic strength
However, there are mounting concerns
• Development cost is rising - 50% increase in five years
• Why is this happening ?
- New drugs are harder to formulate
- Products are increasing in complexity
- “Regulation is inefficient”
Consequences
• Health care cost is rising rapidly
• Uninsured, underinsured, and third world populations cannot afford many new drugs
• Many drugs do not get developed because the economic incentive is not there
• Number of new drugs has decreased 50% in 10 years
What are “Structured Organic Particle System”?
• Multicomponent organic systems where performance depends on microstructure
• Used to deliver active substances at a pre-determined rate and in a specific environment
• Manufactured using similar processes across industries
• Share common technical limitations
We will focus on central issues
(1) Determine how ingredient properties and processing conditions determine product structure and performance
- What are the critical variables ?
- How do we measure them ?
(2) Develop predictive methods for
- Materials functionalization
- Composite properties
- Designing manufacturing processes
(3) Address future needs
- New product architectures
- New manufacturing methods
- Science-based regulation
- Human resource
Overall Research Program Structure
Overall Education, Outreach, and Diversity Roadmap
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