The Ellutia 800 Series Thermal Energy  Analyser (TEA) has become the industry standard for nitrosamine detection thanks to its selectivity and sensitivity for nitroso compounds. For testing of pharmaceutical drugs, the 800 Series TEA can be interfaced to a chemical stripping system that allows for rapid testing of apparent total nitrosamine content (ATNC). This quickly gives an accurate result for the total nitrosamine content of a sample, showing both volatile and non-volatile components.

Until recently, users were required to manually manage the handling of the hazardous chemicals used in the chemical stripping system. Now, Ellutia has produced a fully automated process for better safety, higher throughput and user friendliness. The 800 Series TEA interfaced to the CTC PAL for automated chemical  stripping can be used to quickly and accurately measure apparent total nitrosamine content. The new automated system was on show at at this year’s Analytica. There was also an opportunity for event attendees to learn more about the new system and its applications within the pharmaceutical industry in Ellutia’s presentation held on June 22, 2022 at 4.00 pm – 4.30 pm.

According to the European Medicines Agency (EMA), nitrosamines are ‘chemical compounds classified as probable human carcinogens on the basis of animal  studies’. In the EU, all marketing authorisation holders of medicines containing  chemically synthesised active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and, now, biological active substances, are required to conduct a risk assessment to evaluate the possibility of nitrosamines being present. As part of the risk assessment, any sample  showing any amount of nitrosamine must be reported to the national competent authorities for nationally authorised products or EMA for centrally authorised products.

Ellutia’s total nitrosamine pre-screening solution offers the pharmaceutical industry a simple, accurate, and reliable test. This delivers a clear pass/fail result for ATNC in  minutes, allowing samples to be immediately cleared for processing or sent for  further testing. Any positive sample can then be further analysed by GC or LC, which can be coupled to the screening system, where volatile nitrosamines such as NDMA  (N-Nitrosodimethylamine) can be separated and quantified. 

The Ellutia ATNC test allows pharmaceutical manufacturers to meet the requirements of the EMA risk assessment without needing to outsource testing of raw materials or of products at different stages of manufacturing.  

Andrew James, marketing director at Ellutia, said: “The pharmaceutical industry was affected by some high-profile product recalls in which nitrosamines had been  detected. This led to the introduction of guidance and regulations requiring manufacturers to check for nitrosamines in their products, which can be formed or introduced at different stages of the manufacturing process. Our new automated screening solution offers a fast, clear, reliable result for ATNC, without the need for special training or handling. Many pharmaceutical manufacturers are already using the previous model and are keen to get their hands on the automated system to improve their workflows. We are confident that this system will become instrumental  for them in eliminating the nitrosamine concern.” 

To support continued growth, Ellutia has appointed a new Financial Director, Neil Green, who has spent the last 15 years in a senior role at Price Bailey, offering accountancy consultancy and planning to SMEs, private clients and regional, national and international businesses. In his new role, Neil will have responsibility for Ellutia's  financial strategic direction. 

Video - Testing ATNC Apparent Total Nitrosamine Content in Pharmaceutical Drugs

View Product Information

About Ellutia

Ellutia offers a range of gas chromatographs, GC accessories, software, and  consumables. Ellutia’s instruments are designed and manufactured in the UK at the  company headquarters. The instruments are designed to be compact with great  energy efficiency, whilst also delivering industry standard analytical performance.  Ellutia has regional offices in both the USA and Germany as well as distributors  around the world. Ellutia works closely with its customers and regularly produces fully  customised systems tailored to their individual requirements rather than delivering off  the shelf products. It is this working relationship with customers and the flexibility to  adapt that sets Ellutia apart from other GC manufacturers. 

Recent news from Ellutia