Residual Water - its significance, measurement and control

An interactive workshop on 9 June 2008 at the Novartis Foundation, London, UK

Course Introduction and Aims

All solid organic materials existing in the earth's ecosphere, based mainly on carbon, hydrogen and oxygen, are sensitive to water, but in varying degrees. The water content of such materials is generally referred to as 'residual moisture'. Its possible influence on the solid, substrate is still open to much discussion and dispute in various branches of science, technology and related IP and regulatory issues. This is the first time that the BioUpdate Foundation has attempted such an innovative course on a specific topic of considerable importance.

This one-day workshop is designed to take stock of current knowledge relating to important aspects of 'residual moisture', especially in pharmaceutical, healthcare and food products.

The course will cover

Analytical techniques for its estimation; their strengths and weaknesses Pitfalls with data processing and interpretation Achievement of reliable and reproducible levels Influence on chemical and physical processes in water-sensitive solids Role in stabilising/destabilising product quality and safety.

Who should attend

The workshop is primarily designed for scientists and technologists in process development, Analytical, QC and QA departments. It will also be of interest to managers responsible for the setting of standards, and those who deal with regulatory and IP issues.

The discussion leader, Dr Felix Franks, has spent 50 years in studies of water and aqueous systems, their unique properties, benefits and dangers, the removal of water and water availability, usage and economics.

Delegates will be expected to take an active part in the discussions and will receive detailed notes and a bibliography.