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Nephron working with Clemson on robotic syringe filler

Staff Report //August 13, 2019//

Nephron working with Clemson on robotic syringe filler

Staff Report //August 13, 2019//

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Nephron Pharmaceuticals Corp. is working with Clemson University’s College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Science to develop a robotic automation system to fill sterile syringes.

Nephron has asked Clemson professor and researcher Yue “Sophie” Wang, mechanical engineering doctoral student Brandon Delspina and mechanical engineering master’s student Yu “Gloria” Zhang to develop the robotic automation system, which can be used at the company’s manufacturing facility, according to a news release.

"We are excited about our new partnership with Clemson, and we cannot wait to get started," Nephron CEO Lou Kennedy said in the release. "Working together with Clemson's world-class researchers and engineers, we can ensure that the pharmaceutical manufacturing process remains safe, and we can deliver life-saving drugs to patients and hospitals across the country."

This is Nephron’s first partnership with Clemson, developed through the university’s Office of Corporate Partnerships and Strategic Initiatives.

The robotic system will be part of Nephron’s 503B outsourcing facility at the generic respiratory drug manufacturer’s West Columbia headquarters, which provides sterile, pre-filled medications to hospitals and medical facilities throughout the U.S.

“Industry needs are changing at a rapid rate. and Clemson is equipped to support companies like Nephron,” said Angie Leidinger, vice president for external affairs at Clemson. “Together we have created a mutually beneficial project to enhance (Nephron’s) capabilities while providing the university’s students with unique, hands-on research experience.”

Wang, an associate professor of mechanical engineering, is eager to begin the project.

“Our work in robotics can have a tremendous impact on individuals across the country, and we are looking forward to working on this because of its benefits for the many patients Nephron serves,” she said.

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