Schedio
Enhancing Particle Engineering through Safe and Tailor-Made Equipment

When Schedio emerged to the forefront of particle engineering and high-containment systems amidst the onset of the pandemic, it was not just another new company on the block. It was a venture steeped in history and expertise. Having evolved as a spin-off from the engineering division of a distinguished CDMO, it aimed to expand its predecessor’s legacy of safety and quality in particle engineering while prioritising technological innovations.

“Today, we see ourselves not just as equipment sellers but as partners in our clients’ production journeys. By actively enhancing production processes, offering troubleshooting, and optimising processes, we prioritise a more human-centered approach to offering our solutions,” says Mattia Wiedemeier, commercial director, articulating the company’s philosophy.

It is this focus on fostering longstanding client relationships that sets Schedio apart in the pharmaceutical innovation and manufacturing sector. Schedio also creates a positive work environment and encourages sustainable relationships. This extends beyond financial metrics to a broader, more meaningful contribution to the community, employees, suppliers and society at large.

Schedio calls it the ‘Power of Together.’ It can be seen from the moment a client walks through its doors. Schedio doesn’t simply provide them with a quotation based on their requested model. It goes through an in-depth discussion to understand the customer’s process, product, goals and struggles to determine if the requested machine matches actual needs or if a different configuration would better serve them. This individualised focus ensures customers purchase equipment optimised for their situation, even if that means recommending a lesser expensive equipment or revamping an existing one.

Safety is another cornerstone of Schedio’s operations. Recognising a comfortable process is a safer process, it designs machines ergonomically from the ground up, prioritising operator safety and comfort. This stands in contrast to many isolator manufacturers who often modify standard machines for budgetary reasons instead of creating fully tailored solutions.

This safety-first approach has propelled Schedio to an industry-leading position, achieving containment levels of one nanogram per cubic meter – a feat globally matched by very few. Such high levels of containment are crucial in industries where even minuscule amounts of certain substances can pose significant health risks or environmental harm.

Schedio’s philosophy of enduring partnerships is also reflected in its many value-added services. These include unlimited, free-of-charge remote support, extensive seven-year warranties on machines, and a comprehensive after-sales support program. Schedio’s after-sales program is particularly noteworthy, with trained engineers, not just maintenance staff, being dispatched in response to client concerns. Adept at fine-tuning equipment settings, these experts enhance the machine’s use and productivity.

Particle engineering—particularly micronisation—is another area where Schedio’s offerings shine, transforming milling from an art-like process to more of a scientific approach.

Historically, milling for micronisation was a less controlled process, largely focused on simply reducing raw materials to finer end products.

In today’s advanced pharmaceutical landscape, however, particle size is pivotal in influencing critical characteristics such as stability, flowability, dissolution rate, and bioavailability. These parameters enhance the performance of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and, by extension, drug formulation and development. Schedio’s nuanced approach to micronisation encompasses a comprehensive understanding of the material properties, the ability to precisely control particle size, distribution, and morphology, and a deep knowledge of the intricacies involved in the milling process. This expertise becomes vital when Schedio’s team handles powders, especially those that may present hazards, such as explosiveness, propensity to clog, or the potential to damage milling equipment through high abrasiveness.

A case in point is when a pharmaceutical entity encountered persistent clogging issues with a jet mill. Turning to Schedio for solutions, the company benefited from the expertise of Schedio’s engineers, who recommended retrofitting certain components to enhance material flow. This seemingly minor modification led to a significant uptick in productivity, achieving more consistent operational time for the existing equipment. The improvements in process parameters not only elevated the quality of the final product but markedly increased the throughput of that particular highly valuable pharmaceutical compound by 600 percent.

It demonstrates Schedio’s blend of scientific acumen and practical problem-solving capability to address complex challenges with out-of-the-box thinking.

Building on this momentum, Schedio is expanding its product range to include spray dryers. This development follows its merger with APTSol, an Italian company emerging from the University of Novara. This collaboration combines Schedio’s mechanical expertise with APTSol’s specialised knowledge in process development for spray drying.

The company’s values and dedication to excellence are transformative in the field of particle engineering. Schedio sets a standard in the industry, not only for optimising processes and enhancing product quality but for sustaining a collaborative and mutually beneficial relationship with clients.