Agilent Technologies Introduces Dissolution Apparatus for Pharmaceutical Quality Control

Platform Sets New Global Standard for Dissolution

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) today introduced the 708-DS Dissolution Apparatus, a quality control instrument that can be configured for manual and automated applications. The new device includes an improved design that minimizes variability and improves results. Dissolution is a technique used in the pharmaceutical industry to determine the rate at which pure active pharmaceutical ingredients dissolve.

“Agilent is committed to maintaining Varian’s tradition of excellence in dissolution and establishing a new standard for pharmaceutical companies and other firms operating in a global marketplace,” said Frank Riba, Agilent business manager, Dissolution Division. “The new 708-DS Dissolution Apparatus yields the sample-to-sample consistency that is critical for scientists assessing batch-to-batch performance, bioequivalency and other characteristics of their compounds.”

The 708-DS Dissolution Apparatus is available as a basic manual model and in a variety of automated configurations for high-throughput online sampling and online UV analysis. The apparatus allows for several advanced usage options, including temperature monitoring, automated dosage delivery and in-situ fiber optic analysis. Customized add-ons allow a variety of dosage types to be analyzed on the same apparatus.

The design of the 708-DS Dissolution Apparatus conforms to internationally harmonized pharmacopeia specifications for basket, paddle, rotating cylinder, intrinsic and paddle-over-disk configurations. The apparatus can test tablets, capsules and a wide variety of other dosage forms.

In addition to the dissolution apparatus hardware and software, Agilent offers users peace of mind by providing high-quality service for the DS-708 Dissolution Apparatus around the globe, including:

* qualification documentation for the entire system;
* trained chemists to perform the installation and qualification;
* standard operating procedure templates;
* technical support for drug release methods, equipment and regulatory questions; and
* sponsorship for the vendor-neutral online Dissolution Discussion Group forum.

About Agilent Technologies

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) is the world’s premier measurement company and a technology leader in chemical analysis, life sciences, electronics and communications. The company’s 18,500 employees serve customers in more than 100 countries. Agilent had net revenues of $5.4 billion in fiscal 2010. Information about Agilent is available at www.agilent.com.