Below is a detailed overview of ANPMA’s initiatives and capacities in pilot-scale production:

Research Projects Conducted within the Shared Technical Platforms (STP)

ANPMA uses its Shared Technical Platforms (STP) to transform research findings into marketable products. The STPs provide facilities for various production stages, from the extraction of active compounds to the final formulation of products.

  • STP: Raw Materials and Extraction
    • Objective: Optimize the extraction of bioactive compounds from medicinal and aromatic plants.
    • Equipment: Chromatographs for extract analysis and rotary evaporators for concentration.
    • Ongoing Projects:
      • Phytochemical Extraction: Development of standardized plant extracts, such as thyme, lavender, and rosemary.
      • Technological Innovations: Use of eco-friendly extraction techniques to minimize environmental impact.
  • STP: Dietary Supplements and Cosmetics
    • Objective: Develop innovative nutraceutical and cosmetic products.
    • Equipment: Industrial mixers, reactors for product formulation, and production lines for dietary supplements.
    • Ongoing Projects:
      • Anti-inflammatory Nutraceuticals: Formulation of capsules and powders using turmeric and devil’s claw extracts.
      • Brightening Cosmetic Creams: Development of creams and serums containing licorice and bearberry extracts, known for their skin-brightening and anti-spot properties.
      • Haircare Products: Fortifying shampoos and conditioners based on chamomile and nettle extracts.
  • STP: Safety and Quality Control
    • Objective: Ensure the safety and quality of products before market release.
    • Equipment: Toxicology laboratories, microbiological testing equipment, and instruments for product stability analysis.
    • Ongoing Projects:
      • Toxicity Studies: Safety evaluation of extracts and formulations through in vivo and in vitro tests.
      • Quality Control: Physicochemical and microbiological analyses to ensure products meet international quality standards.

Pilot Lot Development and Production

Pilot-scale production enables the testing of processes and formulations at an intermediate scale before moving to industrial production. This step is essential to validate processes, optimize production conditions, and assess economic feasibility.

  • Pilot Projects:
    • Standardized Plant Extracts:
      • Description: Production of pilot lots of plant extracts like ginseng, ginger, and echinacea, standardized in active ingredients.
      • Objective: Provide high-quality extracts for the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries.
      • Outcomes: Improved extraction yields, process validation, and assurance of lot reproducibility.
    • Anti-inflammatory Dietary Supplements:
      • Description: Development and production of dietary supplements containing curcumin and harpagoside to relieve joint inflammation.
      • Objective: Offer natural and effective alternatives to traditional anti-inflammatory treatments.
      • Outcomes: Optimized formulations, successful stability and bioavailability testing.
    • Healing and Brightening Cosmetic Products:
      • Description: Production of creams and serums based on medicinal plant extracts for wound healing and skin brightening.
      • Objective: Develop innovative cosmetic products with natural, effective ingredients.
      • Outcomes: Formulation validation, positive preliminary clinical studies, and regulatory approval for consumer testing.

Collaboration with the Industrial Sector

ANPMA collaborates closely with industrial companies to transfer internally developed production processes to large-scale production lines. These partnerships enable the market introduction of innovative products derived from medicinal and aromatic plants.

  • Examples of Collaborations:
    • Partnership with Pharmaceutical Companies:
      • Project: Development of plant-based dietary supplements for stress and anxiety management.
      • Outcomes: Large-scale production of supplements with national and international sales.
    • Collaboration with Cosmetic Companies:
      • Project: Formulation and production of hydrating and anti-aging creams using cactus and argan extracts.
      • Outcomes: Commercial success of products, positive consumer feedback, and market expansion abroad.

Innovation and Market Adaptation

Pilot-scale production enables ANPMA to continuously innovate and adapt to changing market needs.

  • Innovation Projects:
    • Controlled-Release Formulations: Development of capsules and creams with prolonged release for enhanced active ingredient efficacy.
    • Eco-friendly Products: Creation of formulations using sustainable production processes and eco-friendly packaging.