Case Story
Scaling production at speed
How Merz Pharma, SKAN and partners rapidly implemented a high-performance filling line – tripling production capacity within a short timeframe through an integrated, scalable and efficient solution.
Learn more
The best integrated vial filling line for pharma and biotech
Primary packaging
Vials (Bulk)
Units per hour
Up to 24,000
Filling volume
1-100 ml
Partner
groninger
Suitable for different vial sizes, fill volumes, and production scales
Standardized interface to lyophilization partners
Fast changeover times and an efficient filling system minimize product loss
Regulatory compliance through validated transfers, optimized First Air design, and 100% in-process controls
Minimized number of glove ports through compact machine design
Holistic execution with tightly aligned project management
40 years of project experience as the foundation for a joint, standardized line concept
Standardized, configurable modules enable short project timelines
Suitable for filling parenteral small-volume drugs such as mAbs, vaccines, or biologics in medium to large batch sizes. Also suitable for handling toxic products.
For sterile filling of veterinary drugs in vials – suitable for vaccines, antiparasitics, and biologics with high requirements for process safety.
Ideal for contract manufacturers with high demands on flexibility and regulatory compliance.
The best of two worlds: SKAN and groninger combine their strengths to set new standards in aseptic filling. Discover how isolator technology, filling expertise and a shared vision come together to create an integrated end-to-end system.
Learn more
Compact layout allows operation and cleaning from one side – glove ports reduced by ~50%, required filters by ~30%. This reduces contamination risks in accordance with Annex 1 and facilitates maintenance.
Return air channels are protected with HEPA filters to enable safe filter changes and aseptic/toxic processing. Cartridges can be automatically locked – no complex bag-in/bag-out procedures required.
High planning reliability is achieved through a largely standardized machine and line concept, reducing engineering, production, and commissioning times.
Compact line layout with modular design – ideal for existing production spaces.
Vial infeed, washing machine, depyrogenation tunnel, fill and closing module, outfeed/tray loading
Lyophilizer interface, capping module
Up to 24,000 units/hour
2R-100H vials
0.2-100 ml
EU-GMP grade A (ISO 5)
6-log decontamination via skanfog H₂O₂ micro-nebulization with short cycles (<2 h to 1 ppm)
Reliable airflow between two barrier HEPA filters
Automated, secure HEPA filter replacement
Unidirectional first-air flow at 0.45 m/s over critical process area
Direct to room via SKAN nanox catalytic converter for rapid decomposition of H₂O₂ after decontamination (one-pass decomposition of H₂O₂ < 0.1 ppm)
Peristaltic, rotary piston pumps, combination filling, single-use systems
Minimal product loss during commissioning, filling, and end-of-production
100% IPC for up to 400 units/min
Pre-, post-, and closure gassing with residual O₂ <1%
Adjustable transport rails for fast format changes with reduced component count
Stopper addition function
PLC-based system; Siemens or Allen-Bradley
HMI SCADA monitoring and control system, GMP-compliant and 21 CFR Part 11-capable
OPC interface
SKAN sphere connect: plug-and-play AVEVA PI integration, automatic reporting
SKAN sphere health: component monitoring, maintenance log