Pion Launches Modern, High Throughput Complement to Conventional Franz Cells


Pion Inc. recently introduced the Skin PAMPA Test System, specifically designed to predict the permeability of drugs and dermal formulations through the human skin. The Skin PAMPA Test System excels as a complementary screen prior to Franz Cell testing due to the lower cost, enhanced usability, higher throughpute and reduced sample requirements.

Pre-coated with a proprietary formulation, the 96 well plates are disposable, which completely eliminates cross contamination and the additional time and labor required for washing glass cells. The PAMPA Explorer Complete system includes STIRWELL plates (which provide optional, double-sided donor-receptor stirring), buffers, test compounds, hydration solutions, data collection/processing software, and a high-quality UV plate reader. Other options are provided, depending on the specific needs of the customer.

“We evaluated the Skin PAMPA Test System using a broad range of drugs against samples of dermatomed skin mounted in Franz cells,” explained Mr. Mike Kelly, President of Pion Inc. “We observed the two methods were highly correlated, thus ensuring that researchers and product developers can now confidently screen drug permeability unencumbered by the restrictions of Franz Cell testing. They will develop better dermal products and get them to market faster, due to the many advantages of our new high throughput system.”

The conventional Franz cell method employs skin from humans, rats, pigs, or cattle to evaluate the penetration of drugs through the epidermis. These systems require mounting the skin on individual, controlled-temperature, stirred glass cells. Purchase, cleaning, setup, and maintaining this equipment is expensive, labor intensive, and cumbersome. The growth of transdermal drug products is inhibited by the low throughput and high cost of Franz cell testing.

With over 15 years of research dedicated to drug absorption measurements, this new product builds upon Pion’s experience and success in development of the first commercial PAMPA system, invention of the Double-Sink PAMPA system, predicting permeability in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and in the blood brain barrier (BBB). Pion PAMPA systems bring new drugs to market faster and with fewer late-stage failures.

For 15 years, Pion Inc. has provided ADME-related analytical tools and services to pharmaceutical and biotechnology laboratories, including instruments, supplies, reagents, and contract services. Pion’s instruments and Biopharma Services deliver patented solubility measurements using µSOL Evolution and permeability with PAMPA Evolution. Pion also manufactures in situ Fiber Optic UV/Vis-based dissolution monitoring systems; the µDISS Profiler and the Rainbow Dynamic Dissolution Monitor covered under US Patent Nos. 6,558,957 and 6,174,497.

Visit the Pion Inc. website for more information about the Skin PAMPA Test System.