#Japan #Tokyo #Ushio Electric #Towa Pharmaceutical #NIR Spectroscopy

Ushio Electric and Towa Pharmaceutical's NIR Advance Award Achievement

Ushio Electric Co., Ltd. (headquartered in Tokyo, represented by President Takafumi Asahi) and Towa Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (headquartered in Osaka, represented by President Kazuo Yoshida) have been honored with the NIR Advance Award for their collaborative research on "High-Intensity Time-Stretched Near-Infrared Spectroscopy for Rapid Measurement of Active Ingredient Content in Tablets."


Photo Credit: NIR Research Society

The NIR Advance Award recognizes significant research achievements in near-infrared spectroscopy reported in the current and previous two to three years. This award underscores the importance of innovation in this field, which is increasingly pivotal to the pharmaceutical industry.

Overview of the Award-winning Research

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR) is a valuable tool for monitoring pharmaceutical manufacturing processes. Traditionally, the measurement of active ingredient content in tablets has relied on transmission methods that were slow and inefficient due to the weak light transmission through the tablet matrices. Ushio Electric tackled this challenge by developing a spectroscopic device incorporating their innovative high-intensity time-stretched near-infrared spectroscopy technology, known as MITLAS™. This advancement has enabled the rapid measurement of active ingredient content in tablets, achieving results in approximately 4 milliseconds.

This rate translates to an impressive throughput of around 300,000 tablets per hour. The research has paved the way for a complete inspection of the active ingredient content of all tablets produced—a task previously deemed impossible. Currently, development efforts are underway to integrate this technology into tablet conveyance systems for full inspection and sorting processes.

Ushio Electric plans to continue innovating by developing and providing near-infrared spectroscopic devices, thereby contributing to the realization of a safer world through the implementation of optical technologies.

Insights into MITLAS™ Technology

MITLAS™ employs a pulse laser that disperses light at different wavelengths, capturing over 1,000 times the amount of transmitted light compared to conventional spectroscopic methods. This innovative approach facilitates high-speed and high-precision spectroscopy and allows for non-destructive and rapid measurements, even for samples with low transmission rates. For more detailed technical insights, please check this explanation video.

About Ushio Electric Co., Ltd.

Founded in 1964, Ushio Electric Co., Ltd. manufactures and sells various light sources, including lamps and lasers (UV to visible and infrared) as well as optical and imaging devices that incorporate these light sources. The company has a strong share in industries such as electronics, where it serves sectors such as semiconductors, flat-panel displays, and electronic component manufacturing. Additionally, Ushio has made significant inroads in life sciences, specifically in medical and environmental markets, showcasing its versatility and commitment to innovation across diverse fields.

For more information, visit Ushio's official website.