Copley Scientific launches automated sample recovery solution for inhaler testing

5 May 2026; Nottingham, UK: Copley Scientific has launched the Sample Recovery System™ SRS 100i (patent pending), an automated solution designed to address one of the most operator-dependent processes in inhaler testing: drug recovery.

By automating key stages of drug recovery, a critical step in core inhaled drug product analyses, the SRS 100i helps to improve consistency, support stronger data integrity and reduce variability-driven out-of-specification results. It brings new, complementary functionality to Copley’s market-leading inhaler testing portfolio and seamlessly integrates with the company’s Inhalytix®+ software to enable unified, audit-ready workflows. The SRS 100i builds on Copley’s focus on automation and connected workflows, combining hardware and software to deliver greater control and traceability across inhaler testing processes.

“The SRS 100i is a key step forward in reducing one of the most variable and operator-dependent aspects of inhaler testing,” said Mr Paul Martin, Head of Business Development at Copley. “By introducing a controlled and standardised approach to drug recovery, it helps laboratories improve consistency, strengthen data integrity and generate results that are more robust and defensible across analysts and sites. As part of our wider focus on connected, automated workflows, the SRS 100i supports a shift towards a more efficient, traceable and reproducible inhaler testing process.”

Delivered Dose Uniformity (DDU) testing and Aerodynamic Particle Size Distribution (APSD) measurement by cascade impaction are key analytical tests for all orally inhaled products (OIPs). Drug recovery from multiple components of the associated test set-ups forms a key part of these measurements and is typically performed manually. In practice, although methods are well defined, their manual execution introduces variability. Even small inconsistencies in parameters such as solvent volume, dissolution action or transfer technique increase the risk of unreliable results and costly out-of-specification investigations.

The SRS 100i supports the automation of existing drug recovery procedures for both DDU testing and APSD measurement and is compatible with the Next Generation Impactor (NGI), Andersen Cascade Impactor (ACI) and compendial Dose Uniformity Sample Apparatus (DUSA).

The system delivers a controlled, four-stage workflow:

1. Component loading – test components are placed into defined positions within the SRS.
2. Solvent dispensation – controlled volumes of solvent are automatically delivered to each component and impaction surface.
3. Dissolution – a controlled rocking motion is applied to support complete and uniform dissolution of the drug.
4. Collection – prepared solutions are automatically aspirated into vials to produce HPLC-ready samples for assay.

The launch of the SRS 100i forms part of Copley’s approach to developing connected, automated inhaler testing environments that combine instrumentation and software to improve productivity, traceability and data quality. It aligns with established workflows, transferring method parameters and operational data into Inhalytix+ to enable the generation of complete, compliant datasets in accordance with regulatory frameworks, such as 21 CFR Part 11 and GMP.

To find out more about the SRS 100i contact us (sales@copleyscientific.co.uk) or for further information, visit our website (www.copleyscientific.com).