NABL Accredited CDSCO Approved USFDA Inspected (Manesar)

Franz Diffusion Cell Testing Laboratory India | In Vitro Permeation Studies | NABL

Franz diffusion cell testing for topical and transdermal formulations from an NABL-accredited pharmaceutical laboratory in India.

The Franz diffusion cell is the standard apparatus for measuring drug release and permeation from topical and transdermal pharmaceutical formulations. Auriga Research operates an NABL-accredited Franz diffusion cell testing laboratory at Manesar (Plot 136, Sector 5, IMT Manesar) — the USFDA Inspected facility, with automated multi-station systems for simultaneous testing across multiple replicates — producing statistically robust release and permeation data for formulation development, quality control, and regulatory submissions.

Auriga conducts Franz diffusion testing using synthetic membranes only — Strat-M or equivalent (polysulfone, regenerated cellulose, polyethersulfone) selected per the formulation type and regulatory purpose. Synthetic membranes provide reproducible barrier performance, regulatory acceptance for IVRT and comparative IVPT, and statistically robust data without the variability or supply constraints of biological tissue. Clients requiring biological skin studies (excised human or animal tissue) should enquire at quote stage — these are not within Auriga’s in-house scope and are routed to specialist partners where appropriate.

Both IVRT (In Vitro Release Testing) for quality control and IVPT (In Vitro Permeation Testing) for comparative formulation studies are performed under controlled, temperature-regulated receptor conditions. Testing protocols follow FDA SUPAC-SS guidance, USP 1724 for semisolid drug products, and the FDA Draft Guidance of May 2023 on IVPT for topical drug products submitted in ANDAs. Receptor samples are quantified using validated HPLC methods per ICH Q2(R2), with complete release / permeation profiles, flux and lag-time calculations, and statistical analysis included in the NABL-accredited report.

Service Scope: Synthetic Membranes Only

Auriga conducts Franz diffusion testing using synthetic membranes only — typically Strat-M or equivalent regenerated cellulose / polysulfone barrier membranes. Synthetic-membrane testing is the FDA SUPAC-SS, USP 1724, and FDA May 2023 IVPT framework for regulatory submissions. Clients requiring biological skin studies (excised human or animal tissue) should enquire at quote stage — these studies are not in our in-house scope.

Standard IVRT/IVPT 7 to 10 business days | Rush 5 to 7 days | Comparative ANDA 10 to 14 days

Six Franz Diffusion Cell Testing Services

Each card maps the service to what is measured, the governing regulatory reference, and the synthetic-membrane approach used.

SUPAC-SS

IVPT for Semisolid Formulations

In vitro permeation testing for creams, ointments, gels, and lotions across synthetic membranes per FDA SUPAC-SS guidance and USP 1724 performance tests.

Transdermal

IVPT for Transdermal Patches

Permeation testing of transdermal drug delivery systems across synthetic membranes per the applicable FDA topical guidance. Reservoir, matrix, and drug-in-adhesive patches in scope.

Liquids

IVPT for Topical Liquids

In vitro permeation testing for topical solutions, lotions, and sprays across synthetic membranes — adapted to low-viscosity formulations with appropriate donor-compartment loading.

Flux

Permeation Rate and Steady-state Flux Determination

Cumulative release profile, lag time, permeation rate, and steady-state flux calculation across synthetic membranes for formulation development and quality benchmarking.

Method Dev

Method Development for Franz Cell Studies

Custom Franz diffusion method development including synthetic membrane selection, receptor medium optimisation, sampling-interval design, and ICH Q2(R2) HPLC method validation.

ANDA

Comparative IVPT for Generic Topical Products

Test vs reference comparative IVPT studies per the FDA Draft Guidance of May 2023 ("In Vitro Permeation Test Studies for Topical Drug Products Submitted in ANDAs") using synthetic membranes.

Beyond Pharma — Industries We Serve

While pharmaceutical topical and transdermal formulations remain the primary focus, our Franz diffusion cell capability (synthetic membranes only) is also available for:

  • Cosmetics & skincare brands — comparative active-ingredient release data for formulation development.
  • Personal care formulation developers — comparative release across formulation variants.
  • Chemical & material science — membrane permeability and release characterisation for polymers, coatings, and functional materials.
Franz diffusion cell apparatus at Auriga Research Manesar — automated multi-station Franz diffusion cell system used for IVRT and IVPT of topical and transdermal formulations using synthetic membranes per FDA SUPAC-SS and USP 1724.
Automated multi-station Franz diffusion cell apparatus at Auriga Research Manesar (USFDA Inspected). Independently temperature-controlled receptor compartments, digitally validated stirring, programmable sampling protocols. Synthetic membranes (Strat-M or equivalent) for FDA SUPAC-SS, USP 1724, and FDA May 2023 IVPT comparative testing.

Project Timelines

Indicative TAT from sample receipt at Manesar. Confirm exact timeline with your SPOC at quote stage based on synthetic membrane choice, sampling interval design, and sample queue.

Service Type Turnaround Time
Standard IVRT / IVPT (established method) 7 to 10 business days
Rush IVRT / IVPT 5 to 7 business days
Comparative Permeation Study (ANDA support) 10 to 14 business days
Method Development + ICH Q2(R2) Validation 2 to 3 weeks

How It Works

1

Get a Quote

Share your formulation type, regulatory purpose (ANDA biowaiver, NDA dossier, or formulation comparison), and whether you need method development or testing against an existing validated method.

2

Collect and Send Your Sample

Prepare your sample per instructions confirmed by your SPOC at quote stage. Each sample is bar coded and registered in YLIMS on receipt.

3

Testing and QA Review

Your sample is tested under NABL-accredited conditions. All results pass through formal QA review including instrument log check, reference standard verification, and analyst sign-off.

4

Receive Your NABL Report

Your NABL-accredited report is delivered digitally within the committed TAT, formatted for CDSCO, USFDA, and regulatory submission. Track status via YLIMS.

Who Needs Franz Diffusion Cell Testing

  • Generic topical drug manufacturers conducting IVPT as part of an ANDA biowaiver strategy per the FDA May 2023 Draft Guidance.
  • Pharma companies developing new semisolid formulations requiring synthetic-membrane permeation data for formulation comparison.
  • CDMO clients requiring IVPT as part of formulation development, scale-up, and pre-versus-post-change comparison studies.
  • Cosmetics and cosmeceutical brands requiring synthetic-membrane permeation data for formulation development and comparative claims work.
  • Transdermal patch developers comparing reservoir, matrix, and drug-in-adhesive systems across formulation variants.
  • QC teams running batch-to-batch IVRT compliance against an established synthetic-membrane release specification.
  • Regulatory affairs teams preparing SUPAC-SS Level 2 / 3 change documentation requiring IVRT release-profile evidence.
  • Topical liquid (solution, lotion, spray) developers needing flux and lag-time data for product development decisions.

Why Auriga for Franz Diffusion Cell Testing

#1 in India for Franz Diffusion Cell

Auriga is the recognised expert in India for Franz diffusion cell testing. The page ranks #1 nationally for the term — reflecting depth of buyer trust and operational track record.

Synthetic-Membrane IVPT with Validated Methods

Strat-M and equivalent synthetic membrane workflows with ICH Q2(R2) validated HPLC quantification per FDA SUPAC-SS and USP 1724. Reproducible, regulatory-acceptable, statistically robust.

NABL Reports Accepted by CDSCO and USFDA

NABL accredited (ISO/IEC 17025:2017) permeation data formatted for CDSCO and USFDA dossier inclusion. Manesar is USFDA Inspected — data accepted in submissions without re-testing.

FDA May 2023 ANDA Comparative IVPT

Test vs reference comparative IVPT per the FDA Draft Guidance of May 2023 for topical drug products submitted in ANDAs — supporting biowaiver pathways for topical generics.

Multi-Station Automated Systems

Automated multi-station Franz diffusion apparatus with independently temperature-controlled receptor compartments and programmable sampling protocols. Statistical robustness across 6 to 12 replicates per session.

Cross-Industry: Pharma, Cosmetics, Material Science

Synthetic-membrane Franz diffusion capability extends beyond pharma into cosmetics, personal care, and material science. One vendor, one validated platform, multiple use cases.

5+

NABL Accredited Labs

5 Cities

Delhi · Manesar · Bahadurgarh · Baddi · Bangalore

12,000+

Clients Served

1985

Arbro Group · Auriga Research

Regulatory References

  • FDA SUPAC-SS — Scale-Up and Post-Approval Changes for Nonsterile Semisolid Dosage Forms (CDER 1997).
  • USP <1724> — Semisolid Drug Products: Performance Tests.
  • FDA Draft Guidance, May 2023 — In Vitro Permeation Test Studies for Topical Drug Products Submitted in ANDAs.
  • ICH Q2(R2) — Validation of Analytical Procedures (March 2024).
  • Service Scope — Synthetic membranes only. Biological skin studies (excised human or animal tissue) not in scope.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Franz diffusion cell and how does it work?
A Franz diffusion cell is a laboratory apparatus used to measure the rate and extent of drug release or permeation from a topical or transdermal formulation through a validated synthetic membrane. It consists of a donor compartment (where the formulation is applied), a receptor compartment (filled with a suitable medium), and a synthetic membrane mounted between the two. The receptor medium is sampled at defined time intervals and analysed (typically by HPLC) to construct a release or permeation profile showing cumulative drug release over time. Auriga performs Franz diffusion testing using synthetic membranes only.
Which membranes does Auriga use for Franz diffusion testing?
Auriga conducts Franz diffusion testing using synthetic membranes — Strat-M or equivalent (polysulfone, regenerated cellulose, polyethersulfone) selected per the formulation type and the regulatory purpose. Synthetic membranes provide reproducible barrier performance, regulatory acceptance for IVRT under USP 1724 and FDA SUPAC-SS, and statistically robust data for ANDA biowaiver and comparative IVPT submissions per the FDA Draft Guidance of May 2023. Clients requiring biological skin studies (excised human or animal tissue) should enquire at quote stage — these studies are not within Auriga’s in-house scope.
What types of formulations can be tested using Franz diffusion cells?
Franz diffusion cell testing is applicable to topical and transdermal formulations including creams, ointments, gels, lotions, transdermal patches, sprays, foams, and emulsions, plus mucosal and nail-lacquer delivery systems. Both in vitro release testing (IVRT) for quality and batch comparison and in vitro permeation testing (IVPT) for formulation development and comparative studies are performed using synthetic membranes under controlled, temperature-regulated receptor conditions.
What is the difference between IVRT and IVPT?
IVRT (In Vitro Release Testing) measures the rate of drug release from the formulation into the receptor medium across a synthetic membrane and is used for quality control, batch-to-batch comparison, and SUPAC-SS / USP 1724 compliance. IVPT (In Vitro Permeation Testing) measures the rate and steady-state flux of drug permeation across a barrier synthetic membrane (commonly Strat-M) under controlled conditions and is used for comparative formulation studies, ANDA biowaiver support, and FDA Draft Guidance May 2023 comparative work. Both techniques are performed on the same multi-station Franz diffusion apparatus with HPLC quantification of receptor samples.
Does Auriga Research perform SUPAC-SS compliant diffusion testing?
Yes. Franz diffusion cell testing protocols comply with FDA SUPAC-SS guidance for semisolid dosage forms, USP 1724 for semisolid drug products, and the FDA Draft Guidance of May 2023 on IVPT for topical drug products submitted in ANDAs. Validated HPLC methods are used for receptor sample quantification and complete release / permeation profiles are reported with statistical analysis. All testing uses synthetic membranes — Auriga does not perform biological-tissue Franz diffusion studies.
What is the turnaround time for Franz diffusion cell testing?
Standard Franz diffusion cell testing is completed within 7 to 10 business days from sample receipt at Manesar — this includes membrane preparation, multi-timepoint sampling over 6 to 24 hours, HPLC analysis of receptor samples, and data reporting. Rush services are available within 5 to 7 business days for urgent projects. Comparative permeation studies for ANDA submissions take 10 to 14 business days. Method development plus full ICH Q2(R2) validation takes 2 to 3 weeks.

Get a Quote for Franz Diffusion Cell Testing

NABL-accredited IVRT and IVPT testing using synthetic membranes per FDA SUPAC-SS, USP 1724, and the FDA Draft Guidance of May 2023. USFDA Inspected at Manesar. 7 to 10 business day TAT. Clients requiring biological skin studies should enquire at quote stage.

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