IMA Life to Present AI, Soft PAT, and Digital Twin Innovations at two key events in April 2026
- Chicago, Illinois, USA
IMA Life is pleased to announce its participation in two major industry events in April 2026, where the company will present its latest advancements in artificial intelligence, soft Process Analytical Technology (soft PAT), and digital twin applications for pharmaceutical freeze drying.
ISL-FD Conference – April 15, 2026
IMA Life will take part in the ISL-FD Midwest Chapter Conference, held on April 15, 2026, in Chicago, Illinois.
At this event, the following technical presentation will be delivered: “From CFD to Digital Twins: Predicting Equipment Capability and Design Space in Lyophilization”
The work will be co‑authored by:
- Petr Kazarin (IMA Life)
- Fay Metsi‑Guckel (Merck)
- Matej Zadravec (University of Maribor)
The talk will focus on the integration of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) with data‑driven digital twins to predict equipment capability and explore design space with greater accuracy.
LyoHUB Annual Member Meeting – April 16, 2026
IMA Life will contribute to the LyoHUB Annual Member Meeting, taking place on April 16, 2026, from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM CST, hosted by Fresenius Kabi in Melrose Park, Illinois (https://www.fresenius-kabi.com/us).
Attendance is open to all employees of LyoHUB member companies.
During this event, Prof. Alessandro Ruberti and Petr Kazarin (IMA Life) will deliver a technical presentation titled: “Artificial Intelligence, Soft PAT, and Digital Twins: Toward Predictive Lyophilization Processes”.
Advancing Lyophilization Through Data and Intelligence
Lyophilization remains one of the most complex and energy‑intensive operations in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Despite decades of innovation, freeze‑drying cycles are still predominantly monitored using traditional control logic and evaluated through post‑run analysis. As a result, large volumes of process data generated by modern equipment are often underutilized.
The presentation explores how artificial intelligence can transform lyophilization into an intelligent, self‑learning process capable of improving efficiency, reliability, and product quality.
Intellecta: AI for Real‑Time Multivariate Monitoring
The session will highlight industrial implementations of advanced analytics for real‑time freeze‑dryer monitoring. Central to this approach is Intellecta, an integrated AI platform capable of analyzing process variables throughout all stages of the lyophilization cycle—including freezing, primary drying, and secondary drying.
Through multivariate analytics and machine learning, Intellecta detects subtle deviations and emerging anomalies hidden within complex datasets, enabling earlier interventions and more robust control.
Soft PAT: Virtual Sensors Built from Process Data
A major focus of the talk will be the development of soft Process Analytical Technology (soft PAT) tools derived directly from historical and real‑time process data. These virtual sensors estimate critical process variables that are difficult or impossible to measure directly, providing deeper process insight without requiring additional hardware instrumentation.
Digital Twins: A Predictive Model for Freeze‑Drying
By merging soft PAT outputs with large‑scale datasets, IMA Life is enabling the creation of digital twins of freeze‑drying processes. These models combine physical understanding with AI‑ and model-driven predictions, simulating process dynamics, anticipating deviations, and supporting the optimization of operating conditions before issues arise.
Toward Predictive, Intelligent Lyophilization
Together, AI, soft PAT, and digital twins define a new paradigm for pharmaceutical freeze‑drying – one in which processes are not only monitored but understood, predicted, and proactively optimized.
IMA Life looks forward to contributing to the discussion and engaging with industry partners, researchers, and professionals committed to advancing lyophilization science.