Tableting Course Brings Industry Experts, Scientists and Students Together
Comprehensive curriculum bridges theory and practice
Oxford, Miss. – The Pii Center for Pharmaceutical Technology at the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy recently hosted its annual tablet technology training, continuing a tradition of postgraduate pharmaceutical education that stretches back more than 25 years. Since its founding in 1998, the program has trained more than 2,000 professionals from across the pharmaceutical, dietary supplement, animal health, and food industries, as well as regulatory professionals from the Food and Drug Administration and Health Canada.
The course offers an extensive review of manufacturing technologies, with academic and industry experts delivering lectures covering traditional and advanced manufacturing technologies including powder mixing, granulation, tablet compression, compaction simulation, tablet coating, and hot melt extrusion.
"By combining expert-led instruction with hands-on laboratory training, the program enhances the technical capabilities of industry and regulatory professionals attending the course,” said Sateesh Kumar Vemula, postdoctoral research associate in Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, and program director. “It also provides graduate students with valuable exposure to advanced equipment, applied problem-solving, and professional engagement that support their future careers in pharmaceutical sciences."
Augmenting the lectures, multiple laboratory sessions translate classroom concepts into real-world practice.
"The labs have shown us how these processes work, not just in theory, but also in practice," said Suyasha Sharad Chaudhari, a fourth-year Ph.D. student at the School of Pharmacy. "I'm a visual learner and this kind of training is more beneficial to me than imaging or simply reading about a process."
Mark Stapleton of Xenon Pharmaceuticals, Inc., came to the course on the recommendation of his supervisor, a former attendee.
"This is a remarkable opportunity to expand on what I already know and learn new efficient ways to do things," Stapleton said. "Working with the machines taught me new ways to granulate and methods of getting medications to patients."
Professionals from a wide range of organizations participated in the week-long program, including pharmaceutical manufacturers, excipient and equipment suppliers, and Health Canada. The course is one of the most respected continuing education programs of its kind.
"The preformulation work is fascinating,” said Bernado Guzman of Agios Pharmaceuticals. “I'm impressed with all the learning opportunities we've had every day.”
Guzman’s coworker and course participant Lucas Anthony agreed.
"This is a renowned training program within our industry, and I've been looking forward to participating in it," Anthony said. "The insights are invaluable and I look forward to sharing this training with my team."
By
James Dowd
Campus
Office, Department or Center
Published
June 12, 2026
School
Highlights from Tablet Course 2026
Graduate Students from the department of Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery that helped with and attended the conference.
Mark Stapleton of Xenon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. listening to a morning lecture.
