Pharma Test
Pharma Test is a German manufacturer of USP/EP/JP-conform pharmaceutical testing instruments, including tablet dissolution testers, galenic instruments, and fiber-optic spectrometers, serving pharma, food, and cosmetics labs worldwide through 100+ distributors and direct sales.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1979
- HeadquartersHessen, Germany
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Pharma Test does
Pharma Test (legally Pharma Test Apparatebau AG) is a privately held German Aktiengesellschaft founded in 1979 and headquartered in Hainburg, Hesse. It manufactures high-value testing and quality-control instruments for the pharmaceutical, food and cosmetics industries, organized under the Pharma Test Group umbrella alongside two wholly-owned operating subsidiaries: J & M Analytik AG (Essingen), which supplies fiber-optic UV/VIS, NIR and Raman spectrometers under the TIDAS brand together with the TIDASDAQ3 acquisition software; and Pharmag GmbH (Klipphausen), which supplies pilot-plant and small-scale production equipment including mini tablet presses and capsule fillers.
The core product portfolio centers on USP/EP/JP-conform tablet dissolution testing instruments (the PTWS family in 6-, 8-, 12- and 14+2-station configurations) and galenic instruments covering tablet hardness (PTB/WHT series, including the new portable PTB-M100), disintegration (PTZ series), friability (PTF 200), powder testing (PT-TD300, PTG-S5, PTG-NIR), and leak testing (PT-LT). Automated dissolution platforms (ADS-L series, DFC series, DSR-M sampling robot) and the PT-DDS4 media preparation system extend the offering into workflow-level solutions, while network connectivity is delivered through the PT-Node LAN/Wi-Fi adapter and PT-PSC converter. J&M contributes laboratory and process spectrometers (TIDAS L/E/S Lab, TIDAS P process with ATEX certification, OEM modules, MS-80P moisture sensor) plus the TIDAS P Pro Clean for in-line CIP monitoring. Pharmag provides pilot-plant equipment (UAM motor drive, CMP blenders, HMG homogenizer, POM-5 planetary mixer) and mini tablet/capsule machines.
Pharma Test sells predominantly through quote-based B2B capital equipment channels: direct sales in Germany and a global network of over 100 trained distribution partners (including exclusive regional distributors such as Viet Anh for Vietnam since 1997), supported by marketing at major industry events (analytica, ACHEMA, Photonics West, POWTECH TECHNOPHARM, Labvolution). Recurring revenue is generated via installation, qualification, training, technical support, maintenance, warranty, repair, and lease financing services. The company is family-controlled following the February 2026 succession from founder Franz J. Fähler to Björn Fähler as CEO.
Pharma Test firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Pharma Test
- Legal name
- Pharma Test Apparatebau AG
- Website
- https://pharma-test.de
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1979
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Pharma Test is a German manufacturer of USP/EP/JP-conform pharmaceutical testing instruments, including tablet dissolution testers, galenic instruments, and fiber-optic spectrometers, serving pharma, food, and cosmetics labs worldwide through 100+ distributors and direct sales.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Pharma Test industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Pharmaceutical Testing Equipment
- NAICS
- Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (334516)
- SIC
- Laboratory Analytical Instruments (3826), Surgical & Medical Instruments & Apparatus (3841)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Mass Spectrometry & Spectroscopy Instruments (HLAGAIAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Release Testing & Batch Certification (QC) (HLAGADAC), Manufacturing Quality Assurance & GMP Compliance (batch release, deviation/CAPA, tech transfer QA) (HLAGAKAJ), GMP Scale-Up, Tech Transfer & Process Validation (PPQ) (HLAGAHAL), Stability Testing (ICH Programs) (HLAGADAD)
Keywords
Where Pharma Test is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Hessen
- HQ country
- Germany
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices3 records
Markets served
Pharma Test business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Testing Equipment Sales: Pharma Test generates primary revenue from manufacturing and selling high-value testing equipment including dissolution testers, galenic instruments, and spectroscopy systems. Products are sold as capital equipment to pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetics companies globally through distributors.
- Professional Services: Additional revenue streams include installation, qualification, training, technical support, maintenance, warranty, and repair services. Financial services including lease options are also offered.
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels4 records
Pharma Test product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Pharma Test manufactures and supplies high-value testing equipment for the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetics industries, including USP/EP/JP-compliant tablet dissolution testing instruments (PTWS series), galenic instruments for hardness, disintegration, friability, suppository, ampoule, leak and powder testing, and fiber-optic UV/VIS/NIR/Raman spectrometers via its J&M subsidiary. Subsidiary Pharmag supplies pilot plant and small-scale production equipment, and the group complements its hardware with installation, qualification, training, technical support, maintenance, warranty, repair, and financial/lease services delivered through a global network of over 100 trained distribution partners.
Product overview
Pharma Test is a German manufacturer of high-value testing equipment for the pharmaceutical, food and cosmetics industry. The company operates under the Pharma Test Group umbrella, which includes three main divisions: Pharma Test (dissolution and galenic testing instruments), J&M Analytik (spectroscopy systems), and Pharmag (pilot plant and small-scale production equipment). The core product portfolio centers on tablet dissolution testing instruments (PTWS series in various configurations from 6 to 14+2 stations), galenic instruments including tablet hardness testers (PTB series, WHT 4), disintegration testers (PTZ series), friability testers (PTF series), and powder testing equipment (PT-TD300, PTG-S5). J&M contributes UV/VIS/NIR/Raman spectrometer systems (TIDAS L, E, S series) and process spectrometers (TIDAS P series) with associated TIDASDAQ3 software, which integrate with Pharma Test dissolution systems for automated online analysis. Pharmag provides pilot plant equipment including universal motor drives (UAM), blenders (CMP), homogenizers (HMG), planetary mixers (POM), mini tablet presses, and mini capsule filling machines. The portfolio is complemented by automation add-ons like the PT-Node network adapter, PT-PSC converter, DSR-M sampling robot, and PT-DDS4 media preparation system, all designed to work together within the pharmaceutical testing workflow.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- TIDAS: Fiber-optic spectrometer product line from J&M Analytik AG for UV/VIS, Raman and NIR spectroscopy applications in laboratory and OEM settings
- Pharmag
Products and services
- PTWS 830 Tablet Dissolution Testing Instrument Next-generation 8-station tablet dissolution testing instrument designed for higher throughput dissolution testing with advanced automation and connectivity features.
- PTWS 1230 and PTWS D630 Tablet Dissolution Testing Instruments Next-generation 12-station tablet dissolution testing instruments designed for higher throughput, with the D630 variant featuring dual drive technology for independent speed control.
- PTWS 130 Tablet Dissolution Testing Instrument USP/EP Tablet Dissolution Testing Instrument for measuring drug release rates from solid oral dosage forms.
- PTWS 1420 Dissolution Testing Instrument 14+2 station dissolution testing instrument ideal for comparative studies such as biowaiver tests, also available as online automated ADS-L 1420 version.
- PTWS 1220 Dissolution Testing Instrument 12+2 station dissolution testing instrument ideal for biowaiver studies and dissolution method development.
- PTWS 820-MA Dissolution Testing Instrument 8-position USP/EP tablet dissolution testing instrument with integrated media addition system for automatic buffer dosing in delayed release dosage form testing.
- ADS-L Series Automated Dissolution Systems Online automated dissolution testing systems with closed-loop sampling and continuous monitoring. Available in 6, 8, 12, and 14+2 station configurations integrated with TIDAS L spectrometers for continuous monitoring. Includes closed-loop media circulation and automated sampling.
- DFC Series Offline Automated Dissolution Systems Offline automated dissolution systems with automated sampling into racks for laboratory dissolution testing.
- DSR-M Dissolution Sampling Robot Dissolution sampling robot with media refilling and dilution options for automated sample collection.
- PT-DDS4 Media Preparation System Media preparation system for effective degassing, heating and precise gravimetric dispensing of dissolution media.
- PT-DR Dispersion Releaser Dispersion releaser — release apparatus for nano- and microformulations, co-developed with Fraunhofer Institut at Goethe University Frankfurt for testing solid formulations.
- PTB-M100 Portable Tablet Hardness Tester Portable tablet hardness tester for on-site hardness measurement of tablets.
- PTB 330 Tablet Testing Instrument 5-in-1 tablet testing instrument with balance connection and width measurement capability.
- PTB 500 NICE Semi-Automated Tablet Testing System Semi-automated 5-in-1 tablet testing system with integrated balance, large touch screen and space-saving design.
- PTB 311E Tablet Hardness Testing Instrument 4-in-1 tablet hardness testing instrument with password feature and width measurement capability.
- PTB 420 Auto Fully Automated Hardness Tester Fully automated 4-in-1 tablet hardness tester for up to 25 samples with integrated balance and feeder.
- WHT 4 Automated Tablet Hardness Testing System 4-in-1 tablet hardness testing system with PC and swiveling touch screen that measures weight, thickness, diameter and hardness fully automatically, with optional 21 CFR Part 11 compliance.
- PTZ 100/300 Tablet Disintegration Testing Instruments Tablet disintegration testing instruments for measuring the disintegration time of solid dosage forms.
- PTZ AUTO EZ Automated Disintegration Tester Fully automated tablet disintegration testing instrument with enhanced automation features.
- PTF 200 Tablet Friability Tester Double drum tablet friability test instrument for measuring the abrasion resistance of tablets.
- PT-TD300 Tapped Density Tester Tapped density and apparent density testing instrument for characterizing powder flow properties.
- PTG-S5 Automated Powder Flow Analyzer Automated powder flow analyzer for measuring the flow behaviour of powders.
- PTG-NIR Near-Infrared Spectroscopy System Near-infrared spectroscopy system for powder flow analysis and non-destructive content determination.
- PT-LT Leak Tester Leak tester for checking the integrity of tablet strips, blister packs and small bottles.
- TIDAS L Series UV/VIS/NIR Spectrometers Integrated UV/VIS/NIR spectrometers for dissolution testing, process monitoring and laboratory analysis. Available in multiple configurations including UV/NIR, NIR-only, and Raman variants, covering a 190–1100 nm wavelength range with no moving optical parts and integrated 14-cuvette changers.
- TIDAS E Series Spectrometer Systems UV/VIS/NIR spectrometer systems for laboratory applications.
- TIDAS S Series Spectrometer Systems Spectrometer systems for specialized laboratory applications.
- TIDAS P Series Process Spectrometers Process spectrometers designed for tough environmental conditions with ATEX certification, used for pharmaceutical mixing, cleaning validation, chemical process monitoring, automotive layer thickness measurement, and food industry applications.
- TIDAS OEM Spectrometer Modules OEM spectrometer modules including multiplexers, light sources, and ASPEN electronics for integration into third-party systems and process monitoring applications.
- TIDASDAQ3 Spectrometer Software Data acquisition and processing software for all TIDAS spectrometers featuring color evaluation, thin-film measurement, chemometric modeling, OPC server integration, real-time data processing, process control, multivariate data analysis, and 21 CFR Part 11 compliance.
- TIDAS P Pro Clean CIP Spectrometer System Spectrometer system for monitoring Cleaning-In-Place (CIP) processes with spectroscopic analysis.
- MS-80P In-line Moisture Sensor LED-based sensor for in-line moisture monitoring.
- UAM Universal Motor Drive Industry-standardized pilot plant tool with attachment flange for supporting blenders, mixers, homogenizers, granulators, and pelletizers.
- CMP Plexiglas Cube Blenders Plexiglas cube blenders available in CMP-7.5 and CMP-12 models for different mixing volumes.
- HMG Homogenizer Homogenizer for homogenization of immiscible fluids in pilot plant applications.
- POM-5 Planetary Mixer Planetary mixer for ideal mixing of creams, ointments and liquids.
- Pharmag Pilot Plant Equipment Line Complete range of pilot plant equipment including particle size reduction, sieving and sorting, blending, mixing, homogenization, particle size enlargement, tablet finishing, and filling/dosing systems.
- Mini Tabletting Machines Miniaturized tablet presses for galenic formulation development, R&D and small batch production.
- Mini Capsulation Equipment Small scale automated capsule filling machines and tools for manual capsulation.
- Installation Services Professional installation services for Pharma Test testing equipment at customer sites.
- Qualification Services Equipment qualification services for regulated pharmaceutical environments.
- Training Services Operator and application training for Pharma Test instruments.
- Technical Support Services Ongoing technical support for Pharma Test instruments.
- Maintenance Services Preventive maintenance services for Pharma Test instruments.
- Repair Services Repair services for Pharma Test instruments.
- Warranty Services Warranty coverage for Pharma Test instruments.
- Financial Services Financial services including lease options for customers purchasing Pharma Test equipment.
Quantifiable outcome
- Market volume projected to double over 2026-2035 forecast period for Western Africa tap density testing equipment market (6-9% CAGR)
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use Pharma Test
Customer profileSegments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Pharma Test technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
Pharma Test partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Three partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Viet Anh Instruments JSCcoreExclusive partnering distributor for Vietnam since 1997. Viet Anh Instruments JSC serves as the exclusive distributor for Pharma Test products in Vietnam, providing sales, service, and technical support for pharmaceutical, food, agricultural produce, animal feed, and cosmetics industries. Located in Ho Chi Minh City with offices at Nguyen Ngoc Phuong Str. and Nguyen An Str.
- LytegateminorJ&M exhibits together with partner Lytegate at Photonics West 2026 in San Francisco. Lytegate hosts J&M at their booth (number 4205-58) at the Moscone Exhibition Centre.
- Fraunhofer Institut at Goethe University FrankfurtminorCollaborative development partnership for the Dispersion Releaser (PT-DR), a release apparatus for nano- and microformulations. Developed together with Fraunhofer Institut at Goethe University Frankfurt for testing solid formulations.
Scale indicators2 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Pharma Test competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Waters Corporation: Major analytical instrument manufacturer with overlapping UV/VIS spectroscopy, chromatography, and laboratory informatics offerings. Large established player in regulated pharmaceutical laboratory markets.
- Thermo Fisher Scientific: World's largest laboratory equipment manufacturer with broad portfolio spanning dissolution, spectroscopy, chromatography, and pharma QC. Provides integrated workflow suites that compete with Pharma Test's standalone instruments.
- Agilent Technologies: Global analytical instrument major offering dissolution testers, spectroscopy, chromatography, and mass spectrometry. Much larger incumbent that overlaps with Pharma Test and J&M Analytik across multiple lab instrument categories.
- Bruker Corporation: Analytical instrument manufacturer with significant spectroscopy and life science instrument portfolio. Overlaps with J&M Analytik's TIDAS spectroscopy line in UV/VIS/NIR/Raman applications.
Emerging players
- Avantes B.V. Dutch fiber-optic spectroscopy specialist offering modular UV/VIS/NIR spectrometers for OEM integration. Directly comparable to J&M Analytik's TIDAS OEM spectrometer products in fiber-optic spectroscopy markets.
Direct peers
- Teledyne Hanson Research: US manufacturer of dissolution testing instruments and automated dissolution systems. Directly comparable product line to Pharma Test's PTWS series with similar automation offerings for pharmaceutical QC.
- Copley Scientific: UK-based manufacturer of pharmaceutical testing equipment including dissolution, hardness, and disintegration testers. Comparable niche focus on regulated pharma QC testing instrumentation serving similar customer segments.
- Sotax AG: Swiss-headquartered global leader in dissolution testing equipment and pharmaceutical testing instruments. Closest direct competitor to Pharma Test's PTWS dissolution portfolio, serving the same pharmaceutical QC customers with USP/EP compliant hardware.
- Erweka GmbH: German manufacturer of pharmaceutical testing equipment including dissolution testers, tablet hardness, disintegration, and friability instruments. Direct domestic competitor to Pharma Test in the same German-speaking pharma lab equipment market.
- Distek, Inc. US-based manufacturer of dissolution testing instruments and pharmaceutical laboratory automation. Direct competitor with overlapping USP/EP-compliant dissolution systems and lifecycle services for pharma QC labs.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Pharma Test social profiles
Digital presencePharma Test compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance10 records
Pharma Test financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Pharma Test leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Pharma Test subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries2 records
Pharma Test funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Pharma Test M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Pharma Test
What does Pharma Test do?
Pharma Test manufactures and supplies high-value testing equipment for the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetics industries, including USP/EP/JP-compliant tablet dissolution testing instruments (PTWS series), galenic instruments for hardness, disintegration, friability, suppository, ampoule, leak and powder testing, and fiber-optic UV/VIS/NIR/Raman spectrometers via its J&M subsidiary. Subsidiary Pharmag supplies pilot plant and small-scale production equipment, and the group complements its hardware with installation, qualification, training, technical support, maintenance, warranty, repair, and financial/lease services delivered through a global network of over 100 trained distribution partners.
Is Pharma Test a public or private company?
Pharma Test is a private company. It is classified as family owned and is currently operating.
When was Pharma Test founded?
Pharma Test was founded in 1979. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Pharma Test based?
Pharma Test is headquartered in Hessen, Germany, in the Europe region.
How does Pharma Test make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Testing Equipment Sales are the primary driver. The others are professional Services.
Who are Pharma Test's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Waters Corporation, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Agilent Technologies and Bruker Corporation. Avantes B.V. is listed as an emerging player. Direct peers are Teledyne Hanson Research, Copley Scientific, Sotax AG, Erweka GmbH and Distek, Inc..
Does Pharma Test have an API?
No public API is recorded for Pharma Test.
What industry is Pharma Test in?
Pharma Test's product category is Pharmaceutical Testing Equipment. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HLAGAIAB, Mass Spectrometry & Spectroscopy Instruments, with a secondary code of HLAGADAC, Release Testing & Batch Certification (QC). Its NAICS code is 334516 and its SIC code is 3826.