OYS strengthened the reliability of its pharmaceutical services – IV ICON Twins II

Image 1. Sanna Krook/Pohde Image Bank

Oulu University Hospital (OYS) strengthened the reliability of its pharmaceutical services by commissioning a second IV ICON Twins compounding system supplied by NewIcon. OYS’s first Twins I compounding system has been in operation since June 2024, and its benefits for the hospital’s antibiotic production have been considered significant. Both Twins acquisitions are part of the OYS 2030 hospital development project, which aims to advance the automation of medication therapy and pharmaceutical services. According to Development Pharmacist Jaakko Mustakallio, Twins I has performed excellently in meeting the set requirements for production capacity, usability and technical features. “Twins I has reduced the workload of hospital units and enabled centralized antibiotic compounding at the hospital pharmacy, freeing up nursing staff to focus on patient care,” Jaakko explains.

Twins II doubles production capacity

The newly acquired Twins II compounding system will double production capacity, enabling the OYS hospital pharmacy to provide ready-compounded antibiotics also to other Pohde units. The second robot ensures continuous centralized antibiotic production even during maintenance or unexpected downtime of Twins. “The positive experience with the first device and the pre-secured option for a second compounding system made the acquisition process smooth,” Jaakko notes. The hospital is also exploring the addition of new antibiotics and antimicrobial preparations to the range of medicines produced by the robot, further enhancing production efficiency and expanding the benefits of automation in centralized pharmaceutical services.

Smooth commissioning

The Twins II was approved for use in September 2025. The expertise and experience of the hospital pharmacy’s Twins superusers played a key role in the successful implementation. “Dedicated personnel are invaluable—their expertise and experience, especially during the device validation phase, as well as their ability to solve problems, greatly ease the workload of the entire pharmacy,” Jaakko notes. “Close cooperation between the customer and the supplier is crucial when introducing new technological solutions – especially during the commissioning and validation phases. The project proceeds smoothly when both sides participate actively. Users’ understanding of the new device deepens, which in turn facilitates the adoption of new technology for everyday use,” adds Timo Huttunen, Compounding Product Manager at NewIcon. The challenges encountered during the Twins II delivery project were resolved in close cooperation with NewIcon, and the project was completed within the planned schedule.

Tips for acquiring a compounding system

Leveraging technology in pharmaceutical compounding is not merely an equipment investment but a strategic decision with long-term impact. According to Jaakko Mustakallio, it is crucial to thoroughly assess both current and future needs for medicines prepared with a compounding system within the hospital or wellbeing services county before starting the procurement process. “The device has a long service life, so it’s important to evaluate future needs and changes in the operating environment as well,” he reminds. The OYS Twins acquisitions demonstrate how successful technology adoption can enhance pharmaceutical services across the entire wellbeing services area.