This seminar will start out with an introduction to thermal characterization including differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and freeze-dry microscopy (FDM) and how the information gained from these techniques can be used as the foundation for optimized cycle design. Next, we will discuss, in detail, the process of designing the freezing, primary, annealing (if used), and secondary drying protocols for the cycle. In each case, the process will be broken down to understand the correct choice of the different controllable lyopohilizer parameters including shelf temperature, chamber pressure, and hold times.