Pharmaceutical Packaging Trends in 2017: Part 1 – The Evolution of Biologics Is Instilling Packaging Changes

Biologic drug formulations are becoming the focus of many treatments -- from immunotherapeutics to cell and gene therapies. This segment's dynamics continue to evolve at a pace where new formulations are being discovered rapidly, and in some instances, traditional packaging solutions are becoming increasingly incompatible. For example, a cure for a rare disease may lack the right containment solution. Certainly, this demands a new solution be brought to the market in order to treat patients in need.

These new drugs differ from their traditional small-molecule counterparts in that unfavorable interactions with primary packaging components are much more of a concern. For example, a glass vial can delaminate, leading to unwanted glass flakes in a drug formulation. A common method for delivery, the pre-filled syringe, requires presence of silicone to provide lubricity to the interior walls of the syringe barrel. However, numerous instances of drug denaturation and aggregation, have led to a rising demand for low-silicone or silicone-free systems. Furthermore, contamination of syringes with heavy metals, i.e., tungsten, can result in complexation with drug formulation and subsequent deactivation.

At West, we offer a solution that can accommodate these concerns: Daikyo Crystal Zenith cyclic olefin polymer containment and delivery systems - a high-performance alternative to glass. It is an integrated life-cycle solution that is designed to protect drug safety, purity and efficacy - from development through delivery. Keeping up with the market trend of biologics, West can provide the biopharmaceutical industry with a solution to administer lifesaving medications safely and effectively.

For more in-depth discussion on Daikyo Crystal Zenith and other West solutions for your biologic drug product, please contact a Technical Customer Support representative.

Daikyo Crystal Zenith is a registered trademark of Daikyo Seiko, Ltd. Crystal Zenith technology is licensed from Daikyo Seiko, Ltd.