The future of medicine is personalised, based on treating individuals for their risk factors and replacing the traditional universal medicine approach.

A leading tool in the delivery of personalised medicine is pre-filled syringes, with the industry set to grow to USD 20.8 billion by 2036 (Fact.MR). Pre-filled syringes are revolutionising the way medicine is controlled, delivered and administered by providing benefits in safety, minimised waste, and ease of use.

As the pharmaceutical industry continues to push towards a personalised medicine standard, pre-filled syringes will pave the way as a flexible and safe ideal. Below, we go into further detail about the benefits of pre-filled syringes and how they benefit everyone.

Why Pre-Filled Syringes Are Beneficial for Patients

Healthcare is changing as we shift away from a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach towards delivering patient value.

The way we analyse patients is becoming more accurate, giving greater insight into individuals’ health needs and risks. This means we can determine which interventions are effective and which aren’t, thereby streamlining medical production.

The reality will see ineffective interventions left behind, with the pharmaceutical industry developing medicines tailored to patients’ needs and delivering higher-quality care. Pre-filled syringes provide a necessary platform for big pharma to control and administer personalised solutions.

However, with challenges arising in sustainability and sensitivity, it’s up to the whole pharmaceutical supply chain to play its part in delivering personalised medicines.

New Structures of Pre-Filled Syringe Medication

Personalised medicines boast a more complex structure than traditional alternatives, and while this allows them to deliver targeted relief to patients, it also makes them more sensitive to contact with other structures, causing packaging challenges.

The delicate structure of personalised medicines – along with the fact that they’re delivered in smaller batches due to their distinct usage – could cause chaos for manufacturers in terms of packaging and delivery.

The solution to this is primary pharmaceutical packaging that provides a safe, compatible barrier for medicines. This acts as a singular vehicle for and direct administrator of the medicine, protecting its contents from contamination.

What Materials Are Best for Primary Pre-Filled Syringe Packaging?

The challenge for primary pre-filled syringe packaging lies in identifying suitable materials that fulfil both the decontamination role and ensure safe delivery for patients.

Industry focus is on producing pre-filled syringes from COP and COC polymers. These resins perform well with most chemical structures and provide moisture vapour barrier properties. These plastic packaging materials prevent moisture from transmitting through the walls, which can be a problem with polythene products.

Cyclic olefin plastics are becoming a go-to alternative to glass packaging because of their inert, carbon- and hydrogen-based structure. They can be made-to-purpose while maintaining a rigid, chemically resistant structure, making them suitable for use in primary and secondary pharmaceutical packaging, such as blister packs and prefilled syringes.

However, manufacturers and packaging suppliers must consider how they intend to use and sterilise pre-filled syringes made from COP or COC polymers, as these polymers won’t be suitable for long-term use.

All compounds and primary packaging structures need to be extensively tested for materials, extractables and leachables, durability, shelf life and more, plus tested for suitability with secondary packaging for syringes. Certain compounds may be considered non-toxic, but when tested for temperature, failure analysis, and other factors, they may demonstrate a risk to patients.

Wearable Injection Technology for Pre-Filled Syringes

The evolution of pre-filled syringes is continuing with wearable injector technologies. The key to personalised medicine is providing value and quality of healthcare to patients, and wearable medicines provide the convenience and comfort to meet this need.

Large-volume wearable injectors (LVWIs) benefit healthcare systems and patients as they move treatment out of hospitals and into the home. This relieves pressure on healthcare staff schedules while providing patients with home comforts during treatment.

They also deliver stress-free subcutaneous treatment, minimising the number of expensive intravenous infusions needed.

Thanks to innovations in pre-filled syringes and the mobile connectivity of LVWIs, correct dosage adherence can be monitored remotely, ensuring the best possible care for patients without the need for regular hospital visits.

The potential of personalised medicine to deliver high-quality care for patients and to provide rewards for the pharmaceutical industry is huge. However, it’s up to everyone across the supply chain to ensure safe, efficient packaging and delivery at every touchpoint to reap the benefits.

Dependable Packaging Solutions at Origin

We work with the pharmaceutical industry to ensure we are creating pharmaceutical packaging that is compatible and safe, while offering durability and ease of use for patients.

To speak to us about our packaging solutions, contact us today, and a member of our team will be able to discuss your best options.