Revolutionary patient-centric development and pre-filled syringe packaging

New advancements in the field of pharma packaging are revolutionising the healthcare industry, setting the stage for a more efficient and sustainable future.

Throughout CPHI Barcelona, Joe Compton, Senior Director, Business Development at Tjoapack, has been looking at the innovations shaping the future of healthcare packaging. In this second blog of the series, he explores the importance of patient-centric development in injectables and outlines how packaging can provide support.

Traditionally, patients have faced numerous challenges when it comes to self-administering medications — particularly injectable products. From the inconvenience of manual syringe preparation to the risk of medication errors or contamination, these hurdles can significantly impact patient well-being.

Recognizing the need for patient-centric solutions, the pharmaceutical industry has invested extensive research and development efforts into creating an optimal user experience in recent years. One of the most significant outcomes of this innovation is the development of the pre-filled syringe (PFS).

The PFS offers key advantages over the traditional vial and syringe. As the syringe comes already charged with a single dose of the drug product, there is no possibility of under- or over-dosing, making it safer and more convenient for the user. This makes it far more suitable than traditional syringes for self-administration by the patient in their own home, freeing them from the inconvenience of going to a clinic for treatment.

However, more than just the syringe itself is needed for the PFS to live up to its full potential. The right packaging is vital to ensure patients have everything they need to administer their treatment correctly.

The value of packaging

Contract packaging organisations (CPOs) like Tjoapack have spent years perfecting the packaging of PFS and other products. PFS packaging not only ensures that the filling and finishing process is as efficient as possible and that the formulation is sterile and safe to use, but it also provides the patient with a quick, easy and convenient experience. Any difficulties in the administration of a drug — particularly one that is self-administered — could risk the patient being reluctant to take their treatment regularly, undermining the effectiveness of the therapy to the detriment of the patient’s health.

Patient-centric PFS packaging can help simplify self-administration in a number of ways:

• Clear labelling and easy-to-read instructions: To give patients the directions they need to prepare the PFS, inject the treatment safely and comfortably, and dispose of the device afterwards.
• Ergonomic PFS design to ensure ease of use for vulnerable patients: Enhancements to the grip of the PFS or alternative grips packaged within a kit can support older users with dexterity issues, helping them feel more confident about administering the treatment themselves.
• Kits with added extras to optimise usability: Kitting the PFS not just with instructions, but also with extras, such as sanitary wipes, cotton pads and bandages, can give patients everything they need to prepare for administration, further enhancing the experience.

The power of expert partnerships

With all this in mind, the right packaging means that PFS can give patients access to a hassle-free alternative to manual syringes, empowering them and supporting their independence in managing their health.

An expert CPO partner like Tjoapack can support pharmaceutical companies in accessing such packaging on behalf of patients. Tjoapack has the infrastructure and capacity to enable customers to carefully fill and seal high volumes of PFS in a sterile environment. This ensures that companies remain compliant with stringent regulatory requirements, such as Annex 1 of the EU Guidelines for Good Manufacturing Practice for Medicinal Products for Human and Veterinary Use while providing patients with safe, high-quality and convenient products.

By enabling pharmaceutical companies to harness specially designed PFS packaging and to do so at scale, CPOs like Tjoapack are helping transform the way injectable medications are delivered. In doing so, they are empowering patients to take control of their treatment — providing them with convenient and easy-to-use drug products to increase medication adherence while reducing the risk of errors.

Innovation powering better user experience

The rise of the patient-centric PFS and its specialist packaging is a testament to the pharmaceutical industry’s dedication to innovation and patient care.

Tjoapack has been at the forefront of this PFS revolution for years and is committed to remaining there, working with customers to develop solutions that prioritise patient needs.

Contact us here to learn more.