Blogs

When selecting the appropriate rubber stopper for any respective vial containment system, there are many aspects to consider regarding the properties of the elastomeric closure. For the purposes of this discussion, the focus will be on the functional performance of the stopper and what key aspects should be considered during the assessment and selection process. Coring and fragmentation, container closure integrity, and machinability of the stoppers will be briefly reviewed.

Automation is quickly becoming a major part of the world in which we live. From consumer applications like microwaves and automobiles, to use in large-scale factories that produce everything from dollar-store hair accessories to autopilot-driven aircrafts, automation surrounds us. This is a good thing – the products we use benefit from the increased quality, consistency, and productivity provided by automated systems. 

West and its partner Daikyo have introduced a superior quality elastomeric piston the Daikyo D Sigma^® 1mL long piston, substantially raising the standard for product acceptance. The D Sigma piston combines Daikyo best practices with a known formulation (D21-7H), Daikyo Flurotec^® film, RB2 Coating, RSV^® and RUV^® processing with key innovation improvements of automated dimensional measurements, tight Acceptable Quality Levels (AQLs), particulate testing per ISO 8871-3, and enhanced vision inspection to achieve high levels of performance and consistency.

West is pleased to announce that we’ve recently expanded our Online Store offerings to include a 20mm NovaPure^® Ready Pack™ lyophilization stopper, adaptiQ^® vials from SCHOTT and Ready Pack™ Flip-Off^® CCS (Clean, Certified, Sterilized) seals. West’s Online Store is a one-stop solution for access to small quantities of some of West’s highest quality products, in stock and available ready-to-use in convenient small packs. Depending on their product needs, shoppers can now purchase a complete vial containment system with the option of selecting either Daikyo Crystal Zenith^® or adaptiQ glass vials.

How does West respond to increased demand to produce supplies needed for use with treatments to combat the coronavirus? The answer is – with years of experience, careful planning, and a robust manufacturing program. We are committed to doing our part to speed the successful development and large-scale manufacture of high-quality components required to serve customer needs for the delivery of a safe, effective COVID-19 vaccine, which includes expanding labor and equipment resources.

Containment/delivery systems for sensitive biologic drugs must provide the chemical, physical, and performance properties required to ensure product quality through shelf life. Further, they must be compatible with fill/finish operations, and enable functional performance during administration. Legacy rubber components may no longer meet the increasing technical and regulatory requirements of current and future biologic drug products.