Daikyo Crystal Zenith® Insert Needle Syringe Systems

The global injectable drug market sees an ever-increasing adoption of high-value biologic drug products. More than half of today’s 20 top selling injectables are biologics, and many of them are delivered in a prefilled syringe. Even though glass syringes are predominantly used for primary containment of parenterals, the (bio)pharmaceutical industry continues to cope with certain limitations associated with glass prefilled systems.

Considering the world of commercial transparent polymers, Daikyo Crystal Zenith® cyclic olefin polymer (COP) clearly stands out – having very good resistance to oxygen/water and compatibility with drug product (it comprises only carbon and hydrogen). Other transparent polymers may suffer limitations, in one or more ways. For example, poly(vinylidene chloride) has outstanding resistance to oxygen/water, but lacks compatibility; sterilization can result in release of HCl. For parenteral drug products, polymer-based containment/delivery systems have many advantages compared to glass.

To promote patient safety and the stability and efficacy of protein-based drugs, including mAbs, it is important to store the drugs in compatible container and delivery systems. From the time of storage until the drug reaches the patient, the protein interacts with the surfaces of these systems, which can impact the drug’s stability. The drug also can be affected by the various mechanical stresses and elevated temperatures to which it may be exposed during shipping, handling, and delivery.