All NewsBio/Pharma News
All PublicationsPharmTechPharmTech Europe
MarketplaceICH Q9 Revision: A Comprehensive Resource on Quality Risk ManagementPeer-Reviewed ResearchPharmTech ProductsPharma InsightsSponsored PodcastsSponsored VideosSponsored eBooksWhitepapers
Webcasts
All VideosAsk the ExpertBehind The HeadlinesBuy, Sell, HoldDrug Digest VideosDrug Solutions PodcastPeer ExchangeSexy ScienceTech Talk
Conference CoverageConference ListingEvents
Subscribe
AnalyticsAnalyticsAnalytics
Data and Artificial Intelligence
Dosage FormsDosage FormsDosage FormsDosage FormsDosage Forms
Drug DevelopmentDrug DevelopmentDrug DevelopmentDrug DevelopmentDrug DevelopmentDrug Development
ManufacturingManufacturingManufacturingManufacturingManufacturingManufacturingManufacturingManufacturingManufacturingManufacturingManufacturingManufacturingManufacturing
OutsourcingOutsourcingOutsourcingOutsourcingOutsourcingOutsourcingOutsourcing
Quality SystemsQuality SystemsQuality SystemsQuality Systems
Spotlight -
  • Analytics
  • Dosage Forms
  • Drug Development
  • Manufacturing
  • Outsourcing
  • Quality Systems
IS1
  • Applied Clinical Trials

  • BioPharm International

  • Cannabis Science and Technology

  • Chromatography Online

  • Nutritional Outlook

  • Pharmaceutical Commerce

  • Pharmaceutical Executive

  • Pharm Tech

  • Spectroscopy Online

  • Turbo Machinery Magazine

AnalyticsAnalyticsAnalytics
Data and Artificial Intelligence
Dosage FormsDosage FormsDosage FormsDosage FormsDosage Forms
Drug DevelopmentDrug DevelopmentDrug DevelopmentDrug DevelopmentDrug DevelopmentDrug Development
ManufacturingManufacturingManufacturingManufacturingManufacturingManufacturingManufacturingManufacturingManufacturingManufacturingManufacturingManufacturingManufacturing
OutsourcingOutsourcingOutsourcingOutsourcingOutsourcingOutsourcingOutsourcing
Quality SystemsQuality SystemsQuality SystemsQuality Systems
IS1
  • Applied Clinical Trials

  • BioPharm International

  • Cannabis Science and Technology

  • Chromatography Online

  • Nutritional Outlook

  • Pharmaceutical Commerce

  • Pharmaceutical Executive

  • Pharm Tech

  • Spectroscopy Online

  • Turbo Machinery Magazine

    • Webcasts
    • Subscribe
Advertisement

News

Article

ePT--the Electronic Newsletter of Pharmaceutical Technology

May 21, 2009

Prefilled Syringes Growing More Popular

Author(s):

Stephanie Sutton

According to a report from Greystone Associates in Amherst, New Hampshire, prefilled syringes are replacing vials both in terms of injections and sector revenue, and as this trend continues during the next four years, the number of tailored injectable drug products reaching the market is set to escalate.

Despite consumer demand for needle-free methods of drug delivery, traditional injection remains the dominant paradigm. Prefilled injection devices, which are quicker and easier to use and enable premeasured and presterilized dosing, are being increasingly integrated into the plans of pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. According to a report from Greystone Associates in Amherst, New Hampshire, prefilled syringes are replacing vials both in terms of injections and sector revenue, and as this trend continues during the next four years, the number of tailored, injectable drug products reaching the market is set to escalate.

But this doesn't mean that integrating the technology will be easy. Stability is a major issue. "Unlike glass vials, the drug needs to be stable for protracted periods of time while in contact with the different synthetic materials that comprise the syringe. Therefore, stability testing is a big necessity," said Greystone Market Analyst David Clark in an interview with Pharmaceutical Technology Europe.

Drug stability, however, is improving as advances such as new materials and manufacturing processes are made to the design of prefilled syringes. Advances are also being made in the field of needle-free injections, which Clark says will "play a part" in the sector, adding that, "the major movement will be within the injectable-device sector; from syringes to pen injectors and auto injectors."

The use of prefilled injection devices varies depending on the drug class. "For example, recombinant protein drugs are very expensive to manufacture and are, therefore, almost always available in prefilled syringes," said Clark. "This is more economical than having to overfill vials to account for caregiver variations or eliminating air bubbles in the syringe prior to injection, etc." He also adds that vaccines, which are relatively less expensive, are also supplied in prefilled syringes because it saves time when vaccinating large numbers of patients. "This is a major advantage in undeveloped areas such as sub-Saharan Africa where vaccination is essential to improving quality of life and reducing the incidence of disease."

Looking forward, Clark expects the sector to grow even more during the next few years. "A greater percentage of drugs in a given drug class will become available in prefilled syringes," he said. "In particular, this relates to drugs indicated for chronic conditions; self-administration will also become available in automated injection devices."

Stephanie Sutton is an assistant editor at Pharmaceutical Technology Europe.

Newsletter

Get the essential updates shaping the future of pharma manufacturing and compliance—subscribe today to Pharmaceutical Technology and never miss a breakthrough.

Subscribe Now!
Related Videos
Dave Miller, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer, AustinPx
Dave Miller, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer, AustinPx
Related Content
Advertisement
Science laboratory test tubes, laboratory equipment | Image Credit: © BillionPhotos.com - © BillionPhotos.com - stock.adobe.com
August 22nd 2025

Johnson & Johnson Invests $2 Billion into North Carolina Facility

Susan Haigney
Drug Solutions Podcast: A Closer Look at mRNA in Oncology and Vaccines
August 22nd 2025

Drug Solutions Podcast: A Closer Look at mRNA in Oncology and Vaccines

Feliza Mirasol
Bio/Pharma's Tariff Response: Key Insights from Industry Survey Results
August 22nd 2025

Bio/Pharma's Tariff Response: Key Insights from Industry Survey Results

Christopher Cole
Drug Solutions Podcast: Applying Appropriate Analytics to Drug Development
August 22nd 2025

Drug Solutions Podcast: Applying Appropriate Analytics to Drug Development

Text sign showing Industry News. Business photo text delivering news to the general public or a target public | Image Credit: © Artur - © Artur - stock.adobe.com
August 22nd 2025

FDA Releases Guidance on Oncology Therapeutic Radiopharmaceuticals

Susan Haigney
Communication between the manufacturing plant and retail stores. | Image Credit: © Cagkan - © Cagkan - stock.adobe.com
August 22nd 2025

Telstar to Showcase Integrated GMP Services at Farmaforum

Susan Haigney
Related Content
Advertisement
Science laboratory test tubes, laboratory equipment | Image Credit: © BillionPhotos.com - © BillionPhotos.com - stock.adobe.com
August 22nd 2025

Johnson & Johnson Invests $2 Billion into North Carolina Facility

Susan Haigney
Drug Solutions Podcast: A Closer Look at mRNA in Oncology and Vaccines
August 22nd 2025

Drug Solutions Podcast: A Closer Look at mRNA in Oncology and Vaccines

Feliza Mirasol
Bio/Pharma's Tariff Response: Key Insights from Industry Survey Results
August 22nd 2025

Bio/Pharma's Tariff Response: Key Insights from Industry Survey Results

Christopher Cole
Drug Solutions Podcast: Applying Appropriate Analytics to Drug Development
August 22nd 2025

Drug Solutions Podcast: Applying Appropriate Analytics to Drug Development

Text sign showing Industry News. Business photo text delivering news to the general public or a target public | Image Credit: © Artur - © Artur - stock.adobe.com
August 22nd 2025

FDA Releases Guidance on Oncology Therapeutic Radiopharmaceuticals

Susan Haigney
Communication between the manufacturing plant and retail stores. | Image Credit: © Cagkan - © Cagkan - stock.adobe.com
August 22nd 2025

Telstar to Showcase Integrated GMP Services at Farmaforum

Susan Haigney
About Us
Advertise
Contact Us
Editorial Info
Editorial Advisory Board
Do Not Sell My Personal Information
Privacy Policy
Terms and Conditions
Contact Info

2 Commerce Drive
Cranbury, NJ 08512

609-716-7777

© 2025 MJH Life Sciences

All rights reserved.