SFF
The biologics market is experiencing rapid growth - it’s on track to be worth $900 billion by 20301. Due to the sensitivity of biological actives, biopharmaceutical treatments often require parenteral administration – a method that necessitates sterile filtration of formulations, aseptic processing, and sterile fill & finish to ensure patient safety.
However, these heightened demands require manufacturers to explore innovative solutions to keep up. Recent technology advancements are bringing new innovations to the formulation, packaging, and delivery of biologics to help bring greater manufacturing efficiencies. For example, many companies are shifting from traditional parenteral injections to pre-filled syringes (PFS). These devices offer improved dose accuracy by ensuring precise measurement of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and preserving the material resulting in cost efficiencies.
PFS devices also enable greater ease of use and reduce risks to patients by minimising dosing errors. Another method expected to continue in 2024 is the ongoing interest for biologics applications is blow-fill-seal (BFS), offering manufacturers a more cost-efficient aseptic processing method. BFS has also shown promising results for vaccine development and is now being explored for other types of biologic treatments.
Additionally, demand for lyophilisation (freeze-drying) capabilities is expected to increase, a process that effectively addresses the challenge of biologic instability, while also extending shelf life and eliminating the need for cold-chain requirements.
By continuing to harness these innovations in biologics manufacturing, companies can ensure the highest quality of their products while streamlining their journey to market. As demand for these capabilities is set to continue in 2024, companies looking to streamline the journey to get their medicines to patients faster must engage with contract manufacturing partners that offer specialist expertise in new packaging formats.
References:
1 https://www.precedenceresearch.com/biopharmaceutical-market
https://flickread.com/edition/html/65a7a541e85df#5
https://www.lskh.digital/article/cphi-barcelona-round-table-discussion/