WHERE INDUSTRY-LEADING EXAMPLES OF SUSTAINABILITY ARE EVERYDAY PRACTICES

WHERE INDUSTRY-LEADING EXAMPLES OF SUSTAINABILITY ARE EVERYDAY PRACTICES

Prefilled syringes: A sustainable practice?

It may be counterintuitive to think of disposable, single-use products as sustainable, but prefilled syringes (PFS) offer specific environmental and economic advantages.1

Market data by biotech firm Gerresheimer Medical Systems estimates that PFS make up approximately 10%-15% of the parenteral market. Additionally, a market study by Emergen Research predicts an increasing demand for PFS of nearly 9% per year is expected.1 Furthermore, it is reported that PFS are made of either glass or plastic, notably olefin polymer/cyclic olefin copolymer (COP/COC) or polypropylene (PP). Currently in most markets, PFS are usually made of glass, and plastic syringes are most often used in specific applications, such as for contrast imaging agents and in auto-injectors.1

The drivers of innovation in PFS design

Innovations in syringe design are mainly incremental, for example, increasing size (particularly for larger volumes), reducing waste, and features aiming to improve patient comfort and safety. Syringes that allow for larger volumes can reduce the number of syringes needed per dose or per patient.1 Storage and handling considerations are another innovation driver, for instance, the development of the Luer lock system for PFS. In this example, the integrated tip cap twist-off closure system for Gerresheimer’s Gx RTF® Luer lock syringes have an integrated seal made of an elastomeric component and a rigid, translucent polymer cap. This innovative Luer lock system offers greater stability and a longer shelf life compared with traditional Luer cone systems.1

Environmental benefits of PFS

PFS offer some sustainability benefits by replacing multidose vials. Current injection systems generate a considerable amount of medical waste. Efforts are also being made to reduce the amount of scrap materials and to recycle expendable production equipment.1

Economic benefits

Compared with traditional syringes, use of PFS can save time for professionals. Inserting the PFS directly into the injector can streamline workflow compared to handling vials or bottled preparations. In one study, the routine clinical protocol, which consists of assembly of the injection system that included installation and filling of nonprefilled syringes, took longer than the other two PFS-based protocols.2
The difference, however, was not statistically significant. It can be postulated that the use of PFS instead of refilling a syringe for each patient contributes to even more time-efficient administration.2-4

PFS also have an advantage in that they readily lend themselves to computerized tracking and supply management.6 For example, with contrast agents, the pharmacy only has to keep track of one item for both the contrast agent and the administration device, helping to simplify tracking and reduce inventory.

Future sustainability and PFS

Looking ahead, PFS may contribute to achieving the sustainability goals of many organizations, including hospitals, payors, and pharmaceutical companies.

 

References

  1. Forcinio H. Innovations meet growing demand for prefilled syringes. BioPharm Int. 2021;36:32-35.
  2. Buerke B, Puesken M, Mellmann A, Seifarth H, Heindel W, Wessling J. Microbiologic contamination and time efficiency of use of automatic MDCT injectors with prefilled syringes: results of a clinical investigation. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2010;194:299-303.
  3. Ludwin K, Filipiak KJ, Jaguszewski M, et al. Place of prefilled syringes in COVID-19 patient based on current evidence. Am J Emerg Med. 2021;39:234-235.
  4. Castle N, Bowen J, Spencer N. Does wearing CBRN-PPE adversely affect the ability for clinicians to accurately, safely, and speedily draw up drugs? Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2010;48:522-527.
  5. Harvey A. Characterisation of pre-filled syringe use in an acute care setting: costs and advantages. Eur J Hosp Pharm. 2019;26:A244.
  6. Sacha G, Rogers JA, Miller RL. Pre-filled syringes: a review of the history, manufacturing and challenges. Pharm Dev Technol. 2015;20:1- 11.