Sensitive active ingredients such as biologics and biosimilars are highly susceptible to oxygen ingress. External tests have confirmed the high effectiveness of Schreiner MediPharm’s specialised labels with barrier function. Pharmaceutical manufacturers are provided with a validated solution that can be adapted to COC syringes and active ingredients.
Pre-filled COC syringes are becoming increasingly important for the packaging of modern biologics and biosimilars. Compared to glass, they offer advantages such as lower weight, greater break resistance, design flexibility for complex geometries and reduced protein adsorption. At the same time, their gas permeability is higher, which means that more oxygen can penetrate the syringe and compromise the stability of sensitive active ingredients.
To address this, Schreiner MediPharm has developed functional labels with an integrated gas barrier that reduce oxygen ingress. The Gas-Protect label provides extensive protection for the syringe body to minimise oxygen ingress. The Syringe Closure Wrap encloses the syringe cap, is sealed gas-tight at the upper end and features a tamper-evident indicator with an integrated first-opening indicator. It thus not only provides protection for the active ingredient but also helps to maintain the integrity of the product.
The protective effect of the labels with an integrated barrier function was tested as part of external studies conducted by Prof. Dr Sven Sängerlaub at Munich University of Applied Sciences and by a renowned institute as part of a testing contract. In a research group led by Prof. Dr Sven Sängerlaub, an optical oxygen sensor was used to measure the oxygen concentration non-contact over an extended period in COC syringes that had been flushed with nitrogen and sealed. The results show a significant reduction in oxygen ingress. In the case of a 1-ml SCHOTT TOPPAC® syringe, the Gas-Protect label extended the time taken to reach a critical oxygen concentration by approximately seven times compared with an unlabelled syringe. The Syringe Closure Wrap with integrated gas barrier even achieved a protective effect that lasted around ten times longer.
Schreiner MediPharm
Schreiner MediPharm, a business division of Schreiner Group GmbH & Co. KG based in Oberschleißheim near Munich, is a leader in the development and manufacture of innovative, multifunctional specialist labels and labelling solutions offering added value for the healthcare industry. Thanks to its high level of solution expertise and specialised know-how, Schreiner MediPharm is a high-performing development partner and reliable, high-quality supplier to leading pharmaceutical and medical technology companies worldwide.
