Considerations And Options For Prefilled Syringes

By Gregory Sacha, Ph.D.

A prefilled syringe offers a convenient and efficient packaging solution for parenteral medications. Unlike vials, which require multiple preparation steps like sanitizing and aseptic techniques before administration, prefilled syringes are ready to use without the need for dilution. This reduces the risk of contamination and simplifies the injection process.

Additionally, prefilled syringes require significantly less overfill compared to vials, where excess drug solution is needed to account for the amount retained in the vial and syringe during preparation. This reduced overfill not only minimizes drug waste but also increases the number of sellable units, making it a more cost-effective option for high-value medications.

The benefits of convenience, product differentiation, and reduced waste make prefilled syringes an attractive choice for pharmaceutical development. This guide outlines available options for prefilled syringes and key considerations for their development and manufacturing.