Transforming Parenteral Delivery: Key Considerations For SC And IM Formulation Development

By Jeff Clement, Executive Director, Technical Sales – Development and Manufacturing

The pharmaceutical industry is shifting from traditional intravenous (IV) therapies to more convenient subcutaneous (SC) and intramuscular (IM) formulations. This change is driven by a focus on patient-centric care, aiming to improve comfort and convenience.

A report by Roots Analysis predicts the global market for approved SC biologics will reach $233 billion by 2035. This growth benefits patients, healthcare systems, and manufacturers alike. SC and IM formulations allow for self-administration or outpatient use, which reduces hospital visits and improves quality of life for patients.

This shift also benefits pharmaceutical companies by extending product lifecycles and aligning with value-based care models. It's important for companies to carefully consider factors like pharmacokinetics, patient comfort, and operational feasibility when developing these new formulations.