Part of its ready-to fill (RTF) sterile syringe range, the new systems are based on Cyclic Olefin Polymer (COP) - a glass-clear material distinguished by high mechanical and thermal stability, chemical neutrality and barrier qualities unique in the field of plastics, said the firm.
According to experts in the Gerresheimer subsidiary Bünder Glas, the new COP systems are particularly useful for freeze-dried medications - where the systems serve as so-alled 'depositary solution syringes' - as well as the contrast materials which often have to be injected in large quantities in x-ray medicine.
In addition to a Luer version for a volume of one to five mL, Gerresheimer offers a Luerlock version catering for contents of five to 20 mL, said Bünder Glas.
"With this latest addition, the RTF brand now represents the latest technology for syringe systems in the field of plastic," said Gerresheimer spokesperson, Burkhard Lingenberg.
Manufactured to Japanese quality standards by Taisei Kako in Osaka, a partner company of Gerresheimer, the new range will be launched onto the global market at Pharmapack in Paris in January 2007.
Taisei will distribute the COP syringes in the Japanese market while Gerresheimer will be responsible for other global regions.
Gerresheimer has been integrating its plastics packaging subsidiaries into a strong group and expanding its technological base in the field to create new growth opportunities.
Earlier this year the German packaging giant acquired Superfos Pharma, one of Europe's other leading suppliers of plastic packaging for the pharma market, in a move that would allow it to double its turnover in plastics to €50m.