The new Pro-Ject technology – which was unveiled at the PDA Europe Conference in Basel, Switzerland earlier this month – is designed around a standard prefilled syringe and features a large control window, acoustic feedback and various safety features, included as a result of consultation with patients and physicians.
The launch is part of Aptar’s effort to grow in the biopharmaceuticals sector, which began with the strategic partnership it formed with UK-based parenteral technology firm Oval Medical in November 2011.
The process continued with the acquisition of French closure developer Stelmi in June last year for €165m ($205m), which was an agreement that took Aptar beyond its traditional focus on inhalers into primary packaging components for injectable delivery devices.
At the time CEO Steve Hagge told us that: “Prefillable is one of our big interests in the [Stelmi] acquisition” and combining these with assets gained with Oval would allow Aptar to grow in the biopharmaceutical sector.
The Pro-Ject technology may be one of a number of new technologies Aptar will roll out over the next few year judging by comment made by spokesman Pierre Carlotti at the launch event.
“It has been a very exciting time during the last two years preparing for this market launch. Pro-Ject is the first member of our future range of innovative injection devices.”
Pharma gains
Aptar’s sales to the drug industry played a part in gains made by the firm in Q3. Group revenue for the three months ended September 30 increased 6 percent to $624m with those from its pharma segment increasing 7 per cent.
Morningstar analyst Todd Wenning said: “While Aptar's food and beverage and beauty and home divisions are competitive, it's clear that its pharmaceutical division is the major differentiating factor between Aptar and its closest peers in the dispensing product business.”