Based in the Netherlands, contract packaging organization (CPO) Tijoapack plans to add an automated packaging line to handle vials and syringes. The company expects to hit the ‘start’ button on the vial packaging line in the first quarter of 2021, and the pre-filled syringes (PFS) line in the fourth quarter of 2021.
Tjoapck CEO Dexter Tjoa told Outsourcing-Pharma that COVID-19 has created an impact on the pre-filled market.
“The prefilled syringes market is impacted due to the pandemic, resulting in the impact of the pandemic on drug manufacturing and supply chain is expected to affect the market for the short term,” he said.
Additionally, Tjoa told us, surges in chronic conditions such as diabetes are one of the factors driving growth.
“Prefilled syringes are mainly used for the treatment of chronic conditions, such as heart diseases, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases, which require patients to self-administer medications,” he informed us. “As a result, the increasing incidence and prevalence of chronic and lifestyle diseases across the globe is a major factor contributing to the growth of the prefilled syringes market; moreover, there is a growing demand for self-injection devices, considering the convenience and safety associated with their use.”
According to the company, the PFS line will feature an initial capacity of 7m syringes annually. The line will be configured to assemble and automate insertion of plunger rods and backstops, carry out inline labeling, and offer coding and vision control.
The new packaging capabilities come after a recent investment in Tjoapack by healthcare-focused private equity firm Ampersand Capital Partners.
“At Tjoapack we’re committed to ensuring we consistently bolster our offering and deliver the efficient and flexible services that our clients expect,” Tjoa said. “The investment from Ampersand allows us to build on our strong foundations, expand our service offering, and ensure we continue to meet customer demand.”
“Our vision is to shape the pharmaceutical supply chain to be safer and more efficient and, as a result, enable our clients to make the world healthier by facilitating their life sciences research, production and delivery of medicines to patients across the globe,” he added.
Tjoa also commented that developments in therapies for chronic diseases that call for injectables will continue to impact demand.
“As new therapies emerge to address unmet patient needs for chronic ailments the demand for contract packaging organization that can handle syringes and vials will continue to rise,” he commented. “Technological advancements, improving patient compliance, beneficial reimbursement policies, and the rise of biologics in the pharmaceutical market will also further propel the needs for service providers who can meet these requirements.”
