Gerresheimer Begins Production of COP Syringes in Germany

Gerresheimer begin production in Germany of the Gx RTF ClearJect cyclo-olefin copolymer (COP) syringe, the company announced in a Sept. 14, 2018 press release. The one-mL long syringe with cannula is the first plastic syringe developed and produced by Gerresheimer itself.

The company brought together its competence in glass production at its Bünde, Germany location and the expertise of its plastic specialist in the Technical Competence Center (TCC) in Wackersdorf, Germany for the development and industrialization of the new syringe. The production facility was planned and built by the automation team of the TCC, and the quality guidelines for primary packaging originated from the inspection specialists of the Bünde location. In the new GMP-production facility, a series of cameras were installed at various stations for quality control of all relevant geometrical parameters and to check for cosmetic-visual defects.

The COP material offers low interaction potential between the drug and the packaging. It has a high pH tolerance, does not emit metal ions into the medication solution, and causes no displacement of the pH value while in storage. The syringe and cannula are manufactured as an injection-molded part, eliminating the need for the cannula to be glued in and eliminating tungsten and glue residue. The precise geometry of the part reduces the dead volume in the syringe. In addition, COP is break-resistant and suitable for packaging aggressive or toxic materials.

Gerresheimer will exhibit the new syringe in October at CPhI in Madrid (Stand 4C30). The presentation will be accompanied by a lecture from Bernd Zeiss, head of Global Technical Support at Gerresheimer, on Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2018, from 4:30–5:00 pm in the Innopack & P-Mec theater.

Source: Gerresheimer