Schott has played a key role in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic by delivering glass vials for more than five billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines in 2021, the company has announced. It also developed advanced packaging solutions that enable the transport of next generation drugs, including mRNA-based formulations.
Following an increasing worldwide demand for high-quality pharma solutions, Schott is announcing another major investment: In China, the company plans to triple the production capacity for vials and ampoules. “We stay one step ahead by investing in our global production network and through our close collaborations with major drug makers and partners from the pharma industry,” said Andreas Reisse, Executive VP of Schott’s Pharma business unit. “Together, we strive to improve global health for everyone.”
Packaging and delivery solutions are integral to every drug, the company points out, because they go through the regulatory approval process together. Many pharma companies also rely on different containment solutions to prolong the lifecycle of a drug. For example, a drug may enter the market in a vial and later be stored in prefillable syringes that make it easier to administer. The question of the right packaging material, glass or polymer, is vital. “With new drug categories entering the market, such as mRNA-based formulations, our holistic approach with a broad range of packaging systems, including both glass and polymer options, allows us to find a tailored solution for individual needs,” added Reisse.
Thinking ahead, the company supports pharma manufacturers by compiling comprehensive analytics and updating its packaging solutions. For example, the company’s latest addition, Everic care vials, feature a hydrophobic coating on the inside of the vial that protects highly sensitive drugs, like biologics.
The company tripled its capacity for pre-sterilised, ready-to-use glass vials in the USA in 2021. Further enhancing the portfolio, it expanded the capacity of prefillable glass syringes by 50% in Switzerland to strengthen the supply of sought-after drug delivery systems. In spring 2022, a production site for prefillable high quality polymer syringes will be inaugurated in Germany.
In addition, Schott will be adding further modules to its production network of 16 global plants. In China, the company has recently broken ground for an additional module, designed to triple the production capacity. The project is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2022.
