Schreiner MediPharm, a Germany-based global provider of functional label solutions for the healthcare industry, introduced barrier function labels designed to protect against oxygen ingress for drugs contained in COC syringes.
 
Prefilled polymer COC syringes have become attractive alternatives to glass syringes. Compared to glass, they offer advantages such as break resistance, lower weight, greater design flexibility, and less protein absorption. However, COC syringes have reduced oxygen and gas barrier properties, which poses challenges particularly with oxygen-sensitive biologics and biosimilars frequently used for treating cancer and autoimmune diseases. 
 
Schreiner MediPharm’s new labels are equipped with a barrier function that is designed to significantly reduce oxygen diffusion in COC syringes. Two variants are available: a Gas-Protect-Label covering the syringe barrel as much as possible; and a Syringe-Closure-Wrap with an additional barrier function that wraps around the syringe barrel and cap like a second skin, and is sealed at the upper end. Syringe-Closure-Wrap also provides tamper evidence with an integrated first-opening indication.
 
The barrier properties of both label variants have been tested on SCHOTT TOPPAC 1 ml long COC syringes, and have shown the ability to significantly reduce oxygen ingress. Schreiner MediPharm develops the labels with gas barrier function tailored specifically to individual products and their active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). The labels enable pharmaceutical manufacturers to implement an oxygen barrier without adjustments to primary packaging or complex processes. 
 
“Thanks to our functional labels with a barrier function, sensitive APIs in COC syringes can be reliably protected against gas diffusion without requiring major capital expenditures. Our solution is a cost-efficient and flexible response to the challenges of the pharmaceutical industry,” said Stefan Wiedemann, Senior Director Strategic Marketing and Business Development at Schreiner MediPharm.