Biologics And Specialty Medicines: Planning Your Packaging For A Seamless Transition From Clinic To Launch

By Chris Dobbs, Head of Technical Engineering, PCI Pharma Services

The pharmaceutical landscape continues to evolve with an ever-increasing focus on specialty medicines. Supply chains are becoming more complex, driven by factors such as cold and ultra-cold chain requirements, the growing complexity of delivery systems, and the ever more stringent regulatory requirements associated with the packaging of such products.

A stronger focus during the clinical stages of development on longer-term commercial packaging considerations may lead to both cost and time efficiencies in terms of commercialisation. Partnering with a single vendor that has experience across the entire clinical-to-commercial spectrum may offer far more value and speed to market than working with different vendors throughout the cycle.

There are some important underlying principles within this process that may reduce both potential risks and associated costs. These include planning for commercial launch early in the development cycle and working with a partner with specialist packaging design capabilities, expertise and experience across the development-to-commercial launch cycle.

This article explores the benefits of working with an experienced partner, how clinical and commercial teams should work together, how the COVID-19 pandemic has changed things, and what to consider when looking for a packaging partner.