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About The Economics of
Prefilled Syringes
The administration of therapeutic
drugs is evolving in response to changing patient populations, new
classes of powerful therapeutic drugs, and healthcare
administration initiatives. Population demographics and efforts by
managed care providers to control healthcare costs are driving the
growth in drug self-administration, particularly for chronic
conditions, introducing a new class of naïve users to parenteral
drug delivery. User-friendly syringe and injection device designs
and the availability of an increasing number of drugs in
pre-filled insertable and disposable cartridges are propelling the
growth of prefilled syringes for self-administration.
Improved patient compliance,
efficient delivery of high-priced biologicals, and patient &
caregiver safety are key market drivers in this sector. The cost
of biologicals such as recombinant proteins has created interest
in prefilled syringes to reduce cost and waste associated with the
handling and overfilling of vial-packaged drugs. Partnerships
between device designers and drug developers are an essential
element in the success of prefilled devices, particularly for
patient self-administration.
Leading prefilled syringe
applications include chronic diseases such as diabetes, autoimmune
disorders, and hormone replacement. Other growth segments include
reproductive health and the administration of antivirals, as well
as wellness programs and vaccine administration.
(Ref : Report: Prefilled Syringes:
Drugs, Devices and Disease Therapeutics.
Source: Greystone Associates;
www.greystoneassociates.org)
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