The first prefilled syringe was launched in early 1980’s. Since then, more and more pharmaceutical companies have chosen to provide their drug in this delivery form and the market has grown to an estimated value of $2.5 billion in 2010 according to a report from the consulting firm Visiongain.
One challenge facing prefilled syringe manufacturers is maintaining the sterility of the drug during transfer and transportation. Compromise in the syringe integrity could lead to microbiological contamination of the drug, which may result in serious medical consequences for patients. Subsequent product recalls could tarnish the public image of pharmaceutical companies and lead to negative financial consequences.