The constraints and innovations in the packaging of biologic drugs

Biologic drugs are transforming the treatment of chronic and complex diseases, with Stevanato Group outlining packaging and device platforms for their administration

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Yet due to the nature of these complex, protein-based therapies, their potential for interaction with packaging materials poses significant challenges for containment and delivery across the supply chain. At the same time, the growing preference for at-home treatment and self-administration is reshaping how patients use and interact with these new therapies.

To keep pace with shifting patient expectations and the complexity of biologic therapies, drug developers are embracing advanced delivery solutions, which are enabling safer, more convenient self-administration with improved drug stability and regulatory compliance.

We look at how modern packaging strategies are evolving to address the twin pressures of technical performance and patient-centric design - and why integrated systems like Alba® syringes, Nexa® syringes, and the Aidaptus® auto-injector are at the forefront of this transformation.

Market dynamics and patient-centric trends

Biologics are becoming increasingly favored for their targeted action and lower side effect profiles in treating complex and chronic diseases - including cancer, autoimmune disorders, and rare conditions - and are supported by advances in biotechnology, and an aging global population. Additionally, the emergence of biosimilars and evolving regulatory frameworks are driving further market expansion and influencing how biologics are developed, delivered, and administered.

A critical challenge in biologic drug development is managing interactions between the product and its primary container. Leachables from materials like glass or silicone, or extractables from adhesives, can trigger protein aggregation or reduce efficacy. In addition, the large and structurally complex nature of biologic molecules makes them highly sensitive to environmental factors - requiring packaging strategies that maintain stability and prevent degradation.