Understanding the nuances of generics injectables

At a webinar, explaining the West Pharma's AccelTRA Components Program, industry experts explained why the use of glass vials and stoppers as primary container closure systems (CCS) has become crucial

- Akanki Sharma

Express Pharma, in association with West Pharma, recently organised a webinar to understand why emerging generics injectable manufacturers need flexibility and simplicity when dealing with drug containment and delivery. A panel discussion was also held on how COVID-19 impacted the generic pharma market.

Speaking at the webinar, experts highlighted how pharmaceutical sector is at the frontlines to fight the COVID-19 battle, and since many medicines are administered parenterally, the use of glass vials and stoppers as primary container closure systems (CCS) has become crucial.

Milagro E Lopez, Director, Segment Marketing, Generics, West Pharmaceuticals, while presenting his views, informed that in 2020, the global injectable sales grew to $99 billion at a CAGR of four per cent. North America and India are major generic drug manufacturers. In the US, generics account for approximately 90 per cent of Rx's dispensed, have over 90 per cent market access, and are dispensed at a high rate, he added.

He also notified that from FY2018 to FY2019, there was a 26 per cent increase in ANDAs approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, from FY2018 to FY2019, total injectable ANDAs decreased by 19 per cent. In addition, nine companies comprised 35 per cent of all injectable ANDAs in FY2019, and 15 companies comprised 50 per cent. He mentioned that 483s are a concern for Indian generic manufacturers and the volatile generics market needs a product solution designed specifically for generic manufacturers.