In today’s continuously evolving pharmaceutical landscape, patient-centricity is more than just a buzzword—it’s a critical component of drug delivery and packaging innovation. As pharmaceutical companies seek to enhance medication adherence, safety, and ease of use, pre-filled syringes (PFS) have emerged as a key solution. These devices offer convenience, minimize dosing errors, and improve the overall patient experience, making them an increasingly popular choice in both self-administration and clinical settings.

To gain deeper insights into the role of pre-filled syringes in patient-centric packaging, we spoke with Dexter Tjoa, CEO of Tjoapack. With extensive expertise in pharmaceutical packaging solutions, Tjoa shares his perspective on the latest trends, challenges, and innovations shaping this space. In this Q&A, he explores how advancements in packaging technology are driving better patient outcomes and what the future holds for pre-filled syringes in the pharmaceutical industry.

Contract Pharma: How does Tjoapack define patient-centric packaging, and what role do pre-filled syringes play in enhancing patient outcomes?

Dexter Tjoa: At Tjoapack, patient-centric packaging is designed to make medication administration straightforward and safe. Pre-filled syringes (PFS) exemplify this approach by providing accurate dosages and facilitating self-administration, helping to enhance patient adherence and confidence. By prioritizing patient-centricity, we not only simplify medication use but also improve adherence to treatment plans, ensuring patients stay on track with their prescribed therapies for better health outcomes.

CP: What are the key design considerations Tjoapack focuses on to improve ease of use, safety, and adherence for patients using pre-filled syringes?

Dexter: Key design considerations for PFS include clear labeling and user-friendly instructions to guide patients through preparation, injection and disposal. Ergonomic features, such as improved grips, assist those with dexterity challenges. All these features help to enhance safety, ease of use and adherence helping to deliver positive patient outcomes.

CP: How is the growing demand for self-administration influencing innovations in pre-filled syringe packaging?

Dexter: The increasing preference for self-administration has driven innovations in PFS packaging, emphasizing safety, sterility, and ease of use. This trend has prompted continuous refinement of packaging designs to meet evolving patient needs. By prioritizing patient-centricity, we not only simplify medication use but also improve adherence to treatment plans, ensuring patients stay on track with their prescribed therapies for better health outcomes.

In response to the growing demand for biologics and the need for self-administration options, Tjoapack has developed specialized packaging solutions tailored for biologic therapies. Our approach includes the assembly, labeling, blistering, and cartoning of PFS, accommodating syringes ranging from 1 to 5 ml, with or without safety devices. This flexibility ensures that patients can administer their treatments safely and effectively at home, reducing the need for clinical visits and enhancing overall convenience.

Moreover, Tjoapack’s commitment to innovation is evident in our continuous investment in advanced packaging technologies. By collaborating closely with pharmaceutical companies, we ensure that our packaging solutions align with the specific requirements of biologic products, maintaining drug stability and efficacy throughout their shelf life. This dedication to quality and patient-centric design underscores our role in supporting the evolving landscape of biologic therapies and self-administration trends.

CP: Can you discuss any recent advancements Tjoapack has made in packaging technologies specifically tailored to pre-filled syringes?

Dexter: The global prefilled syringes market is estimated to reach between $9-10 billion in 2025. It is expected to grow to $16.4 billion by 2029-2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) between 11% and 15%. Recent advancements at Tjoapack include the implementation of a high-speed packaging line capable of handling pre-filled syringes ranging from 1 to 5 mL, with or without safety devices. This line efficiently assembles syringes, automates component insertion and performs in-line labeling with comprehensive coding and vision control, enhancing our capacity to meet the growing demand for PFS packaging solutions.

CP: What challenges do you face when balancing regulatory requirements with patient-centric design in pre-filled syringe packaging, and how does Tjoapack address them?

Dexter: Balancing regulatory requirements with patient-centric design in PFS packaging presents challenges due to stringent safety standards that may limit design flexibility. For instance, the EU’s GMP Annex 1 outlines specific requirements for the manufacture of sterile medicinal products, emphasizing contamination control and sterility assurance. These evolving regulations necessitate continuous adaptation in packaging design to maintain compliance. Tjoapack addresses this by collaborating closely with regulatory experts and staying informed on industry guidelines, enabling the development of compliant packaging solutions that enhance the patient experience.

CP: How does sustainability factor into Tjoapack’s approach to patient-centric packaging for pre-filled syringes?

Dexter: Identifying environmentally friendly packaging materials that ensure patient safety is challenging, as they must match traditional materials in preventing drug migration and leakage. All pharmaceutical packaging materials are subject to stringent regulations, such as those outlined in Annex 9 of the WHO Technical Report Series No. 902, which provides guidelines on packaging for pharmaceutical products. These standards require contract packaging partners to align with specific criteria to gain market approval after quality control checks.

Implementing new eco-friendly packaging solutions can also impact supply chain logistics, potentially necessitating a complete overhaul of transportation and storage processes for newly packaged medicines. Tjoapack proactively addresses these challenges by collaborating with suppliers to enhance business practices, aiming to reduce waste and energy consumption, and minimize the environmental footprint of our operations. Our commitment to sustainability is reflected in our Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) objectives, which guide us in building a robust and eco-conscious supply chain.

CP: Looking ahead, what trends do you foresee shaping the future of patient-centric packaging in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly regarding pre-filled syringes?

Dexter: The future of patient-centric packaging, particularly for pre-filled syringes, is being shaped by several key trends. Personalized packaging solutions are emerging to cater to individual patient needs, enhancing user engagement and adherence. Advancements in smart packaging technologies now enable real-time monitoring and communication of usage information, improving treatment compliance and patient safety. Additionally, there is a growing emphasis on sustainability, driven by environmental concerns and regulatory pressures, leading to the adoption of eco-friendly materials and designs. Tjoapack remains committed to evolving our packaging solutions in line with these industry trends and patient expectations.

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