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In an industry defined by innovation, one essential element quietly shapes the success of every injectable therapy: parenteral packaging. Parenteral packaging may sound technical, but its purpose is straightforward - it is the primary container system that holds, protects, and delivers sterile drug products to patients.
“Parenteral” refers to drug products administered by injection, bypassing the gastrointestinal tract. Depending on therapeutic requirements, these injections are delivered through several main routes, each chosen to optimize onset, duration, and patient experience (see illustration and table below).

Pharmaceutical manufacturing is standing at the edge of a technological revolution. For decades, the industry relied on cam-driven systems, and more recently servo-driven mechanisms, to replicate basic human movements. Today, robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) are rewriting the rules of fill-finish operations, ushering in an era of precision, sterility, and adaptability.

The 2022 revision of the European Union Good Manufacturing Practice (EU GMP) Annex 1, now in effect, has reset expectations for contamination control in sterile operations. The most consequential shift is the requirement for a site wide, documented Contamination Control Strategy (CCS) —a living framework that connects risks, controls, and monitoring across premises, equipment, utilities, personnel, materials, and processes.

The global pharmaceutical landscape is experiencing a major shift with the rapid rise of Glucagon-like peptide-1(GLP-1) drugs. Market projections estimate the value of this sector will reach $150 billion by 2030¹, underscoring the scale and significance of this innovation in medical care.

Inclusive environments actively cultivate space where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered. For West team member Karin Bergstein, Executive Assistant, QA, EU & General Management, Germany, inclusion is a driving force behind her passion to volunteer. Karin’s daughter, Klara, lives with a genetic defect known as MAC F1. Currently, there are 10 children worldwide with this diagnosis. This genetic defect causes neuronal migration, which often results in developmental delays and cranial nerve deficits. Those that are affected by MAC F1 have impaired intellectual development which can cause poor speech and social deficits, making independent living difficult.

As the healthcare landscape continuously evolves, the quest for safer, more efficient medical solutions remains a top priority for industry leaders. This involves leveraging cutting-edge technologies and innovative approaches to solve today’s healthcare challenges.