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When selecting the appropriate rubber stopper for any respective vial containment system, there are many aspects to consider regarding the properties of the elastomeric closure. For the purposes of this discussion, the focus will be on the functional performance of the stopper and what key aspects should be considered during the assessment and selection process. Coring and fragmentation, container closure integrity, and machinability of the stoppers will be briefly reviewed.

Some pharmaceutical substances, such as proteins, monoclonal antibodies, enzymes, and vaccines, are unstable in solution. They can degrade, for example by enzymatic or hydrolytic reactions. Lyophilization (also called freeze-drying) is the most common approach to address this.* Lyophilization is the process of dehydrating a material at low temperature and reduced pressure. Absent water, the rates of degradative enzymatic/hydrolytic processes are reduced substantially, and thus drug product stability is improved.

When it comes to choosing the right container closure system, a significant amount of focus is directed at addressing issues that may be a risk to safety and efficacy of the parenteral drug before it is introduced to a patient. Examples are testing of container closure integrity (CCI) and drug stability. Prior to drug administration by a health care professional, the rubber stopper is pierced with a needle, at least once. Stopper puncture testing also needs to be considered, especially if the closure system will be used in a multi-dose application.

Lyophilization (freeze drying) is the process of dehydrating a drug product at low temperature and reduced pressure. Absent water, degradation processes are greatly reduced; thus, it helps to enhance drug product stability. Moisture-sensitive drug products are often marketed in lyophilized form. For a primary package system, the selection of appropriate components is essential to prevent risks associated with alteration of the lyophilized drug product prior to reconstitution and use.

Lyophilization (freeze drying) is the process of dehydrating a material at low temperature and reduced pressure. It is used to extend the shelf life of many biologic drug products. Absent water, degradation processes are greatly reduced. In any primary package system (i.e., vial, elastomer stopper, seal) for a lyophilized drug product, of utmost concern are leachables and volatile organic compounds that may migrate from the elastomer stopper into the lyophilized drug product, creating a risk to patient safety.

West is pleased to announce the addition of Stevanato Group’s (SG) clean, sterilized, depyrogenated EZ-fill^® glass vials in 2R, 6R and 10R sizes for 13mm and 20mm stoppers and seals to its Online Store. These ready-to-fill vials are a high-quality option for general pharmaceutical use.