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10-25-2017, Frankfurt, Germany

New iQ™ platform from SCHOTT enhances safety, simplicity, and flexibility in pharma packaging

International technology group SCHOTT is simplifying drug development and manufacturing with its new iQ™ platform. This holistic concept standardizes ready-to-use (RTU) syringes, vials, and cartridges within a single tub format to run on the same filling line, minimizing changeover time in between. The platform relies on the proven nest-and-tub format, which has been used by the pharmaceutical industry to fill syringes for decades. It is compatible with a diverse array of filling line models from different manufacturers. The platform was developed to help pharmaceutical companies retain flexibility in response to rapidly changing market conditions and demand, while ensuring patient safety with high quality ready-to-use containers.

More concretely, the concept covers syriQ^® prefillable syringes and adaptiQ^® ready-to-use vials, as well as the new cartriQ™ ready-to-use cartridges, which are scheduled to be made available in 2018. A versatile portfolio of container formats and options is available for any pharmaceutical application.

Over the past several years, the number of blockbuster drugs in the development pipeline has decreased, while the number of biopharmaceuticals and other small-batch drugs has increased. This has put pressure on pharmaceutical and biotech companies to find flexible ways to fill small batches and/or different containers for different markets. iQ™ will help manufacturers quickly change from batch to batch or from vials to syringes or cartridges, and from drug to drug, as it is based on proven industry standards. SCHOTT is developing the iQ™ platform in collaboration with the world’s largest filling line suppliers to standardize packaging dimensions and simplify the entire filling process. In addition, SCHOTT works with the world’s largest elastomer component suppliers to ensure the offering of pre-validated and flexible container systems.

The iQ™ platform was designed to:

Maximize flexibility with a versatile portfolio of RTU containers and closure components to match a broad range of filling machines.
Reduce complexity by standardizing packaging, which speeds up installation and qualification times, reducing manufacturers’ time to market.
Enhance patient safety with the highest quality containers, packaged to eliminate cosmetic defects, container breakage, and particle contamination.

SCHOTT will launch this platform Oct. 24 – 26 at CPhI Worldwide’s InnoPack Event in Frankfurt, Germany, at booth H02 / hall 4.2.

Also at CPhI, Anil Busimi, SCHOTT Global Product Manager, will offer a presentation on iQ™ as part of the Pharma Insight Briefings series. His presentation “Future Pharma Manufacturing: RTU Packaging Solutions to Increase Flexibility and Increase Efficiency” will be held Oct. 24 from 3:10 p.m. to 3:40 p.m. in room G1A3.

iQ™. The Global Standard. From SCHOTT

About SCHOTT

SCHOTT is a leading international technology group in the areas of specialty glass and glass-ceramics. The company has more than 130 years of outstanding development, materials and technology expertise and offers a broad portfolio of high-quality products and intelligent solutions. SCHOTT is an innovative enabler for many industries, including the home appliance, pharma, electronics, optics, life sciences, automotive and aviation industries. SCHOTT strives to play an important part of everyone’s life and is committed to innovation and sustainable success. The group maintains a global presence with production sites and sales offices in 34 countries. With its workforce of approximately 15,000 employees, sales of $2.21 billion were generated in fiscal year 2015/2016.

Pic1 iQ™ platform Picture: SCHOTT

Pic2 iQ™ platform Picture: SCHOTT

Press contact

SCHOTT North America, Inc.

Rina DellaVecchia

555 Taxter Road
10523 Elmsford
NY

Phone: 914-831-2286

Further information

Gregory FCA on behalf of SCHOTT

Mike Lizun

Phone: 610-642-1435

E-mail