Pii Invests $3.6 Million to Boost Prefilled Syringe Capabilities

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Editor's note: this story was originally published on PharmaceuticalCommerce.com.

Contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) Pharmaceutics International, Inc. (Pii) announced on Nov. 19, 2024 that it is investing $3.6 million to expand its prefilled syringe (PFS) services. The investment will particularly go into enhancing the CDMO's advanced labeling, automated visual inspection, and fill/finish technology (1). With this investment, Pii will have the capability to provide end-to-end, streamlined solutions for drug manufacturing.

Pii’s decision was partially influenced by the demand for prefilled syringe solutions in the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors. The aforementioned investment will go towards a syringe labeler, along with an Antares automated visual inspection (AVI) system.

“With this expansion, Pii strengthens its role as a comprehensive partner, allowing clients to achieve faster time-to-market by managing every step of the PFS process,” said John Fowler, Pii’s CEO, in a press release. “Our streamlined approach will support customers in optimizing both cost and quality, meeting stringent regulatory demands, and ultimately improving patient access to essential therapies.”

The branded syringe labeler is in the process of being installed, and is expected to be fully operational by either the first half or early second half of 2025. Essentially, it automates syringe labeling, plunger insertion, and safety device integration.

The concept of combining advanced labeling, automated visual inspection, and fill/finish tech services limits logistical and regulatory complexities when it comes to product delivery timelines. It also helps with quality control, which reduces the risk of errors.

As for the Antares AVI technology, the anticipated operational date is the third quarter of 2025. The system is able to detect air bubbles, cracks, particles, and fill-level discrepancies. It also reportedly decreases dependence on manual inspections, while boosting large-scale production turnaround times, and supporting regulatory requirements that surround quality analysis and traceability.

In other Pii news, over the past year, the company had announced a new leadership team (2) consisting of Joseph Kiely as chief financial officer; George Sanders as vice-president (VP) of human resources, Thomas Pamukcoglu as VP of quality; James Drob as head of aseptic manufacturing; John Phillips as VP of sales; Bob Talley as general counsel and assistant secretary, and Alexander Borodin as senior director of supply chain. Devan Patel was also promoted to VP of client services, while Sara Frederick, joined the team as senior director of business operations.

“I’m delighted to continue this journey of implementing real cultural change within the company. Among their responsibilities will be oversight of new operational processes and systems that will improve our ability to deliver on time and in full,” said Pii CEO John Fowler in a press release issued at the time (2). “Every one of these new team leaders is an incredible addition to our company and an important piece of our company-wide strategy to provide best in class services to our partners.”

References

1. Pii Expands Prefilled Syringe Services with $3.6M Investment in Capacity and Technology Upgrades. Press Release. Nov. 19, 2024. 
2. Pharmaceutics International Onboards New Leadership Team to Drive Quality, Operational Improvements, and Growth. Press Release. March 20, 2023.