SCHOTT Pharma, a pioneer in drug containment solutions and delivery systems, proudly unveils a new large-volume ready-to-use (RTU) cartridge. Co-developed with SHL Medical, this 5 ml format is designed to seamlessly integrate with the Maggie® 5.0 platform, a cutting-edge cartridge-based large-volume autoinjector. As SCHOTT Pharma’s largest format available for a pen or autoinjector, the sterile 5 ml cartridge marks a significant expansion of the company’s cartriQ® portfolio. In conjunction with SHL’s device, it bridges the gap between smaller-volume autoinjectors and large-volume on-body patch pump systems. “For SCHOTT Pharma, close collaboration with partners such as SHL Medical is crucial to address critical market needs, including large-volume injections for homecare treatments. Our harmonised, pre-tested system of large-volume cartridge and autoinjector accelerates time-to-market for pharmaceutical companies and creates greater convenience for patients,” says Andreas Reisse, CEO of SCHOTT Pharma.
As biologic therapies continue to rise for treating cancer, autoimmune, and neurological diseases, drug containment and delivery solutions are evolving to meet these new therapeutic demands. Due to their high viscosity, these therapies often require high drug dosages, increasing the need for large-volume solutions that are intuitive and safe for patient use.
Traditionally, high-viscosity drugs have been administered either intravenously in a hospital setting or, more conveniently, at home using a wearable pump system. However, because of the large doses involved and limited available delivery solutions, these administration processes can require between ten to thirty minutes. New drug delivery systems, such as large-volume handheld autoinjectors, allow medications to be comfortably self-administered at home in as little as 20 seconds, benefiting both patients and the healthcare system by reducing treatment burdens and in-clinic resources. “Recent studies show that injections with an autoinjector that last up to 60 seconds seem to be well tolerated by patients,” explains Robert Lindner, Global Product Manager Bulk and Sterile Solutions at SCHOTT Pharma.
A perfectly harmonised system
To facilitate bringing these new technologies to the market, SCHOTT Pharma has collaborated with SHL Medical to develop a large-volume RTU cartridge, compatible with a large-volume autoinjector. This innovation allows sensitive biologics in large dosages to be injected comfortably into the body in an acceptable time. Additionally, the device is user-friendly and cost-effective. “The collaboration with SCHOTT Pharma is essential to unlock the entire supply chain and expedite the market entry of large-volume combination products," says Ralph Howald, CTO at SHL Medical. "The performance flexibility of SCHOTT Pharma’s sterile 5 ml cartridge, when paired with our market-proven Needle Isolation Technology NIT®, allows us to swiftly and efficiently adjust the cannula as well as the injection times. This independence between the components is crucial in meeting diverse patient needs and enhancing the overall user experience."
The 5 ml cartriQ®, combined with the new Maggie® 5.0 platform, bridges the gap between cartridge-based autoinjectors typically used for smaller volumes up to 3 ml and large-volume patch pump systems starting from 5 ml. SCHOTT Pharma’s RTU cartridge is fully compliant with ISO 21881 and features state-of-the-art baked-on silicone, mitigating the risk of contamination of sensitive drugs. The dimensions of the cartridge are designed to be fully compliant with the upcoming revision of ISO 13926-1.
