When it comes to injectables, manufacturers have an interesting challenge to balance.
Experts at Pharmapack Europe said packaging and usage needs to be made simpler, while at the same time, making sure everyone is trained how to properly use the injectable, including the possibility of having those clear directions printed on the package itself.
Those explicit directions are very important when the end user suddenly changes, and someone who is not trained properly needs to use the device, Nicholas Heaton, Executive Director of Business Development at SHL Group explained.
Specifically his example, and area of concern, was with emergency use medical devices.
"It must be simpler," he stressed. "Instructions must be on the device."
Even for medical professionals who dispense injectables, there needs to be proper training of them, as well as making sure they know how to explain it to end users who may have to use it on their own.
"Compact devices for injectables are important," added Ludwig Weibel, CEO Weibel CDS AG. "Patients are much more comfortable when nurses are not fumbling around."
When it comes to biosimilars, Heaton explained, there seems to be two ways of thought with injectables.
"We see products that just want to get to market, but also see companies who want to take their time and differentiate themselves and think long-term," he explained.
As the industry moves forward with biosimilar injectables, specifically, there will be, Heaton said, a heavy emphasis on proper training and patient feedback.
"In the future we will have a way to know more," Heaton said. "We can give injectors to patients and then say in three months they can come back and we will get feedback."
