As the biologics market continues to expand, fuelled by breakthroughs such as cell and gene therapies, drug developers face increasing demand for safe, patient-friendly delivery and administration solutions. These must ensure drug stability, support high-volume administration, and offer broad device compatibility. To meet these needs, SCHOTT Pharma has developed its first RTU polymer cartridge made from Cyclic Olefin Copolymer (COC), featuring a homogenous, cross-linked siliconisation layer.

The inert surface minimises protein adsorption, provides low levels of extractable and leachables, and ensures consistent break-loose and gliding forces throughout the product’s shelf life. This makes the cartridge an excellent choice for highly sensitive proteins, viscous drugs, and emergency medications. The polymer cartridge delivers functional performance comparable to glass, with added break resistance.

High-precision manufacturing for seamless integration

Produced using advanced injection moulding technology, the SCHOTT TOPPAC® cartridge offers exceptional dimensional accuracy and allows for customisation. Two key features stand out: an overfill geometry that helps reduce variability in fill volumes, thereby minimising drug waste for high-value formulations, and tight tolerances in the cone and flange areas, which enhance adaptability to a wide range of injection devices. Through close collaboration with leading device manufacturers, SCHOTT Pharma ensures optimal compatibility for pen-based delivery systems. Moreover, X-ray sterilisation eliminates the risk of ethylene oxide (EtO) residues.

Proven expertise and scalable infrastructure

The SCHOTT TOPPAC® cartridge benefits from decades of experience and performance data gathered from the company’s established SCHOTT TOPPAC® product family. As the world’s largest manufacturer of prefillable polymer syringes made from COC, SCHOTT Pharma has supported the approval of over 80 drugs, including four blockbusters, using its polymer platform over the past 20 years.

This innovation builds on that experience and is further backed by the industry’s most comprehensive cartriQ® ready-to-use glass cartridge portfolio, enabling the company to rapidly scale polymer cartridge production as demand grows.

By offering both polymer and glass options, SCHOTT Pharma provides a robust and versatile cartridge portfolio that supports a wide range of technical and commercial needs in biologics development.

The polymer cartridge is manufactured in St. Gallen, Switzerland, with the flexibility to expand production to other European sites. It is currently available in 1.5ml, 3ml, and 5ml formats, with a 10ml version in development. The cartridge is compatible with all major fill-and-finish lines, paving the way for a fast and low-risk path to market.