High-tech syringes boost flu vaccines in Russia

An innovative sterile syringe for flu vaccine bound for Russia will be supplied in the next five years by Gerresheimer Group GmbH (www.gerresheimer.com). A contract signed in Moscow with the Russian pharmaceutical company NPO Petrovac Pharm calls for RTF® (ready to fill) syringe systems with rigid needles, produced in Gerresheimer's pharmaSystems Div. by Bünder Glas.

With prefillable, disposable syringes, Gerresheimer sees a key growth market particularly for sterile, all-glass syringes. NPO Petrovax Pharm, which cooperates technologically and scientifically in the field of influenza protection with European pharmaceutical companies, will reportedly use the syringes for a new generation of flu vaccines for which it is said to be commissioning a plant near Moscow. The syringes, filled with a precise vaccination dose, are to be marketed in Russia itself and in other areas of the CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States).

The RTF syringes are regarded as some of the most advanced and accordingly are achieving strong growth. On delivery, the syringes are prepared in accordance with all the relevant pharmacy standards and therefore are ready to fill. Processes such as siliconization, preassembly and sterilization are carried out by the system manufacturer in advance.

For the Russian market, the syringes feature a new needle system called RNS (Rigid Needle Shield), which replaces conventional elastic rubber covers often used with needles. The shield incorporates a plastic overcap that helps reduce the risk of injury.