Vetter - High-Quality Pharmaceutical Secondary Packaging

Vetter is an international specialist in the aseptic filling of syringes, cartridges and vials. An independent, leading provider of aseptically prefilled drug-delivery systems, the company has extensive experience with a broad array of compounds, including monoclonal antibodies, peptides, interferons and vaccines.

At the company's packaging services facility, Vetter Secondary Packaging (VSP), the pharmaceutical service provider operates seven automatic packaging lines. The Ravensburg (Germany)-based packaging facility allows Vetter to double its production capacity and provide customers with a variety of state-of-the-art packaging options from a single location.

Pharmaceutical packaging operations

With the capacity to handle a number of packing operations, including pen and auto-injector assembly, assembly of safety devices, automatic setting of plungers, labelling, blistering, and cartoning, Vetter increases its ability to serve customers by reducing their time-to-market. Vetter Secondary Packaging fulfils one of the company's long-term strategies of meeting industry demands and future challenges.

Due to increasing economic and regulatory pressures, secondary packaging is becoming a critical issue for companies in the pharmaceutical and biotech industry. Vetter's secondary packaging facility increases available capacity and enhances the range of services the company can provide. In addition, it gives Vetter the ability to perform all processes, from support in the early drug development phase to commercial manufacturing and secondary packaging, at high quality and safety levels.

Packaging of syringes, cartridges and vials

Vetter's comprehensive service includes labelling and packaging of syringes, cartridges and vials. The company performs 100% inspections of all printed packaging materials using automated vision systems, and offers precision application of graduated labels, blister packaging, automatic loading of blisters and cartons, and assembly of tamper-evident closures and needle-stick-prevention safety systems.

Vetter's secondary packaging facility provides state-of-the-art utilities and, when required, can meet stringent Japanese standards. Secondary packaging options include patient-friendly along with tamper-evident features and measures for anti-counterfeiting systems.

Initial planning for Vetter Secondary Packaging began in mid-2006; the building was completed in 2008. Vetter has installed seven automatic packaging lines, completing the entire project in less than 36 months. Future expansion plans have been included in the concept and implementation of the facility and can be carried out without interrupting operations.

Automated pharmaceutical finishing and packing

Vetter Secondary Packaging includes a classified hygienic manufacturing area boasting high quality and safety standards. Designed according to the latest cGMP specifications, the facility's layout and design provides protection from mix-ups and contamination and contains ventilation systems and building technology adapted to the climatic requirements of customers' active substances.

What makes Vetter Secondary Packaging particularly advanced is the complete automation of all steps on the finishing lines, including labelling, plunger installation, blistering, packing, and transport from one station to the next.

Packaging systems for strict cosmetic guidelines

Vetter Secondary Packaging also includes unique finishing areas for packaging with especially strict cosmetic guidelines. Labelling and blistering are done under laminar flow and kept separate from other finishing processes, resulting in packaging systems that meet the high requirements for cosmetic purity.

Vetter — pharma solutions for tomorrow, today

Vetter is an independent international specialist in the aseptic filling of syringes, cartridges and vials. The company's success arises from its three interdependent service divisions: Vetter Development Service provides support for pharmaceutical and biotech clients in the early stages of development, from preclinical phases to regulatory approval and market launch. Vetter Commercial Manufacturing handles the entire production process, from compounding and aseptic filling to the final packaging of a product. Vetter Solutions' patented application systems enable clients to differentiate their products and may help attain a decisive market edge.