GLP-1: The Importance of Innovative Injectors
Why Stevanato Group is uniquely positioned to support GLP-1 product demand
| 3 min read | Practical
sponsored by Stevanato Group
The surge in demand for GLP-1 drugs from manufacturers such as Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly has been triggered by high drug efficacy and approvals for indications that go beyond a core population of diabetes patients, treading into obesity and the entire weight management market. Adam Stops, Head of Product Management for Drug Delivery Systems at Stevanato Group, foresees GLP-1 and the weight management market becoming even bigger – and that means innovation in drug delivery devices that can be used by patients at home will be crucial.
How can Stevanato Group assist manufacturers of GLP-1 drugs?
Whereas the North American population appears to prefer single-use auto-injectors, in Europe there is a preference for multi-use disposable pen injectors. Because the same pharmaceutical product is being delivered with two different drug delivery devices, it puts Stevanato Group in a unique position. We have partnered with Owen Mumford for a single-use auto-injector named Aidaptus®, and we have also developed a multi-use pen injector in-house, Alina®, which is based on technology licensed from Haselmeier, a part of Medmix.
We can offer both products to pharma companies with a GLP-1 pipeline, allowing them to meet the needs of global markets. We have pre-installed manufacturing capacity for both the auto-injector and the pen injector, and we work really closely with pharma companies to ensure that our capacity planning and their capacity needs are well aligned for launch.
What makes the Aidaptus® and Alina® stand out?
The Aidaptus® is a two-step auto-injector. You simply remove the cap and depress the needle guard against the skin. The needle inserts and delivers the drug automatically. There’s also a unique technological feature that enables multiple fill volumes, which is important for GLP-1 where there is often a loading phase, a maintenance phase, and different fill volumes in the pre-filled syringe. Because the plunger rod can adapt to whichever fill volume is required, it simplifies the supply chain by reducing the SKUs for the customer.
Alina®, on the other hand, is a variable pen injector that uses a cartridge capable of fixed-dose applications. It is capable of maximum doses of 0.75 mL, which is seen as the key dose within the GLP-1 market. We have optimized the pen injector by focusing on flexibility and security in the supply chain. Alina® will accept cartridges for a fill-finish of either bulk filling, which is the legacy standard in the industry, or for ready-to-use cartridges in vacuum stoppering, which is becoming increasingly popular due to the increased flexibility it can offer.
We also have to be conscious that, although some GLP-1 patients will have diabetes (and thus be familiar with self-administration devices), many patients may be using such drug delivery devices for the first time. Maintaining a simple user interface will be key for the success of devices in the wider weight management market. Our aim at Stevanato Group is to help pharma companies establish flexibility and security in their supply chain, while helping patients by keeping simplicity at the forefront.
What has feedback from pharma companies and patients taught you about these products?
In terms of the designs of Aidaptus® and Alina®, customer feedback has been very positive regarding their respective usability; simple and intuitive are the key words here. Feedback relating to the pre-installed capacity has been very well-received as it lowers the barrier to entry and supports fast time to market, while the offer of both an auto-injector and pen injector for their GLP1 asset has really simplified the supply-chain. As a one-stop solution provider, we can provide the glass cartridge, the pen injector, and the autoinjector – as well as additional services, such as testing, regulatory support, and manufacturing equipment for a specified site.
How might injectors improve in the future?
Auto-injectors and pen injectors are established both in the market and with patient groups. Maintaining ease of use and the intuitive nature of devices is important, of course. Having come through the challenges of COVID-19 pandemic supply chains, manufacturers are also now looking to security and robustness, and where possible, local production. Sustainability is also a key topic that is important to all stakeholders, and we will see improvements here over the next five to 10 years.
What should pharma companies look for in a drug delivery partner?
Pharma companies need solutions they can be confident in and that can be used safely by patients. They are looking for partners that have the experience, expertise and international footprint to manufacture these solutions to meet high demands. Stevanato Group has the right products and decades of experience working in the drug containment and drug delivery industry. We are a one-stop solution provider that can support pharma companies across their entire GLP-1 portfolios.
