Prefilled syringes are a particularly convenient and user-friendly solution for administering injections, and are recording continuous growth in the pharmaceutical market. Consequently, confidence in uncompromised quality of the original substance contained in the syringe is of paramount importance. To ensure that, Schreiner MediPharm has developed Syringe-Closure-Wrap, a multifunctional security label for prefilled syringes that clearly indicates if the syringe has been opened before. Thus, tampering, counterfeiting, or previously used products can be detected intuitively. The development posed several challenges because the label must deliver optimal functionality in use as well as enable smooth processing in pharmaceutical manufacturing processes.

Syringe-Closure-Wrap features a unique, innovative design: The marking label wraps around the syringe barrel and the entire cap like a kind of second skin and is sealed at the top. Opening the label activates a first-opening indication feature. Special security die-cuts result in a partial destruction of the label and prevent reclosing it unnoticeably. An initially covert warning message can be integrated as an additional security element. As a result, this sealing solution enables reliable first-opening indication, protects the integrity of the prefilled syringe until the injection is administered, and, due to its special design, offers the option of complementing the label with a variety of additional protective functions. This enhances product and patient safety.

The innovative security label can be applied to the syringe in conventional production processes. It is sealed by means of an ultrasonic welding process. Unlike shrink solutions, no heat is applied so that Syringe-Closure-Wrap is suitable also for syringes containing sensitive active ingredients. Moreover, the security label can be adapted to an extensive portfolio of syringes using either staked-in needles or Luer-lock.

Syringe-Closure-Wrap offers customers numerous options. The opening mechanism can be individually adapted to the specific application. Due to the integration of overt, covert, or digital authentication features, product and brand protection can be further enhanced. In addition, an RFID chip can be integrated for smart applications. The extended label area offers scope for customized branding and text information. Thanks to its special design, Syringe-Closure-Wrap enables further optional functionalities, such as UV and light protection, migration barrier or other barrier functions, that can be adapted to the respective use case and the material of the syringe (glass or COC).

Since the label wraps around and seals both the syringe barrel and cap, the integrity of the syringe can be ensured on unit level. As a result, it is possible to either replace a blister pack or to remove it for storage purposes. This saves space during storage and transportation while conserving resources and benefiting the environment.

Use in daily healthcare settings is easy, intuitive, and safe. The first opening of the label is clearly indicated by the irreversible destruction of Syringe-Closure-Wrap and enables healthcare staff to quickly decide whether or not a medication may still be used, thus helping protect patients against administration of counterfeit or contaminated substances.