Product lifecycle management

Early lifecycle planning supports a drug’s short- and long-term market success.
When well-performed, product lifecycle management of prefilled syringe systems may increase a company’s shareholder value by helping recover development costs, maintain share in a competitive environment, and potentially expand a product’s reach into new markets.

Following technical and marketplace developments

Product lifecycle management cannot be done in a vacuum. It must be insightful and flexible, and dovetail with evolving trends. Some areas to track:

• Patient demographics, needs and characteristics, especially as the population ages
• Whether a drug will be administered in the clinical or home setting, by syringe, cartridge or vial
• Advancements in filling and other technologies
• The changing requirements of the healthcare system and regulatory authorities
   

PLM strategies may include:

Entering new geographical markets
Pursuing approvals in new countries and regions requires developing a targeted regulatory strategy early in the development process.

Seeking new indications
Finding new uses for the same drug opens new markets.

Redesigning the product
Redesign could include product reformulation, new patient-friendly packaging that enhances comfort or convenience, or improved safety systems

Vetter’s assistance with PLM planning
Vetter offers lifecycle planning from the early stages of development, to set the stage for a drug’s success over the long term. For example, a company may first introduce a product using a vial / diluent system, such as WFI, because it is the quickest way to bring a much-needed drug to the market. However, switching later to a prefilled syringe or cartridge/pen may enable patients to self-administer the medication, and differentiate the product in a competitive market. Or, if patients require a lyophilized drug, Vetter’s Lyo-Ject® syringe and V-LK® cartridge are dual-chamber systems that enable reconstitution and injection of lyophilized drug with one motion – at home or in the doctor’s office. Vetter’s experience with regulatory authorities worldwide can also help open new markets. During every stage of development, Vetter works with its clients to develop PLM strategies that fit the product as well as the firm’s overall business goals.

For more on this topic, see our white paper, “Product lifecycle management: maximizing profit and leveraging innovation".