Gerresheimer, the leading global provider of healthcare, beauty and drug delivery systems for pharma, biotech and cosmetics, today announced a joint venture with Corning (NYSE: GLW), a leading innovator in materials science and manufacturing, to increase global access to the Velocity® Vial technology platform, addressing the need for a high-quality and cost-effective injectable drug filling process.

The partnership will combine Gerresheimer’s extensive glass-converting expertise with Corning’s innovative Velocity Vial technology. This model will improve fill-finish productivity and enhance product quality, lowering manufacturing costs and speeding the delivery of injectable therapies. Velocity Vials will be produced by the joint venture in existing Gerresheimer facilities for the international market, making the vials immediately available in North America, Europe and Asia.

“As the leading solution provider for the pharma and biotech industry, Gerresheimer is dedicated to offering our customers best-in-class solutions to the industry’s toughest challenges,” said Dr Lukas Burkhardt, Member of the Management Board of Gerresheimer. “By expanding our long-standing relationship with Corning, we add another integrated solution to deliver value for our customers. Our market-leading position in vials is further strengthened by this innovative vial technology. In combination with our GX Pharma Plus, Gx Elite glass vials or Gx RTF solution, we can meet the highest quality standards.”

Velocity Vials can improve filling-line efficiency by up to 50% as a drop-in solution, thereby lowering costs while improving quality and providing a streamlined regulatory process. Compared with conventional vials, Velocity Vials can also protect against damage that could lead to particles, breaks and cracks. The adoption of Velocity Vials has already helped accelerate the delivery of lifesaving treatments and critical drugs to the market.

“Over the past two years, we’ve seen first-hand how vital Corning Velocity Vials have been to improving pharmaceutical-manufacturing performance and quality. Now, Corning is expanding access to Velocity Vials by partnering with Gerresheimer to co-manufacture and sell the product,” said Brendan Mosher, vice president and general manager of Corning Pharmaceutical Technologies. “The new model expands Velocity’s manufacturing footprint, localises its supply chains, and gives customers the option to purchase directly from Corning or Gerresheimer. We are excited to welcome Gerresheimer as the first partner to join the Velocity Vial technology platform.”