Vetter has reached several development and verification milestones as it prepares for the commercial launch of its next-generation tamper-evident syringe closure system, V-OVS next.

The contract development and manufacturing organisation said the system has now completed a multi-cycle development process, with design finalisation confirmed and industrialisation activities underway. The closure is expected to be commercially available in 2027.

V-OVS next was developed based on market feedback and is intended to build on the existing V-OVS platform. According to Vetter, the updated closure introduces changes aimed at improving usability, handling and compatibility across a broad range of syringe formats. The company says the system is designed for applications including ophthalmology, aesthetic injectables, diluents and biologics.

Following its initial unveiling at PharmaPack 2025, the closure has progressed through a series of internal and external evaluations. Vetter has now initiated collaboration with its primary syringe glass suppliers, providing them with non-functional human use materials to support implementation and testing across different syringe formats.

Lars Hahn, senior vice president global sales organisation at Vetter, said early engagement across the value chain has been encouraging. He said: “With the first biopharma customers already giving positive feedback, we’re excited to see market uptake by some glass suppliers.” He added: “We’ve already had successful conversations with multiple value chain partners and received consistently encouraging responses that reinforce our confidence in this launch.”

In parallel with industrialisation activities, Vetter has completed additional verification studies focused on usability and performance. A second human factors study and a functional study have both delivered positive results, the company said.

The second human factors study expanded on earlier work by incorporating a use-related risk analysis to assess safe and effective handling. Study participants evaluated the updated closure system alongside the original V-OVS design and reported improved usability, as well as a more differentiated look and feel. According to Vetter, the findings support the system’s suitability for routine use in clinical and commercial manufacturing environments.

Vetter also assessed the structural performance of V-OVS next during manufacturing and handling. Initial testing showed improved robustness compared with the existing closure system, with reduced likelihood of misuse and enhanced intuitive handling. The company said these attributes are intended to support more consistent use during filling, handling and downstream processes.

Claus Feussner, senior vice president development service at Vetter, said the evaluations aligned with the original design objectives. He said: “Our goal was to combine safety, usability, and design in a way that truly benefits the user of the system.” He added: “The positive results from both usability and performance evaluations confirm that V-OVS next delivers on these objectives.”

With these milestones completed, Vetter said it will continue advancing the system towards launch. Industrialisation activities are ongoing, and the company confirmed that both V-OVS and V-OVS next will be offered post-launch. The two systems share the same contact materials and are compatible with a range of industry standard tip cap rubber formulations, which Vetter says will allow customers to transition to the newer closure as part of product lifecycle management or to differentiate new syringe-based products.

As drug developers and manufacturers continue to focus on container closure integrity, usability and tamper evidence, Vetter positions V-OVS next as part of its broader syringe and packaging portfolio. The company said the system is intended to support both existing and future injectable drug products as they move through development and into commercial manufacturing.