Catalent Pharma Solutions is installing new automated prefilled syringe clinical packaging lines at its Clinical Supply Center of Excellence in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, to support its strategic partner, US drugmaker Eli Lilly.

The US-based provider of advanced delivery technologies and development solutions for drugs, biologics and consumer health products already has installed automated prefilled syringe packaging capabilities in its clinical supply facility in Schorndorf, Germany.

The packaging line at Philadelphia is said to enable fully automated insertion of plunger rods, application of randomized and non-randomized labels and back-stop clips as well as off-line labeling with booklet labels.

Catalent said the investment reflects a "strong commitment" to jointly share growth strategies, risks with long-term strategic partners.

"Our continued investments in clinical packaging, cold chain storage, digital solutions, and our expansion into China are all part of our growth strategy and commitment to our customers to help them reduce clinical trial timelines," said Gerry Hepburn, Chief operating officer, vice president and general manager of Catalent's clinical supply services business.