Biologic drugs, which aim to treat complex diseases such as cancer, are a fast-growing
market. Over the past decade, biologics have become even more structurally complex
than their predecessors. As a result, the parenteral dosage forms of these highly complex
molecules are more sensitive not only to temperature and other environmental conditions, but
also to the extractables and leachables (E&L) that can be released from primary packaging
materials. While extractables are substances that are extracted by subjecting the packaging
material to aggressive conditions for extended times, leachables migrate into formulations
after preparation and storage under standard conditions.