Gerresheimer and Zollner enter into strategic partnership for electronically controlled medtech systems from a single source

Gerresheimer AG and Zollner Elektronik AG are pooling their pharma and medical technology expertise under a strategic partnership. Starting immediately, the two will offer pharma, healthcare and biotech companies their conceptual designs, development and manufacturing capacities for drug delivery and medical technology systems, including complete electronics, from one single source. Together, they want to further develop their expertise in the healthcare sector and open up new markets, the companies said in a joint statement.

With this strategic partnership, Gerresheimer and Zollner are counting on the global trend toward electronic, digitally controllable and connected drug delivery and diagnostic systems. These include insulin pens, inhalators, like for people suffering with asthma, Point-of-Care (PoC) systems and medicine pumps. According to studies, the market for digital and connected solutions for the treatment of diabetes alone is expected to grow to around EUR 11bn by 2025, added the statement.

“The future belongs to digital treatment support with electronic systems and connected platforms. The partnership with Zollner helps us provide our pharma customers with innovative one-stop medtech solutions. For patients, using these solutions means better treatment and enhanced quality of life. At the same time, the healthcare system also benefits by way of permanently reduced treatment costs,” said Dietmar Siemssen, CEO, Gerresheimer AG.

Through the integration of concept design, development and manufacturing, the products of both sides can be brought to market faster and more efficiently. Also gained is permanent, secure access to electronic components. The cooperation initially covers the development of inhalers for chronic lung disease sufferers, autoinjectors, ophthalmology systems and drug pumps, as well as contract manufacturing for these and similar devices, added the statement.

“Digitalisation of medical devices is advancing at a very fast tempo. At Zollner, we are happy to have found an ideal partner in Gerresheimer for the expansion of our successful healthcare and lifesciences efforts. Together we will expand access to existing markets, exploit new growth markets and support our mutual customers along the entire life cycle of the products,” said Markus Aschenbrenner, Managing Board Member, Zollner, in the statement.

This partnership also supports the sustainability strategies of both companies. For instance, they have agreed on a technology exchange enabling the development of even more efficient production processes – including with the use of Artificial Intelligence
(AI)– to minimise waste and rejects, the statement concluded.