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In-House Steam Sterilization for Drug Delivery Components

LSO offers in-house, CDER-certified contract steam sterilization for drug delivery components like vials, syringes, and closures. Improve compliance and reduce delays with on-site processing and full regulatory alignment.

Closeup Image Of Surgical Instrument Set Arranged In Steam Sterilizer Machine. Selective Focus

Steam Sterilization for Drug Delivery Components

At Life Science Outsourcing (LSO), we offer in-house, CDER-certified steam sterilization for pharmaceutical drug delivery components—including vials, syringes, and closures. Our on-site autoclave supports validated sterilization of heat- and moisture-stable materials, providing a compliant and reliable method to eliminate microbial contaminants. With everything under one roof, we help you simplify supply chains, accelerate timelines, and maintain full control from development to commercialization.

What is Steam Sterilization for Drug Delivery Components?

Steam sterilization uses pressurized saturated steam to eliminate microbial life from drug-contacting components. It’s one of the most established sterilization methods in pharmaceutical manufacturing, preferred by regulatory agencies for its effectiveness and repeatability.

Our in-house 74 ft³ (2.1 m³) autoclave is equipped with air overpressure and pre-vacuum cycles, supporting a range of applications from SVP solutions to porous loads. We do not perform pharmaceutical filling, but we specialize in sterilizing primary packaging and delivery components on-site, eliminating the need to outsource sterilization to a secondary vendor.

Gloved technician drawing liquid from sterile vial into syringe in cleanroom environment

Who Needs Steam Sterilization for Drug Delivery Components?

Pharmaceutical Manufacturers

Ensure compliance and sterility for injectable packaging components—without shipping product cross-country for sterilization.

Biotech Companies

Maintain control and minimize risk by sterilizing containers for biologics directly at our in-house facility.

Medical Device Companies

Sterilize drug-device combination components that require validated steam sterilization—performed under one roof.

Regulatory Affairs & Quality Teams

Work with a partner that provides in-house, CDER-certified services aligned with FDA and CGMP standards.

Hospital and Clinical Labs

Outsource sterilization of delivery tools and drug-contacting accessories with confidence in consistent, traceable, on-site processing.

How Does Steam Sterilization Work?

Our in-house autoclave uses saturated steam under pressure to achieve sterilization temperatures between 121°C and 134°C.

  • Air overpressure cycles for sealed containers and liquid loads
  • Pre-vacuum cycles for porous or complex components
  • Every cycle is validated to ensure uniform steam penetration and reproducible microbial inactivation

By managing the sterilization process in-house, we reduce risk, improve traceability, and provide faster turnaround.

Two laboratory technicians in white lab coats conducting bioburden testing, handling test tubes with liquid samples near a sterilization chamber in a controlled lab setting.
Facilities-Galley- (3)

What Standards Apply?

Our in-house steam sterilization services are designed to meet:

  • FDA requirements for drug and biologic components
  • CDER certification for drug sterilization
  • ISO 13485 for medical device quality systems
  • USP <1211> and <1229> for sterility assurance
  • 21 CFR Part 210/211 CGMP for pharmaceuticals

Why LSO?

  • Everything In-House: Sterilization is performed on site at our FDA-registered, ISO-certified West Coast facility including a full validation team on staff to develop protocols per current ISO standards.
  • CDER-Certified: Validated for sterilizing drug-contacting components used in injectable products
  • Operational Efficiency: Eliminate shipping delays with sterilization, packaging, and labeling all in one place
  • Responsive & Ready: Our technical team supports fast, compliant turnarounds for pharma and biotech clients

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