Key Trends in Closed System Transfer Devices (CSTDs) for 2025

CSTDs are now becoming increasingly common in healthcare settings. As this trend continues into 2025, CSTD manufacturers are making designs that are easier for healthcare workers to use.

Improvements include easier connection / disconnection, fewer steps to use, and simpler, more intuitive use. These changes help make workflows more efficient, which in turn makes it easier for healthcare facilities to adopt and use Closed System Drug-Transfer Devices.

For example, Simplivia’s Chemfort® CSTD is a brilliantly simple solution that is designed to be user-friendly and intuitive. Users simply click to ensure a safe, closed vial-to-vein connection that reduces the risk of exposure to hazardous drugs.

2025 will increasingly see Closed System Drug-Transfer Devices incorporated in robotic chemo-automation systems. Robotic chemo-automation speeds up the preparation of chemotherapy and biological medications, improves reliability and eliminates errors in identifying medications and measuring dosages.

The use of robotic chemo-automation including CSTDs is empowering practical, fast and economical drug compounding in hospital pharmacies. CSTDs like Simplivia’s Chemfort® incorporated in these advanced compounding systems prevents occupation exposure to hazardous drugs for operators while ensuring drug sterility. Empowered by Chemfort® CSTDs to maintain the highest standards in preventing this exposure, the Simplivia’s SmartCompounder robotic chemo-automation system not only ensures drug sterility but also total peace of mind for healthcare professionals.

The smart integration of CSTDs with robotic chemo-automation will continue to set a new standard for safety, efficiency and precision in oncology care – we can expect to see more and more robotic compounding transforming hospital pharmacies in 2025 and beyond.

As more hazardous drugs are used in oncology, immunology and other treatments, manufacturers are creating CSTDs that work with a wider variety of drug formulations and packaging. These devices are also designed to handle complex biologics, ensuring both safety and flexibility in modern healthcare.

Advances in material science are also leading to stronger, lighter, and more affordable CSTDs with improved chemical resistance and leak prevention. For example, Simplivia’s Chemfort® CSTD is compatible with all known hazardous drugs and has been tested with real hazardous drugs. Chemfort® is also available with PVC-free components and toxic chemical-free sets, ensuring a safer and sustainable choice for the environment.

As awareness of the risks associated with occupations exposure increases, more countries are enforcing stricter guidelines for handling hazardous drugs. In 2025, CSTDs are expected to align more closely with global regulatory standards, such as those from NIOSH and USP <800> in the US and similar standards elsewhere. This will promote innovation and encourage widespread use of these protective devices. Simplivia’s Chemfort® products meet the definition of the National Health Institute for Occupational Safety for closed system drug-transfer devices and are FDA-cleared under the ONB product code and CE-marked.

Although CSTDs are primarily used in oncology, their application is increasingly extending to other fields, such as compounding pharmacies, infectious disease treatments and veterinary medicine. This shift in 2025 highlights a rising awareness of the dangers posed by handling hazardous drugs across various healthcare environments.

In veterinary medicine, veterinarians, veterinary technicians and assistants are all at risk of direct exposure to hazardous drugs when treating both small and large animals. Commonly, veterinarians face exposure at every stage of a drug protocol, including during compounding, administration, and disposal. Simplivia’s Chemfort® CSTD helps protect veterinary professionals and pet owners by minimizing exposure to antineoplastic and other hazardous drugs, reducing the risk of both short- and long-term health effects.

Amid global healthcare budget constraints, manufacturers are prioritizing cost-effective solutions while maintaining safety standards. Advances in production methods, materials, and distribution are helping make CSTDs more affordable and accessible to healthcare facilities of all sizes.

In 2025, Simplivia’s Chemfort® CSTD will continue to provide notable economic advantages. A low number of SKUs helps prevent overstocking and streamlines handling. Chemfort®’s innovative and chemically resistant construction also maintains sterility for up to 7 days and supports up to 10 connection-disconnection cycles with full integrity and functionality.

This important drug vial optimization (DVO) and extending beyond-use dating minimizes waste and lowers costs for healthcare facilities. As a result, healthcare facilities can boost operational efficiency and better manage resources. Additionally, by minimizing occupational exposure to hazardous drugs, CSTD use helps lower workers’ compensation claims and associated costs, making it a financially effective investment for hospitals and pharmacies.

An increasing focus on education and training for CSTD use is another key trend. Manufacturers, working alongside healthcare institutions, are developing programs to ensure staff understand proper device usage and handling protocols. This reduces human error and enhances safety outcomes. In 2025, Simplivia’s innovative Chemfort® Closed System Drug-Transfer Device will continue to provide safety and confidence for pharmacists, nurses and other healthcare professionals when handling hazardous drugs.

Simplivia’s Chemfort® product family is designed to minimize exposure to hazardous drugs, significantly reducing risks for both healthcare professionals and patients.

The Chemfort® Closed System Drug-Transfer Device meets the acceptance criteria of the unified NIOSH protocol (2016), ensuring compliance with the highest industry safety standards. It features leak-free disconnection and has passed rigorous microbial ingress tests to maintain drug sterility. Additionally, Chemfort® is compatible with all known hazardous drugs and has been tested with real hazardous drugs.

Designed with ease of use in mind, Simplivia’s Chemfort® offers an ergonomic and intuitive design, allowing healthcare professionals to handle the device with confidence and efficiency.

Simplivia’s Chemfort® CSTD is a simple, safe and cost-effective solution for 2025 to reduce the risk of occupational hazardous drug exposure. At Simplivia, we are dedicated to supporting a culture of safety in healthcare facilities everywhere.

For further information and a demo contact us.

The advancement of Closed System Transfer Devices in 2025 underscores a growing focus on safety, sustainability, and technological progress in healthcare. These developments not only safeguard healthcare professionals from hazardous drug exposure, but also improve patient protection and streamline operations.

As new challenges emerge, CSTDs will continue to play a vital role in ensuring safe drug handling and enhancing healthcare practices globally. To maximize their benefits, stakeholders — from manufacturers to providers — must stay informed and adapt to evolving industry trends.