Compete through Packaging Innovation
Increasing competition and pricing pressures are making the pharmaceutical industry more challenging than ever. Researchers are working toward the next big blockbuster, but with pipelines reportedly a bit less robust, companies may want to consider packaging as another route for innovation. New packaging solutions will be discussed at the upcoming Pharmapack, held February 23-24 in Paris. Novel systems for improving patient and practitioner safety, achieving dosing accuracy, and maintaining product stability will be discussed, both in the two-day conference and on the exposition floor. STORY CONTINUES BELOW
"The advent of and competition from generics is one of the major challenges for the original manufacturers, particularly considering generics manufacturers have improved the clarity of their packaging," explains Philippe Arnaud from the Pharmaceutical Sciences Faculty of Paris Descartes (France), who will be chairing the session, "Pharma packaging prospects and regulatory challenges in a global context." He continued: "In the case of OTC drugs or drugs no longer reimbursed, which are prominently displayed on the counter, the packaging war will be fierce."
Conference sessions offer a look at challenges in specific markets and potential packaging tools. Gerallt Williams, director, scientific affairs, Aptar Pharma, Prescription division, will present "Existing and Emerging Technologies/Markets for Nasal, Pulmonary, and Ophthalmic Drug Delivery Devices." According to Williams, "the dynamics of the pharmaceutical market are evolving quickly, driven by factors such as the introduction of new drugs and a keen focus on healthcare costs including the ever increasing generic market. Other drivers changing this marketplace are evolving regulatory standards, the fast growing emerging market sector and the need to prolong market shares of drugs coming off patent in the near future with differentiation and life management strategies." Williams will look at emerging drug-delivery technologies, presenting nasal spray pumps (Equadel and CPS models), pressurized metered dose inhalers (pMDIs), dry powder inhalers (Prohaler), ophthalmic spray devices (OSD), and some devices for improved patient compliance and convenience (Latitude and electronic devices). Aptar Pharma will also be in Stand 561. In Stand 363, Promens Medical Packaging A/S will be exhibiting DivibaX, a new connection device for mixing of infusion fluids. The product is designed to minimize the risk of spreading aerosole toxicological products, protect users from needlestick injuries, and ensure traceability in the treatment of patients, the company reports. It adds that the "new mixing concept is the first device on the market to solve all the problem areas mentioned above, and is 100% protected against run-back of fluid which, until now, has been the great challenge to the market." DivibaX can be used with existing products in vials and infusion bags on the market as well as competing products as it is designed for ISO standard neck sizes.
Multisorb Technologies will detail its exclusive Calculations through Operations program. Designed to fully support companies from the product formulation stage through to packaging operations, the program seeks to provide the most-effective sorbent for ensuring stability throughout product shelf life. At Stand 141, Multisorb will explain its Pseudo-Empirical Modeling method for simulating modeling of the drug product in its packaging to account for conditions during all stages of drug processing, from pharmaceutical formulation to the packaging environment and throughout the distribution chain. SimulSorb and SimulOx, which are integral components of Multisorb's Calculations through Operations program, analyze the drug product being packaged and predict its chemical and/or physical stability outcomes when exposed to moisture or oxygen in the headspace of a container. "To obtain optimal results during the consultative SimulOx and SimulSorb processes, our scientists collaborate with the pharmaceutical company's formulation chemists, packaging technologists, and process engineers," says Adrian Possumato, global director, healthcare packaging, at Multisorb. "Their objective is to determine the correct sorbent solution to enhance the product's chemical stability and physical integrity to extend its shelf life. As a Quality by Design-based program, Calculations through Operations typically saves our customers six to 12 months of development time translating in earlier regulatory submission and related market launch." For even more previews of the upcoming event, browse the exhibitor list. |
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