New Solutions Debut At Pharmapack

As presenters at Pharmapack 2011 offered their perspectives on the larger trends driving package design, companies and exhibitors announced packaging innovations and improved delivery systems.

Attendees at the Paris venue learned of new bottle designs developed with consumer panels, intelligent blister packaging that underpins trials in telemedicine, and next generation nasal, pulmonary, and ophthalmic devices offering increased control of critical quality attributes.

Glen Svedberg, managing director, Nolato Cerbo AB, Sweden, described Nolato's research on child resistant and senior friendly bottles with the user lab at the Chalmers University of Technology. Senior panelists favored the feel of irregularly shaped oblong and triangular bottles, and prefer closures with higher rims. Nolato is launching this year the Cerbo Threasy, a three-sided design in an initial 150 ml size.

Stora Enso unveiled the Pharma DDSi Wireless blister package that enables nearly instantaneous wireless communication via cellular network, for real time tracking and intervention by caregivers. Conductive ink on the cardboard blister inlay and a cellular module with chargeable battery embedded in the package support tracking pill removal one pill at a time.

In pump designs for preservative-free formulations, MeadWestvaco announced the Preservative Free Pump Topical, engineered for topical applications. The system combines an actuator that prevents bacterial ingress, with a metered-dose pump system that filters returning air.

"The preservative free market has historically been in nasal devices. The Preservative Free Pump is addressing the growing market in topical applications (such as for wound care treatments) and we are working on a preservative free ophthalmic solution. Patients are demanding preservative free formulations to reduce irritation to the eye from the product," said Chris Hall, vice president and managing director, medical plastics division, MWV Healthcare.

Rexam Healthcare unveiled the Advancia nasal spray pump. Patrice Lewko, global marketing director, Rexam Healthcare France, described patient studies that showed dosage and spray consistency independent of user actuation force and speed.

The sealing tip actuator prevents clogging when viscous products crystallize, evaporation, and microbe ingress. The pump demonstrated zero percent clogging after 90 days at 45 degrees C, Lewko reported.

A user-friendly, snap-on design with an integrated over cap features crimped clips for improved seal reliability, prevents accidental actuation, and allows for one-step assembly.

"This is the only pump with user-independent performance and preservative-free features in one system," Lewko said.

Speakers noted that new delivery formats, besides supporting product differentiation, improve therapy while meeting the convenience needs of aging populations.

Jessica Saggers, technical account specialist, West Pharmaceutical Services, described a West study involving patients, nurses, and a control group of laboratory analysts comparing traditional needle/vial delivery with West's Vial Adapter. Study results showed the Luer-end Vial Adaptor minimized variability in end user withdrawal.

"We've heard of up to 30% (vial) overfill. This creates a significant added expense and a greater potential for dosing errors. Lab testing can't simulate what users will do in practice," Saggers said.

Drug categories with growth potential including oncology, antiviral, and HIV will drive drug development and therefore indirectly packaging, said Dr. Michael Spallek, director, Global Skill Center Packaging Development, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma.

External factors influencing packaging include cultural preferences, in the US, FDA strategic priorities favoring pharma and medical device innovation and US healthcare reform, and "the patients themselves."

"Customers will pay a premium for innovative packaging," said Spallek, pointing to Bayer's new bottle as a departure from the standard white bottle. "It's not a cheap bottle, but very nicely designed."

Spallek emphasized the importance of "patient centricity" as companies cater to an aging populace and move into new high-growth markets where dedicated packaging may be required. Patients have defied expectations in preferring solid doses in bottles such as in preferring tablets to nasal spray delivery for migraine.

"Customer focus will play an important role. Ask the patient to try what you offer and get their feed back," he said.

—By David Vaczek

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