PACKAGING RESOURCE CENTER
Metering Valves
CFC-free aerosol metering valves (also known as HFA aerosol metering valves) are critical components of pressurized metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs) because the valves are used to meter a very accurate dose of pressurized drug formulation. The valves release the formulation as a fine aerosol for passage into the patient’s airways and provide robust closure canister at the same time. The metering valves are part of a wide range of drug-delivery devices offered by the company, including Landmark dose indicators, which were developed for pMDIs that are currently in use in Phase III clinical trials with several pharmaceutical partners. The company specializes in nasal and pulmonary drug-delivery technologies with a broad product range. Valois Pharma, a div. of Valois S.A.S., Le Neubourg, France; +33 1 39172041; Valois of America, Congers, NY; 845/639-3700; www.valois.com.
Tamper-Evident Closure
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A double tamper-evident closure provides secure transport and storage. Two security rings provide double protection for sample integrity during transportation and storage. The size of the bottle can be tailored to meet individual customer requirements and is provided to customers with the cap in place and the first security seal intact. Unscrewing the cap and opening the sample bottle releases the first security ring, which is retained on the neck of the bottle. The bottle can then be used to collect and store the sample before the cap is replaced and resealed. This action then engages a second security ring, which will break if any attempt is made to tamper with the sample during transit or prior to testing in a controlled environment. Camlab, Cambridge, United Kingdom; +44 1954 233100; www.camlab.co.uk.
COP Parenteral Packaging
A cyclo olefin polymer (COP) is formulated to provide higher breakage resistance and transparency compared with COC plastics and glass. Zeonex COP is designed for molding prefilled syringes, pen-injector cartridges, and vials for protein-based, peptide-based, and high-viscosity drugs. It can withstand steam, EtO, and gamma sterilization. Zeon Chemicals L.P., Louisville, KY; 800/735-3388; www.zeonchemicals.com.
Self-Sealing Closure
A provider of specimen-collection supplies and custom-designed laboratory product kits has developed a new closure system that reduces spillage and cross contamination. Penetrex is a membrane that can be used as the core in standard plugs for bottles, vials, and flasks. Available in a range of polymers, the self-sealing membrane can be penetrated repeatedly, including with specialty nozzles during filling as well as with oral syringes and pipettes. The Andwin Corp., Woodland Hills, CA; 818/999-2828; www.andwin.com.
Unit-Dose Bottle
A bottle dispenses one dose at a time while indicating the day and time to encourage patient compliance. The NextBottle product can replace the conventional amber-colored plastic bottle in which the majority of prescription drugs are currently dispensed. It also serves as an alternative to blister packs, which have historically been the preferred choice for compliance packaging. The bottle provides child resistance via a conventional push-and-turn cap, which also serves as a platform for the pharmacy label. The label is affixed to the oversized, flat-bottle cap. One World Design and Manufacturing Group, Warren, NJ; 908/769-1234, www.oneworlddmg.com.
