As with all aspects of medicine, the types of pharmaceuticals being manufactured today are very different than the prescription and over-the-counter medications of the past. New discoveries in the use of biopharmaceutical, classes of medication and even the way that patients now administer medications on their own has created challenges for the medical packaging industry.
In addition to just the variety and types of medications now on the market, there is the legal requirement for serialization of pharmaceuticals. This requires the packager to be able to meet these regulations and standards and to be able to integrate into the drug supply chain effectively, efficiently and with full transparency for tracking and traceability at the pallet, case, bundle, carton and unit levels.
Increasingly Sensitive Products
Biopharmaceuticals are sometimes called biological, medical products and they contain non-synthesized elements. They often contain proteins and sugars as well as other cellular materials that are very sensitive to light, temperatures and other variations.
Developing the correct medical packaging solutions for these types of medications can be complex. It may require production to occur in temperature controlled conditions or produced where there is no direct exposure to more than a specific amount of UV light.
New types of foils and lids for blister packages and different materials used on the basis of this packaging can protect these highly sensitive medications. This will be instrumental in ensuring quality control throughout the medicines life cycle. For example, cold-forming rather than heat-sealed may be required for a growing number of pharmaceuticals on the market.
Additionally, more information is now required on many labels, creating the need for a variety of different primary and secondary packaging and labeling options. At the same time, it is essential across the medical packaging to be able to manage the cost of packaging while also ensuring full compliance with all packaging and labeling requirements.