INTERPHEX Introduces Packaging Safety and Quality Innovations

Packaging and packaging equipment displayed at INTERPHEX (April 23-25, 2013 at the Javits Center in New York, NY) play a significant role in protecting product quality and patient safety.

New containers
To prevent injuries and deaths related to unintentional ingestion or accidental overdose of children’s liquid medicines, the DoseGuard Valved Bottle Adapter System from Comar allows access to the product only when a specially modified oral syringe (also from Comar) is connected to the container. Inserting the syringe until it clicks into place opens a valve in the vented adaptor, thus allowing the proper dose to be withdrawn. When the syringe is removed, the valve closes, which prevents leaks, evaporation, and contamination. Four interlocking ridges on the recessed adaptor prevent it from being pulled out or pushed into the container. Comar molds medical-grade low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and slits the friction-fit component in one operation. Standard diameter is 20 mm. The valve-opening oral syringe may be ordered in 0.5, 1, 3, 5, 10, and 20-mL sizes.

The new Shaker Single-Dose System from Bormioli Rocco keeps sensitive ingredients separate until it is time to mix a dose. The polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle holds the liquid. A medium-density PE plug contains powder ingredients and resides in a high-density PE cap with a polypropylene plunger. For moisture-sensitive ingredients, a desiccant can be incorporated. Turning the cap breaks a tamper-evident band and activates the plunger, which has a cutting edge to release the dry ingredients. Shaking the container mixes the dry and liquid ingredients. After opening, the plunger and plug remain in the cap. A Bormioli Roco partner in Kansas fills the liquid and powder ingredients and assembles the finished package. Containers are available in amber in sizes from 25 to 60 mL. Active ingredient capacities include 0.334, 0.660, and 1.0 cc.

Quality assurance advances

Quality assurance, a perennial concern of pharmaceutical manufacturers, encompasses many technologies, including checkweighing. The SSV checkweigher, a compact unit from Anritsu Industrial Solutions USA, a first-time INTERPHEX exhibitor headquartered in Japan, can be integrated with a metal detector to provide dual functionality. At less than 1 m in length, the combination unit often fits in the space occupied by a metal detector alone. A range of SSV models address different weight ranges and aperture sizes and perform with an accuracy of +/- 0.01 g. The model SSV 6412 BP60 features an aperture with a usable product pass-through height of 180 mm.

Another compact design, the SL-M-FS checkweigher from Wipotec, separates the weigh cell from the electronics with a 3-m cable. As a result, the unit occupies a footprint smaller than most laptop computers. The checkweigher comes in five models covering weights from 20 to 1000 g and features a washdown option. Operating on electromagnetic force restoration technology, the self-damping units minimize measuring time and maximize resolution. Potential applications include filling and packaging machines, multitrack weighing systems, in-process control, and cleaning in place.

INTERPHEX returns to the Javits Center in 2014 (March 18-20). Meanwhile, an opportunity to view pharmaceutical packaging innovations will occur at PACK EXPO Las Vegas (September 23-25, 2013, at the Las Vegas, Nevada Convention Center) where a portion of the show floor is dedicated to a Pharmaceutical Pavilion.

—Hallie Forcinio is Pharmaceutical Technology's packaging editor, editorhal@cs.com.