Discover your next big idea for life sciences at PACK EXPO Las Vegas
Experience a breakthrough in life sciences packaging—explore solutions from 2,300 suppliers spanning all industries, all in one place this September

Will marketing drive 'smart' pharmaceutical packaging?

I recently paid a visit to a representative of a supplier of healthcare packaging materials who showed me sophisticated "Smart" packages--this particular application was for clinical trials.

My teacher for the day suggested something thought-provoking: These interactive, data collecting, compliance-boosting designs will not be bought or specified by packaging engineers or purchasing departments. Instead, Marketing will "adopt" the package and make it, and the drug, a combined launch where the package's role in offering superior results is intrinsic.

This is truly where packaging shines. However, cost/benefit is difficult to justify if the package is five or 10 times the cost of the current trial package.

There may be too high a price for many "smart" packaging offerings. But income from pharmaceutical products could justify these pricier compliance tools. Here packaging plays a vital role communicating the condition and location of the package contents, time, and even the details of the patient's interaction. These packages also feature innovative expanded-content panels for complicated drug regimen clinical trial instructions.

- By Jim Chrzan, Publisher
Medical Device Innovations Report
Cutting-edge packaging technologies are transforming the medical device sector in PMMI’s “Innovation in Medical Device” report, featuring advanced materials, smart solutions, and evolving regulations. Editors share insights from nearly 300 PACK EXPO booth visits—each product deemed new and truly innovative—alongside video demonstrations of the equipment and materials on display.
Learn More
Medical Device Innovations Report
FDA warning letters surge - is your team prepared?
New guide reveals expert strategies to prevent regulatory issues and respond effectively to FDA enforcement actions in pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing.
Read More
FDA warning letters surge - is your team prepared?