Quick Hits: Roche Increases COVID-19 Antibody Test Output

The FDA granted emergency approval for the antibody test that determines whether people have been infected with coronavirus.

Tim HayesContributing Editor, Healthcare Packaging

May 4th, 2020

Wondering if you’d had COVID-19? Join the club. Luckily, the test that determines if you’ve been infected is about to become a lot more accessible. A recent Reuters article noted that the FDA just granted emergency approval for Roche’s antibody test. The Swiss drugmaker hopes to more than double production to make over 100 million tests a month by the end of 2020.

The antibody test has a specificity rate that exceeds 99.8% and a sensitivity of 100%, which means it generates very few positive results, and no false negatives. Roche also makes a molecular test that identifies active COVID-19 infections.

Clinical Trial Shows Digital Methods Are Future for Participant Recruitment

SpoonfulONE’s direct-to-patient digital trial design allowed the company to recruit more than 1,700 children from all 50 states to participate in its latest clinical study.

Spending Forecast for Cobots

Over 50% of CPGs to increase Cobot Spending

The suspected surge in cobot spending comes at a time when companies are just starting to grasp how to take advantage of them.

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unPACKed podcast: Ripe Opportunity for OEMs in Pharma Market

Hear Donna Ritson discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted pharmaceutical production and how that disruption affected, but could ultimately benefit, the industry.

Three OSARO robotic bagging systems will take on the responsibility of readying eyewear orders for shipment to Zenni's U.S. customers.

D2C Zenni Optical Eyes E-Comm Fulfillment Automation with Robot/Bagger Combo

Three robotic bagging systems are to be deployed at Zenni’s Northern California customer fulfillment center. The job description calls for visual acuity, precision, dexterity, and tireless work ethic. Robots have that market practically cornered.

2022 Annual OTC Package Design Gallery

Each year, Healthcare Packaging evaluates an array of over-the-counter product packaging designs, assessing pros and cons from a user perspective. Check out some of the highlights.

Tyvek Pouches Now Available: In Stock & Ready to Ship

Tyvek Pouches Now Available: In Stock & Ready to Ship

Do you need sterile barrier pouches quickly to help cover low inventory? Don't let standard lead times slow you down. Expedited shipping is available with our Stock Pouch Program. Place your order.

The new Nordic Criteria were presented by Susanne Backer, senior consultant, circular economy, procurement and clinical engineering, Central Denmark region, at LyondellBasell’s Advancing Quality Healthcare Event.

New Nordic Sustainability Criteria Poised to Expand in Europe

Released in March 2022, the Common Nordic Criteria for more Sustainable Packaging in Healthcare were developed by stakeholders with the aim of reducing material waste, increasing recycling, and increasing the usage of recycled or renewable materials.

Jim George Io Pp Director Of Education

Partnerships: One Path to Training to Ease Talent Shortages

Pick your industry. Some long-timers are realizing that the next generation of expertise their teams require isn’t being groomed as they need it.

the{PACK]out: Day 3 featured hands-on workshops to bring package design concepts to life. (Image courtesy: Cassie Ladd)

the[PACK]out: Inaugural Event Delivers Medical Device Packaging Innovation

The new conference in Austin, TX, (May 10-12, 2022) highlighted design, sustainability, and usability, developed for and by the medical packaging community.

Styx Cotc Band V4 5x7 R1

PACK gives BACK is Back at PACK EXPO International

Chicago's own legendary STYX brings over four decades of hits for a good cause.

FDA Holding Webinar on Animal Drug Manufacturing System eSubmitter Tool

The session will provide information about new enhancements to the system used to support the creation of electronic, secure submissions to the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine for review.

Tyvek Pouches Now Available: In Stock & Ready to Ship

Tyvek Pouches Now Available: In Stock & Ready to Ship

Do you need sterile barrier pouches quickly to help cover low inventory? Don't let standard lead times slow you down. Expedited shipping is available with our Stock Pouch Program. Place your order.

Cybersecurity: Assess Your Risk White Paper

Cybersecurity Roundup: Med Device, Packaging Ops, and Industrial Control

Essential businesses and connected devices are under increasing threats domestically and globally. Check out 9 recent articles.

McNeil Consumer Pharmaceuticals Co. Mylanta® One Antacid + Anti-gas EcoCareTM Tablets

2022 OTC Package Design Gallery: Part 1

Each year, Healthcare Packaging evaluates an array of over-the-counter product packaging designs, assessing the pros and cons from a user perspective.

EXPO PACK México Reunites the Industry in Person

The largest packaging and processing show in Latin America returns to México for the first time in four years.

FDA Issues Radiation Sterilization Update for PMA Holders

The agency is considering a master file pilot program for premarket approval (PMA) holders whose approved devices are sterilized using radiation, including gamma radiation.

How Proximity Plays a Role in Sustainability Initiatives

Proximity to necessary infrastructure can make or break a sustainability initiative. We highlight an eco-industrial park in Denmark where co-located companies share energy, water, and materials.

Getty Images Fingerprint

A Digital Fingerprint to Combat Counterfeit Goods

Alitheon’s optical artificial intelligence system can authenticate products by simply taking a picture.

Äkta's design uses up to seven colors, which offers flexibility on which color they lean on for which variety.

3 Examples of Cannabis Packaging in 2022

Looking for inspiration? Check out these stories on QR codes for authentication, a right-sized vape pod carton update, and a colorful paper tube for cartridges and concentrates.

2022 Pdafda Linkedin

2022 PDA/FDA Joint Regulatory Conference

Hosted by the Parenteral Drug Association (PDA), the conference takes place Sep 12 - Sep 14, 2022 in Washington D.C.

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FDA Describes Baby Formula Plant Conditions

The baby formula shortage is linked to “egregiously unsanitary” conditions at a plant in Sturgis, Michigan.

Specright Provides Spec Management Insight at ISTA Forum 2022

Spec management using a common language will improve supply chain communication to limit monetary and product losses in the midst of turmoil such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

FDA Flexibilities to Yield Millions of Cans of Additional Infant Formula

In the coming months, the FDA will be able to greatly increase the supply of formula, including Abbott EleCare, available to U.S. consumers through international and domestic manufacturing facilities.

Veritas Fine Cannabis packaging QR codes lead back to a strain card on the company’s website that provides even more detailed information not included on the label.

Veritas Uses On-Pack QR Codes for its Cannabis to Provide Product Transparency

Denver-based cannabis company Veritas adds QR codes to its packaging that enable consumers to find detailed information on the specific cannabis strain and where the product is available for future purchase.

Q1 2022 Quarterly Business Indictaor Qbi 1

Pharma/Medical Device Companies Projecting Expansion for 2022

Results of a Q1 2022 report from PMMI show that the pharmaceutical/medical device industry is expecting the most growth, followed by other, personal care, food, and beverage.

FDA Releases White Paper on Quality Management Maturity

The new white paper discusses developing a framework to evaluate the QMM of pharmaceutical manufacturing sites and the benefits of a rating system.

Matthew Wright, founder and CEO of Specright, presented on the urgency of transitioning packaging to a digital platform using data.

Data Transitions Packaging to a Futureproof Digital World

Specright offers insights into spec management using a common language at ISTA Forum 2022.

Caregiver Image

The Hidden Healthcare Crisis: Family Caregiver Burnout

Providing care for an elderly or disabled individual can be both time consuming and stressful, but with the right kind of solutions, caregiver burnout doesn’t have to be a given.

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Innovation Not Keeping Pace With Sustainability Demands

OEMs and CPGs agree that right now, packaging and processing technology hinders any significant sustainable solutions. Consumers and brands want it yesterday, but how?

Great Resignation Driving Employee Poaching

It’s a buyer’s market for job seekers as 81,000 left manufacturing from Aug. 2020 through Aug. 2021. Manufacturers are climbing over each other to poach workers to meet increases in production.

Pharmaceutical Industry Applies Artificial Intelligence

How pharmaceutical companies are using artificial intelligence to improve asset performance management and predictive maintenance to avoid batch loss and reduce maintenance and repair costs.

Sustainability – No Longer Just a “Nice to Have”, Speakers from Left: Lindsay Smaron, Samantha Smith, and Kevin Kane with Moderator Jamie Pero-Parker, PhD at thePACKout.

Medical Device eIFUs: Hurdles to Overcome

Live from the[PACK]out: Regulations, regional acceptance, and validated packaging configurations all play a role. The challenges aren’t insurmountable but will require efforts from the packaging community.