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

Dosage control, biologics, driving materials considerations

LIVE FROM MD&M WEST: Advances in biologic products and bioresorbable stents add to medical device packaging responsibilities.

Hp 20131 Dscn0052

Greater dosage control is driving unit-dose packaging formats. "With more of a focus on outpatient care and the self-regulation of medicine, there's greater onus on patients to take the right medications in the right amount."

Dosage control, the control and global tracking of products, childproof packaging, and the expansion of biologics are four blow-fill-seal-related market drivers in the pharmaceutical industry, said Jill Martin (shown in photo), senior research scientist at Dow Chemical Co.

Martin was the leadoff speaker at the Feb. 13 "Advances in Medical Polymers for Medical Devices" Conference held during MD&M West in Anaheim, CA. Her presentation, "Polyolefins for Blow-Fill-Seal Pharmaceutical Packaging," addressed uses of different polymers, primarily for liquid delivery systems, and how well they function in different pharmaceutical packaging, sterilization, and distribution processes.

Responding to audience questions, Martin said she is noticing more of a need for barrier properties for blow-fill-seal applications in biologics. She praised polyethylene as a "benign option in which we know much about."

Combination products, and in particular, bioresorbable stents, served as a focus for the presentation, "Processing Considerations for Bioresorbable Polymers in Medical Applications," given by Lothar Kleiner, Ph.D., a polymer consultant and Volwiler Associate Research Fellow, Abbott Cardiovascular.

Much of Kleiner's discussion centered on the use of PLAA (poly-L-lactide) as a material used to make bioresorbable (not absorbable, he said) scaffolds (not stents, he added). Abbott's ABSORB scaffold that dissolves in the body was recently honored with a 2011 Wall Street Journal Technology Award. Kleiner warned how easy it is to degrade sensitive scaffolds/stents, referencing packaging and sterilization processes.

Exhibit halls for Medical Design &Manufacturing West, WestPack, Automation Technology Expo West, and related shows at the Anaheim Convention Center are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 14 and 15, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 16.

Researched List: Blister Machines for Life Sciences
Need a blister machine for life sciences packaging? Our curated list features companies serving pharmaceutical, medical device, nutraceutical, and cosmetic industries. Download to access company names, locations, machine specifications, descriptions, and more.
Download Now
Researched List: Blister Machines for Life Sciences
List: Digitalization Companies From PACK EXPO
Looking for CPG-focused digital transformation solutions? Download our editor-curated list from PACK EXPO featuring top companies offering warehouse management, ERP, digital twin, and MES software with supply chain visibility and analytics capabilities—all tailored specifically for CPG operations.
Download Now
List: Digitalization Companies From PACK EXPO