Bilcare Research Inc. has introduced FastPack™, an expedient process for determining the optimum blister film barrier properties for the packaging of pharmaceutical products.
The science behind FastPack was devised from sensitivity profiling conducted on hundreds of pharmaceutical formulations during the past 15 years. When doing so, Bilcare scientists found that the vast majority of packaging-related stability failures can be ascertained by systematically analyzing the product’s physical attributes, as opposed to more stringent, time-consuming chemical testing. The result is a scientifically streamlined process: In 15 business days, FastPack identifies a product’s two most optimal packaging materials in terms of cost and barrier protection.
FastPack determines a product’s susceptibility to various environmental factors—most prevalently humidity, temperature, light, and oxygen—through scientifically designed experiments. It puts products through a variety of tests, including those measuring hygroscopicity, hardness, friability, and photosensitivity. FastPack also provides a machine tool drawing, a packaging cost analysis with material specifications and testing methods, and samples of recommended packaging materials.
Key advantages of FastPack include the following:
• Avoids the steep analytical and material cost of multiple packaging stability studies
• Lessens packaging cost for product lifetime due to over-packaging
• Saves packaging engineers time
• Reduces machine downtime due to improper machine settings
• Increases machine efficiency through optimum machine settings
• Provides free training and FAT trial assistance to machine operators
• Offers ongoing technical support until commercial implementation
