Mylan, a Pittsburgh-based global generics and specialty pharmaceutical company, is reported to be the first to launch a new child-resistant (CR) package nationwide at Walmart this summer. Additional medications will follow later this year.
The medications will be packaged in MeadWestvaco Corp.’s Shellpak® Renew with Optilock™ technology.
This small, discreet medication adherence package is designed to meet patient and pharmacist needs by enabling greater patient portability and improving pharmacy efficiency. The package features an advanced locking mechanism for the highest level of child resistance (F=1) in a reduced package size that is 23% smaller than the original Shellpak Renew, while still accommodating the same medications.
“Mylan is pleased to support the launch of Shellpak Renew with Optilock technology,” says Tony Mauro, President, Mylan North America. “This partnership aligns with our goal to set new standards in healthcare and expand access to high-quality medicines, as the new packaging presentation encourages patient adherence and convenience while increasing efficiencies inside pharmacies. Mylan looks forward to partnering with customers, patients, and providers to continue meeting unmet needs.”
Sandy Kinsey, Vice President, Pharmacy Merchandising for Walmart Stores, says, “Walmart is committed to developing scalable, accessible solutions to improve patient adherence to medication. We are proud to offer Shellpak Renew with Optilock technology and are excited about the new, smaller package size, which many of our patients requested.”
MWV had previously received Walmart’s “Responsibility Award for Total Health and Wellness,” which recognized MWV’s development of the Shellpak Renew medication adherence packaging.
Shellpak Renew with Optilock technology features a calendared blister and space for patient educational information, which is shown to improve patient adherence to medications. The decreased package size provides a more convenient way for patients to access and carry their medications, while also making dispensing medications quicker and easier for pharmacists.
The development of Optilock technology exemplifies MWV’s commitment to improved solutions for child resistance in packaging. Shellpak Renew with Optilock technology is one of nearly 40 child-resistant packages from MWV that have tested to the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s highest standard, F=1. Consistent with the MWV Shellpak platform, Shellpak Renew with Optilock technology can be used for multiple medications/SKUs without re-testing for child resistance.
Hung Le, Vice President, Global Design for MWV, says: “At MWV, our design mandate is to develop packaging that is not only child-resistant, but also convenient for patients. Shellpak Renew with Optilock technology was designed using insights from both our customers and consumers regarding the importance of efficiency and convenience.”
Based on these insights, every element of Shellpak Renew with Optilock technology is optimized to be space well spent. The package’s outer carton is made of MWV’s Natralock®, paperboard-based packaging that maximizes the use of recyclable materials and minimizes waste. The secure, tear-resistant carton does not require paper backing on the foil blister, making pill expression easy. In addition, the package contains enhanced adherence features, including a smooth-slide blister for easy medication access and color-coded spine labels to help distinguish among medications.
