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Clariant Introduces Static Reducing Compounds For Drug Delivery Devices

Static-reducing functional plastic compounds enable increased dose reliability when used in drug delivery devices.

Inhalers rely on consistent flow of the drug into the lungs of the patient. Static charges can result in deposits on the walls of the plastic parts reducing dose reliability. (Photo: Clariant)
Inhalers rely on consistent flow of the drug into the lungs of the patient. Static charges can result in deposits on the walls of the plastic parts reducing dose reliability. (Photo: Clariant)

This content was written and submitted by the supplier. It has only been modified to comply with this publication’s space and style.

Plastics are insulators, and therefore prone to build-up of static charges. In applications where plastics are in contact with powders, the powder can stick to the surface. In drug delivery devices, such as dry powder inhalers, this sticking effect reduces the dose reliability and repeatability. MEVOPUR permanent antistatic compounds from Clariant, reduce the surface resistivity and dissipate charges quickly, thereby eliminating sticking. However, since the plastics often have direct drug contact, and inhalation is considered as a medium-to-high risk drug administration route, the plastic materials need to be evaluated for biocompatibility and risk of potential leachables.

In a recent development program with a leading European pharmaceutical company, members of Clariant’s global Healthcare Polymer Solutions team provided technical support and compounded materials covering ABS, COP (cyclic olefin polymer) and PP resins that the development team planned to use. The critical areas in contact with the drug flow needed to avoid static charge build- up, and the MEVOPUR antistatic agent, combined with the chosen polymer, demonstrated antistatic functionality that significantly reduced this problem. In other development programs, antistatic functionality was combined with the chosen color in one compound product.

Although many resins are now widely available as ‘medical grade’ products with supporting regulatory declarations and change notification, this usually only covers the resin, and not colors or additives that are introduced by compounding or masterbatch concentrates. It is these colors and additives that present the higher risk of potential leachables that could end up in the drug. The problem is particularly acute as these added materials change routinely over the life time of the product.

The MEVOPUR family significantly reduces this risk by using pre-tested ingredients that support compliance to medical and pharmaceutical standards such as ISO10993 and USP Class VI, manufactured in EN- ISO13485:2016 certified production facilities and change control. 


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