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International Journal of Molecular... Mar 2022Plastic pollution is currently one of the most pressing environmental problems, especially in countries with a low recycling rate that is mainly due to the insufficient...
Plastic pollution is currently one of the most pressing environmental problems, especially in countries with a low recycling rate that is mainly due to the insufficient collection of plastic waste [...].
Topics: Drug Packaging; Plastics; Product Packaging; Recycling; Waste Management
PubMed: 35408966
DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073611 -
Vaccine Apr 2017A variety of vaccine packaging and delivery technologies may benefit the immunization supply chain. These include alternative primary packaging, such as blow-fill-seal... (Review)
Review
A variety of vaccine packaging and delivery technologies may benefit the immunization supply chain. These include alternative primary packaging, such as blow-fill-seal polymer containers, and novel delivery technologies, such intradermal delivery devices, microarray patches, and sublingual formulations of vaccines, and others in development. The potential timeline to availability of these technologies varies and depends on their stage of development and the type of data necessary to achieve licensure. Some new delivery devices are anticipated to be introduced in 2017, such as intradermal devices for delivery of inactivated poliovirus vaccine to stretch vaccine supplies due to a supply limitation. Other new technologies requiring vaccine reformulation, such as microarray patches and sublingual vaccines, may become available in the long term (2021 and beyond). Development of many new technologies requires partnership between vaccine and technology manufacturers and identification of the applicable regulatory pathway. Interaction with public-sector stakeholders early on (through engagement with forums such as the World Health Organization's Immunization Practices Advisory Committee Delivery Technologies Working Group) is important to ensure suitability for immunization program use. Key considerations for programmatic suitability of a new vaccine, packaging, and delivery device include cold chain volume, costs, and health impact.
Topics: Drug Delivery Systems; Drug Packaging; Humans; Immunization Programs; Vaccines
PubMed: 28364941
DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2016.11.095 -
Journal of Pharmaceutical and... Apr 2021Falsified medicines affect public health all around the globe. Complex distribution routes, illegal online webshops and reuse of packaging materials make them hard to... (Review)
Review
Falsified medicines affect public health all around the globe. Complex distribution routes, illegal online webshops and reuse of packaging materials make them hard to detect. In order to tackle this problem, detection methods for the recognition of suspicious medicines and subsequent confirmation of falsification by analytical techniques is required. In this review, we focus on the developments and challenges that existed in the last five years (2015-2020) in the detection and analysis of falsified medicines. These challenges might have not been solved yet or arisen with new types of falsifications, new analytical techniques or detection strategies. Detection of suspicious medicines starts with visual inspection of packaging materials. However, re-use of packaging materials and high-quality imitations complicate visual inspection. Recent developments in the analysis of packaging by microscopic and spectroscopic techniques such as optical microscopy, X-ray fluorescence, infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy or microscopy, in combination with multivariate analysis show promising results in the detection of falsified medicines. An ongoing big challenge in the analysis of falsified medicines is the affordability of analytical devices. Yet, recent reports showed that lower cost devices, such as Counterfeit Drug Indicator or Counterfeit Detection device version 3 show promising use in the detection of falsified medicines. Furthermore, combining the outcomes of different low-cost analytical techniques, such as Minilab, colorimetry and Counterfeit Drug Indicator significantly increased selectivity and sensitivity in the detection of falsified medicines. Also, recent developments make it possible to link a low-cost technique, such as TLC, to mobile phones. Proper training of personnel has shown room for improvement and remains a challenge, even for relatively simple techniques. With an increased use of analytical fingerprints, an upcoming challenge is the accessibility of the growing pool of data. There is also the need of validated reference libraries on both national and international levels. Developments of the last few years bring us a step closer in the fight against falsified medicines, however challenges remain in the worldwide accessibility of affordable, easily operable and sensitive techniques.
Topics: Counterfeit Drugs; Drug Packaging; Spectrophotometry, Infrared; Spectrum Analysis, Raman
PubMed: 33582458
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2021.113948 -
International Journal of Molecular... Mar 2024Antidepressant drugs play a crucial role in the treatment of mental health disorders, but their efficacy and safety can be compromised by drug degradation. Recent... (Review)
Review
Antidepressant drugs play a crucial role in the treatment of mental health disorders, but their efficacy and safety can be compromised by drug degradation. Recent reports point to several drugs found in concentrations ranging from the limit of detection (LOD) to hundreds of ng/L in wastewater plants around the globe; hence, antidepressants can be considered emerging pollutants with potential consequences for human health and wellbeing. Understanding and implementing effective degradation strategies are essential not only to ensure the stability and potency of these medications but also for their safe disposal in line with current environment remediation goals. This review provides an overview of degradation pathways for amitriptyline, a typical tricyclic antidepressant drug, by exploring chemical routes such as oxidation, hydrolysis, and photodegradation. Connex issues such as stability-enhancing approaches through formulation and packaging considerations, regulatory guidelines, and quality control measures are also briefly noted. Specific case studies of amitriptyline degradation pathways forecast the future perspectives and challenges in this field, helping researchers and pharmaceutical manufacturers to provide guidelines for the most effective degradation pathways employed for minimal environmental impact.
Topics: Humans; Amitriptyline; Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic; Drug Packaging; Environmental Pollutants; Environmental Restoration and Remediation
PubMed: 38612638
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073822 -
AAPS PharmSciTech Mar 2021Intravitreal (IVT) administration of therapeutics is the standard of care for treatment of back-of-eye disorders. Although a common procedure performed by retinal... (Review)
Review
Intravitreal (IVT) administration of therapeutics is the standard of care for treatment of back-of-eye disorders. Although a common procedure performed by retinal specialists, IVT administration is associated with unique challenges related to drug product, device and the procedure, which may result in adverse events. Container closure configuration plays a crucial role in maintaining product stability, safety, and efficacy for the intended shelf-life. Careful design of primary container configuration is also important to accurately deliver small volumes (10-100 μL). Over- or under-dosing may lead to undesired adverse events or lack of efficacy resulting in unpredictable and variable clinical responses. IVT drug products have been traditionally presented in glass vials. However, pre-filled syringes offer a more convenient administration option by reducing the number of steps required for dose preparation there by potentially reducing the time demand on the healthcare providers. In addition to primary container selection, product development studies should focus on, among other things, primary container component characterization, material compatibility with the formulation, formulation stability, fill volume determination, extractables/leachables, and terminal sterilization. Ancillary components such as disposable syringes and needles must be carefully selected, and a detailed administration procedure that includes dosing instructions is required to ensure successful administration of the product. Despite significant efforts in improving the drug product and administration procedures, ocular safety concerns such as endophthalmitis, increased intraocular pressure, and presence of silicone floaters have been reported. A systematic review of available literature on container closure and devices for IVT administration can help guide successful product development.
Topics: Drug Delivery Systems; Drug Packaging; Humans; Intravitreal Injections; Needles; Pharmaceutical Preparations; Sterilization; Syringes
PubMed: 33709236
DOI: 10.1208/s12249-021-01949-4 -
Therapeutic Innovation & Regulatory... Jan 2022Patient centricity has gained attention ranging from regulatory authorities to patient advocacy groups, calling for pharmaceutical companies to revise their traditional...
BACKGROUND
Patient centricity has gained attention ranging from regulatory authorities to patient advocacy groups, calling for pharmaceutical companies to revise their traditional business approach to drug development by including the development of solutions that are meaningful in patients' lives. Medication packaging is one area where empirical evidence is lacking about the incorporation of patient centricity. This study aimed to explore patient centricity applied to pharmaceutical companies' packaging, and to identify the specific challenges faced and lessons learned when developing patient-centered packaging.
METHODS
The study followed a multiple-case study research approach based on five cases of patient-centered packaging development in mid- and large-sized pharmaceutical companies.
RESULTS
Patient-centered packaging is often associated with the intuitive and self-explanatory use of the medication by patients. Patient-centered packaging comes with challenges, but also offers opportunities for the creation of better solutions for patients and learning for the teams involved. To overcome these challenges, it is essential to build a business case that justifies such development, one where patient needs are present from the start and aligned with other imperative deadlines of drug development, with stakeholders onboard.
CONCLUSION
Patient-centered packaging is the exception rather than the norm in packaging development due to a conventional approach where packaging plays an ancillary role to drug protection. The cases presented here challenge this approach and can inspire other companies to carry out patient-centered packaging development. The cases are also relevant to other actors who are interested in continuously promoting the dialogue about patient centricity in healthcare.
Topics: Commerce; Drug Industry; Drug Packaging; Humans; Patient-Centered Care; Pharmaceutical Preparations
PubMed: 34581997
DOI: 10.1007/s43441-021-00338-0 -
CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association... Mar 1997
Topics: Canada; Drug Labeling; Drug Packaging; Nonprescription Drugs
PubMed: 9084377
DOI: No ID Found -
Vaccine Jan 2021
Topics: Adenoviridae; Antibodies, Viral; COVID-19; COVID-19 Vaccines; Drug Packaging; Drug Storage; Genetic Vectors; Humans; RNA, Messenger; Vaccine Potency
PubMed: 33339671
DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2020.12.017 -
Systematic Reviews Mar 2014This was a systematic review of the literature in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Evidence... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
This was a systematic review of the literature in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Evidence mapping was used to reveal the effect of drug reminder packaging on medication adherence, to identify research gaps and to make suggestions for future research.
METHODS
PubMed, Embase, CINAHL and PsycINFO were searched with an end date of September 2013 using the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) term 'medication adherence' and 20 different search terms for 'drug reminder packaging', limited to the English and German languages. Additional references were identified through cross-referencing. All prospective controlled trials with an intervention using drug reminder packaging for patients taking at least one medication without the assistance of a health-care professional were included in the evidence mapping of the effect of drug reminder packaging on adherence and outcomes according to the Economic, Clinical and Humanistic Outcomes (ECHO) model.
RESULTS
A total of 30 studies met the inclusion criteria: 10 randomized controlled trials, 19 controlled clinical trials and 1 cohort study. Drug reminder packaging had a significant effect on at least one adherence parameter in 17 studies (57%). The methodological quality was strong in five studies. Two studies provided complete information. Clear research gaps emerged.
CONCLUSIONS
Overall, the studies showed a positive effect of drug reminder packaging on adherence and clinical outcomes. However, poor reporting and important gaps like missing humanistic and economic outcomes and neglected safety issues limit the drawing of firm conclusions. Suggestions are made for future research.
Topics: Drug Packaging; Humans; Medication Adherence; Reminder Systems
PubMed: 24661495
DOI: 10.1186/2046-4053-3-29 -
American Journal of Preventive Medicine Nov 2022As cannabis increasingly becomes a consumer product in the U.S., its product packaging has become critically important to regulators. This study examined the influence...
INTRODUCTION
As cannabis increasingly becomes a consumer product in the U.S., its product packaging has become critically important to regulators. This study examined the influence of recreational cannabis packaging characteristics.
METHODS
Five online between-subjects experiments were conducted in April 2021, and data were analyzed in May 2021-July 2021. Experiments randomized participants to view different (1) types of cannabis, (2) visual displays of tetrahydrocannabinol content, (3) cannabis packages designed around brand personality research, (4) health warnings, and (5) health claims. Outcomes included cognitive, affective, and behavioral responses.
RESULTS
A total of 841 adults from the U.S. (49% male, 50% young adults, 44% White, 17% Hispanic) were included in the study. Edible gummies were perceived as healthier (β=0.32, 95% CI=0.03, 0.62), less grown up (β= -0.58, 95% CI= -0.86, -0.28), and more socially acceptable to consume (β=0.30, 95% CI=0.01, 0.59) than cannabis concentrate in a medical dropper. Participants also had more interest in trying edible gummies (β=1.33, 95% CI=1.04, 1.62) and trying a free sample (β=1.30, 95% CI=1.01, 1.60) than trying cannabis concentrate. Cannabis packages with a helps-you-relax health claim elicited more happy (β=0.34, 95% CI=0.04, 0.64) and good (β=0.37, 95% CI=0.07, 0.67) feelings than cannabis packages without this claim. Minimal effects were found for visual displays of tetrahydrocannabinol content and health warnings.
CONCLUSIONS
Edibles are a unique type of cannabis that should be given special consideration under state laws, and lawmakers should consider limiting and governing the use of both implicit and explicit health claims on recreational cannabis packages when implementing laws.
Topics: Young Adult; Male; Humans; Female; Cannabis; Dronabinol; Intention; Product Packaging; Drug Packaging
PubMed: 35835626
DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2022.04.030