INTRODUCTION:

Packaging can be defined as an economical means of providing presentation, protection, identification information, containment, convenience and compliance for a product during storage, carriage, display and until the product is consumed^[1]. Taking the right dose of the right medication at the right time isn’t always easy, but that’s where these innovative pharmaceutical packaging concepts come.

1.Self-injection made safer and easier Pharmaceutical packaging manufacturers are reinventing pre-fillable syringes to make it safer and easier for patients to self- inject. Next to adding high-quality barrier films to eliminate the risk of infection, manufacturers are increasingly opting for anti-slip grips as well.

2. Speaking out loud:

Few things are as annoying as having to fold up a package insert and get it to fit into the box again. To spare patients the burden of dealing with inserts and tiny print, manufacturers are toying with the idea of replacing them with integrated loudspeakers. The text would be customized in line with patient-specific medication instructions.

3. Smart pharmaceutical packaging:

QR codes, holograms and even chips feature more in packaging, enabling suppliers and consumers to identify original medication and helping the industry in counterfeiting

Another increasingly popular form of smart pharmaceutical packaging are boxes and labels printed with thermochromatic, or temperature-sensitive, ink that changes color when the medicine in question is stored at the wrong temperature.

4. Dedicated management systems for GMP:

Innovative packaging concepts braille all pharmaceutical packaging has to be GMP-compliant by 2018, many pharmaceutical manufacturers are investing in dedicated management systems like Esko’s Web Center to ensure their packaging has all the correct barcodes and information in braille. Equipped with Global Vision functionality, Web Center decodes barcodes and grades. Them according to ANSI/ISO standards, making sure they will be scannable. The system also checks whether there are no missing or superfluous braille dots by comparing the printed design to the PDF^[2] Change for the pharmaceutical labeling and packaging industry. Up and down the supply chain, the pharmaceutical industry will work hard to achieve traceability per DSCSA standards. Greater consumer demand and a heightened focus of customization at the patient level will force smaller batches and shorter lead times for packagers. Through all of the changes, quality management remains top-of-mind for pharmaceutical packaging manufacturers.

Here are six trends pharmaceutical packagers out:

1. DSCSA regulations will increase industry focus on serialization, security and quality

2. Greater consumer demand and increased focus on personalized care

3. Rise in use of contract packaging companies

4. Data management and cybersecurity emerge as primary concerns

5. Growing use of smart packaging for identification and patient engagement

6. Accountability of pharmaceutical packaging manufacturers^[3].

Objective of packaged packaging:

Packaging and package labeling have several objectives:

Package should provide adequate information regarding the contents, route of administration, batch number, expiry date, storage condition and manufacturer name and address. Package should have acceptable design and assist patient compliance. The primary packaging consists of packaging components which have direct contact with the product such as container, cap, labeletc. The primary function of these packages is to restrict chemical, biological and climatic hazards which may lead to product decomposition The packaging external to primary package is called as secondary packaging. This packaging mainly provides physical protection which is necessary to ensure the safe warehousing and for refilling packaging^[4]

The following are some of applications of pharamaceutical packaging based on:

1 Child ressistance packaging.

2 Eco-friendly packaging.

3 Advances in pharmaceutical packaging.

Patient Compliance Packaging:

1. Child-Resistant Packaging:

Child-resistant packaging (CRP) or C-R packaging is special packaging used to reduce the risk of children ingesting dangerous items. The CRP containers defy penetration by children but can be opened by adults.

This is often accomplished by the use of a special safety cap with locking mechanism.

It is required by regulation for prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, pesticides, and household chemicals. In some jurisdictions, unit packaging such as blister packs is also regulated for child safety. In developed countries like UK, it has been made compulsory to pack drugs like Aspirin, Paracetamol, Elemental iron, Contraceptives and many other drugs to be packed in CRP^.[5]

Fig:1. Child-Resistant Packaging

2.Prefilled syringe:

The idea that a prefilled syringe becomes a package in itself, however, however, the Syreen, like any prefilled syringe is still a single-use, disposable item*. (Yes, recyclable, but only if all of the right recycling systems are in place to accept these materials where you live^[6]

Fig:2 Prefilled syringe

3. Diskus Inhaler Technique (GlaxoSmithKline):

A Diskus is dry powder inhaler that holds 60 doses. It features a built incounter, so that u always know how many doses u have left in it. First dry powder inhaler that simplifies astham care by combining an inhaled corticosteroid with a long acting bronchodilator in one device^[7].

Fig: 3. Diskus Inhaler

4. Catalent's Delpouch:

It is designed for topical treatments and has some features which include Measures the right amount of topical cream or ointment to simplify the application process ^[8]_.

Fig:4. Catalent's Delpouch

5. CYPAK’S advanced medication monitoring and report card systems:

This is an advanced packaging technology can enable patients to communicate with healthcare professionals through printed technology. This record the time and data that a pill was taken based on when it is removed from its blister pack. This allows the patients to log their feedback on side-effects and treatment efficacy and upload it. This helps in drug development to establish whether a drug is ineffective or simply not being taken properly^[9]_.

Fig: 5. CYPAK’S

6. ECOSLIDE–Rx sustainable compliance packaging:(Tablet)

The pack is made from 100% recycled material using unbleached paperboard and clay coated surface designed to house blister packaging with a low of unsustainable film and foil The slide package is very useful and it meets modern expectations for child -resistance and accessibility for seniors. It doesn’t require heat sealing in the manufacturing process that reduces both cost and energy usage.^[10]

Fig:6. Ecoslide–Rx Sustainable Compliance Packaging

7. Medicool Syrup:

Medicinal Syrup bottles look daunting. Scary names, ominous looking liquid, and the bottle’s no-nonsense shape makes medicine consumption look like a scary ordeal. There’s also no standardized dosage system. People often confuse teaspoons with tablespoons, and vice versa. The packaging does to syrups what blister packs did to pills. Singular doses sealed into elegantly designed spoon shaped blips not only makes for regulated consumption, but also makes the syrup look friendly and appealing.

Fig:7. Medicool Syrup

Approaching the project from a purely medicinal point of view, Pearlfisher developed a conceptual challenger brand – Allay – that is designed to provide relief from chronic stress, anxiety and pain by harnessing the alleviating power of the marijuana root. Allay takes the form of three bold and unexpected products. A smart wristband is meant to read the symptoms of the wearer and releases doses of marijuana at predetermined intervals. An edible oil, easily transportable in a handheld dropper, can be added to foods at a patient’s discretion, while dissolvable oral tabs, offer as-needed relief. Designed to intuitively incorporate the holistic benefits of marijuana in a consumer’s lifestyle, the products migrate the experience of a marijuana brand from recreational ritual to medical regime^[11]_.

8. JUVA Pharmaceutical(syringe):

Identity System, Primary + Secondary Packaging, and Photography Concepts JUVA is a company specializing in the production and distribution of advanced pharmaceuticals and medical devices. Product development concentrates on the treatment of sun damage to the skin, cellular degradation of the face, and other cosmetic advancements such as an adipose stem cell injection derived from the patients fat tissue These highly efficacious products and kits, available only for leading dermatologists and plastic surgeons, needed an identity that reflected advanced scientific research and strict quality standards, while maintaining luxurious beauty at it's core. Designs are compliant with GMP, national and international quality standards, with a focus in preventative counterfeiting to insure quality control and authenticity in over 26 countries. Branded imagery concepts extend these sensibilities too create a brand experience throughout client waiting areas and locations ^[12]

Fig:8. JUVA Pharmaceutical (Syringe)

9. Marijuana Extract (wrist band+ droper):

Approaching the project from a purely medicinal point of view, Pearlfisher developed a conceptual challenger brand – Allay that is designed to provide relief by harnessing the alleviating power of the marijuana root. Allay takes the form of three bold and unexpected products. A smart wristband is to read the symptoms of the wearer and releases doses of marijuana at predetermined intervals.

An edible oil, easily transportable in a handheld dropper, can be added to foods at a patient’s discretion, while dissolvable oral tabs, offer as-needed relief. Designed to intuitively incorporate the holistic benefits of marijuana in a consumer’s lifestyle, the products migrate the experience of a marijuana brand from recreational ritual to medical regime^[13]

Fig:9. Marijuana Extract (wrist band+droper)

10. Bilcare Optima TM:

Bilcare OptimaTM is a scientific packaging development and sensitivity profiling method to understand product sensitivity and develop optimum packaging for a pharmaceutical formulation. This technology analyzes the packaging needs of the particular formulation through scientifically designed protocols and analysis. It accurately quantifies the environmental and dimensional sensitivity of the formulation and quantifies it on a scientific scale. Further, it determines the optimum protection requirements for drug stability using a validated mathematical simulation program. The packaging design can thus provide optimum protection throughout the drug’s shelf life in desired climatic conditions Pharmaceutical companies can derive significant cost and time efficiencies from BilcareOptimaTM. Our cutting-edge technology and excellent resources enable us to complete these studies in four weeks instead of the usual 12-18 months^[14]

Fig:10 Bilcare Optima TM

CONCLUSION:

As the packaging of the pharmaceutical products is very important with regard to its stability, acceptance to patient, transport, etc. There is always scope for advancement and improvement of the pharmaceutical packaging. Therefore, new techniques like Cypak advance medication, Syreen prefilled syringe design, etc. seems to be promising in pharmaceutical product packaging.

Anti-counterfeiting techniques:

Anti-counterfeiting techniques for labels and packaging which are often used together to create a comprehensive security solution. Overt and covert features and hidden details make it easier to detect fakes and increase traceability across the supply-chain, and makes it harder to counterfeit products.

1) Track and Trace: A two-dimensional (2D) barcode looks like a square or rectangle and contains many small, individual dots. It is used in a wide range of industries, from manufacturing and warehousing to logistics and healthcare.”

2) Watermarks: Watermarks are images or patterns that are embedded in the design of a package or paper to authenticate products and support brand identity. Watermarks can be generic or customized using a logo, brand name, or other symbology

3) Microtext: Like watermarks, micro text is used to authenticate products. It can be inserted into overt images, larger text, and other design elements without being noticeable to the naked eye.

4) Holograms: A hologram is a three-dimensional image formed by the interference of light beams from a laser or other intense light source. Hologram technology is popular for anti-counterfeiting because it can incorporate various data forms and product tracking information.

5) RFID Tags: Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology uses radio waves to automatically

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6.https://beachpackagingdesign.com/boxv boxvox/syringe-packs

7.www.ondrugdelivery.com

8.https://www.healthcarepackaging.com ›

9.Cypak - the compliance connection 2009 available from: http:// cypak.com. donatello.binero.se/ static/21/5.

10.Anne MM: Walmart debuts eco- friendly compliance pack Greenpackage.com, 2012

11.https://www.yankodesign.com/2016/03

12.https:// www.behance.net/gallery/8892199/JUVA-Pharmaceutical

13.https:// www.packagingoftheworld.com

14.http:// www.bilcare.com/products_and_

services/pharma_researh_services.htm.

Identify people or objects.

6) Tamper evident seals with consolidated label ePedigree Label:

Tamper evident seals can be printed in different styles to fit your security and packaging needs. Commonly known as ‘shrink sleeves’, these full-body labels make products stand out with visually attractive graphics that completely wrap around a container. Shrink bands are film strips that are shrunk to fit around the cap and neck of a bottle or jar to show the product hasn’t been opened.

Tamper evident seals and anti-counterfeiting techniques offer brand owners many benefits like product security, brand identification, and product authentication.

7) ePedigree label: ePedigree is an electronic document. It protect the consumer from contaminated medicines & Counterfeits drugs^[15].

REFERENCES:

1. https://bizongo.com/blog/innovations-in-pharmaceutical-packaging-2018/

2. https://www.packaginginnovation.com

3. https://www.resourcelabel.com/6-pharmaceutical-packagingtrendslook2018/

4. Metha kunal c et. al., Recent trends in pharmaceutical packaging: A review. Intl J of pharm and chem sci. Vol. 1 (3) jul-sep

5. https://www.expresspharma.in/packaging-special/countering-the-counterfeits/

Received on 23.01.2020 Modified on 11.02.2020

Asian J. Res. Pharm. Sci. 2020; 10(1):56-60.

DOI: 10.5958/2231-5659.2020.00011.9