AptarGroup, a U.S.-based manufacturer of packaging and delivery technologies, has announced the development of a new dual-active material that aims to combat two major factors contributing to pharmaceutical degradation, moisture and oxygen.
The material, developed through Aptar’s CSP Technologies division, is positioned as a single solution approach to controlling both environmental elements, which are known to compromise the shelf life and efficacy of a variety of pharmaceutical products and medical devices. This includes oral solid dose drugs such as GLP-1 receptor agonists as well as implantable devices and transdermal patches.
The company says the new material expands on its existing 3-Phase Activ-Polymer™ platform, a technology previously focused on moisture protection. This latest iteration is said to offer dual-protection capabilities, aimed at supporting drug stability and regulatory compliance across a range of formats and stages of development.
Badre Hammond, Vice President of Commercial Operations and General Manager at Aptar CSP Technologies, emphasized that the product was the result of years of R&D, aimed at addressing what the company views as a significant unmet need in the pharmaceutical industry.
Industry observers note that as new pharmaceutical therapies, particularly biologics and complex oral formulations, become more sensitive to environmental conditions, demand has increased for packaging and delivery systems that offer more advanced protective features.
In addition to the dual-active packaging material, Aptar also produces elastomeric components such as plungers and needle shields used in injectable GLP-1 drug products. These components are currently in use by several pharmaceutical companies developing delivery systems for GLP-1 therapies.
The new material is customizable and intended for integration into pharmaceutical products at various stages of development, from early R&D to commercial manufacturing. The company asserts that the technology can help manufacturers meet International Council for Harmonisation stability requirements.