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Not only are the materials used to pack devices
becoming stronger, thinner, more protective and more flexible almost by the
year, but the medical device regulators around the world are starting to agree
on international standards for the packaging of medical devices. These standards
will not only cover the actual packaging and labelling, they will also set out
standards for testing the efficacy of the packaging and the methods used to
produce it.
Major recent developments include the introduction
of visible barcodes and radiofrequency identification devices in packaging,
which will help the supply chain to operate more efficiently. Visible barcodes,
in particular, are likely to become far more prevalent. Barcoding allows the
manufacturer to keep track of their inventory and print only the label in the
language of the destination market.
In recent years, combination products have emerged.
A successful combination product creates a product that has efficacy greater
than the sum of the parts. Combination products are at the interface of
pharmaceutical and medical device research. Examples include antimicrobial
catheters, drug eluting stents, prefilled syringes and anti-biotic bone cement.
In order to understand the Medical Device Packaging
markets , it is essential to have proper perspective for the industry broken
down by product, material and market segmentation; exclusive value chain
analysis by key areas, and a review of technology developments and new
application opportunities.
This issue highlights essential aspects covering ,
Packaging Design Controls , Packaging Materials , Package Validation,
Procurement, Acceptance, And Storage as well as Packaging Process.
An article by Dr. Subhas C. Shit , Dy. Director ,
CIPET Ahmedabad provides an insight into development of high surface quality
packaging film for medical products alongwith our regular features like Global
Trends , Industry News , Industry events etc.
D.L. Pandya
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