Aptar Unveils Innovative Delivery Devices for the Future
Aptar Pharma, a world leader in the development and manufacturing of nasal and pulmonary drug delivery devices, recently announced it had presented its latest innovation, eDevices, at the Pharmapack Europe tradeshow, held this past February in
Many patients with chronic diseases do not take their drugs as prescribed by their physician. Poor adhesion to the prescribed regimen may cost as much as $300 billion per year to the American healthcare system (Medco Studies). Increasing the effectiveness of adherence interventions may have a far greater impact on the health of the population than any improvement in specific medical treatments. (WHO, 2003). With the objective in mind of enhancing patient adherence, Aptar Pharma has been working for more than a decade ago on smart solutions leveraging electronics for future drug delivery devices.
There is a growing trend by health authorities across the world toward increasing regulations. As an example, any new drug product using an asthma pressurized Metered Dose Inhaler in the
While electronics allow a dose counter to display large and highly legible digits (compared to mechanical counters), time-controlled robust locking systems can only be achieved with electromechanical components.
User studies have confirmed that electronic drug delivery devices are now as well accepted by the majority of consumers as smart portable devices, such as phones, games, and pads. Because these drug delivery devices are designed with a patient-centric approach, the targeted patient population finds them very convenient to use.
With more than 15 years of experience in smart drug delivery solutions, Aptar Pharma presented its two new electronic drug delivery eDevice platforms, known as e-Dose Counter and e-Lockout, at the Pharmapack Europe tradeshow.
The e-Dose Counter is a cost-effective solution that meets regulatory recommendations for nasal and sublingual spray delivery of controlled substances. The use of electronics allows the counting display to be large and highly visible, making it suitable for patients of all conditions and ages. Electronics can also provide patient comfort features, such as acoustic feedback and flashing displays to inform and warn.
The e-Lockout counts and displays the number of actuations and also prevents the device from being used for a period of time after a predefined number of actuations. Its locking system, which warns of overdosing, is recommended by regulators for nasal and sublingual spray delivery of controlled substances used in breakthrough pain management. In addition to counting and displaying the number of actuations and locking, some of the key features that can also be incorporated into e-Lockout include patient aids and feedback as well as data transmission. These two eDevice platforms are specially aimed at improving patient compliance.
“With all these innovative developments, Aptar Pharma is able to offer robust and cost-effective solutions for enhancing patient compliance. Smart devices will have an important role to play in integrated healthcare provider systems as these start to be deployed in the mid to long-term future,” said Joachim Koerner, Vice President eDevice R&D, Aptar Pharma Prescription Division.
For more information on eDevices, please visit www.aptar.com/pharma/prescription-division.
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