Aptar Awarded Federal Government Contract to Advance Novel Sterilization Technology for Medical Devices

AptarGroup, Inc. recently announced it was awarded a contract from the US Federal Government to advance development of its ActivShield technology. This innovative solution sterilizes medical devices and instruments without the need for a power source, making it a versatile solution for numerous environments, including rural areas, military settings, and healthcare facilities with limited or no current sterilization capability.

ActivShield technology leverages Aptar CSP Technologies’ 20+ years of material science expertise and is built upon the company’s proven 3-Phase Activ-Polymer platform, a highly engineered active material science solution trusted by global brands to protect sensitive drug products, medical devices, drug delivery systems, and probiotics.

ActivShield technology is a portable, novel sterilization modality that does not require conventional infrastructure, power, or extensive training, and more importantly, does not present the health risk associated with the use of Ethelyne Oxide (EtO). ActivShield uses a highly engineered Activ-Film material that emits a controlled amount of chlorine dioxide gas to sterilize a wide range of medical devices and instruments.

ActivShield film ready to be placed in chamber for sterilization (chamber not required)

“As an innovation leader in pharma dosing, dispensing and protection technologies, we are proud to work with the US Government to advance our ActivShield solution for the sterilization of medical devices and instruments in locations where a power source may not be available, further enhancing its versatility,” said Stephan B. Tanda, Aptar President and CEO.

Aptar’s technology can be custom engineered to meet the needs of specific devices and conditions. Its stability throughout shelf life and compact size (Figure 1) makes it easy to stockpile, and all materials are manufactured in the United States.

ActivShield technology is well-positioned to fill unmet sterilization needs in remote or emergency response civilian settings, which could significantly reduce infection risks stemming from inadequately sterilized medical devices and instruments. Additionally, the technology could reduce reliance on expensive and unsafe sterilization techniques such as EtO, which has come under recent scrutiny by the EPA for toxic emissions.

For the military, ActivShield can help wounded service members, particularly those in far-forward environments, have access to sterilized instruments during critical pre-hospitalization periods, following severe injuries.

John Belfance, President of Aptar CSP Technologies, said “ActivShield technology is a breakthrough in material science technology that has the potential to dramatically expand reliable instrument sterilization for challenging environments, simplifying processes and helping to save lives. We are grateful for the government’s recognition, which supports the potential of this new technology, and look forward to bringing ActivShield™ technology to the forefront of sterilization techniques.”

The 5-year contract is valued at approximately $4.8 million.

This work is supported by the US Army Medical Research and Development Command under Contract No. HT9425-24-C-0078. The views, opinions and/or findings contained in this report are those of the author(s) and should not be construed as an official Department of the Army position, policy or decision unless so designated by other documentation.

Aptar is a global leader in drug and consumer product dosing, dispensing and protection technologies. Aptar serves a number of attractive end markets including pharmaceutical, beauty, food, beverage, personal care and home care. Aptar CSP Technologies leverages its active material science expertise to transform ideas into market opportunities, accelerate and de-risk the product development process, and provide complete solutions that improve consumers’ and patients’ lives. The company offers a complete set of services from concept ideation, to design and engineering, to product development, global production, quality control, and regulatory support that results in expedited speed-to-market. For more information, visit www.csptechnologies.com and www.aptar.com.