IMC supplies packaging with memory function
Information Mediary Corp (IMC, Ottawa, Ontario / Canada; www.informationmediary.com) has developed a new type of dispensing packaging for medical applications that can provide physicians with information on the patient´s adherence to instructions for taking the drugs, without active participation of the patient. In cooperation with Remind Cap International Ltd and Owens Illinois Prescription Products Inc the company has developed a special blister pack which reminds patients to take their medication and records the time when the pack is opened and a tablet is removed. This could prove helpful when medication needs to be taken in exact doses or for patients with memory lapses.

Medication package supports correct dosage (Photo: IMC)

Milliken / Rexam develop tinted pill jars
In cooperation with packaging specialist Rexam plc (GB-London; www.rexam.co.uk) Milliken Chemical (Spartanburg, South Carolina / USA; www.millikenchemical.com) has developed a tinted transparent pill vial for non-prescription drugs. Milliken points to the glass-like optical appearance of the new jar, which is moulded in clarified PP. Rexam uses the US company´s “ClearTint” colorant technology to provide the required transparent colouring, as well as UV resistance according to the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) specifications. Transparent packaging has several benefits for the consumer, such as providing an immediate visual indication of how many pills are left in the jar. The addition of colour also can provide an important product differentiation factor as well as offering the possibility of use as a coding reference for prescription drugs.

Transparent coloured jars for non-prescription drugs (Photo: Milliken)

Degussa has new multi-phase plastics for disposable surgical instruments
The “Cyrolite” MBS copolymers manufactured by Degussa (D-40402 Düsseldorf; www.degussa.com) are used mainly in functional components such as dialysis sets and infusion systems, but also in connection with optical sensors. According to the manufacturer, the material fully complies with the USP class VI guidelines. Degussa has now introduced two new grades of this multi-phase polymer: “Cyrolite CG-97” with a strong resistance to grease and PVC plasticisers and “Cyrolite MED2” with an improved resistance to grease and alcohol. The moulded compounds are characterised by a high degree of clarity and transparency, provide a high impact resistance in the lower temperature range and are easy to process in multi-cavity moulds, says Degussa.

Disposable surgical instruments made
from “Crylite” (Photo: Degussa)

NRC extends its portfolio with clean-room TP0,E
Chemicals distributor Nordmann, Rassmann (NRC, D-20459 Hamburg; www.nrc.de) has extended its product portfolio in Germany, Austria and throughout central and eastern Europe to include a clean-room TPE with the trade name of “Mediprene”. In autumn 2003, NRC´s business partner Vita Thermoplastic Compounding (VTC; www.vtc.britishvita.com) took over the only clean-room production facility for TPEs in Europe. The new subsidiary with headquarters in Saint Projet / France is now trading under the name of VTC-France. According to the distributor, the special technology guarantees the production of uncontaminated materials, thus facilitating their approval for medical applications.

Researchers find new plastic that expands under electrical voltage
Insulin pumps could be just one use for the bio-compatible threads produced according to a novel process demonstrated for the first time with plastics. What has so far been possible with piezo-electric ceramics is now reported to work with plastics, too: expansion or compression by means of a flow of electrical current. As researchers point out in the specialist journal “Advanced Functional Materials”, even low voltages will suffice to extend a particularly thin polymer thread by just under 3%. If the voltage is removed, the material will contract once again. There is said to be no danger of fracture, even with high-level mechanical loading.