MeadWestvaco is to begin marketing a series of preservative-free nasal pumps in a range of dispensing volumes after the completion of a 12-month evaluation programme.
According to David Spackman, director of healthcare packaging Europe at MWV, the PFP N joins MWV Healthcare's line of pharmaceutical packaging products designed to improve patient adherence and experience. He added that the nasal spray is the first in a series of developments that will later include ophthalmic applications.
The PFP N, which is manufactured by MWV in Germany, protects preservative-free drugs, which can reduce nasal irritation and sensitivity in patients, from contamination.
A recent MWV survey found that 70% of GPs out of 205 preferred to prescribe preservative-free drugs. When they were reminded of the benefits of preservative-free drugs (fewer side effects, less irritation, fewer patient complaints, improved patient compliance), their preference for preservative-free increased to more than 80%.
The PFP N includes MWV's proprietary MK technology, which enables the pump to be preservative-free while providing a shelf life similar to traditional formulations.
The pump is safe for any liquid formula, and its sealing technology - a mechanical system that seals in five places - ensures the drug is kept 100% germ-free after multiple uses. It does not use a silver or metal coil for sterilisation, which can have a negative interaction with the drug formula. It is available in outputs ranging from 0.05-0.14ml.
