The new StabilOx specialty oxygen absorber eliminates oxygen from pharmaceutical drug and vitamin supplement packages while managing moisture levels and protecting drug performance, according to the company.
The launch of the product is intended to tap into a growing demand among pharmaceutical companies to incorporate oxygen absorbers for solid dose pharmaceuticals in high-density polyethylene (HDPE) bottles. This in turn is being driven by the development of more complex formulations for drug delivery that can be more sensitive to environmental factors and require controlled storage conditions to maintain their activity over time.
StabilOx is designed to maintain an intermediate equilibrium relative humidity (ERH) within sealed environments, ensuring the integrity of drug compositions. Its main differentiating factor is that it activates more slowly than rival oxygen absorber products, protecting products longer, according to Multisorb.
The company maintains this gives manufacturers a convenient solution to extend product shelf life, improve consumer safety and enhance brand appeal.
StabilOx can also be used for preventing oxidation of key marker compounds in botanical extracts and other dietary supplements, said the firm.
Several drug companies have filed for approval of pharmaceutical products that incorporate StabilOx and the first products should soon appear on the market.
A recent report from consultancy firm Frost & Sullivan suggested that the development of the markets for drug delivery and biologics drugs was driving a shift from passive to active packaging in pharmaceuticals.