Metrics discusses benzophenone migration at AAPS

US Contract research laboratory Metrics reveals that benzophenone, a component used in varnish on labels, is able to migrate through HDPE bottles to reach the pills inside.

in-Pharmatechnologist spoke with Metrics' lead researcher Deanna Williamson at AAPS 2010 in New Orleans, who said that rather than being a safety issue, the finding has implications for scientists using ultra sensitive analytical techniques.

She explained that while benzophenones are not known to be carcinogenic or toxic at levels detected, they were found top be present in quantities big enough to be detected by methods used to conduct stability analysis in potent compounds.

Someone making a typical over–the–counter (OTC) drug product may not employ the same sensitive level of testing. So it's probable that the levels of benzophenone present in those products would go undetected during the course of routine stability monitoring.”