AptarGroup, a specialist in drug and consumer product dosing, dispensing and protection technologies, announced that it was awarded a contract from the U.S. Federal Government to advance development of its ActivShield technology.
AptarGroup
5565_Aptar_Updated Sterilization Image for PR
This solution sterilises 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 sterilisation 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 sterilisation 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 sterilise a wide range of medical devices and instruments.
“As an innovation leader in pharma dosing, dispensing and protection technologies, we are proud to work with the U.S. Government to advance our ActivShield solution for the sterilisation 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 makes it easy to stockpile, and all materials are manufactured in the United States.
ActivShield technology is well-positioned to fill unmet sterilisation needs in remote or emergency response civilian settings, which could significantly reduce infection risks stemming from inadequately sterilised medical devices and instruments. Additionally, the technology could reduce reliance on expensive and unsafe sterilisation 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 sterilised instruments during critical pre-hospitalisation 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 sterilisation 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 sterilisation techniques.”
The five-year contract is valued at approximately $4.8 million.