Editor's Page

It's All in the Packaging

Even if your primary job function is the design of a medical device, it's likely that the product's packaging comes into play very early in the development process. After all, the package must be compatible with the function of the product, and it must be able to withstand the desired method of sterilization.

Packaging can also play an important role in a product's commercial success. While a well-designed package can increase acceptance of a product in the field, a poorly designed one can have a negative impact on sales.

Whether or not you're a packaging engineer, it's important to have a solid understanding of how to design a package and how to make sure it will maintain the product's sterility. And in this industry's ever-changing regulatory environment, it helps to stay informed.

A great way to do this is by attending industry conferences, which serve as forums for sharing ideas. One such event is coming soon: the Medical Packaging Symposium. Being held at New York City's Javits Center June 1—2, the fourth annual symposium will offer a comprehensive conference track designed just for engineers that deal with packaging.

The symposium is sponsored by Pharmaceutical & Medical Packaging News, a sister publication of MPMN, and will cover a variety of topics from regulations to working in the global environment. One session will be led by Andrew Lowery of FDA's Division of Small Manufacturers Assistance.

Several how-to sessions will focus on different methods of testing medical packaging. Topics include implementing a packaging performance testing program under ISO 11607, accelerated-aging studies, restrained-plate fixtures used in seal-strength testing, and nondestructive leak testing of porous packaging.

To prepare attendees for designing packaging for the global marketplace, sessions on global harmonization of standards and testing and on the global implications of bar coding will be offered. Leveraging and enforcing group purchasing contracts and monitoring distribution will also be discussed.

And technical sessions on such topics as optimizing thermoforming parameters when using Eastar PETG copolyester and polymer catalysts and their effect on materials performance will present in-depth information that can simplify medical package design.

The symposium will be held in conjunction with Medical Design & Manufacturing (MD&M) East—which features a comprehensive four-day conference track of its own—and the Atlantic Design Engineering show. Both shows will take place June 2­4 (conferences start June 1) at the Javits Center. For information on attending the Medical Packaging Symposium, contact Vaughn King at 714/992-1919. To register for MD&M East or the Atlantic Design Engineering show, contact Canon Communications, Trade Show Division, at 310/392-5509.

Ursula Jones

[email protected]