The Importance of Packaging Design Early in the Development Process
Cell and gene therapy technologies, the once touted technologies of the future, are presently being used to treat patients. Every month biopharmaceutical companies develop innovative treatments using gene, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell, and stem cell technologies.1
Great excitement exists for the expected benefits of these treatments for patients. Gene therapies have been found to increase survival and, in some cases, halt disease progression.2 Biopharmaceutical companies are investing millions3 of dollars to develop and manufacture this new customizable “patient-centered medicine”4 as well as to upgrade their supply chains.
Although the primary focus of biopharmaceutical companies is on the development and manufacturing of the drug product (DP) and the delivery systems (e.g., syringes), packaging and labeling are key to ensuring product quality and efficacy. Packaging, labeling, and distribution of cell or gene therapy product can be as complicated, if not more, than the manufacturing of the DP itself. Many of these products require cold chain (2-8 °C) and cryogenic (-40 °C and lower) storage to maintain the integrity and efficacy of the DP during the entire supply chain.5
3. Regulatory graphics and labeling market requirements
4. Significantly smaller batch sizes than DP made in tablets form
6. Traceability and temperature monitoring
7. Combination product requirements (e.g., 21 CFR Part 4)
- Optimal design aimed at protecting primary containers that will survive the challenging cold chain and cryogenic environments.
- Secondary packaging and labeling components that will meet the regulatory and transportation requirements.
Additionally, some of these therapies will require unique delivery systems, such as autoinjectors, prefilled syringes, and other devices. The packaging and graphics associated with these therapies will have to meet the regulatory landscape of combination products. Graphic elements, such as Instruction for Use (IFU) and medical guides that depict proper handling and use of the system, are needed to improve compliance during human factor studies. These graphic and labeling elements enable patients (or health care provides) to safely and correctly store, handle, and use the product as intended during clinical trials as well as after product launch.
Companies will benefit tremendously by partnering with the right experts in the field who can bring knowledge and validated experience to design fit-for-purpose packaging solutions. Leveraging a global network of partners can help expedite the time to market for these therapies. Some services that can be provided by partner or third-party suppliers include:
Secondary Packaging and Labeling Design
Brand Protection (e.g., Anti-Counterfeiting)
Serialization and Track & Trace
Cold Chain and Cryogenic Packaging Design
Transportation Testing
Project Management
Human Factors Testing and Study Support for Combination Products and Packaging
Smart Technologies for Temperature Tracking and Monitoring
Packaging Technology Commercialization and Technology Transfer to Commercial Manufacturing Organizations (CMOs)
In summary, packaging technology and engineering, graphics, and labeling design are critical components of the development and commercialization of gene and cell therapy programs. These therapies challenge us to think differently, not only about packaging, but also about how these drug products are developed and delivered to patients. Cell therapies are here now, so the industry needs to be prepared for the following:
Earlier collaboration between the packaging supply chain network and the biopharmaceutical industry to bring these products to the patient.
Creative thinking to meet the demands of cold chain and cryogenic environments to ensure product quality and efficacy is maintained throughout the supply chain.
Expanding packaging requirements beyond a blister, bottle, label, carton, case, or pallet to include interactive devices and sophisticated communication.
Development of packaging solutions to meet the needs of these innovative, cutting-edge therapies, which is critical to allow these therapies to reach all patients
References:
- Ellis M. Top 10 Gene Therapy Companies in 2019. Posted June 19, 2019. https://www.proclinical.com/blogs/2019-6/top-10-gene-therapy-companies-in-2019#
- Rachel Salzman, Francesca Cook, Timothy Hunt, Harry L. Malech, Philip Reilly, Betsy Foss-Campbell, and David Barrett. Addressing the Value of Gene Therapy and Enhancing Patient Access to Transformative Treatments. Molecular Therapy Vol. 26 No 12 December 2018. The American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy https://www.asgct.org/ASGCT/media/about/ValueAccessWhitePaper_MTUpdate2-8.pdf
- AuWerter T, Smith J, The L. Biopharma Portfolio Strategy in the Era of Cell and Gene Therapy. April 8, 2020. http://www.mckinsey.com/industries/pharmaceuticals-and-medical-products/our-insights/biopharma-portfolio-strategy-in-the-era-of-cell-and-gene-therapy?cid=eml-web
- The Promise of Patient-Centered Medicine. https://rxfilm.org/solutions/the-promise-of-patient-centered-medicine/
- Tavakoli T. Cryogenic Transport For Gene Therapy Products — Exploring The Pros And Cons. March 21, 2019. https://www.cellandgene.com/doc/cryogenic-transport-for-gene-therapy-products-exploring-the-pros-and-cons-0001
- Kessler P. Developing Cell Therapy Packaging And Labeling Is A Time Critical Activity. June 10, 2020. https://www.cellandgene.com/doc/developing-cell-therapy-packaging-and-labeling-is-a-time-critical-activity-0001