High-quality barrier film

West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. introduced US-made West FluroTecTM high-quality barrier film technology for pharmaceutical seals. Packagings with barrier properties made with West FluroTec films can greatly reduce the filtrate and particulates produced by interaction of the packaging surface with the drug, while maintaining seal integrity and reducing the potential for drug contamination. Contaminated drugs are harmful to the patient and may result in recalls, causing the drug manufacturer to lose millions of dollars.

West FluroTec is a fluorocarbon film made from a modified ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) copolymer. The film can help maintain the full strength and shelf life of the packaged drug by reducing absorption and adsorption of the drug product and effectively blocking organic and inorganic substances.

With the rapid increase in the development of highly effective bioengineered drugs, lyophilized (or freeze-dried) drugs have become more popular. West FluroTec films can be applied to complex shaped seals that are generally required for dry powder and freeze-dry applications.

“With the introduction of FluoTec Laminate Sealing Technology, West is providing a first-class sealing system for drug manufacturers that are exposed to the potential for millions of dollars in damage due to drug contamination.” CEO and President of West Pharmaceutical Services Donald E. Morel said. “This technically superior packaging is being manufactured for the first time in the United States. We feel that it will soon be accepted by the market because it minimizes possible risks while maintaining the therapeutic properties of the drug.”

West FluroTec has been licensed by Daikyo Seiko Ltd., a West partner and a leading manufacturer of premium pharmaceutical packaging in Japan. West FluroTec membrane elements are manufactured by West in St. Petersburg, Florida. The components were shipped to the West plant in Jersey Shore, Pa., where they were processed into Westar RS-sterilized packages. By eliminating certain preparatory steps prior to packaging sterilization, drug manufacturers can simplify their operations.