For a new pharmaceutical manufacturer coming online, or for an existing company unsatisfied with their current contract packager, finding and evaluating option in pharmaceutical contract manufacturing companies can seem like an overwhelming task.
Knowing what services you will require from the company is the first step. While some companies may offer limited services, others offer a wide range of different options in bottling and blister packing as well as secondary packaging, folding cartons, sample kits and in specialized packaging for specific target consumers. Understanding the possibilities and potential benefits of different types of packaging will assist your development and marketing team in making a choice.
Years in the Industry
For new or established pharmaceutical companies, choosing from pharmaceutical contract manufacturing companies that are established and have a proven record of quality, dependable and safe packaging methods and operations is critical. Problems with the quality of packaging combined with a new product or the re-launch of an existing product can be very challenging to almost impossible to overcome.
By choosing an experienced company through referrals or through research online, the pharmaceutical company will be partnering with a packaging contract they can trust. These contract manufacturing companies will ensure all regulations and compliance issues with regards to packaging and serializing medication will be complete and to regulations.
Specialized Services
In addition to blister and bottle filling and packaging and specialized production of kits and other options, it may also be important to review the facility itself. For example, cold-chain refrigeration may be necessary for temperature-sensitive medications while other types of products may require humidity or temperature control before, during and after packaging.
There may also be a need for tamper-evident packaging, or specialized design features to create child-resistant packaging or for easy use of medications by seniors.
Site Approval
Depending on the location of the pharmaceutical contract manufacturing companies, various approvals for the facility may be in place. For facilities in the United States, it will be essential that the FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) and the DEA (US Drug Enforcement Administration) approvals are in place.
For those pharmaceutical companies planning on marketing overseas and particularly to the European Union countries, MHRA or Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency approval is also an essential component in selecting a contract manufacturing company.
Look for companies offering real solutions and support for packaging needs. Often these companies will provide free consultation and support to assist in determining the best possible packaging for any type of medication.
