Performance of ETFE-Coated Components for Container Closure Integrity

Container Closure Integrity (CCI) is crucial for injectable drugs for several reasons:

1. Product Safety: Injectable drugs are administered directly into the body, making their safety of utmost importance. Container closure integrity ensures that the drug is protected from external contamination and maintains its sterility throughout its shelf life. Any breach in the container closure system could lead to microbial contamination or drug oxidation, which could cause infections or adverse reactions when injected to a patient.
2. Efficacy: The integrity of the container closure system is vital to preserve the drug’s efficacy. Injectable drugs are formulated to be effective under specific conditions, and any loss or alteration of the drug due to a compromised container closure system may compromise its therapeutic effectiveness. For instance, exposition to oxygen or moisture can lead to degradation, resulting in decreased potency or altered chemical properties.
3. Shelf Life and Stability: Injectable drugs often have a defined shelf life, which is determined by their stability over time. Container closure integrity plays a crucial role in maintaining the drug’s stability by preventing interactions with external factors such as air, moisture, or other external contaminants. A robust container closure system ensures that the drug remains stable and retains its desired characteristics throughout its designated shelf life.
4. Regulatory Compliance: Regulatory authorities, such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA), have stringent requirements for container closure integrity. Compliance with these regulations is essential for ensuring patient safety and obtaining approvals. Pharmaceutical companies must demonstrate the integrity of their container closure systems through appropriate testing methods and validation studies.
5. Quality: CCI is an essential component of quality control in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Ensuring the integrity of the container closure system is part of a comprehensive quality assurance program that includes rigorous inspections, testing, and validation procedures. By maintaining CCI, pharmaceutical manufacturers can minimize the risk of product recalls, protect their brand reputation, and ensure consistent product quality.

In this article, Aptar Pharma discuss the importance of closure components for maintaining Container Closure Integrity (CCI) in deep-cold storage conditions. Enabling drug packaging in extreme conditions will support the development of increasingly sensitive drug products such as mRNA vaccines, complex biologics and biotech drugs. Using helium-leak and headspace laser analysis, Aptar Pharma has demonstrated the ability of PremiumCoat® vial stoppers to maintain Container Closure Integrity down to -80°C. This feature, combined with the ETFE film-coating that protects drugs from Extractable and Leachables, makes the PremiumCoat® platform an ideal solution for accelerating your sensitive drug development.