A microprocessor integrated into the closure records openings by patients and stores usage history within its internal memory while continuously tracking and noting down temperature storage levels, which could offer valuable information to aid in research and development
Berry Global introduces Berry Digi-Cap digital child-resistant closure. (Credit: Vachagan Malkhasyan from Pixabay)
Berry Global, a US-based plastic packaging manufacturer, has introduced a child-resistant closure that has been designed to improve medication adherence by integrating digital technology.
The patent-pending 38mm Berry Digi-Cap digital child-resistant closure is suitable for clinical studies, development of drugs, and academic research, said the company.
According to Berry Global, data on patient behaviour is used to improve adherence to medication and to gain insight on its efficacy in relation to the prescribed regimen.
A microprocessor integrated into the closure records openings by patients and stores usage history within its internal memory. Additionally, the closure continuously tracks and notes down temperature storage levels, which could offer valuable information to aid in research and development.
Berry Global said that the microprocessor activates when the patient pushes down to unlock the closure. The microprocessor records and stores different parameters and the data can be transferred easily through NFC to other devices like smartphones or PCs for additional viewing and analysis.
The information can be uploaded to a patient-facing app, that is compatible with the iOS and Android platforms, as well as to websites for healthcare professionals to review and use it for improving treatment plans.
Alongside facilitating improved patients’ adherence, the large amount of information gathered by the closure may aid pharmaceutical manufacturers as well as healthcare providers in optimising the efficiency of clinical trials and increase the efficacy of drugs.
The app also helps in reminding patients of the time they should take their medicine and how to store it correctly.
Berry healthcare business development director Chad Rice said: ¨This is a very advanced closure that provides extra benefits from the data it can amass, but it was important that it looked and felt the same for the patient so as not affect or influence their usage in any way.
“That is what makes our Digi-Cap so unique in that it matches our standard 38mm child resistant closures while incorporating this innovative technology.”
Berry Global said that pharmaceutical companies can include additional features like LED illuminations on the Berry Digi-Cap digital child-resistant closure that display when the medication should be taken.
Additionally, healthcare professionals can study the behavioural data to determine any non-compliance or compliance, as well as to support the test findings and conclusions. They can also adjust the timings for the intake of the medication to maximise its efficacy.
The Berry Digi-Cap digital child-resistant closure comes with fine-ribbed sides for improved grip and ease of usage for patients. The child-resistant push-down and turn mechanism provides security for the product as well as clear and concise instructions for opening to make it easier for patients to use the product.
A click sound feature is also available to give a sound signal that indicates of opening.
The closure works with 38-400 standard pharma packaging bottles and filling lines and can bear the sealing process, said Berry Global.