Eisai Announces that the Light-Protected Bottle Packaging for ALS Treatment Drug "Mecobalamin Injection ® 25 mg" (Generic Name: Mecobalamin) Has Won the 2024 Good Design Award from the Japan Institute of Design Promotion.
The product was approved in Japan on September 24, 2024, for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Its active ingredient is mecobalamin, a lyophilized formulation that is dissolved in a solvent prior to administration. Mecobalamin is chemically unstable when exposed to light, so it requires a higher level of light protection throughout the entire process from distribution/storage to administration than the commonly used light-blocking film made by depositing aluminum on PET film (aluminum-deposited PET). However, there are also certain visibility requirements, such as being able to visually confirm the drug inside the vial during use and seeing the needle tip when drawing the drug with a syringe.
By printing black patterns on aluminum-coated PET, packaging with a high light-blocking function was created. Although the entire vial is covered by the light-blocking packaging, there is a resealable window to view the solution inside, and the vial's neck can be peeled. Moreover, to maintain high light-blocking capability, no perforations were added to the film. This resolves the contradictory requirements of enhancing light protection while maintaining visibility, which was highly praised in this selection. The packaging was jointly developed with IL Pharma Packaging Co. (Headquarters: Aichi Prefecture), and both companies received awards simultaneously.
Eisai regards neurology as one of its key therapeutic areas. As a "hhcEisai Co., Ltd. (Human Health Care, Caring for Human Health) is committed to providing high-quality and user-friendly methylcobalamin as a new treatment option for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, further contributing to meeting the diverse needs of patients, their families, and healthcare professionals.
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[Editor's Note]
About the Excellent Design Award
A design evaluation and promotion mechanism in Japan, initially established in 1957 as the "Good Design Product Selection System." As a global design award participated in by numerous companies and organizations from both within Japan and abroad, it is held annually with the aim of improving quality of life and utilizing design to address social issues and themes. The "G Mark," symbolizing the award, is widely recognized as a hallmark of excellent design.