Veramyst Trial Pack

GlaxoSmithKline was seeking a special pack for the US launch of its Veramyst nasal spray for asthma sufferers. The new product trial launch was to focus on the handy dispenser design, and discussions took place with Medica Packaging to determine the most suitable carton style to aid the successful uptake of the product.

Discussions led to a visit to the Benson Group site at Leicester, to see "pick & place" window pack production in action, and this packaging variant was selected for use with Veramyst, in order to show off both the front and side views of the dispenser whilst on display, and still retain the necessary pack strength.

A suitable machine was made available to Medica from within the Benson Group to ensure that all production could take place at the Crewe site, which conforms to pharmaceutical carton production regulations. Leicester team members were able to train up the Crewe staff with regard to the operation of the unit. This whole scenario, from demonstration of the technique, availability of equipment, through to in-house operator training demonstrates the advantages offered by Benson Group's in-depth packaging experience.

Prior to the actual trial pack production, the product needed regulatory approval via the FDA. There was a good deal of interaction with the customer to ensure that production schedules could be activated within a short period of time once FDA approval had been granted.

Once approval was given Medica had to work to build stocks of cartons, and with the authority of the customer it was agreed to produce the job jointly at Leicester and Crewe in order to attain the desired levels of production in the first instance. Current production has settled at 8 million cartons per year.

Work has continued with the customer to examine ways of improving the pharmaceutical carton product, and one enhancement has recently been incorporated into the production process, with perforations now being included in the production of the window to aid easier box construction.