Packaging
MWV Survey Reveals 80 Percent of U.S. Consumers Prefer Using Preservative-Free Drugs
Tuesday 16. November 2010 - Third Survey in a Series of Research Surrounding Preservative-Free Applications
MeadWestvaco Corp. announced results from an online survey of more than 600 U.S. consumers1 about their preference for using preservative-free nasal medications. The survey, commissioned by the company’s healthcare business, showed that nearly half of consumers have a preference for using a preservative-free drug. This percentage increased significantly to 80 percent after making patients aware of the benefits of preservative-free drugs.
The survey also showed that more consumers prefer preservative-free drugs because they perceive the drugs to be natural and healthier. In addition, those survey respondents who expressed interest in preservative-free drugs perceive relief without irritation or discomfort as an important advantage, followed by long-term health benefits. Finally, consumers surveyed confirmed that they’re willing to pay more for the preservative-free drug.
The survey results were consistent with the responses of two other MWV- commissioned surveys: a survey of 205 U.S. physicians2 and a survey of 100 MWV’s proprietary
pharmacists in the UK pharmacists3. Of general practitioners and specialists surveyed in the United States, 70 percent prefer to prescribe preservative-free drugs. When reminded of the benefits of preservative-free drugs, their preference increased to more than 80 percent. And, in the UK, 67 percent of pharmacists confirmed a preference for dispensing preservative-free drugs. This percentage increased to 84 percent after the benefits were reviewed with these pharmacists.
technology enables the
preservative-free nasal pump (PFP N) to deliver completely preservative- free formulations while providing shelf life similar to traditional formulations
“Our U.S. consumer survey data showed that patients clearly prefer preservative- free applications – especially when they understood the numerous benefits associated with these products,” said Ted Lithgow, president global marketing, MWV Healthcare. “Preservative-free nasal drugs cause fewer side effects and negative reactions. We use these valuable consumer insights to guide us in developing solutions that are effective and aligned with consumer demands. When all this insight and expertise comes together, it results in a product like PFP Nit keeps the medication germ-free while allowing patients to achieve the maximum therapeutic effect.”
PFP N provides key benefits to patients, drug manufacturers and brand owners: Patients can count on a safe and reliable pump that delivers consumer-preferred and
preservative-free products and formulations. Patients enjoy a gentler nasal experience with less irritation and stinging that can be
caused by preservatives. PFP N ensures protection from contamination while providing confidence in preservative-
free formulation protection. Patients can use preservative-free drugs in PFP N without worrying about the potential side
effects caused by some preservatives and the related short- and long-term consequences, such as rhinitis medicamentosa (“rebound nasal congestion”).
MWV’s proprietary technology enables the pump to deliver completely preservative-free formulations while providing shelf life similar to traditional formulations. PFP N is designed to deliver volumes ranging from 0.05 ml to 0.14 ml with custom volumes available. Unlike other pumps, MWV’s PFP N does not use a silver or metal coil for sterilization. Silver and metal coils can have a negative interaction with the drug formula itself.
“MWV’s PFP N is a safe pump for any liquid formula, and its sealed air path ensures the drug is kept germ-free after multiple uses,” added Lithgow. “The approach that we’ve taken to ensure the ease-of- use of PFP N is just one more way that MWV is helping patients achieve better health by improving the way they take their medication.”
MWV works with customers to ensure products are customized to meet specific needs, supported throughout the supply chain and that all regulatory and pharmaceutical standards are met.
MWV will display the PFP N and other packaging solutions for the healthcare industry at the FIP Pharmaceutical Sciences World Congress 2010, held in conjunction with the AAPS Annual Meeting and Exposition, in New Orleans (November 14-18); MWV will be in booth #1536.