Unit-Dose Packaging Builds Brands Unit-Dose Packaging Builds ...

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A Canon Communications LLC Custom Publication March 2007
Unit-Dose
Packaging
Builds Brands
Symposium
Details Inside

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Mark Your
Calendar
PHOTO: Courtesy of the Baltimore Area Convention and Visitors Association
Inner Harbor, Baltimore, MD
for the
Healthcare Compliance
Packaging Council’s
15 th Annual National Symposium
on Patient Compliance
May 15–16, 2007
The Tremont Suites Hotel, Baltimore, MD
• Educational Sessions
• Tabletop Exhibitions
• Networking Opportunities
• Sponsorships Available
Visit www.unitdose.org
for program details as they develop.

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March 2007 Unit Dose Alert, Volume 4, Issue 1
On the cover:
The PocketPak from Burgopak and Structural
Graphics. Photo by Robin Bernstein.
Unit Dose Alert is a quarterly, copyrightprotected
publication of the Healthcare
Compliance Packaging Council.
Material in this publication may not
be reprinted, or otherwise used, without
the express written permission of
the HCPC. For more information on
the HCPC or any material contained in
Unit Dose Alert, please contact our
headquarters at 131 E. Broad St.,
Ste. 206, Falls Church, VA 22046.
Telephone, 703/538-4030; fax, 703/
538-6305; www.unitdose.org.
Unit Dose Alert is produced by
Canon Communications LLC and
distributed with Pharmaceutical &
Medical Packaging News. The opinions
expressed within are solely those of the
HCPC and/or its members and are not
those of Canon Communications or
Pharmaceutical & Medical Packaging
News. ©2007 by the Healthcare
Compliance Packaging Council. All
rights reserved. Reproduction in whole
or part without written permission is
prohibited.
On the Cover
The PocketPak from Burgopak
and Structural Graphics Takes
Off in the United Kingdom . . . . . 22
Views
Bulletin from the Board
A letter from George Burke,
HCPC’s Chairman of the Board. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
News
Industry News..............11
A look at developments in
pharmaceutical compliance
packaging
Member News
Updates on HCPC
members..........................................15
Director’s Chair
A letter from Peter G. Mayberry,
Executive Director,
Healthcare Compliance Packaging
Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
“If manufacturers shipped more product
in unit-dose formats with uniform
consumer information, there would be
fewer dispensing errors in the pharmacy.”
Features
2007 Symposium on Patient Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Member’s Corner
The IMA Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Guest Viewpoint
Thomas Henderson, Vice President, Sales and Marketing
Chesapeake Pharmaceutical Packaging–North America. . . . . . . . 20
Sections
Staff Page
Who’s who in the HCPC ......4
Calendar of Events
Where to travel ..................21
Membership Form
Join the HCPC! ................23
Unit Dose Alert • www.unitdose.org • March 2007 3

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2007–2008 Board of Directors
Mr. George Burke
Chairman of the Board
President
Sharp Corp.
7451 Keebler Way
Allentown, PA 18106
Mr. Hubert Keil
Vice Chairman of the Board
Managing Director and CEO
Uhlmann Packaging Systems
44 Indian Lane E.
Towaco, NJ 07082-1032
Mr. Walter Berghahn
Treasurer
Vice President, Packaging Technology
American Health Packaging
14 Palomino Rd.
Gilford, NH 03249
Mr. Rick Knight
Global Business Manager
Honeywell Healthcare Specialty Films
101 Columbia Rd.
Morristown, NJ 07962
Mr. William Sharpless
Global Market Director
Pharma, Medical, Cosmetic,
and Retail Packaging
Alcoa Flexible Packaging
6603 West Broad St.
Richmond, VA 23230
Mr. Shawn Reilley
Executive Vice President
Anderson Packaging
4545 Assembly Dr.
Rockford, IL 61109
Mr. Renard Jackson
Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing
Cardinal Health
3001 Red Lion Rd.
Philadelphia, PA 19114
Executive Staff
Peter G. Mayberry
Executive Director
Kathleen Hemming
Associate Director & Editor,
Unit Dose Alert Magazine
Headquarters Office
Healthcare Compliance Packaging Council
131 E. Broad St., Ste. 206
Falls Church, VA 22046
Phone 703/538-4030
Fax 703/538-6305
www.unitdose.org
Sponsorships and Publication
Canon Communications LLC
11444 West Olympic Blvd.
Ste. 900
Los Angeles, CA 90064
Sponsorships: Patricia Spinner,
973/808-1250
4 Unit Dose Alert • www.unitdose.org • March 2007

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Bulletin from the Board
At Your Service for Another
Term as Chairman
George Burke
Chairman
Healthcare Compliance Packaging
Council
President
Sharp Corp.
HCPC has raised
our level of
involvement with
Interphex by
showcasing our
award-winning
packages and
staffing a booth in
the Packaging
Pavilion.
Every two years, the HCPC
holds elections to its Board
of Directors. As reported in
the December issue, we have
recently installed the 2007–2008
Board. During our first meeting
in January, the board set its schedule
for the year as well as selected
officers to serve throughout the
term. I am very pleased to report
that my fellow Board members
have nominated me for another
term as Chairman, a position I
have held since early 2005. I
accepted the nomination with
pride in the knowledge that my
previous service was worthy
of extension.
Serving alongside myself as
officers are Hubert Keil, Vice
Chairman, HCPC, and Managing
Director of Uhlmann Packaging
Systems LP; and Walter
Berghahn, Treasurer, HCPC,
and Business Development
Manager for AmerisourceBergen
Packaging Group. Please
join me in congratulating both
of them on their new duties as
HCPC Officers.
For years, a standard running
joke at many Board meetings
missing some members is
that those absent should be the
ones assigned the most rigorous
tasks. However, at our most
recent meeting, those in attendance
readily took on the additional
leadership responsibilities.
Indeed, the HCPC Board
members are a dedicated group
of industry executives. I can
truly state that I am very pleased
to be of service to the HCPC as
Chairman once again. It is a
position I have thoroughly
enjoyed. I sincerely look forward
to the next two years communicating
with unit-dose packaging
decision-makers such as
you, our members and readers.
This year is off to a great
start with our participation in
Interphex as a continuing sponsor
of this robust pharmaceutical
show. We have raised our
level of involvement with the
event organizers by showcasing
our award-winning packages in
a dedicated area for maximum
exposure. As in the past, the
HCPC will also staff a booth in
the Packaging Pavilion and conduct
its annual Compliance
Package of the Year competition
once again on location at the
Javits Center.
Another not-to-be-missed
event is the HCPC’s 15th Annual
National Symposium on
Patient Compliance, to be held
this year in Baltimore. We
believe that this different venue
will provide exciting alternatives
for lodging, dining, and
entertaining. Program information,
registration, sponsorship,
and display opportunities are
detailed elsewhere in this issue.
Be sure to join us May 15–16 at
the Inner Harbor in Baltimore.
Unit Dose Alert • www.unitdose.org • March 2007 5

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Director’s Chair
How to Define Drug Safety
Peter Mayberry
Executive Director
Healthcare Compliance
Packaging Council
The biggest bang for
the buck in terms of
improving drug safety
would be to look
at the way U.S.
pharmaceutical
manufacturers are
allowed to package
and distribute
their products.
As the new Democraticmajority
Congress settles
in and begins implementing
its agenda for the next two
years, one issue that has been
getting tremendous attention on
Capitol Hill is drug safety.
Later this year, in fact, the
Prescription Drug User Fee Act
(PDUFA) is slated to expire. If not
reauthorized, FDA will have little
choice but to stop its participation
in the development of new
drug products — a highly unlikely
scenario. And, as commonly
happens when Congress handles
“must-pass” legislation, it is very
likely that PDUFA reauthorization
will become a vehicle for a
number of issues related to pharmaceuticals.
Indeed, there is
already talk on Capitol Hill of
using the bill as a means of better
monitoring drugs once they are
on the market, and allowing drug
reimportation so that seniors can
have access to cheaper medicine.
To date, however, the primary
focus of drug safety discussion
in the 110th Congress
has centered on FDA, with virtually
no apparent interest being
paid to distribution issues. This
is unfortunate, because, arguably,
the biggest bang for the buck in
terms of improving drug safety
would be to look at the way
pharmaceutical manufacturers
are allowed to package and distribute
their products in the
United States.
Simply stated, if manufacturers
shipped more product in
unit-dose formats with uniform
consumer information, some of
the benefits that would accrue
include:
• Fewer dispensing errors in the
pharmacy.
• Highly improved drug efficacy
(i.e., better assurances that
the drugs will actually work
as intended).
• Less opportunity to introduce
counterfeit product and/or
mix expired product with
product that is still good.
• Far greater opportunity for
pharmacists to counsel
consumers.
• Guarantees that accurate and
reliable consumer information
is dispensed with Rx drugs.
• Improved compliance with
pharmaceutical regimens.
The United States is somewhat
unique in that pharmaceutical
manufacturers are allowed
to ship product in bulk containers
with a single leaflet intended for
physicians and pharmacists.
Switching from the U.S. model to
one that is used throughout much
of the rest of the world — whereby
the same drugs are shipped by
the same manufacturers in unitdose
formats with approved consumer
information — is a timely
initiative. It should be a much
greater part of any Congressional
consideration of a PDUFA
reauthorization bill or any other
initiative geared toward increasing
drug safety for that matter.
6 Unit Dose Alert • www.unitdose.org • March 2007

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Feature
2007 National Symposium
on Patient Compliance
Join the HCPC at its Annual Educational Event
May 15-16 in Baltimore
Now in its 15th year, the Healthcare Compliance
Packaging Council’s annual Symposium
is the singular educational event that focuses
specifically on the pharmaceutical unit-dose
packaging industry. Each year, the latest trends
and topics affecting this area of drug delivery are
examined and addressed by speakers who have
expertise in this packaging niche. Registrants will
find no other conference so highly focused on how
patient compliance is positively impacted through
the use of unit-dose packaging.
Highlights of the 2007 program include an
overview of the Institutes of Medicine Report on
Preventing Medication Errors, as well as commentary
from a member of the Senate Committee
on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
on what is in store for the 110th Congress.
Counterfeiting issues as well as FDA’s bar code
rule will also be discussed. This year, representatives
of the Pharmaceutical Printed Literature
Association have been invited to share their
views on pharmaceutical labeling and the new
requirements for package inserts by FDA. Additionally,
an update from the leader of the Ohio
State University study on improving compliance
through unit-dose packaging will be featured on
the second day’s agenda.
All in all, this year’s program offers a tremendous
amount of information on the status of unitdose
packaging and its impact on improving medication
compliance. Registrants will obtain a wealth
of data to bring back to their day-to-day operations
supporting greater use of unit-dose packaging.
The complete program to date is published on
pages 9–10 of this issue of Unit Dose Alert.
Traditionally, participants hail from various
segments of the pharmaceutical industry. The
HCPC invites clinical-trial operators, pharmacists,
packaging professionals, formulary directors,
and healthcare policymakers to participate.
Indeed, anyone with an interest in the role that
better packaging can play in improving pharmaceutical
compliance and safety is encouraged
to attend.
Over the course of a day and a half, registrants
will not only benefit from the expert testimony
of the speakers, but will also gain a greater
understanding of the many options available for
increasing compliance, improving safety, and positioning
themselves by anticipating future trends in
the pharmaceutical industry. Highlights of the
program also include the awards luncheon and
presentation of the “Compliance Package of the
Year” Award, a tabletop exhibition featuring manufacturers
of compliance enhancing products and
services, and many networking opportunities.
Held at the Tremont Plaza Hotel in Baltimore,
the symposium is easily accessible for key executives
in the pharmaceutical industry, many concentrated
on the I-95 corridor on the East Coast.
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Feature
Hotel Information
Conveniently located in the heart of Baltimore’s thriving downtown business and
cultural district, the Tremont Plaza Hotel offers luxurious comfort to travelers from
any destination. The all-suite property is within walking distance of Baltimore’s
Inner Harbor, Oriole Park at Camden Yards, M&T Bank Stadium, great shopping,
and entertainment. Located at 222 St. Paul Pl., guests are just minutes away from
historic Charles Street’s restaurants and nightlife. A block of rooms has been
reserved for HCPC registrants for the nights of May 14 and 15. To get the room
rate of $159 per night for studio suites, mention the HCPC event. Contact the
Tremont directly at 800/873-6668. The discounted rate applies only through April
23; prevailing rates and availability apply afterward.
Exhibits
A tabletop exhibition will be open from 4:00–6:00 P.M. on Tuesday, May 15,
featuring HCPC members and others who offer compliance packaging services,
materials, and devices. A limited number of tabletop spaces are available to
nonmembers on a first-come, first-served basis.
Fees for display space are as follows:
$750 for HCPC corporate members
(includes two exhibitor badges, no symposium registration, or free with three
paid symposium registrations)
$1250 for HCPC individual members
$1500 for non-HCPC members
(includes two exhibitor badges, no symposium registration)
Electrical hookups are available for an additional $50.
For complete details, visit the “Symposium” page at www.unitdose.org or call the HCPC office at
703/538-4030.
Fees
Event Information
The registration fee includes admission to the entire program and tabletop exhibition,
as well as the welcome reception, awards luncheon, all breaks, and the
exhibit reception.
Registration fees:
$750 for individual HCPC members or
employees of HCPC member companies
$950 for nonmembers
(An early bird discount of $50 is available through April 20.)
All nonmembers receive a full year’s individual membership with each paid
registration.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations will be accepted through May 8, 2007, but are subject to a $75 processing
fee. Substitutions will be honored at any time, but must be submitted in writing.
Registration
Participants can register online or by mail.
Visit www.unitdose.org to sign up online or to print the registration form.
8 Unit Dose Alert • www.unitdose.org • March 2007

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Feature
Conference Line-Up
HCPC 15th Annual National Symposium on Patient Compliance
May 14–16, 2007
Tremont Suites Hotel & Conference Center
Baltimore, MD
Monday, May 14, 2007
6:00 P.M.–8:00 P.M.
Welcome Reception/Cocktails
Sponsorship TBA
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
8:00–9:00 A.M.
Breakfast
Sponsorship: Alcoa Packaging
9:00–9:15 A.M.
Welcoming Remarks
George Burke
Chairman of the Board, HCPC
9:15–10:00 A.M.
Topic: Institutes of Medicine Report on
Preventing Medication Errors
Speaker Name/Title: Albert W. Wu, MD, MPH,
Professor, Health Policy and Management,
Johns Hopkins University (Invited)
Abstract: The Institutes of Medicine Committee
on Preventing Medication Errors released a
study in 2006, which concluded, among other
things, that unit-of-use packaging can play a
key role in reducing medication errors. Dr. Wu
has been invited to outline this research.
10:00–10:45 A.M.
Topic: What Is in Store for Pharmaceuticals
during the 110th Congress
Speaker Name/Title: A Representative from the
Senate Committee on Health, Education,
Labor and Pensions
Abstract: The HELP Committee has broad jurisdiction
over healthcare issues within the U.S.
and, as such, is instrumental in crafting legislation
and conducting oversight of FDA with
regard to pharmaceutical policy. The Committee
has been asked to provide a speaker
who will address issues of importance over the
next two years.
10:45–11:15 A.M.
Morning Break
Sponsorship: Uhlmann Packaging Systems L.P.
11:15 A.M.–Noon
Topic: Medication Therapy Management under
Medicare Part D
Speaker/Title: A speaker will be sought from the
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid
Services (CMS)
Abstract: Now that Medicare Part D has been in
place for one full year, an official from CMS
will be requested to address the status of MTM
programs under the new benefit.
Noon – 1:30 P.M.
Lunch and Presentation of the HCPC’s 2006
Compliance Package of the Year Award
Sponsorship TBA
1:30–2:15 P.M.
Topic: An Overview Update on Efforts to
Implement FDA’s Bar Code Rule
Speaker/Title: Philip L. Chao, Office of
Policy and Planning, U.S. FDA (Invited)
Abstract: The U.S. FDA issued final regulations
in 2004 requiring that bar codes be affixed to
all Rx and OTC drug products intended for
use in healthcare facilities. FDA has been
invited to outline how the implementation
of this rule has gone as well as areas of concern
or interest moving forward.
2:15–2:45 P.M.
Afternoon Break
Sponsorship: Sharp Corp.
2:45–3:30 P.M.
Topic: Why Counterfeit Medicines Is an International
Trade Problem, Global Industry Trends,
and the Need for Global Cooperation
Speaker/Title: Jeffrey Gren, Director, Office of
Health and Consumer Goods, U.S. International
Trade Administration (Confirmed)
Abstract: The International Trade Administration
is a division of the U.S. Department of
Commerce and Mr. Gren has been asked to
share his expertise on issues involving the global
aspects of the counterfeit medicines problem.
Mr. Gren will outline why counterfeit medicines
are an international trade problem and
will discuss global industry trends impacting
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Feature
this problem. Specifically, Mr. Gren has been
asked to provide insights on the drug products
that are being counterfeited, where the counterfeits
are coming from, the need for international
cooperation, and steps that ITA/DOC
are taking to address the problem.
3:30–4:15 P.M.
Topic: FDA’s Anticounterfeiting Task Force Goals
for 2007
Speaker Name/Title: Ilisa Bernstein, Director of
Pharmacy Affairs, U.S. FDA (Confirmed)
Abstract: Ms. Bernstein has been asked to outline
the status of FDA’s Pharmaceutical Anti-Counterfeiting
Task Force and provide insights on
FDA’s efforts to create a national track and
trace system for legitimate drug products.
4:15–6:00 P.M.
Reception/Tabletop Displays
Reception Sponsored by: American Health
Packaging and Anderson Packaging
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
8:00–9:00 A.M.
Breakfast
Sponsorship TBA
9:00–9:15 A.M.
Welcoming Remarks
Peter G. Mayberry
HCPC Executive Director
9:15–9:45 A.M.
Topic: An Overview of FDA’s New Labeling
Requirements for Package Inserts
Speaker/Title: Tom Henderson, Chairman of the
Board, Pharmaceutical Printed Literature
Association (Confirmed)
Abstract: The U.S. FDA requires that labeling
intended for use by medical professionals
be shipped with each container of an Rx
drug product. Known as a Package Insert,
or PI, this label is intended to ensure that
drugs are dispensed and consumed safely.
This presentation details FDA regulations
on PI formatting and content that were
approved in 2006.
9:45–10:15 A.M.
Topic: Labeling Rx Products for the Global Market
Speaker/Title: Carol Hammond, Technical
Development Director, Chesapeake Healthcare
Packaging (Europe)
Abstract: Ms. Hammond will address considerations
that go into packaging drugs offered for
sale outside the United States. Specific emphasis
will be given to recent EU requirements
regarding use of Braille and child resistance.
Case studies will also be offered on products
that are being packaged for sale in multiple
countries and some recent novel constructional
developments shown.
10:15–10:45 A.M.
Morning Break
Sponsorship TBA
10:45–11:15 A.M.
Topic: Walter Reed Compliance Study
Speaker Name/Title: Jeannie Kim Lee, Pharm.D,
Clinical Pharmacist, Walter Reed Army
Medical Center (Confirmed)
Abstract: In 2006, research was published in the
Journal of the American Medical Association
in which compliance rates were compared
when Rx drugs were dispensed in traditional
cap and vial closures versus when they were
dispensed in multimed blister cards prepared at
the pharmacy. This presentation will provide
an overview of that research.
11:15–11:45 A.M.
Topic: Improving Pharmaceutical Compliance
Through Use of Unit-Dose Packaging
Speaker Name/Title: Philip Schneider, Ohio State
University (Invited)
Abstract: Working with a grant from the U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services,
Ohio State University conducted a study on
the impact that unit-dose formats can have in
improving compliance with antihypertension
drugs. Mr. Schneider has been asked to outline
the scope of this research as well as certain
findings that were obtained.
Noon
Closing Remarks/Adjournment
Hubert Keil
HCPC Vice Chairman
Symposium program at time of publication.
Final Program is subject to change.
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Industry News
The Healthcare Compliance
Packaging Council’s 2006
“Compliance Package of the Year” Awards
The Healthcare Compliance Packaging Council (HCPC), a notfor-profit
trade association dedicated to the promotion of the
many benefits of unit-dose packaging—especially its ability to
be designed into compliance-enhancing formats—will be accepting
entries for its 2006 “Compliance Package of the Year” Awards
through March 15, 2007.
While there are no fees or other monetary charges required to participate
in this program, qualifying entries must comply with the following:
• Be in a unit-dose format.
• Have at least one compliance-enhancing feature.
• Have been commercially available (anywhere in the world)
at some point during 2006.
• Not require drug products to be “repackaged” by patients.
Information Mediary Corp.’s Med-Ic
Digital Package won the 2005
Compliance Package of the Year in
the Healthcare Compliance Packaging
Council’s annual competition.
A new category for innovative design has been added to recognize
compliance packages not yet commercially available. Previously
excluded from the competition but now eligible for competition
are prototypes, designs, concept packages, and other formats
that are not commercially available.
The winning entry will receive official recognition from the
HCPC, designating it as the Healthcare Compliance Packaging
Council’s “Compliance Package of the Year” for 2006. Additional
recognition will be presented to packages selected as “First Runner
Up” and “Second Runner Up” as well as “Innovative Design.”
Each of the winning entries will be promoted by the HCPC during
its 2007 National Symposium on Patient Compliance, in articles
to be published in Unit Dose Alert (the official HCPC magazine),
and in materials forwarded to media representatives by the
HCPC.
Cash awards in the following amounts will also be granted,
in the form of scholarships, to schools of packaging designated
by winners of the HCPC’s 2006 “Compliance Package of
the Year” Award:
Compliance Package of the Year: $6,000 cash scholarship
First Runner Up:
Second Runner Up:
Innovative Design Winner:
$2,000 cash scholarship
$2,000 cash scholarship
$2,000 cash scholarship
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Industry News
Official Rules
Entries must be submitted between November 15, 2006 and March 15, 2007. The winning entry will be announced during
the HCPC’s 15th Annual National Symposium on Patient Compliance to be held at the Tremont Suites Hotel and Conference
Center in Baltimore, Maryland, May 15–16, 2007.
• Entrants must submit sample packages, as well as proof of
their commercial availability during 2006. At the HCPC’s
discretion, a statement attesting to commercial availability
will be deemed acceptable. The HCPC reserves the
right, however, to demand verifiable evidence that the
package was indeed commercially available as a qualification
condition.
• Entrants must also submit digital photographs or drawings
of the package so that they may be included in the HCPC
media announcements for the winning entry.
• Packages must be in a unit-dose format and may be intended
for distribution by a pharmaceutical company, a pharmacist,
a home healthcare provider, an in-patient facility,
or another entity. Qualifying entries will not require
patients to “repackage” medications.
• Entries must include a separate form noting the name,
address, and phone number of the company or individual
marketing the product; the name of the person(s) responsible
for its design; and the person who will be responsible
for designating a school of packaging to receive scholarship
funds should the entry win one of the three awards.
• Any additional information regarding the package (i.e.,
promotional literature, other honors or awards that the
package has earned, etc.) may be included, but must be
kept separate from the packaging itself so that it will not
influence the judges’ review. Failure to comply will result
in disqualification.
A panel of judges will be selected by the HCPC. All entries
will be evaluated by HCPC staff to determine eligibility. All
entries determined to meet the established entry qualifications
by HCPC staff will be reviewed by the judging panel. Judges
will be asked to make subjective determinations, on a numerical
scale, of characteristics such as: 1) the package’s ability
to increase pharmaceutical compliance; 2) innovative designs
incorporated into the packaging; and 3) unique features that
distinguish the package from others on the market.
The package receiving the highest combined score will be designated
“Compliance Package of the Year”; the package
receiving the second-highest combined score will be designated
“First Runner Up”; and the package receiving the
third-highest combined score will be designated “Second
Runner Up.” In the case of a tie, judges will be asked to
reevaluate the three packages that received the highest combined
scores during initial review.
The judges’ determination will be final, and the HCPC
reserves the right to withhold the prize should there be no
acceptable entries in any or all of the winning categories.
Cash prizes, in the form of scholarship funds forwarded to
an accredited school of packaging in the United States by
the HCPC and publisher CANON COMMUNICATIONS LLC
based on designations by the winners of each category,
will be awarded as follows: $6,000.00 for the Compliance
Package of the Year; $2,000.00 for the First Runner
Up; $2,000.00 for the Second Runner Up; and $2,000 for
the Innovative Design Winner.
• The HCPC will make a reasonable effort to determine
how each of the winners would like to have their cash
prizes distributed (i.e., which accredited school of packaging
should receive the scholarship funds).
• Should winners in any category fail to designate an accredited
school of packaging within 90 calendar days of the
award’s presentation, the prize will be “forfeited.”
• Winners may not be able to “split” cash prizes by designating
more than one school of packaging.
• Cash prizes will not be awarded to any person or entity
other than an accredited school of packaging for any reason,
under any circumstances.
The HCPC has sole responsibility for forwarding cash
prizes directly to accredited schools of packaging designated
by the winner of each category and will be responsible for
directing the Dean of each school to distribute the funds as
scholarships to one or more students based on financial
need, academic achievement, or any other criteria that the
Dean sees fit.
All entry materials will become the property of the HCPC
and will not be returned. Entries must be mailed to HCPC.
Interested persons may obtain the name of the winner by
sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the
address above.
Employees of the HCPC member companies, HCPC individual
members, and their families may submit entries, but
they will automatically disqualify themselves from consideration
as judges should they do so.
THIS CONTEST IS VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW
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Industry News
Ed Hancock is Recognized for His
Dedication to the HCPC
At its January board meeting,
the Board of Directors for
the Healthcare Compliance
Packaging Council honored
Ed Hancock, President of
AmerisourceBergen Packaging
Group, for his dedication and
service to the organization. Since
the HCPC’s inception, Ed has been
actively involved in one capacity
or another throughout the association’s
17-year history. Late last
year, Ed notified the HCPC that he
would not seek a board position
for the coming term.
Mr. Hancock was among the
founding members of the HCPC
in 1990, and represented what was
then the American Mirrex Corp.
as Director, FDA Films. He served
as a board member until leaving
to become Vice President, Sales
and Marketing, for Packaging
Coordinators Inc. in Philadelphia.
While at PCI, Mr. Hancock served
as the HCPC’s technical committee
chair.
In 1993, Mr. Hancock joined
Anderson Packaging Inc. of
Throughout his years of
involvement in the HCPC, Mr.
Hancock rarely missed a board
meeting or an HCPC event.
Rockford, IL, as Vice President,
Sales and Marketing and was
appointed President of the
Pharmaceutical Division in
1996. He rejoined the HCPC
Board of Directors in that
capacity and served as Vice
Peter Mayberry, HCPC Executive Director, presents Ed Hancock with a
commemorative plaque at the January 2007 Board Meeting.
Chairman under Dan Gerner’s
Chairmanship. He ascended to
Chairman and served two consecutive
terms through 2000. He
has subsequently been elected to
the HCPC Board
each term until electing
to leave the board
in 2007.
In 2001, Mr.
Hancock joined the
AmeriSource Corp. as
President of American
Health Packaging.
AmeriSource subsequently
merged with Bergen Brunswig
to become the AmerisourceBergen
Corp. There, Mr. Hancock
has orchestrated the creation of
the AmerisourceBergen Packaging
Group (ABPG), an international
pharmaceutical packaging services
provider. With the acquisition
of Brecon in 2006, the ABPG is
now composed of three operating
companies: American Health
Packaging, Anderson Packaging
Inc., and Brecon Pharmaceuticals
Ltd. (Wales, UK). ABPG is structured
as one of AmerisourceBergen
Corp.’s five business units. Mr.
Hancock was named President of
ABPG in 2003.
Throughout his years of
involvement in the HCPC, Mr.
Hancock rarely missed a board
meeting or an HCPC event. He
was constantly available to provide
guidance and leadership to
the organization’s board and staff
members. During the January
2007 Board meeting, he was com-
Unit Dose Alert • www.unitdose.org • March 2007 13

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Industry News
HCPC Board members congratulate Ed Hancock, third from left. From left
to right are Shawn Reilley, Anderson Packaging; Bill Sharpless, Alcoa
Packaging; Walter Berghahn, AmerisourceBergen Packaging Group;
George Burke, Sharp Corp.; and Hubert Keil, Uhlmann Packaging
Systems.
memorated with a plaque and
received everyone’s good wishes.
He stressed that he will “always”
be available to the HCPC and that
his decision to step away from the
Board was hard to make, but necessary
considering the expansion
of his responsibilities within ABC.
“We are going to miss Ed’s input
tremendously,” noted HCPC Executive
Director Peter Mayberry. “He
has been a good friend and great
supporter of the HCPC mission. I
know that the entire association
joins me in wishing Ed all the best
in his future endeavors.”
Visit the HCPC at Interphex
at Booth #3083
The Healthcare Compliance Packaging Council is serving again as a promotional partner for
Interphex. One of the largest pharmaceutical trade shows, Interphex is a must-attend event for
anyone involved in pharmaceutical packaging, including all HCPC members. Inside this issue
you will find a ticket for free admission to the exhibition, compliments of the HCPC.
Interphex takes place April 24–26 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City. During
the show, HCPC staff members will distribute copies of Unit Dose Alert, field questions regarding
compliance packaging issues, promote the association, and solicit members as well as showcase
samples of unit-dose packages from its booth. For the first time, the HCPC will also be provided a
kiosk near the entrance to the main exhibit hall to highlight examples of the “Compliance Package
of the Year” Award winners over the past several years. This opportunity is part of an expanded
agreement with the organizers of Interphex. The HCPC welcomes the publicity to help promote the
many benefits of unit-dose packaging.
Following tradition, the HCPC will conduct its annual “Compliance Package of the Year” Awards
judging during Interphex. The HCPC does this to take advantage of the fact that a skilled pool of
judges is readily available, given the pharmaceutical packaging experts gathering at this event.
On Wednesday afternoon, April 25, the winning packages will be displayed at the HCPC booth.
A formal new release will be available after the show. All winners in our 2006 competition will be
congratulated and honored at the 15th annual Symposium on Patient Compliance to be held May
15–16 in Baltimore, MD. Details on the 2007 symposium are included elsewhere in this issue.
Be certain to stop by the HCPC Booth, #3083, while you are browsing the exhibits in the
Packaging Pavilion.
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Member News
Safety-Pak Plus Blister
Lidding Introduced by
Alcoa Packaging
Alcoa Packaging has
announced the availability
of Safety-Pak Plus, its
newest product for pharmaceutical
packaging, to its line of Safety-
Pak blister lidding specifications.
A leading pharmaceutical packaging
supplier, Alcoa manufactures a
variety of packaging materials,
including extrusion- and adhesivelaminated
pouch materials, overwraps
and liner stock, blister lidding, and laminated foil, among others.
This latest innovation utilizes a peel-push CR-opening process, but
its film exterior has the ability for a full-panel-peel without tearing,
making it much simpler for the consumer to gain access to the pushthrough
foil. The exterior film not only provides an easier peel, but also
allows for a higher-quality printing substrate than paper, thereby
enhancing brand graphics and accepting flexo and UV inks from the
in-line printing systems.
During testing, Safety-Pak Plus exhibited greater Mullen burst strength
than do standard Safety-Paks, as well as greater puncture resistance
than traditional, industry-standard CR packaging. Additionally, Alcoa’s
new lid stock offers a broader sealing window that allows for secure seals
at lower temperatures, an advantage for temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals.
This product characteristic also adds valuable seal-processing
latitude for high-speed rotary sealing equipment.
Contact Georgia Mohr, Alcoa’s marketing manager, for more information
at 814/459-4987.
(Correction: The wrong product shot was originally included with this item, which ran
in the December 2006 issue of Unit Dose Alert. The correct photo is shown above.)
Klöckner Pentaplast to Display New
Blister Films at Expo Farma 2007
While participating in Expo
Farma 2007 at the World Trade
Center in Mexico City on March
13–16, Klöckner Pentaplast will
display a wide range of pharmaceutical
packaging films at booths
1041 and 1043. Among the newest
products will be Klöckner Pentaplast’s
Pentapharma alfoil SG films
and Pentapharm BlisterPro software
design program.
The Pentapharm alfoil PVdCcoated
film product line has been
extended to include Pentapharm
alfoil SG films for pharmaceutical
and nutraceutical products requiring
outstanding moisture protection
and enhanced performance.
Pentapharm alfoil SG films provide
excellent surface slip characteristics
(low coefficient-offriction)
as compared to standard
PVdC-coated film for higher packaging
line productivity and yield.
This film is available worldwide
from Klöckner Pentaplast and is
the only film on the market that
offers such properties.
Available in two-layer
(PVC/PVdC) or three-layer
(PVC/PE/PVdC) structures for
medium to high moisture barrier,
Pentapharm alfoil SG films have
better thermoforming properties
as compared to conventional
PVdC-coated films. These films
prevent blocking on preheat plates
and offer a more-consistent material
flow during the thermoforming
process. No modifications are
required for preheat plates, thereby
providing additional cost savings.
In addition, Pentapharm
alfoil SG films have improved
mold and blister-to-blister denest
properties that allow for
higher filling rates for gel caps
and other pharmaceuticals.
These films are sealable to all
standard vinyl-compatible lid
stocks; available in transparent
clear and opaque white colors;
and compliant with U.S. FDA
requirements for use in pharmaceutical
packaging.
Also during the Expo Farma
exhibit, Klöckner Pentaplast
will demonstrate its Pentapharm
BlisterPro. This software
program introduces finite
element modeling for thermoforming
of pharmaceutical blister
packages to improve the
film-selection process and provide
package engineering support
services to the pharmaceutical
industry. Pentapharm
BlisterPro allows package
designers, technicians, and engineers
to explore the effects of
tool geometry, film types, and
process conditions before running
actual experiments, thereby
avoiding expensive production
line trials and tooling costs.
In conjunction with the blister
research center, Klöckner Pentaplast
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Member News
Colbert Packaging Upgrades
to Full Corporate Member
at the HCPC
Longtime Healthcare Compliance Packaging
Council individual member Jim Hamilton, President
of Colbert Packaging Corp., notified the HCPC early
this year of his company’s intention to upgrade to full
corporate membership. Colbert Packaging is a manufacturer
of folding cartons, rigid paper boxes, and
paperboard specialty products. Its folding carton,
flexographic packaging, and pressure-sensitive label
operations are based in Lake Forest, IL; Colbert’s
rigid paper box and contract packaging facilities are
located in South Bend, IN. Yet another folding carton
facility is based in Elkhart, IN.
Colbert Packaging's headquarters located at 28355
N. Bradley Road, Lake Forest, IL 60045.
Colbert Packaging executives (left to right) are Brad
Davis, VP/GM Flexographic Division; Jim Hamilton,
President; Lon Johnson, VP Pharmaceutical Sales;
and Glenn Grosskopf, VP Product Development.
Since its founding in 1959, Colbert Packaging
has built a solid reputation for high-quality products.
Colbert’s contract packaging operation focuses on
blister and heat-seal cards, as well as a variety of
services, including shrink wrapping, repackaging,
warehousing, palletizing, lot tracing, onserts, and
specialty-shaped boxes, among others.
During 2006, Colbert received its first patent
covering the BlisterGuard product line, which is a
clamshell package used for displaying and housing
products or other objects. It is highly pilfer resistant,
yet easy for consumers to open.
For more information, visit www.colbertgpkg.
com or contact Jim Hamilton at jhamilton
@colbertpkg.com.
is the only global supplier to offer
such an integrated technical support
program.
The Klöckner Pentaplast
Group is a leading producer of
films for pharmaceutical, medical
device, and general-purpose thermoform
packaging, as well as
printing and specialty applications.
For more information, visit
www.kpfilms.com.
Sharp Expands
Carded Blister
Capacity
Responding to an increasing
demand from the pharmaceutical
industry, Sharp Corp. has expanded
its carded blister capacity in
Conshohocken, PA. “We are seeing
more opportunities that
involve large volumes, especially
for launch,” says Steve Hamaday,
Director of Engineering. “Carded
blisters have billboard space that
enables the pharmaceutical company
to offer more patient information
and extra panels for
attaching booklets and product
literature. Compliance with many
of today’s drugs is critical for
patient care, and the carding concept,
with proper design and artwork,
easily meets the need.”
To increase its capacity, Sharp
relied on in-house engineering
expertise to upgrade proven equipment
at the Conshohocken site. By
adding automated feeders for cards
and literature, and in-line verification
systems for compliance, Sharp
was able to improve outputs,
reduce labor, and increase compliance
of its very versatile existing
carding lines.
Hamaday says that “because
we make all our tooling in-house
to support our carding lines and
we have multiple equivalent lines,
we are able to tool up and validate
for a product run in half the time
and at a much reduced cost, more
so than with some of our more
high-speed equipment. That
allows us to offer a more costeffective
solution for customers
who are unsure of long-term forecasts
or want to launch with larger
volumes, and then scale back
for ongoing market needs.”
In addition to multiple flexible
carding lines, Sharp has higherspeed
equipment for large product
demands with strong annual
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Member News
pharmaceutical market forecasts.
As summarized by John
Groetsch, Sharp’s Senior Designer,
“Carded blisters promote
greater patient compliance and
ease of access to drug therapy
information. They also offer a
variety of child-resistant designs,
and our customers are now using
this unit-dose format in trade and
sample packages.”
Newest Launches
in Unit Dose at
American Health
Packaging
Two more generic pharmaceutical
products are now available
in unit dose formats at American
Health Packaging, a business
unit of AmerisourceBergen. Ribavirin
200mg capsules as well as
Ribavirin 200mg tablets are packaged
in unit dose and bar coded to
the dose level. Many American
Heath Packaging unit-dose items
are awarded to GPOs and are
therefore stocked by other wholesalers,
also.
American Health Packaging is
committed to patient safety and
bar coding initiatives and maintains
an active unit-dose launch
program. For more information,
contact Sid McFadden at
614/492-8177, ext. 309, or via e-
mail at smcfadden@amerisource
bergen.com.
Tool Shop Capabilities Expanded at
Uhlmann Packaging Systems
Uhlmann’s tool shop can now offer its
customers tooling, upgrades, and
rebuilds for its blister machines, cartoners,
and feeders.
With the addition of the
new Deckel Maho 80U
Machining Center at
Uhlmann Packaging Systems
in Towaco, NJ, the
company now boasts the
world’s most advanced
equipment for pharmaceutical
blister tools, as well as
reduced delivery time and
the largest spare-parts inventory
in the United States.
By investing more than $3
million in capital machinery,
Uhlmann’s tool shop can
now offer its customers unmatched
service and value by providing tooling, upgrades, and
rebuilds for its blister machines, cartoners, and feeders. Precision,
OEM-crafted, and tested tooling can now be delivered within seven
weeks, the shortest lead time in the industry. Reduced by more than
50% from five years ago, Uhlmann projects to cut delivery down by
another 20% in the next 12 months.
“With a total of three Deckel Maho machining centers, Uhlmann’s
tool shop features the most-advanced equipment in the world,” said
Hubert Keil, Uhlmann Managing Director and CEO. “These machines
are at the center of an aggressive and continuing modernization and
improvement plan that allows Uhlmann to react as quickly as possible
to customer needs and requests, helping them to keep pace with the
increasing demands and challenges of the pharmaceutical market.”
Features of the equipment include:
• Five-axis machining for reduced production times and
enhanced quality.
• A six-station programmable palette pool for automatic
loading, unloading, and multiple-tool manufacturing.
• A 180-tool in-machine storage system that allows
for quick changeover with dedicated dimensions and
preset specifications.
• Lights-out operation for extended, unmanned shift capabilities.
“By investing in smart machining and high-tech equipment and by
streamlining our overall processes, Uhlmann can continue to provide
our customers in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico with
superior products and services,” added Mr. Keil. “With a staff of longterm,
experienced employees, leading-edge expertise in pharmaceutical
and medical packaging equipment, and a dedication to consistent
high quality, Uhlmann is able to help customers make informed, effective
decisions and solve problems.”
For more information, contact Hubert Keil at 973/402-8855 or
send an e-mail to hkeil@uhlmann-usa.com.
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Member’s Corner
The IMA Group has about
2700 employees, of whom
more than 1100 are overseas,
and had a consolidated turnover
of 398.8 million Euro for the fiscal
year 2005, with more than 90%
earned on international
markets. The pharmaceutical
sector accounts
for about 83% of the
group’s sales.
The IMA Group has
an extensive sales network
consisting of nine
branches that provide
sales and service in
Germany, Austria,
France, Spain, Portugal,
the United Kingdom,
the United States
(IMA North America
Inc. is the subsidiary
for the USA, Canada,
and Puerto Rico markets),
China, and Thailand;
representative
offices in Central and
East European countries;
and more than 50
agencies covering a
total of more than 70 countries.
IMA is also participating in two
joint ventures in China for production
and service. The group’s
manufacturing facilities currently
include six production plants in
Italy, one in Germany (IMA Kilian),
one in Spain (IMA-Telstar),
one in the United Kingdom (Swiftpack
Automation), one in the
United States (Nova Packaging
Systems), two in India (Precision
Gears), and three in China.
In 2005, IMA concluded a joint
IMA: More Than 40 Years
of Innovation
Established in 1961, IMA is the world leader in the manufacture
of automatic machines for the processing and packaging of
pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, tea, and coffee.
venture agreement with the Telstar
Group (Spain) in the field of
freeze-drying machinery for the
pharmaceutical industry. In 2006,
IMA acquired the entire share
capital of VIMA Impianti S.r.l., a
IMA manufactures a complete range of blister machines,
from low- to extremely high-speed (up to 1300 blisters/
minute), with or without cartoning.
company that manufactures
machines for powder handling of
pharmaceuticals.
The following companies in the
pharmaceutical and cosmetics sectors
are part of the IMA Group:
Co.ma.di.s. S.p.A., IMA Kilian
GmbH & Co. KG, IMA Libra
S.r.l., Nova Packaging Systems
Inc., Precision Gears Pvt Ltd., and
Swiftpack Automation Ltd.
The IMA Group manufactures
a wide range of processing and
packaging machines: machines for
all solid-dose processing requirements,
blister machines, counting
machines, machines for washing
and sterilization of ampules and
vials, aseptic liquid-filling and
closing machines (barrier technology),
freeze-drying
machinery for the pharmaceutical
industry,
multifunction
liquid-filling and closing
machines, unit-dose
filling machines, aseptic
powder-filling
machines, macrodosing
powder-filling
machines, tube-filling
machines, cartoning
machines, labeling
machines, end-of-line
machines, and integrated
packaging lines.
IMA offers the widest
range of machines and
technical solutions for
solid-dose processing
requirements: highshear
mixer granulators,
fluid-bed equipment,
tablet-press
machines, capsule-filling
machines, coating equipment,
and checkweighing machines
for capsules and tablets. Additionally,
thanks to the acquisition
of VIMA Impianti, a complete
range for powder handling,
washing systems, and dedusting
equipment is also available.
Several machines have been
recently launched on the market
to fully respond to the most
sophisticated production requirements
worldwide.
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Member’s Corner
IMA manufactures a complete
range of blister machines, from
low- to extremely high-speed (up
to 1300 blisters/minute), with or
without cartoning. The newest
machine is the revolutionary compact
and integrated blister line
Giant1, which can be considered a
perfect alternative for just-intime
production of small and
medium batches (up to 350 blisters
and 175 cartons/minute).
The machine concept has been
based on the IMA philosophy
of flexibility in operation and
changeover combined with easy
cleaning and less material/product
waste. IMA stood also in
the forefront to solve product
recall problems faced by the
drug manufacturers by applying
a patented cutting system. This
innovative solution guarantees
that rejected faulty blisters cannot
be matched in further packaging
process, given their different
shapes.
The group offers a complete
range of counting machines manufactured
by both IMA and IMA
Nova. The IMA Conta Series is a
high-speed vision system-based
tablet counter that offers higher
productivity, absolute assurance
of accurate count, and product
integrity. IMA Nova designs,
manufactures, and integrates the
most comprehensive range of
tablet counting and filling
equipment for the pharmaceutical,
nutraceutical, health and
beauty, and cosmetics industries.
Its Lakso, Merrill, Kalish, Fillit,
King, and Swiftpack brands of
equipment have earned an excellent
reputation for engineering elegance,
robust construction, and
long-term reliability. With its facility
in the United States and technical
personnel located worldwide,
IMA Nova provides turnkey solutions
and support for installations
around the globe.
A wide range of horizontal and
vertical cartoners for the pharmaceutical
and cosmetics industries
can be supplied by IMA. The
newest machine is the high-speed
horizontal cartoner Dynamica
(400 cartons/minute), combining
several proven solutions and featuring
an innovative carton transport
system. The machine design
makes it simple to operate, facilitates
accessibility and cleanliness,
and simplifies components loading.
Changeover is extremely easy,
and maintenance is very low. Several
models are available to cover
a large range of sizes. Implementation
of various coding, inspection,
and feeding systems for any
type of carton, leaflet or booklet
and the handling of any pharmaceutical
or cosmetics products
makes the Dynamica cartoner a
suitable choice for flexible,
high-speed carton
packaging projects.
The group offers a
complete range of end-of-line
machines for the pharmaceutical
industry. Among the new models
is the IMA BFB CP18, an automatic
side-loading case packer
incorporating a new concept that
makes it particularly suitable for
the packaging of individual or
bundled cartons/trays into
preglued RS cases. The machine
is extremely compact and accessible,
thanks to its cantilever
design. The case magazine is horizontal
to ease loading. The size
changeover can be carried out in
just a few minutes. The CP18 is
available in two versions (up to
10 or 14 cycles/minute).
IMA’s growth strategy is to
expand the group’s range with
innovative products in order to
strengthen its presence in both
process equipment and packaging
machines. Its approach is
not to just supply innovative
and reliable machines, but
mainly to be a partner for its
customers, guaranteeing fast
after-sales and spare-parts services.
Rooms for trials on soliddose
machines are available at
IMA North America, to provide
opportunities for equipment trials
before purchase.
For further information, contact
IMA North America, headquartered
in Bristol, PA, at 215/
826-8500 or by e-mail at
sales@imausa.net. Visit www.ima.it
or www.imanova.com.
Designed for both multinational pharmaceutical companies as well as contract packaging operations, IMA’s
Giant1 is suitable for just-in-time production of small and medium batches consisting of up to 350 blisters per
minute and 175 cartons per minute.
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Guest Viewpoint
Packaging and Good Information
Are Key
Thomas Henderson
Chairman, Pharmaceutical Printed
Literature Association
Vice President,
Sales and Marketing
Chesapeake Pharmaceutical
Packaging — North America
(Arlington Press)
While most
prescriptions go home
with consumers with
some printed material,
the usefulness and
accuracy of that
“information” is
nowhere near the
quality required
by legislation.
There are a plenty of headlines
in the media and hearings
in Congress about healthcare,
and drugs have captured a
healthy share of attention. Drug
prices and drug safety are probably
the top-ranked topics. The
House of Representatives is
holding hearings on FDA’s drug
approval process; the topic is so
politically correct right now that
the House even got a senator to
come across town to testify!
But there are a lot of other issues
related to medications that need
airing. For 15 years, the Healthcare
Compliance Packaging Council
(HCPC) has presented an annual
symposium on what should
always be a major topic of discussion—patient
compliance.
This year, the HCPC’s symposium
will include presentations
organized by the Pharmaceutical
Printed Literature Association
(PPLA). They will focus on how
providing complete and useful
information that has been
reviewed and approved by FDA
directly to patients improves medication
outcomes.
The PPLA’s mission is to support
member efforts to promote
and improve information delivery
to protect patients and support
healthcare professionals. That
mission is different from the
HCPC’s, but the two organizations
share the objective of
improving patient compliance and
safety. Taking medications properly
and safely maximizes the
enormous benefits they offer.
That’s what compliance means.
What is the magnitude of the
issue, focusing on the importance
of information to compliance
•Survey by the National Community
Pharmacists Association:
Three out of four patients receiving
prescriptions admit they
don’t adhere to directions.
•Peer-reviewed article in Archives
of Internal Medicine: “This study
demonstrates spotty physician
counseling about new medication
prescriptions. Physicians
conveyed full medication dosing
directions for less than 60% of
all medications.”
•Carmen Catizone, Executive
Director of the National Association
of Boards of Pharmacy,
says: “…as a consumer, you can
find out more about the ingredients
of a pizza you might buy at
a local parlor than you can about
life saving medications from your
pharmacy.”
The presentations organized by
the PPLA will discuss the legislation
and regulations that affect
patient labeling in both North
America and Europe. With regard
to North America, my presentation
will cover FDA’s new package
insert regulation, which went
into effect in January 2006, more
than five years after the first draft
was circulated.
This regulation is complex and
offers some challenges for compliance.
It has a detailed schedule
for when specific drugs must comply
with this regulation. For those
drugs that come under it, a highlights
section is required. There is
a complex mix of minimum type
sizes, and when and how information
to be distributed to
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Guest Viewpoint
patients must be made available
within the package insert for
healthcare professionals.
I will also touch upon legislation
that requires useful patient information
to accompany 95% of all
prescriptions by a specific deadline—a
deadline that passed in
2006. FDA chartered a study by
the University of Wisconsin School
of Pharmacy, which looked at compliance
levels in 2001.
The results were unimpressive.
While most prescriptions go home
with consumers with some printed
material, the usefulness and accuracy
of that “information” is
nowhere near the quality required
by legislation. If that law is
enforced, what will that mean for
information requirements, and
how will it affect packaging
Those are some of the top-ofmind
topics on patient labeling in
North America. But globalization
is coming to pharmaceuticals as
well. Carol Hammond, Technical
Development Director for Chesapeake
Healthcare Packaging
(Europe), will review some current
European legislation regarding
Braille, patient leaflet readability,
child resistance, and how legislation
is impacting packaging design.
The PPLA was founded in 2001
to provide a voice for the manufacturers
of printed pharmaceutical
information that has been
reviewed and approved by FDA.
When the founding group first
came together, the hot topic was
“e-serts,” making package inserts
available electronically. Our group
never opposed that initiative, but
instead focused on the substantial
benefits of FDA-approved information
in printed form.
Since that time, the PPLA has
studied the issue from many different
perspectives. The HCPC
symposium, in addition to the topics
covered by the PPLA, will touch
on many of those perspectives. The
Institute of Medicine has studied
drugs and patient safety; packaging
and good information play key
roles. Drug counterfeiting is beginning
to be taken seriously, even in
North America; packaging and
good information can be important
parts of the solution.
Attendance at the HCPC
event is prescribed for anyone
involved in packaging healthcare
products or providing
packaging for them!
Upcoming Events
For information on these events, please contact
HCPC at 703/538-4030.
March
HCPC Board of Directors Meeting
March 20
Sharp Corp.
Conshohocken, PA
Körber Medipak Open House
and Technology Forum
March 21–23
Körber Medipak
Clearwater, FL
www.kmna.us
April
ASTM Meetings on Packaging
Committee Week
April 15–16
Waterside Convention Center
Norfolk, VA
www.astm.org
Interphex 2007
April 24–26
Jacob K. Javits Convention Center
New York City
www.interphex.com
May
HCPC Board of Directors Meeting
May 14
Tremont Grand Inner Harbor
Baltimore, MD
Annual National Symposium on
Patient Compliance
Healthcare Compliance
Packaging Council
May 15–16
Tremont Grand Inner Harbor
Baltimore, MD
www.unitdose.org
Wal-Mart Defines Role of
Pharmaceutical Packaging
New Jersey Packaging
Calendar
Executives Club
May 24
Highlawn Pavilion
West Orange, NJ
www.njpec.com
June
EastPack
June 12–14
Jacob K. Javits Convention Center
New York City
www.eastpackshow.com
July
HCPC Board of Directors Meeting
July 10
Cardinal Health
Philadelphia
AmerisourceBergen National
Healthcare Conference and
Exposition
July 11–15
Paris Hotel
Las Vegas, NV
Unit Dose Alert • www.unitdose.org • March 2007 21

022_OnTheCover.qxd 3/6/07 11:30 AM Page 22
On The Cover
Information-Rich
Packaging Builds Brands
Design features provide ample space for
product usage, dosage, and labeling information.
The PocketPak featured on this issue’s cover is the
latest pharmaceutical packaging product developed
by Burgopak and strategic partner Structural
Graphics. Currently in retail distribution in the
United Kingdom in more than 1000 High Street outlets,
the new PocketPak contains over-the-counter
drug products, including ibuprofen and paracetamol.
Sales volume in Britain is estimated to reach more
than 2 million PocketPaks per year.
The PocketPak slides open by a user pulling
on the notched area, exposing the blister card on
one side and an instruction leaflet on the other.
Design features provide ample space for usage,
dosage, and labeling information, utilizing all
areas advantageously to organize and communicate
all relevant information. The instruction
leaflet is affixed to the paperboard so that it
remains with the package while in use for repeated
reference throughout the usage period.
The PocketPak is currently hand assembled in
India. Bosch Sigpack has been selected to automate
the package output, with the first machines
expected to be in operation by the end of 2007.
“It is exciting to see how well the PocketPak
has been received overseas,” says Jeremy Billy,
President of the Americas for Burgopak. “We look
forward to continued growth in North America.
The PocketPak is a great design, and you will see
more contributions to compliance packaging from
us in the future.”
“The PocketPak provides a versatile platform
for fulfilling the promise of compliance packaging,”
adds Mike Maguire, CEO of Structural
Graphics. “With it, the manufacturer delivers
information-rich, brand-building packaging while
communicating important information each time
the drug is used.”
Burgopak is a global innovator and supplier
of new, multiapplication packaging solutions
whose packages bear its name. Structural Graphics
is a leader in the design and production of highimpact
dimensional marketing solutions. Burgopak
and Structural Graphics share patents
associated with the PocketPak worldwide.
Burgopak and Structural Graphics signed on as
The PocketPak slides open by a user pulling on the notched
area, exposing the blister card on one side and an instruction
leaflet on the other.
corporate members of the Healthcare Compliance
Packaging Council late last year to better familiarize
themselves with the U.S. compliance-packaging
marketplace. Taking the lead for its U.S.
sales effort are Jeremy Billy and Mike Maguire.
With headquarters in London, Burgopak also
operates in the Asia Pacific, the Americas, and
Europe with offices or distributors in the United
States, the United Kingdom, China, Germany,
France, and Australia. Structural Graphics is headquartered
in Essex, CT, with offices in Santa Monica,
New York City, Chicago, and Atlanta. Burgopak
and Structural Graphics maintain
manufacturing and distribution relationships
throughout the world.
For more information, visit www.burgopak.com
and www.structuralgraphics.com.
22 Unit Dose Alert • www.unitdose.org • March 2007

023_MembershipApp.qxd 3/6/07 11:30 AM Page 23
Corporate Membership Application
Join the HCPC Today
Full Membership in the Healthcare Compliance
Packaging Council is available to the following
types of businesses:
■ Commercial manufacture and sale of plastic
film, plastic sheet, or paperboard used in unitof-use
strip and blister packaging for pharmaceutical
and other medical and diagnostic
applications in the United States.
■ Commercial manufacture and sale of metallic
film or sheeting materials used in such packaging
in the United States.
■ Manufacture and sale of equipment used in
the fabrication of such packaging.
■ Converting, printing, or laminating of materials
for such packaging.
■ Contract packaging operations that use such
packaging.
Non-Voting Membership is available to any company
that would qualify for full membership but
has annual sales of less than $10 million in unitdose
blister materials, and voluntarily elects to surrender
its voting rights and board membership.
Associate Membership is available to any business
or individual that is not eligible for full membership,
but supports the goals of the Council. Associate
members may not vote or serve on the Board
of Directors.
Trade Association, Testing Company, Educational
Institution and Consultant Memberships are available
to those interested organizations or individuals.
Annual Dues Structure
Full Membership — $6,000
Non-Voting Membership — $3,000
Associate Membership — $3,000
Trade Association/Testing Company — $1,000
Educational Institution — $500
Consultant — $500
Please Complete All Sections
I. Company Profile
Company Name ____________________________
Street Address/P.O. Box ______________________
City _________________ State ____ Zip________
Contact Name/Title ________________________
Tel. (____) __________________________________
Fax (____) __________________________________
E-Mail Address ____________________________
Web Site Address (if applicable)
__________________________________________
II. Membership Class:
____ Full
____ Non-Voting
____ Associate
____ Trade Association or Test Company
____ Educational Institution
____ Consultant
III. Business Category (check one or more):
____ Plastic Film/Sheet or Paperboard
Manufacturer
____ Metallic Film or Sheeting Manufacturer
____ Blister Packaging Machinery Manufacturer
____ Converter, Printer, Laminator of Blister
Packaging
____ Contract Packaging Operation
____ Trade Association
____ Testing Company
____ Educational Institution
____ Consultant
____ Other (Please Specify)
IV. Payment Address
Please enclose check payable to the Healthcare
Compliance Packaging Council, and mail to:
Peter G. Mayberry
Executive Director
Healthcare Compliance Packaging Council
131 E. Broad St., Ste. 206
Falls Church, VA 22046
Telephone (703) 538-4030
Non-Voting Members ONLY must sign the following certification:
As the designated representative to the Healthcare Compliance
Packaging Council, I ________________________ (your name)
certify that my company _________________________ (company
name) has annual sales of less than $10 million in blister packaging
materials, and that we have elected to join the Healthcare Compliance
Packaging Council on a non-voting basis.
Signature: ________________________________
Unit Dose Alert • www.unitdose.org • March 2007 23

024_SponsorPage.qxd 3/6/07 11:30 AM Page 24
would like to thank our sponsors for their support.
pharm a p ackaging r esearc h