Aptar awarded Federal Government contract to advance novel sterilization technology for medical devices

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AptarGroup, a global leader in drug and consumer product dosing, dispensing and protection technologies, announced that it was awarded a contract from the U.S. Federal Government to advance development of its ActivShield technology. This innovative solution sterilizes medical devices and instruments without the need for a power source, making it a versatile solution for numerous environments, including rural areas, military settings and healthcare facilities with limited or no current sterilization capability. The five-year contract is valued at approximately $4.8 million.

ActivShield technology leverages Aptar CSP Technologies’ 20+ years of material science expertise and is built upon the company’s 3-Phase Activ-Polymer platform, a highly engineered active material science solution trusted by global brands to protect sensitive drug products, medical devices, drug delivery systems and probiotics.

ActivShield technology is a portable, novel sterilization modality that does not require conventional infrastructure, power, or extensive training, and does not present the health risk associated with the use of Ethelyne Oxide (EtO). ActivShield uses a highly engineered Activ-Film material that emits a controlled amount of chlorine dioxide gas to sterilize a wide range of medical devices and instruments.

Aptar’s technology can be custom engineered to meet the needs of specific devices and conditions. Its stability throughout shelf life and compact size makes it easy to stockpile, and all materials are manufactured in the United States.

ActivShield technology is well-positioned to fill unmet sterilization needs in remote or emergency response civilian settings, which could significantly reduce infection risks stemming from inadequately sterilized medical devices and instruments. Additionally, the technology could reduce reliance on expensive and unsafe sterilization techniques such as EtO, which has come under recent scrutiny by the EPA for toxic emissions.