Rexam has developed Novelia®, a preservative-free, multidose eyedropper similar in usage to a classic multidose eyedropper. The device is able to calibrate droplets, which improves compliance.
Preservatives have been linked to side effects and allergic reactions, and their use in chronic treatments should be avoided. This is especially true for ophthalmic therapies due to the sensitivity of the eye. However, it has been challenging to create ergonomic, multidose, preservative-free devices that are convenient to use that promote patient compliance/adherence.
Most multidose eyedroppers contain preservatives. The most well-known is Benzalkonium chloride (BAK), which may cause damage to the cornea in chronic ophthalmic use. The most widely used preservative-free ophthalmic eyedropper is the unidose eyedropper, a single-use product that requires specific equipment for pharmaceutical labs.
For ophthalmic pharmaceutical companies, Novelia offers the following advantages:
• Compatibility with existing filling lines
• Ability to handle a wide range of drug viscosities
• Sustainability
• Availability in a large range of bottle sizes (5-mL to 20-mL)
The key requirement for Novelia is microbiological sterility. The device has been tested and confirmed for content sterility and drop non-contamination for the treatment duration (90 days).
Novelia is an ophthalmic drug delivery device that gives patients a preservative-free alternative for chronic treatments in a patient-friendly package.
