MWV Shellpak Renew with Optilock is Smallest Child-Resistant Adherence Package Available

MeadWestvaco Corp. (MWV), Richmond, Va., USA, has introduced Shellpak® Renew with Optilock™ technology. This smaller, more discreet medication adherence package is designed to meet patient and pharmacist needs by enabling greater patient portability and improving pharmacy efficiency. The package features an advanced locking mechanism for the highest level of child resistance (F=1) in a significantly reduced package size. It is 23% smaller than the original Shellpak Renew, while still accommodating the same medications. The package will launch at Walmart pharmacies this summer with medications from Mylan, a generics and specialty pharmaceutical company. Additional medications will follow later this year through MWV.

"Walmart is committed to developing scalable, accessible solutions to improve patient adherence to medication," said Sandy Kinsey, VP, Pharmacy Merchandising for Walmart Stores. "We are proud to offer Shellpak Renew with Optilock technology and are excited about the new, smaller package size, which many of our patients requested."

Shellpak Renew with Optilock technology features a calendared blister and space for patient educational information, which is shown to improve patient adherence to medications. The decreased package size provides a more convenient way for patients to access and carry their medications, while also making dispensing medications quicker and easier for pharmacists.

Mylan Pharmaceuticals is working with Walmart to offer 11 SKUs packaged in the new Shellpak.

The package's outer carton is made of MWV's Natralock®, a paperboard-based packaging solution that maximizes the use of recyclable materials and minimizes waste. The secure, tear-resistant carton does not require paper backing on the foil blister, making pill expression easy. In addition, the package contains enhanced adherence features, including a smooth-slide blister for easy medication access and color-coded spine labels to help distinguish among medications.

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