Aptar, a global leader in dosing, dispensing, and protection technologies for drugs and consumer products, has secured a contract from the U.S. Federal Government to further develop its ActivShield™ technology. This groundbreaking solution allows for the sterilization of medical devices and instruments without requiring a power source, making it an adaptable option for various environments, including rural areas, military operations, and healthcare facilities with limited or no existing sterilization capabilities.
Leveraging over 20 years of expertise in material science, Aptar CSP Technologies has developed ActivShield™ on its proven 3-Phase Activ-Polymer™ platform. This sophisticated material science solution is trusted by global brands to protect sensitive products such as drugs, medical devices, drug delivery systems, and probiotics.
The ActivShield™ technology represents a portable and innovative sterilization method that eliminates the need for traditional infrastructure, power, or extensive training. Importantly, it also avoids the health risks associated with Ethylene Oxide (EtO). Instead, ActivShield™ utilizes a specially engineered Activ-Film™ material that releases a controlled amount of chlorine dioxide gas, effectively sterilizing a wide array of medical devices and instruments.
Stephan B. Tanda, Aptar’s President and CEO, expressed pride in collaborating with the U.S. Government, stating, “As an innovation leader in pharmaceutical dosing, dispensing, and protection technologies, we are excited to advance our ActivShield™ solution for sterilizing medical devices and instruments in locations lacking a power source, enhancing its versatility.”
Aptar’s technology can be tailored to meet the specific requirements of different devices and conditions. Its compact size and stability throughout shelf life make it easy to store, with all materials manufactured in the United States.
ActivShield™ is positioned to address unmet sterilization needs in remote or emergency response settings, potentially reducing the risk of infections from inadequately sterilized medical devices and instruments. Furthermore, this technology could lessen reliance on costly and hazardous sterilization methods like EtO, which has faced increased scrutiny from the EPA due to toxic emissions.
For military applications, ActivShield™ can provide wounded service members in remote environments with access to sterilized instruments during critical pre-hospitalization periods following severe injuries.
John Belfance, president of Aptar CSP Technologies, remarked, “ActivShield™ technology is a breakthrough in material science that has the potential to significantly enhance reliable instrument sterilization in challenging environments, simplifying processes and saving lives. We are grateful for the government’s support, which recognizes the promise of this new technology, and we look forward to advancing ActivShield™ to the forefront of sterilization methods.”
The five-year contract is valued at approximately $4.8 million and is supported by the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command under Contract No. HT9425-24-C-0078. The views, opinions, and findings presented in this report are those of the author(s) and should not be interpreted as an official position, policy, or decision of the Department of the Army unless otherwise specified.
