New-Generation Eyedroppers Make Preservatives ObsoleteNew-Generation Eyedroppers Make Preservatives Obsolete
Contract developer-manufacturer Unither Pharmaceuticals enters the market for preservative-free multidose ophthalmic products.

At a Glance
- Unither’s first market entry uses proven dispensing components from others.
- A closing tip and one-way valve are key innovations to prevent contamination.
Eye drops containing preservatives can cause irritation, allergic reactions, and even damage patients’ eyes through prolonged use. Makers of preservative-free multidose (PFMD) ophthalmic products have entered the market to address this problem.
Contract development and manufacturing organization Unither Pharmaceuticals is the latest PFMD market entrant, having launched production of PFMD products at its Normandy, France, facility specializing in flexible batches from 3 liters to 2,000 liters for commercial production. The multidose aseptic filling process limits environmental contamination risk with a system that allows in-situ cleaning and sterilizing; and integration with a continuously monitored isolator. Sterile vials and droppers are supplied in specific bags for aseptic connection via a rapid transfer port (RTP).
How PFMD dropper bottles prevent contamination.
To avoid the need for preservatives and prevent bacterial contamination over the course of treatment, Unither’s PFMD products incorporate components already in the market, namely, Aptar’s ophthalmic squeeze dispenser (OSD) technology platform and Nemera’s Novelia multidose closing tip system (as shown in the below video).
Novelia’s PureFlow technology uses a closing tip for a consistent, measured drop. It ensures sterility inside the bottle using a one-way valve, which prevents contaminated liquid from being reintroduced into the container after a drop has been dispensed. Three flow-control options accommodate highly liquid to highly viscous formulations in five drop sizes ranging from 28 to 46 microliters.
According to suppliers, the multidose eye dropper is convenient, user friendly, and improves adherence to treatment by dispensing calibrated drops for precise dosing. The packaging also offers an alternative to single-dose vials for reducing packaging waste.

More than 500 consumer products and prescription eye-care medications worldwide use the Aptar Pharma Ophthalmic Squeeze Dispenser for preservative-free multidose. Aptar Pharma
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