Oct. 13, 2009 (Business Wire) -- MeadWestvaco Corp. (NYSE: MWV) today announced the completion of a year-long validation and industrialization capital program for its line of preservative-free nasal pumps, the PFP N. Now commercially available in a range of dispensing volumes, MWV will feature the PFP N at the 2009 International Contract Services Expo in Madrid (stand 8G72).

PFP N joins MWV Healthcare’s line of successful pharmaceutical packaging products designed to improve the consumer experience and maximize supply chain efficiencies.

MWV developed the PFP N to address demand for delivery systems that protect preservative-free drugs from contamination. Preservative-free medication can reduce nasal irritation and sensitivity attributed to formulas that contain preservatives.

A recent survey of physicians conducted by MWV showed that preservative-free applications are overwhelmingly preferred. Of 205 general practitioners and specialists surveyed, 70 percent prefer to prescribe preservative-free drugs when presented with a choice between preservative or preservative-free medicines. When physicians were reminded of the benefits of preservative-free drugs (fewer side effects or reactions, less irritation, fewer patient complaints, improved patient compliance), their preference for preservative-free increased to more than 80 percent.

“The PFP N meets our customers’ needs for a high-quality, customizable solution that protects formula integrity and ultimately helps to ensure patient comfort and outcomes,” said Rolf Kitiratschky, regional sales director Europe, Adherence & Delivery Systems, MWV Healthcare Packaging. “The results of our physician survey validate that gentler, more natural applications are preferred by both healthcare providers and the patients they treat.”

PFP N provides key benefits to patients, drug manufacturers and brand owners.

• Patients can count on a safe and reliable pump that delivers consumer-preferred all-natural and preservative-free products and formulations.
• Patients enjoy a gentler, patient-preferred nasal experience with less irritation and stinging that can be caused by preservatives.
• PFP N ensures protection from contamination while providing confidence in preservative-free formulation protection.
• Patients can use preservative-free drugs in PFP N and not worry about the potential side effects of some preservatives or the short- and long-term consequences, such as rhinitis medicamentosa (“rebound nasal congestion”).