Sealing a pharmaceutical formulation in a package

Abstract

An apparatus is provided for sealing a first layer to a second layer, the second layer comprising one or more cavities adapted to contain a pharmaceutical formulation. The apparatus comprises a roller comprising a heating element, and a surface adapted to support the first and second layers, the surface being translatable relative to the roller. The first layer may be heat sealed to the second layer when contacted by the roller to contain the pharmaceutical formulation within the one or more cavities.

1 . An apparatus for sealing a first layer to a second layer, the second layer comprising one or more cavities adapted to contain a pharmaceutical formulation, the apparatus comprising: 
 a roller comprising a heating element; and    a surface adapted to support the first and second layers, the surface being translatable relative to the roller;    whereby the first layer may be heat sealed to the second layer when contacted by the roller to contain the pharmaceutical formulation within the one or more cavities.    
     
     
         2 . An apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein at least a portion of the surface is substantially flat.  
     
     
         3 . An apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the surface comprises one or more recesses adapted to contain the one or more cavities.  
     
     
         4 . An apparatus for sealing a first layer to a second layer, the second layer comprising one or more cavities adapted to contain a pharmaceutical formulation, the apparatus comprising: 
 a roller comprising a heating element; and    a surface adapted to support the second layer, wherein at least a portion of the surface is substantially flat;    whereby the first layer may be heat sealed to the second layer when contacted by the roller to contain the pharmaceutical formulation within the one or more cavities.    
     
     
         5 . An apparatus according to  claim 4  wherein the surface comprises one or more recesses adapted to contain the one or more cavities.  
     
     
         6 . A method of sealing a package, the method comprising: 
 providing a first layer and a second layer on a surface, the second layer comprising one or more cavities containing a pharmaceutical formulation;    compressing the layers together with a heated roller; and    translating the heated roller relative to the surface,    whereby the first layer may be heat sealed to the second layer when contacted by the roller to contain the pharmaceutical formulation within the one or more cavities.    
     
     
         7 . A method according to  claim 6  wherein the surface is substantially flat.  
     
     
         8 . A method according to  claim 6  wherein the first layer comprises a metal.  
     
     
         9 . A method according to  claim 6  wherein the second layer comprises a metal.  
     
     
         10 . A method according to  claim 6  wherein the first layer and the second layer each comprise a metal.  
     
     
         11 . A method according to  claim 6  wherein the pharmaceutical formulation comprises a dry powder.  
     
     
         12 . A method according to  claim 6  wherein the pharmaceutical formulation comprises an aerosolizable dry powder.  
     
     
         13 . A method according to  claim 6  wherein the pharmaceutical formulation is within a capsule.  
     
     
         14 . A method according to  claim 6  wherein the pharmaceutical formulation comprises an aerosolizable dry powder within a capsule.  
     
     
         15 . A pharmaceutical package made by a process comprising: 
 providing a first layer and a second layer on a surface, the second layer comprising one or more cavities containing a pharmaceutical formulation;    pressing the layers together with a heated roller; and    translating the heated roller relative to the surface,    whereby the first layer may be heat sealed to the second layer when contacted by the roller to contain the pharmaceutical formulation within the one or more cavities.    
     
     
         16 . A pharmaceutical package according to  claim 15  wherein the surface is substantially flat.  
     
     
         17 . A pharmaceutical package according to  claim 15  wherein the first layer comprises a metal.  
     
     
         18 . A pharmaceutical package according to  claim 15  wherein the second layer comprises a metal.  
     
     
         19 . A pharmaceutical package according to  claim 15  wherein the first layer and the second layer each comprise a metal.  
     
     
         20 . A pharmaceutical package according to  claim 15  wherein the pharmaceutical formulation comprises a dry powder.  
     
     
         21 . A pharmaceutical package according to  claim 15  wherein the pharmaceutical formulation comprises an aerosolizable dry powder.  
     
     
         22 . A pharmaceutical package according to  claim 15  wherein the pharmaceutical formulation is within a capsule.  
     
     
         23 . A pharmaceutical package according to  claim 15  wherein the pharmaceutical formulation comprises an aerosolizable dry powder within a capsule.