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Packaging for medications on ISS and future space missions

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What is the issue with how medications are packaged on ISS?�

  • Medications on ISS are not packaged for individual dosing

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  • Medications possibly do not have the longest shelf life due to current packaging

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  • Once initial medication is opened the remaining medication starts the degradation process which reduces the shelf life of that medication.

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How does Degradation Process Work?�

Once a pill bottle is opened it starts the degradation process. This happens when exposed to the air inside ISS or other space vehicle or habitat.

Once the degradation process starts then medications do not last as long. Decreased Shelf Life.

This will be a problem especially on long duration missions., where re-supply is not easy or possible.

Not all medications degrade in the same fashion. Some have to be at certain temperatures, light, humidity.

There are USP (United States Pharmacopeia )standards that have to be met for medication storage. US Pharmacopeia (USP). Standards vary based on the medication.

There are FDA ( Federal Drug Administration) standards as well for medication storage https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/

The FDA and USP usually work together to determine best storage methods.

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Requirements

Look at the PDF that has the oral medications that are currently used on the ISS. (Look on Website for the Medication PDF)

Look at USP and FDA websites to determine specific storage requirements for at least 15 different oral medications (remember not all medications will be stored in the same fashion to keep it from degrading)

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Packaging Idea constraints

  • Determine 2-3 storage /packaging solution ideas based on the 15 different medicines you looked up (Draw or CAD)
  • Prototype two different solutions and explain which medications out of the 15 you looked at that your prototype is for. (These two solutions should have different storage requirements from each other. Use USP and FDA guidance)
  • For example: As soon as a bottle of Tylenol is opened the Tylenol remaining in the bottle starts degrading. We want to ensure that the shelf life of the leftover Tylenol can stay good for as long as possible.
  • Packaging/Storage Solution should be Bio-degradable
  • Consider the type of material to meet the requirements of the USP/FDA standards (ie. No UV light penetration, cold storage, etc.)
  • Solution should be compact as to not take up a lot of extra room and will be stored in the soft stowed medical kits
  • Solution should help retain the shelf life of the medication per normal dosing.

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