PACKAGING MEMBER FOR PHOTOSENSITIVE DRUG SUBSTANCE AND PACKAGING PRODUCT COMPRISING THE PACKAGING MEMBER - Patent application

Abstract

The present invention relates to a packaging member (1) for a light-sensitive drug substance fabricated from a substantially rigid sheet-like material defining an outer package surface (20) and an inner package surface (30). The packaging member (10) comprises a front wall member (1), a rear wall member (2), and at least four side wall members (3, 4, 5, 6). The inner package surface (30) of at least one of the front wall member (1), the rear wall member (1), and / or the at least four side wall members (3, 4, 5, 6) comprises a color adapted to provide at least about 50% light absorption.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Technical Field The present invention relates to a packaging member for a photosensitive drug substance according to the preamble of claim 1. [Background technology]

[0002] Background technology It is generally known that certain pharmaceuticals, such as vitamins, antihistamines, some anticancer drugs, anti-infectives, cytostatics, cardiovascular drugs, gastrointestinal medications, psychotropic drugs, analgesics, etc., are extremely sensitive to light and / or UV radiation. If such pharmaceuticals that require protection from light are not stored correctly, degradation of the active ingredients and / or the formation of toxic by-products may occur, which may be harmful to the patient's health. It has been observed that such adverse effects can occur as soon as standard pharmaceutical packaging containing the respective drug substance (e.g., tablet or pill or equivalent dosage form) is opened and exposed to ambient light for a certain period of time.

[0003] Therefore, various package solutions have been proposed to generate relief.

[0004] In order to facilitate quick access when applying, in practice, medical staff in large hospitals often remove the outer packaging of a large amount of photosensitive drug substances, store them in a dark box, and open the box when needed.Also, for example, medicine bottles or containers are placed in an open box with the outer packaging removed, and then covered with a light-shielding cloth.The light-shielding cloth is removed when the bottle is taken out.The disadvantages of this method are, firstly, that it is inconvenient to take out each object, and secondly, that when opening the package or removing the cover, many other drug substances / bottles are exposed to light.

[0005] Against this background, Chinese Utility Model No. 215664578 describes an access box for light-shielding photosensitive drug substances, comprising a box body and a plurality of chutes arranged within the box body, the front ends of the chutes being positioned such that the front ends of the chutes are lower than the rear ends of the chutes, and the front and rear ends of the chutes have front and rear notches, respectively. The front notches are equipped with stoppers to prevent the medicine bottles from automatically sliding out, and the front and rear notches are equipped with shielding devices comprising layered doors or layered soft curtains arranged between two adjacent upper and lower eaves.

[0006] European Patent Application Publication No. 3000750 provides a light-shielding sheet that blocks light of a specific wavelength and can prevent the light-shielding substance from migrating into the contents and leaching out of the container, as well as a container manufactured using the light-shielding sheet. The light-shielding sheet of this invention has a multilayer structure of three or more layers, including at least one light-shielding layer that blocks light of a specific wavelength and / or an eluate-blocking layer that blocks substances that leach from the light-shielding layer. When a container is manufactured from the light-shielding sheet, eluate-blocking layer A is provided at least between the light-shielding layer and the innermost layer or on the innermost layer, and eluate-blocking layer B is provided between the light-shielding layer and the outermost layer or on the outermost layer. Furthermore, the light-shielding layer may also serve as an eluate-blocking layer.

[0007] The above solutions have generally proven to provide adequate light protection, but come with some risk of cumbersomeness, significant expense, and / or disruption.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need for a packaging solution that can provide the same or even enhanced protection while being more efficient, less error prone and less costly to handle. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Disclosure of the Invention According to the present invention, this need is solved by a packaging element as defined by the features of independent claim 1. Preferred embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0010] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a packaging member for a light-sensitive drug substance fabricated from a substantially rigid sheet-like material defining an outer package surface and an inner package surface. The packaging member includes a front wall member, a rear wall member, and at least four side wall members. The inner package surface of at least one of the front wall member, the rear wall member, and / or the at least four side wall members includes a color adapted to provide at least about 50% light absorption.

[0011] As used herein, the term "substantially rigid sheet-like material" refers to a material that deforms only when subjected to an external force and that has a surface many times greater than its thickness. Exemplary materials therefore include carton in particular, but also plastic or plant-based materials with similar properties.

[0012] "Light absorption" as defined herein refers to the amount of light absorbed at normal incidence (as measured with a standard spectrophotometer), i.e., particularly visible and UV light. However, this does not exclude the possibility that light absorption may be greater at other angles of incidence.

[0013] "Color" as defined herein specifically includes dark colors, especially black, but also, for example, dark gray, purple, dark blue, dark brown, dark green, or dark red. In a preferred manner, the color is provided in the form of an ink print on the inner package or carton surface. Alternatively, or in addition, a dark coating may be applied to the inner package or carton surface.

[0014] The packaging members of the present invention may therefore provide highly efficient light protection, allowing light-sensitive drug substances in particular to remain in their original secondary or protective packaging (e.g., tablet blisters may remain in their carton box) which may be opened by medical staff or the patient themselves to remove the required dose without associated light exposure (e.g., due to light reflection on the inner walls of the package) that could lead to degradation of components of the drug substance.

[0015] In other words, the packaging member of the present invention neatly combines the advantages of relatively short light exposure through a relatively small opening in the medicine box with a significantly reduced light reflection on its inner surface.

[0016] It should be noted that a noticeable protective effect can already be achieved if (only) the inner surface of the large surface of the packaging member, which is usually rectangular and directly faces the drug substance within the packaging member, is provided with the respective color.

[0017] Preferably, the inner package surfaces of the front wall member, the rear wall member, and / or at least two of the at least four side wall members are provided with a color adapted to provide at least about 50% light absorption, which can further improve light blocking efficiency. In a particularly preferred embodiment, for example, the inner package surfaces of the two wide side wall members of a rectangular package are provided with the respective color.

[0018] Preferably, the inner package surfaces of the front wall member, the rear wall member, and / or at least three of the at least four side wall members are provided with a color adapted to provide at least about 50% light absorption. This can further improve light blocking efficiency. In a particularly preferred embodiment, for example, the inner package surfaces of the two wide side wall members and one small side wall member of a rectangular package are provided with the respective colors.

[0019] Preferably, the inner package surfaces of the front wall member, the rear wall member, and / or at least four of the at least four side wall members are provided with a color adapted to provide at least about 50% light absorption, which can also further improve light blocking efficiency. In a particularly preferred embodiment, for example, the inner package surfaces of all four side wall members of a rectangular package are provided with the respective color to effectively avoid / reduce reflections.

[0020] Preferably, the inner package surfaces of the front wall member, the rear wall member, and / or at least five of the at least four side walls are provided with a color adapted to provide at least about 50% light absorption. Again, light blocking efficiency can be further improved. In a particularly preferred embodiment, for example, the inner package surfaces of the front wall member and four side wall members of a rectangular package are provided with respective colors to effectively avoid / reduce reflections (especially once the package is opened).

[0021] Preferably, the inner package surfaces of, for example, the front wall member, the back wall member, and the four side wall members of a rectangular package are provided with a color adapted to provide at least about 50% light absorption, in this way the entire inner package surface is involved and optimal light blocking efficiency can be achieved.

[0022] Preferably, the color is adapted to provide light absorption of at least about 75%, more preferably at least about 90%, even more preferably at least about 95%, and even more preferably at least about 99%, which can further reduce the percentage of reflected light for each or all of the inner package surfaces, i.e., depending on the particular color and / or surface characteristics applied.

[0023] Preferably, the front wall member has a front closure flap, and / or the rear wall member has a rear closure flap. The closure flaps serve to securely close / open the package members. They usually have the same color as the front or rear wall member on the inner package surface. However, it is also conceivable that the closure flaps have a color different from the color of the front or rear wall member.

[0024] Preferably, at least two of the side wall members have front and / or rear side flaps. The side flaps serve as additional protection and support secure closure of the front and rear closure flaps. They typically have the same color as the respective side wall members on the inner package surface. However, it is also conceivable that the side flaps have a color different from the color of the side wall members.

[0025] Preferably, at least one of the (outer) side wall members of the packaging member comprises a joining flap configured to receive a glue or adhesive application for fixedly attaching the respective outer side wall of the packaging member to the other outer side wall during assembly.

[0026] Preferably, the (outer) sidewall member opposite the (outer) sidewall member with the joining flap preferably has a non-colored area on the inner package surface corresponding to the joining flap. In this way, dark colors can be saved and optimal adhesive strength can be ensured because abrasion, which has been shown to have a detrimental effect in this regard, cannot occur at the joining or adhesive site. In this regard, it should be noted that the term "non-colored" should be understood so that the respective area is not printed and / or coated with a dark color that absorbs light. Therefore, the non-colored area usually has the same color as the outer carton or outer package surface, which is usually, but not necessarily, white.

[0027] Preferably, except for the non-colored areas, the remaining part of the inner package surface of the side wall members has a dark color adapted to provide light absorption. It has been found that if the four side wall members have a dark color and the other flaps and the front or rear wall member remain non-colored on the inner package surface, very good light protection and considerable color savings can be achieved at the same time. Due to the fact that the side flaps, closure flaps, and front and rear wall members overlap in the assembled state, it is sufficient for most applications if (only) the side wall members have a dark color.

[0028] Preferably, the folds formed between the individual side wall elements and between the side wall elements with joining flaps and the joining flaps themselves remain uncolored. Even more preferably, the folds between the (outer) side wall element with joining flaps and its side flaps, between the adjacent side wall element and its front wall element, between the further adjacent side wall element and its side flaps, and between the (other outer) side wall element and its rear wall element also remain uncolored. In this way, additional ink can be saved while still ensuring very good light protection. Furthermore, contamination in the folding machine can be avoided in an efficient manner.

[0029] Preferably, the joining flap comprises a joining portion and a shielding portion, the shielding portion preferably having an attachment portion, in this way a shielding and retention structure can be formed within the assembled (or folded and glued) packaging members that holds, for example, a vial in place and also protects it from shock and vibration.

[0030] Preferably, the side wall member opposite the one with the joining flap preferably has a non-colored area on the inner package surface corresponding to the joining portion of the joining flap, in which case dark colors can also be spared and optimal adhesive strength can be ensured, since no abrasion can occur at the joining or adhesive site, which has proven to have a detrimental effect in this regard.

[0031] More preferably, the side wall member comprising the joining flap preferably comprises an uncolored area on its inner packaging surface corresponding to the attachment of the shielding part of the joining flap, which on the one hand covers the uncolored area to ensure light protection and on the other hand has a dark color on its inner packaging surface to provide optimal joining.

[0032] Preferably, one of the side wall members, in particular the side wall member facing the side wall member with the joining flap in the assembled state, comprises a rear transverse flap with a folded portion, the folded portion preferably having an attachment portion, so that a support and retention structure can be formed within the assembled (or folded and glued) packaging members, for example, to hold the vial in place and also protect it from shock and vibration.

[0033] Preferably, the side wall member comprising the rear side flap comprises a non-colored area on the inner package surface, preferably corresponding to the attachment portion of the rear side flap, the attachment portion covering the non-colored area to ensure optimal bonding, where the attachment portion does not necessarily have to comprise a dark color.

[0034] Preferably, at least one of the side wall members includes an access opening which provides convenient handling and is preferably provided in the unfolded packaging member in the form of a perforated portion which is removed by the user when initially opening the packaging member.

[0035] Preferably, the color is applied to the inner package surface in the form of dark ink printing. The most preferred color for dark ink printing is black, but for example, dark gray, purple, dark blue, dark brown, dark green, and dark red can also be used advantageously. Dark ink printing represents a very cost-effective approach. Preferably, the dark ink printing is provided in one or more layers. More preferably, the layer of dark ink printing may comprise an additional dark lacquer layer. The most preferred color for the dark lacquer layer is still black, but for example, dark gray, purple, dark blue, dark brown, dark green, and dark red can also be used advantageously. It is also generally considered to subject the printed surface to chemical and / or mechanical pretreatment in order to make light absorption more effective, especially for angles of incidence other than 90°, such as 45°.

[0036] Preferably, the color is applied to the inner package surface in the form of a dark coating (or alternatively, the surface by dark ink printing). Such a coating may include, for example, a functional surface such as carbon-based nanotubes or an etched nickel-phosphorus alloy.

[0037] Preferably, the substantially rigid sheet-like material has a uniform thickness, thus ensuring an uninterrupted printing and / or coating process.

[0038] Preferably, the packaging member is in the form of a secondary packaging member that defines a storage space for the photosensitive drug substance contained in the primary package. A typical application for the package of the present invention is tablets provided in several blister layers (as the primary package), the blister layers being enclosed in a drug storage space defined by the inner surface of the package wall member.

[0039] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a (secondary) packaged product comprising a packaging member as described above and a light-sensitive drug substance in a primary package contained within the packaging member, preferably in the primary package. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0040] The packaging member according to the invention will be explained in more detail below by way of an exemplary embodiment and in comparison with a packaging member of the prior art with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a top view of the exterior of a prior art packaging member in an unfolded state. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a top view of the interior surface of a prior art packaging member in an unfolded state. [Figure 3] 1 is a perspective view of prior art packaging members in an assembled state; [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a top view of the exterior of a packaging member of the present invention in an unfolded state. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a top view of the inner surface of the packaging member of the present invention in an unfolded state. [Figure 6] 1 is a perspective view of the packaging members of the present invention in an assembled state. [Figure 7] 1 is a top view of the interior surface of a preferred embodiment of a packaging member of the present invention in an unfolded state. [Figure 7] 10 is a top view of the inner surface of a further preferred embodiment of a packaging member of the present invention in an unfolded state. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a top view of the inner surface of yet another preferred embodiment of a packaging member of the present invention in an unfolded state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0041] Description of the embodiment In the following description, certain terminology is used for convenience and is not intended to limit the invention. The terms "right," "left," "up," "down," "under," and "above" refer to directions in the figures. The use of terms includes the explicitly mentioned terms as well as their derivatives and terms of similar meaning. In addition, spatially relative terms such as "beneath," "below," "lower," "above," "upper," "proximal," and "distal" may be used to describe the relationship of one element or feature shown in the figures to another element or feature. These spatially relative terms are intended to encompass various positions and orientations of the device during use or operation in addition to the positions and orientations shown in the figures. For example, if a device in the figures were inverted, elements described as "below" or "below" other elements or features would now be "above" or "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term "downward" can encompass both upward and downward positions and orientations. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein may be interpreted accordingly. Similarly, descriptions of movement along and about various axes include various particular device positions and orientations.

[0042] To avoid repetition in the figures and descriptions of various aspects and exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that many features are common to many aspects and embodiments. If an aspect is omitted from a description or figure, this does not mean that the aspect is missing from an embodiment incorporating that aspect. Rather, the aspect may have been omitted for purposes of clarity and to avoid redundant description. In this context, the following applies to the remainder of this specification: for clarity of the drawings, if a figure includes a reference sign that is not described in the directly relevant part of the specification, reference is made to the preceding or subsequent part of the specification. Furthermore, for clarity, if not all features of a part in a drawing are labeled with a reference sign, reference is made to other drawings showing the same part. Like numbers in two or more figures represent the same or similar elements.

[0043] 1 shows a top view of the outer packaging surface 20' or outer carton of a prior art packaging member 10' in an unfolded state. In such prior art packaging members, the outer carton 20' is typically white in color with the brand of the respective drug or medication printed on it.

[0044] 2 shows a top view of the inner package surface 30' or inner carton of a prior art packaging member 10' in an unfolded state. In such prior art packaging member, the inner carton 30' has an unprinted inner surface, i.e., a light-colored inner surface that reflects a large portion of incident light.

[0045] 3 shows a prior art packaging member 10' in its assembled (box-like) state, with the carton defining the receiving space 62' of the box 10' and the inner packaging surface remaining unprinted. Thus, in the open state of the packaging member 10', incident light is reflected by the inner sidewall and thus directed towards, for example, tablets in blisters inside the receiving space 62'.

[0046] 4 shows a top view of the outer packaging surface 20 or outer carton of the packaging member 10 of the present invention in an unfolded state. The packaging member of the present invention also typically comprises a white outer carton 20 on which the brand of the respective drug or medication is printed.

[0047] The package member 10 comprises a front wall member 1, a rear wall member 2, and side wall members 3, 4, 5, and 6, with side wall members 3 and 5 representing the smaller side walls of the package member 10 and side wall members 4 and 6 representing the larger side walls. The outer side wall member 3 comprises front and rear side flaps 31 and 32, which interact with front and rear side flaps 51 and 52 of the inner side wall member 5 in the assembled state shown in FIG. 6 . Furthermore, the outer side wall member 3 comprises, at its free longitudinal edge, a joining flap 33, which attaches the outer side wall member 3 to the free longitudinal edge of the larger side wall member 6 (from the inside). The inner larger side wall member 4 comprises, at its upper end, a top wall member 1, which comprises a top closure flap 11. The outer larger side wall member 6, in turn, comprises, at its rear end, a rear wall member 2, which comprises a rear closure flap 22. Fold lines f (shown by way of example only) are provided between the outer smaller side wall member 3 and the joining flap 33 and the side flaps 31, 32, between the inner larger side wall member 4 and the top wall member 1, between the top wall member 1 and the top closure flap 11, between the inner smaller side wall member 5 and the side flaps 51, 52, between the outer larger side wall member 6 and the rear wall member 2, and between the rear wall member 2 and the rear closure flap 22. The fold lines f may be in the form of weakened portions in the carton material.

[0048] Figure 5 shows a top view of the inner package surface 30 or inner carton of a packaging member 10 of the present invention in an unfolded state. Thus, Figure 5 is symmetrically identical to Figure 4 (i.e., similar to Figures 1 and 2), and the respective elements are provided with the same reference numerals as in Figure 4. In contrast to the prior art solutions described above in connection with Figures 1-3, the packaging member 10 according to the present invention is provided, over its entire inner surface 30, with a dark color (and / or dark coating) adapted to absorb up to almost all incident light. However, it is also conceivable that only some of the wall members and / or flaps are provided with a dark color, which ultimately depends on the drug or medication that the packaging member 10 is intended to receive. Furthermore, it is also conceivable that some or all of the wall members and / or flaps are provided with individually different colors.

[0049] 6 shows the packaging member 10 of the present invention in an assembled (box-like) state, with the carton defining the (dark) storage space 62 of the box 10 with a uniform dark color to ensure the intended light protection. Thus, in the open state of the packaging member 10, light is almost completely absorbed by the inner sidewall and therefore cannot be directed towards, for example, tablets in blisters inside the dark storage space 62. The exemplary access opening 61 may be omitted in other embodiments.

[0050] Figure 7 shows a top view of the inner package surface 30 or inner carton of a preferred embodiment of the packaging member 10 of the present invention in an unfolded state. Figure 7 is substantially identical to Figure 5, and the respective elements are provided with the same reference numerals as in Figure 5. In contrast to the packaging member shown and described in Figure 5, the packaging member 10 of Figure 7 includes an uncolored area 63 on the outer edge of the side wall member 6, which corresponds to the joining flap 33 of the side wall member 3. The outer surface (uncolored surface) of the joining flap 3 is bonded to the uncolored area 63 of the side wall member 6. In this way, the dark color can be saved, and the adhesive bond is stronger than if a colored surface and an uncolored surface were bonded to each other.

[0051] In a further preferred embodiment shown in Figure 8, the front wall member 1 with the closure flap 11, the rear wall member 2 with the closure flap 22, the side flaps 51, 52 and also the side flaps 31, 32 remain uncolored, i.e. together with the uncolored area 63 of the side wall member 6. In this way, the overlap formed by the above-mentioned wall members and flaps allows further savings in dark colors without substantially interfering with the light absorption effect.

[0052] 9 shows a top view of the inner package surface 30 or inner carton of yet another preferred embodiment of the packaging member 10 of the present invention in an unfolded state. Here, the front wall member 1 with closure flap 11, the rear wall member 2 with closure flap 22, the side flaps 51, 520, and the side flaps 31, 32 remain uncolored. The side wall member 6 comprises an uncolored area 64, the side wall member 5 comprises an uncolored area 66, and the side wall member 3 comprises an uncolored area 65. Furthermore, the (longitudinal) folds f formed between the individual side wall members 3, 4, 5, and 6, as well as between the side wall member 3 with its joining flaps 33, 330 and the joining flaps 33, 330 themselves, also remain uncolored. Furthermore, the (lateral) folds f between the side wall member 3 and its lateral flaps 31, 32, between the side wall member 4 and its front wall member 1, between the side wall member 5 and its lateral flaps 52, 520, and between the side wall member 6 and its rear wall member 2 also remain uncolored.

[0053] The joining flap 330 of the side wall member 3 in this embodiment is elongated compared to the joining flap 33 shown in, for example, Figures 7 and 8. Here, the joining flap 330 includes a joining portion 331, a shielding portion 332, and an attachment portion 333. The joining flap 330 is folded four times, i.e., around a fold line f formed between the side wall member 3 and the joining portion 331, around an additional fold line f' formed between the joining portion 331 and the shielding portion, around an additional fold line f' formed at an intermediate position of the shielding portion 332, and finally around an additional fold line f' formed between the shielding portion 332 and the attachment portion 333 at the outer edge of the joining flap 330. The non-colored outer surface of the attachment portion 333 is bonded to the non-colored region 65 of the side wall member 3. This creates, for example, a rectangular shielding or retention structure for a vial in the package. The non-colored outer surface of the joining portion 331 is bonded to the non-colored region 64 of the side wall member 6 .

[0054] In a similar manner to the joining flap 330, the rear side flap 520 is folded four times, i.e., around a fold line f formed between the side wall member 5 and the folded portion 521, around two additional fold lines f' formed at intermediate positions of the folded portion 521, and around an additional fold line f' formed between the folded portion 521 and an attachment portion 522 at the outer edge of the rear side flap 520. The non-pigmented outer surface of the attachment portion 522 is bonded to the non-pigmented region 66 of the side wall member 5. This creates a pedestal-like support or retention structure for, e.g., vials in the package, which, in cooperation with the shielding or retention structure, provides easy and efficient protection for the vials contained in, e.g., the assembled box.

[0055] The specification and accompanying drawings, which describe aspects and embodiments of the present invention, should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims, which define the protected invention. In other words, while the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and the foregoing description, such illustration and description should be considered illustrative or exemplary, rather than limiting. Various mechanical, compositional, structural, electrical, and operational changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the specification and claims. In some instances, well-known circuits, structures, and techniques have not been shown in detail so as not to obscure the invention. Accordingly, it will be understood that those skilled in the art may make changes and modifications within the scope and spirit of the following claims.

[0056] Furthermore, the present disclosure also encompasses all additional features that may not be described in the above or following description, but are individually shown in the drawings. Also, individual alternatives to the embodiments and individual alternatives to those features described in the drawings and specification may be discarded from the subject matter of the present invention or disclosed subject matter. The present disclosure includes subject matter consisting of, and comprising, the features defined in the claims or exemplary embodiments.

[0057] Furthermore, in the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite articles "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality. A single unit or step may fulfill the functions of several features recited in a claim. The fact that certain means are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these means cannot be advantageously used. The terms "essentially," "about," "approximately," and the like, in connection with an attribute or value specifically define that very attribute or exactly that value as well. The term "about" in the context of a given numerical value or range refers, for example, to a value or range that is within 20%, within 10%, within 5%, or within 2% of the given value or range. Components described as coupled or connected may be directly coupled electrically or mechanically or indirectly coupled via one or more intermediate components. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope. [Explanation of symbols]

[0058] 1 Front wall member 2 Rear wall member 3 Side wall member (narrow side) 4 Side wall member (wide surface) 5 Side wall member (narrow side) 6 Side wall member (wide surface) 10. Packaging materials 10' Package member (prior art) 11 Closure flap (front) 20 Outer package surface 20' Outer Package Surface (Prior Art) 22 Closure flap (rear) 30 Inner package surface 30' Inner Package Surface (Prior Art) 31 Side flap (front) 32 Side flap (rear) 33 Coaptation flap (Figures 4, 5, and 7) 330 Coaptation flap (Fig. 8) 331 Joint part 332 Shield part 333 (outside) mounting part 51 Side flap (front) 52 Lateral flap (rear) (Figures 4, 5, and 7) 520 Side flap (rear) (Figure 8) 521 Bending part 522 (outside) mounting part 61 Access opening 62 Containment Space 62' Storage Space (Prior Art) 63 Uncolored area (Figures 7 and 8) 64 Uncolored area (Figure 9) 65 Uncolored area (Figure 9) 66 Uncolored area (Figure 9) f Fold (example) f' fold (additional fold in Figure 9)

Claims

1. A package member (10) for a photosensitive drug substance, made of a substantially rigid sheet material that defines the outer package surface (20) and the inner package surface (30), The package member (10) comprises a front wall member (1), a rear wall member (2), and at least four side wall members (3, 4, 5, 6), The package member (10) is characterized in that the inner package surface (30) of the front wall member (1), the rear wall member (2), and / or at least one of the at least four side wall members (3, 4, 5, 6) has a color adapted to provide at least about 50% light absorption.

2. The package member (10) according to claim 1, wherein at least two of the front wall member (1), the rear wall member (2), and / or the inner package surface (30) of the at least four side wall members (3, 4, 5, 6) are colored to result in at least about 50% light absorption.

3. The package member (10) according to claim 1, wherein at least three of the front wall member (1), the rear wall member (2), and / or the at least four side wall members (3, 4, 5, 6) have a color adapted to result in at least about 50% light absorption.

4. The package member (10) according to claim 1, wherein at least four of the front wall member (1), the rear wall member (2), and / or the inner package surface (30) of the at least four side wall members (3, 4, 5, 6) have a color adapted to result in at least about 50% light absorption.

5. The package member (10) according to claim 1, wherein at least five of the inner package surfaces (30) of the front wall member (1), the rear wall member (2), and the at least four side wall members (3, 4, 5, 6) are colored to result in at least about 50% light absorption.

6. The package member (10) according to claim 1, wherein the inner package surface (30) of the front wall member (1), the rear wall member (2), and the four side wall members (3, 4, 5, 6) is colored to provide at least about 50% light absorption.

7. The package member (10) according to claim 1, wherein the color is adapted to result in at least about 75%, preferably at least about 90%, more preferably at least about 95%, and even more preferably at least 99% light absorption.

8. The package member (10) according to claim 1, wherein the front wall member (1) is provided with a front closing flap (11) and / or the rear wall member (2) is provided with a rear closing flap (22).

9. The package member (10) according to claim 1, wherein at least two of the side wall members (3, 4, 5, 6) are provided with front lateral flaps (31, 51) and / or rear lateral flaps (32, 52, 520).

10. The package member (10) according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the side wall members (3, 4, 5, 6) is provided with a joining flap (33, 330).

11. The package member (10) according to claim 10, wherein the side wall member (6) opposite to the side wall member (3) having the joining flaps (33, 330) preferably has an uncolored region (63) on the inner package surface (30) corresponding to the joining flaps (33, 330).

12. The package member (10) according to claim 11, wherein, excluding the uncolored region (63), the remaining portion of the inner package surface (30) of the side wall members (3, 4, 5, 6) has the color adapted to produce light absorption.

13. The package member (10) according to claim 10, wherein the folds (f) formed between the individual side wall members (3, 4, 5, 6) and between the side wall member (3) having the joining flaps (33, 330) and the joining flaps themselves remain uncolored.

14. The packaging member (10) according to claim 10, wherein the joining flap (330) comprises a joining portion (331) and a shielding portion (332), and the shielding portion (332) preferably has a mounting portion (333).

15. The package member (10) according to claim 14, wherein the side wall member (6) opposite to the side wall member (3) having the joining flap (330) preferably has a non-colored area (64) on the inner package surface (30) corresponding to the joining portion (331) of the joining flap (330).

16. The package member (10) according to claim 14, wherein the side wall member (3) having the joining flap (330) preferably includes an uncolored area (65) on the inner package surface (30) corresponding to the attachment portion (333) of the shielding portion (332) of the joining flap (330).

17. The package member (10) according to claim 14, wherein one of the side wall members, preferably the side wall member (5) facing the side wall member (3) having the joining flap (330) in the assembled state, has a rear lateral flap (520) having a bent portion (521), and the bent portion (521) preferably has an attachment portion (522).

18. The package member (10) according to claim 17, wherein the side wall member (5) having the rear lateral flap (520) preferably includes an uncolored area (66) on the inner package surface (30) corresponding to the mounting portion (522) of the rear lateral flap (520).

19. The package member (10) according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the side wall members (3, 4, 5, 6) is provided with an access opening (61).

20. The package member (10) according to claim 1, wherein the aforementioned color is applied to the inner package surface (30) in the form of dark printing.

21. The package member (10) according to claim 1, wherein the aforementioned color is applied to the inner package surface (30) in the form of a dark coating.

22. The package member (10) according to claim 1, wherein the package member (1) is in the form of a secondary package that defines a containment space (62) for a photosensitive drug substance within a primary package.

23. A package product comprising a package member (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 22, and a photosensitive drug substance contained within the package member (1).

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