Schreiner MediPharm Develops Cryo-Label “Freeze-Lock” for Frozen Medications

To ensure the efficacy of medications for cell and gene therapies, they have to be processed, stored and transported under extreme sub-zero temperatures. For labeling on deep-frozen medicine containers, Schreiner MediPharm has now developed a label that permanently withstands these freezing temperatures: the cyro label "Freeze-Lock". The two interlocking label layers ensure reliable adhesive strength and readability of the product information.

The novel Freeze-Lock label by Schreiner MediPharm consists of two components: a bottom label and a top label. First, the bottom label layer with a specialty microfine surface texture is applied to the empty, non-refrigerated container at room temperature. Subsequently, the container is filled with the active ingredient and immediately cooled down for storage at subzero temperatures of dry ice (-78 °C) or liquid nitrogen (-196 °C). To mark the frozen container, it is removed from cold storage. The top label layer is dispensed onto it and firmly pressed against the bottom label—a potential layer of ice does not have to be removed. The deep freeze adhesive of the top label combines with the texture of the bottom label and freezes in a matter of seconds. This results in a permanent bond between the label construction and the container that can be returned to storage and transported in frozen condition.

Due to the specialty two-component label design and the materials and adhesives used, the Freeze-Lock cryo label reliably adheres to the frozen container, important product information cannot be lost. Pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical manufacturers as well as users in clinical research thus benefit from a customized and efficient marking solution for frozen medications that can be adapted to a wide range of applications.