Keystone Folding Box Co., Med-Con Technologies Partner to Enhance Key-Pak

Keystone Folding Box Co., a provider of paperboard packaging solutions, has partnered with Med-Con Technologies, a provider of clinical trial adherence technology solutions, to integrate Keystone’s Key-Pak child-resistant blister cards with Med-Con’s medication adherence prompting and monitoring application, transforming the packaging into an interactive real-time adherence data solution for clinical trials.

Key-Pak has long been a packaging format trusted by pharma companies during phase II and III clinical studies. The Key-Pak wallet card helps improve patient compliance and simplify medication management. Widely used across global clinical trials for over a decade, its intuitive, calendar-based design is both patient-friendly and compliant with child-resistant regulations in the U.S. and other markets.

The latest enhancement adds a digital layer: each Key-Pak blister card includes a unique 2D data matrix barcode, either printed on the clinical label or printed directly on the package. Trial participants use the Med-Con app to scan the barcode, verifying their dose and automatically logging the event to a secure cloud server. This real-time data collection ensures accuracy and improves trial integrity by reducing reliance on self-reporting and manual pill counts. If a scan is missed, reminders are sent to the patient, and if they fail to comply the study staff is alerted.

This solution does not rely on any integrated electronics or embedded components, making it an affordable, scalable option for clinical trials. Without additional hardware or smart devices, sponsors and study coordinators gain immediate access to adherence data, allowing them to identify dosing deviations early and intervene when necessary.

The Med-Con app further supports participant compliance by sending daily dose reminders and alerts via customizable push notifications. Patients can confirm medication intake quickly via a barcode scan, leveraging the phone’s camera, creating a seamless user experience that supports better adherence.

Keystone Folding Box Co. and Med-Con Technologies are committed to advancing the future of clinical trials with simple, scalable, and effective solutions that empower study teams and participants alike. The enhanced Key-Pak platform marks a significant advancement in enabling real-time adherence monitoring and streamlined clinical trial management.