Patent Publication Number: US-2022226191-A1

Title: Low temperature vials and vial assemblies

Description:
FIELD 
     Vials and vial assemblies are provided for storing a medicament in low temperature environments. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Medicaments are typically packaged in vials, such as glass or plastic vials, with a stopper (e.g., rubber stoppers) sealed thereto. However, when exposed to low temperature conditions (e.g., dry ice or cryogenic temperatures), the seal between the vial and the stopper can be compromised. This can be due to the difference between the coefficients of thermal expansion of the vial and the stopper. In low temperature environments, the stopper can shrink significantly more than the vial. For example, in low temperature environments, a glass vial can contract from about 0% to 3%, whereas a rubber stopper can contract up to about 8%. Further, commonly used butyl rubber stoppers can lose their elastic properties below their glass transition temperature (T g ), which poses a further risk to sealability. As a result, gaps can be created between the vial and the stopper, thereby allowing microbes to come into contact with and contaminate the medicament(s) contained in the vial. Further, under low temperature conditions, temporary loss of sealing integrity can allow cold, dense gas from the surrounding environment to leak into the vial. This ingress of gas can decrease the efficacy of the stored medicament(s) due to interaction with the gas and resulting vial overpressurization. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for improved vials and vial assemblies associated with storing a medicament in low temperature environments. 
     SUMMARY 
     Various vials are disclosed for storing a medicament in low temperature environments. 
     In one embodiment, a vial is provided that includes a base portion and a finish portion. The base portion has an inner surface that defines a cavity that is configured to selectively hold a medicament. The finish portion has an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface defines a channel that is in fluid communication with the cavity, and the channel is configured to receive a first portion of a deformable sealing member. The finish portion on the outer surface thereof includes a surface feature that is configured to engage with a second portion of the deformable sealing member. The surface feature is configured to remain engaged with the second portion of the deformable sealing member when the deformable sealing member contracts from a first configuration to a second configuration, thereby maintaining a seal between the finish portion and the deformable sealing member. 
     The surface feature can have a variety of configurations. In some embodiments, the surface feature can be at least one of an indentation or a protrusion. At least one of the indentation and the protrusion can extend circumferentially about at least a portion of the finish portion. The indentation can be configured to receive the second portion of the deformable sealing member. The protrusion can be configured to penetrate the second portion of the deformable sealing member. The protrusion can terminate at a surface configured to push into the second portion of the deformable sealing member. 
     In some embodiments, the surface feature can include one or more concave indentations. In other embodiments, the surface feature can include one or more triangular protrusions. In yet other embodiments, the surface feature can include one or more triangular protrusions and one or more concave indentations. 
     In some embodiments, the surface feature can include one or more protrusions each having at least one planar surface. In such embodiments, the surface feature can include one or more concave indentations. 
     In some embodiments, the surface feature can include one or more protrusions having a frusto-polygonal shape. In other embodiments, the surface feature can include one or more indentations having an inverted frusto-polygonal shape. 
     In some embodiments, the surface feature can include first and second opposing walls that extend at an angle relative to each other. In certain embodiments, the angle can be from about 45 degrees to 55 degrees. In other embodiments, the angle can be from about 100 degrees to 110 degrees. 
     In some embodiments, the surface feature can have a width from about 0.2 mm to 0.5 mm. In some embodiments, the surface feature can have a height from about 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm. 
     The deformable sealing member can have a variety of configurations. In some embodiments, the deformable sealing member can have a substantially T-shaped configuration. In some embodiments, the deformable sealing member can have a Shore hardness from about 40 A to 70 A. In other embodiments, the deformable sealing member can have a Shore hardness from about 45 A to 55 A. 
     In some embodiments, the deformable sealing member can contract from the first configuration to the second configuration when the vial is exposed to a temperature from about −25° C. to −196° C. In certain embodiments, the temperature can be from about −85° C. to −75° C. In other embodiments, the temperature can be from about −196° C. to −120° C. 
     In some embodiments, the vial can include a neck portion that can extend from the base portion to the finish portion. The neck portion can have an outer surface and inner surface, in which the inner surface defines a channel that is in fluid communication with the channel of the finish portion and the cavity of the base portion. 
     In some embodiments, the vial can include a protective cap that can be configured to be selectively crimped around at least a portion of the finish portion so as to selectively seal the deformable sealing member to the finish portion. The protective cap can have a variety of configurations. In some embodiments, the protective cap can include a metallic foil. 
     In some embodiments, the vial can include the medicament disposed within the cavity of the base portion. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       This invention will be more fully understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1A  is cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of a vial having a finish portion that includes an indentation; 
         FIG. 1B  is cross-sectional magnified view of the finish portion in  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional side view of the vial in  FIG. 1A , showing a deformable sealing member inserted therein; 
         FIG. 3A  is a cross-sectional view of the vial and the deformable sealing member in  FIG. 2 , showing a protective cap crimped about a portion of the finish portion of the vial and a portion of the deformable sealing member; 
         FIG. 3B  is a cross-sectional magnified view of the finish portion, the deformable sealing member, and the protective cap of  FIG. 3A ; 
         FIG. 4A  is a cross-sectional side view of another embodiment of a vial having a finish portion that includes a protrusion; 
         FIG. 4B  is a cross-sectional magnified view of the finish portion in  FIG. 4A ; 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional side view of the vial in  FIG. 4A , showing a deformable sealing member inserted therein; 
         FIG. 6A  is a cross-sectional view of the vial and the deformable sealing member in  FIG. 5 , showing a protective cap crimped about a portion of the finish portion of the vial and a portion of the deformable sealing member; 
         FIG. 6B  is a cross-sectional magnified view of the finish portion, the deformable sealing member, and the protective cap of  FIG. 6A ; 
         FIG. 7A  is a cross-sectional side view of another embodiment of a vial having a finish portion that includes an indentation and a protrusion; 
         FIG. 7B  is a cross-sectional magnified view of the finish portion in  FIG. 7A ; 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional side view of the vial in  FIG. 7A , showing a deformable sealing member inserted therein; 
         FIG. 9A  is a cross-sectional view of the vial and the deformable sealing member in  FIG. 8 , showing a protective cap crimped about a portion of the finish portion of the vial and a portion of the deformable sealing member; 
         FIG. 9B  is a cross-sectional magnified view of the finish portion, the deformable sealing member, and the protective cap of  FIG. 9A ; 
         FIG. 10A  is a cross-sectional side view of another embodiment of a vial having a finish portion that includes a protrusion; 
         FIG. 10B  is a cross-sectional magnified view of a portion of the vial in  FIG. 10A  taken at  10 B; 
         FIG. 10C  is a cross-sectional magnified view of a portion of the vial in  FIG. 10B  taken at  10 C; 
         FIG. 11A  is a cross-sectional side view of another embodiment of a vial having a finish portion that includes an indentation; and 
         FIG. 11B  is a cross-sectional magnified view of a portion of the vial in  FIG. 11A  taken at  11 B. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Certain exemplary embodiments will now be described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the vials and vial assemblies disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the vials and vial assemblies specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments and that the scope of the present invention is defined solely by the claims. The features illustrated or described in connection with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with the features of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. 
     Various vials and vial assemblies are provided for storing a medicament at a low temperature. A “medicament” as used herein refers to a therapeutic agent (a drug, a biologic, a biological material, etc.) that when administered to a subject will have the intended prophylactic effect, e.g., preventing or delaying the onset (or reoccurrence) of an injury, disease, pathology or condition, or reducing the likelihood of the onset (or reoccurrence) of an injury, disease, pathology, or condition, or their symptoms or the intended therapeutic effect, e.g., treatment or amelioration of an injury, disease, pathology or condition, or their symptoms including any objective or subjective parameter of treatment such as abatement; remission; diminishing of symptoms or making the injury, pathology or condition more tolerable to the patient; slowing in the rate of degeneration or decline; making the final point of degeneration less debilitating; or improving a patient&#39;s physical or mental well-being. Non-limiting examples of suitable medicaments include chimeric antigen receptors t-cell (CAR-T), gene-modified, cell therapies, t-cells, stem cells, and tissue. As used herein, “low temperature” can include any temperature that is from about −196° to −25° C. For example, in some embodiments, a low temperature can be a temperature from about −85° C. to −75° C. or from about −196° C. to −120° C. In other embodiments, a low temperature can be a temperature between any of these recited temperature values. 
     In general, the vials include a finish portion that is designed to form and maintain a seal between the vial and a deformable sealing member under low temperature conditions. The finish portion includes a surface feature on its outer surface that is configured to engage with a portion of the deformable sealing member and to remain engaged when the deformable sealing member contracts from a first configuration to a second configuration. As a result, this engagement can maintain the seal between the vial and the deformable sealing member when the deformable sealing member, and thus the vial, are exposed to a low temperature. Thus, under low temperature conditions, leakage and contamination of the medicament(s) within the vials can be avoided. Further, ingress of the low temperature air and microbes surrounding the vial can be inhibited, thereby decreasing the risk of vial overpressurization and microbial contamination. 
     An exemplary vial can be formed of one or more materials, e.g., glass, polymer(s), etc. In some embodiments, a vial can be formed of glass. In other embodiments, a vial can be formed of one or more polymers. In yet other embodiments, different portions of a vial (e.g., base portion  102 ,  402 ,  702  finish portion  104 ,  404 ,  704 , and/or neck portion  106 ,  406 ,  706  shown in  FIGS. 1A-9B ) can be formed of different materials. 
     The deformable sealing member can be what is commonly referred to as a stopper. An exemplary deformable sealing member can be formed of any suitable elastomeric material(s), e.g., thermoset rubbers, such as bromobutyl, chlorobutyl, and thermoplastic elastomers, such as halobutyl. In some embodiments, the deformable sealing member can have a Shore hardness from about 40 A to 70 A or from about 45 A to 55 A. In other embodiments, the deformable sealing member can have a Shore hardness between any of these recited Shore hardness values. The deformable sealing member can have a variety of configurations. For example, in some embodiments, the deformable sealing member can have a substantially T-shaped configuration. In other embodiments, the deformable sealing member can have a punched disk configuration. In yet other embodiments, the deformable sealing member can have any other possible suitable shape that is configured to be at least partially inserted into the vial (e.g., partially through a finish portion of the vial, or alternatively through the finish portion and at least partially through a neck portion of the vial). 
     An exemplary vial can include a variety of features to facilitate sealing and storing a medicament(s) therein, as described herein and illustrated in the drawings. However, a person skilled in the art will appreciate that the vials can include only some of these features and/or can include a variety of other features known in the art. The vials described herein are merely intended to represent certain exemplary embodiments. 
       FIGS. 1A and 1B  illustrate one exemplary embodiment of a vial  100  that is configured to store a medicament therein and maintain a seal with a deformable sealing member, like deformable sealing member  200  shown in  FIGS. 2-3B , under low-temperature conditions. The illustrated vial  100  generally includes a base portion  102  and a finish portion  104 . As shown, the vial  100  also includes a neck portion  106  that extends from the base portion  102  to the finish portion  104 . 
     The base portion  102  includes an inner surface  108  and an outer surface  110 . The inner surface  108  defines a cavity  112  within the base portion  102  that is configured to selectively hold the medicament. While the base portion  102  can have a variety of configurations, in this illustrated embodiment, the base portion  102  has a substantially cylindrical shape. In other embodiments, the base portion can have any other suitable shapes, e.g., a rectangular shape, etc. 
     While the neck portion  106  can have a variety of configurations, the neck portion  106  has an inner surface  114  and an outer surface  116 . As shown, the inner surface  114  circumscribes and defines a channel  118  that extends through the neck portion  106 . The channel  118  is in fluid communication with the cavity  112  of the base portion  102 . In this illustrated embodiment, the inner surface  114  of the neck portion  106  has a tapered configuration. In other embodiments, the inner surface of the neck portion can have a non-tapered configuration. 
     While the finish portion  104  can have a variety of configurations, as shown, the finish portion  104  has an inner surface  119  and an outer surface  120 . The inner surface  119  circumscribes and defines a channel  124  extending through the finish portion  104 . The channel  124  of the finish portion  104  is in fluid communication with the channel  118  of the neck portion  106 , and thus, the cavity  112  of the base portion  102 . The channel  124  of the finish portion  104  is configured to receive a first portion of the deformable sealing member, like deformable sealing member  200  shown in  FIGS. 2-3B . 
     As further shown, the finish portion  104  includes a surface feature  126  on its outer surface  120 . The surface feature  126  can be configured to engage with a second portion of the deformable sealing member, like deformable sealing member  200  shown in  FIGS. 2-3B . While the surface feature  126  can have a variety of configurations, in this illustrated embodiment, the surface feature  126  is in the form of an indentation that extends circumferentially about a portion of the finish portion  104 . As described in more detail below and illustrated in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , the indentation  126  is configured to receive, and thus engage, the second portion of the deformable sealing member. 
     In this illustrated embodiment, the indentation  126  extends between a first segment  128  and a second segment  130  of the outer surface  120 . As shown, a surface normal (SN 1 ) to the first segment  128  extends substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis (L A ) of the vial  100 . Further, a surface normal (SN 2 ) to the second segment  130  extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (L A ) of the vial  100 . As such, the surface normal (SN 1 ) of the first segment  128  and the surface normal (SN 2 ) of the and second segment  130  extend at an angle of about 90° relative to each other. In other embodiments, the surface normal of the first segment and the surface normal of the second segment can extend from about 25° to 110° relative to each other. 
     While the indentation  126  can have a variety of configurations, in this illustrated embodiment, the indentation  126  has a concave configuration. As shown, the indentation  126  defines a third segment  132  of the outer surface  120  of the finish portion  104 , which extends from a first terminal end  134  to a second terminal end  136 . In this illustrated embodiment, the first terminal end  134  defines an edge  138  of the first segment  128  and the second terminal end  136  defines an edge  140  of the second segment  130 . The depth of the indentation (D I ) is defined by the distance between the first and second terminal ends  134 ,  136  of the third segment  132  in the longitudinal direction (e.g., the y-direction). In some embodiments, the depth (D I ) of the indentation can be from about 10% to about 50% of the thickness (T FP1 ) of a first portion  104   a  of the finish portion  104 . A person skilled in the art will appreciate based on this disclosure that the depth of the indentation can depend at least upon the thickness of the finish portion and the structural configuration of the deformable sealing member. 
     In use, as shown in  FIG. 2 , a deformable sealing member  200  is inserted into the vial  100 . While the deformable sealing member  200  can have a variety of configurations, in this illustrated embodiment, the deformable sealing member  200  has a substantially T-shaped configuration that includes a disc-shaped element  202  and an elongated cylindrical element  204  extending therefrom. The disc-shaped element  202  extends from a first surface  206  to a second surface  208 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the elongated cylindrical element  204  is positioned within the channel  124  of the finish portion  104  and a first portion  210  of the first surface  206  of the disc-shaped element  202  is positioned atop and in contact with the first segment  128  of the outer surface  120  of the finish portion  104 . 
     Once the deformable sealing member  200  is engaged with the vial  100 , a protective cap  300  is placed and crimped about the second surface  208  of the disc-shaped element  202  of the deformable sealing member  200  and a portion of the finish portion  104  of the vial  100 , as shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B . 
     The protective cap  300  can have a variety of configurations. In this illustrated embodiment, the protective cap  300  is in the form of a metallic foil. In some embodiments, the protective cap can also include a disc-shaped element with an opening on a top surface thereof that is configured to allow access to the cavity of the base portion of the vial. Alternatively or additionally, the protective cap can include a metal ring that is configured to be crimped around at least a portion of the deformable sealing member and finish portion so as to hold the deformable sealing member in place on the vial. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , when the protective cap  300  is crimped, a second portion  212  of the first surface  206  of the disc-shaped element  202  is forced against the third segment  132  of the outer surface  120  of the finish portion  104 , thereby forming a seal therebetween. When exposed to a low temperature, the deformable sealing member  200  contracts from a first configuration, as shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , to a second configuration. During contraction, a radial inward force is created, thereby causing the second portion  212  of the disc-shaped element  202  to further compress into the indentation  126 . As a result, the integrity of the seal between the deformable sealing member  200  and the third segment  132  of the outer surface  120  of the finish portion  104  is maintained. 
       FIGS. 4A and 4B  illustrate another embodiment of a vial  400 . The illustrated vial  400  generally includes a base portion  402 , a finish portion  404 , and a neck portion  406  extending therebetween. The base portion  402  and neck portion  406  can be similar to base portion  102  and neck portion  106  shown in  FIGS. 1A-3A , and therefore common features are not further described herein. 
     The finish portion  404  can have a variety of configurations. As shown, the finish portion  404  has an inner surface  419  and an outer surface  420 . The inner surface  419  circumscribes and defines a channel  424  extending through the finish portion  404 . The channel  424  of the finish portion  404  is in fluid communication with the channel  418  of the neck portion  406 , and thus the cavity  412  of the base portion  402 . The channel  424  of the finish portion  404  is configured to receive a first portion of a deformable sealing member, like deformable sealing member  500  shown in  FIGS. 5-6B . 
     As further shown, the finish portion  404  includes a surface feature  426  extending from a first segment  428  of its outer surface  420 . While the surface feature  426  can have a variety of configurations, in this illustrated embodiment, the surface feature  426  is in the form of a protrusion that extends circumferentially about a portion of the finish portion  404 . As described in more detail below, the protrusion  426  is configured to penetrate into and engage with a portion of a deformable sealing member, like deformable sealing member  500  shown in  FIGS. 5-6B , thereby forming a seal between the finish portion  404  and the deformable sealing member. The protrusion  426  is further configured to remain engaged with the deformable sealing member when the deformable sealing member contracts from a first configuration to a second configuration. As a result, the seal can be maintained when the deformable sealing member, and thus the vial  400 , is exposed to a lower temperature. 
     While the protrusion  426  can have a variety of configurations, in this illustrated embodiment, the protrusion  426  has a substantially triangular configuration. In particular, the protrusion  426  includes two opposing walls  426   a ,  426   b  that extend outward from a portion of the first segment  428  of the outer surface  420  and converge at a surface  427  that may be pointed. The pointed surface  427  is configured to push into a portion of a deformable sealing member, like deformable sealing member  500  shown in  FIGS. 5-6B . 
     The height (H P1 ) of the protrusion  426  is defined by the distance between the first segment  428  of the outer surface  420  and the pointed surface  427  of the protrusion  426  in the longitudinal direction (e.g., the Y-direction). A person skilled in the art will appreciate based on this description that the height (H P1 ) of the protrusion  426  can depend at least upon structural configuration of a deformable sealing member that is configured to be sealed to the vial  400 . For example, in some embodiments, the height (H P1 ) of the protrusion  426  can be from about 5% to about 50% of the thickness (T DM ) of a disc-shaped element of a deformable sealing member, like disc-shaped element  502  of deformable sealing member  500  shown in  FIGS. 5-6B . 
     In use, as shown in  FIG. 5 , a deformable sealing member  500  is inserted into the vial  400 . While the deformable sealing member  500  can have a variety of configurations, in this illustrated embodiment, the deformable sealing member  500  has a substantially T-shaped configuration that includes a disc-shaped element  502  and an elongated cylindrical element  504  extending therefrom. The disc-shaped element  802  extends from a first surface  506  to a second surface  508 . As shown in  FIGS. 5-6B , the elongated cylindrical element  504  is positioned within the channel  424  of the finish portion  404 . Further, the disc-shaped element  502  is positioned atop the pointed surface  427  of the protrusion  426  of the finish portion  404  such that the first surface  506  of the disc-shaped element  502  is facing the first segment  428  of the outer surface  420  of the finish portion  404 . 
     Once the deformable sealing member  500  is inserted into the vial  400 , a protective cap  600 , like protective cap  300  shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , is placed and crimped about the second surface  508  of the disc-shaped element  502  of the deformable sealing member  500  and a portion of the finish portion  404  of the vial  400 , as shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B . When the protective cap  600  is crimped, the first surface  506  of the disc-shaped element  502  is forced downward toward the vial  400  (e.g., in the y-direction) such that the first surface  506  comes into contact with the two converging walls  426   a ,  426   b  of the protrusion  426  and the first segment  428  of the outer surface  420  of the finish portion  404 , thereby forming a seal therebetween. As such, at least a portion of the protrusion  426  deforms the deformable sealing member  500 . When exposed to a low temperature, the deformable sealing member  500  contracts from a first configuration, as shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B , to a second configuration. During contraction, the penetration of the protrusion  426  within the deformable sealing member  500  inhibits radially movement of the disc-shaped element  502  relative to the first segment  428  of the outer surface  420  of the finish portion  404 . Further, the height of the protrusion pushed within the deformable sealing member, which as shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B  is substantially equal to the total height (H P1 ) of the protrusion  426  itself, is designed to be greater that the extent of axial contraction of the deformable sealing member  500 . As a result, during contraction, at least a portion of the protrusion  426  deforms the deformable sealing member  500 . Thus, the integrity of the seal between the deformable sealing member  500  and the protrusion  426 , and thus the vial  400 , is maintained. 
       FIGS. 7A and 7B  illustrate another embodiment of a vial  700  having a finish portion  704  that is a structural combination of finish portion  104  shown in  FIGS. 1A-3B  and finish portion  404  shown in  FIGS. 4A-6A . In particular, the finish portion  704  extends from an inner surface  719 , like inner surfaces  119 ,  419  of vials  100 ,  400  shown in  FIGS. 1A-3B and 4A-6B , respectively, to an outer surface  720 , and includes an indentation  742 , like indentation  126  shown in  FIGS. 1A-3B , and a protrusion  744 , like protrusion  426  in  FIGS. 4A-6B . 
     In use, as shown in  FIG. 8 , a deformable sealing member  800  is inserted into the vial  700 . While the deformable sealing member  800  can have a variety of configurations, in this illustrated embodiment, the deformable sealing member  800  has a substantially T-shaped configuration that includes a disc-shaped element  802  and an elongated cylindrical element  804  extending therefrom. The disc-shaped element  802  extends from a first surface  806  to a second surface  808 . As shown in  FIGS. 8-9B , the elongated cylindrical element  804  is positioned within the channel  724  of the finish portion  704 . Further, the disc-shaped element  802  is positioned atop the pointed surface  746  of the protrusion  744  of the finish portion  704  such that the first surface  806  of the disc-shaped element  802  is facing the first segment  728  of the outer surface  720  of the finish portion  704 . 
     Once the deformable sealing member  800  is inserted into the vial  700 , a protective cap  900 , like protective cap  300  shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , is placed and crimped about the second surface  808  of the disc-shaped element  802  of the deformable sealing member  800  and a portion of the finish portion  704  of the vial  700 , as shown in  FIGS. 8A and 8B . When the protective cap  900  is crimped, the first surface  506  of the disc-shaped element  502  is forced downward toward the vial  400  (e.g., in the y-direction) such that a first portion  806   a  of the first surface  806  comes into contact with the two converging walls  744   a ,  744   b  of the protrusion  744  and the first segment  728  of the outer surface  720  of the finish portion  704 , thereby forming a seal therebetween. As such, at least a portion of the protrusion  744  deforms the deformable sealing member  800 . Further, when the protective cap  900  is crimped, a second portion  806   b  of the first surface  806  of the disc-shaped element  802  is forced against the third segment  732  of the outer surface  720  of the finish portion  704 , thereby forming a seal therebetween. Thus, two seals are formed between the finish portion  704  of the vial  700  and the disc-shaped element  802  of the deformable sealing member  800 . 
     When exposed to a low temperature, the deformable sealing member  800  contracts from a first configuration, as shown in  FIGS. 9A and 9B , to a second configuration. During contraction, the penetration of the protrusion  744  within the deformable sealing member  800  inhibits radially movement of the first portion  806   a  of the first surface  806  of the disc-shaped element  802  relative to the first segment  728  of the outer surface  720  of the finish portion  704 . Further, due to the height of the protrusion  744  relative to the thickness of the disc-shaped element  802 , at least a portion of the protrusion  744  remains embedded within the deformable sealing member  800 , and therefore inhibits axial contraction of the deformable sealing member  800  from compromising the seal formed therebetween. Additionally, a radial inward force is created through contraction of the disc-shaped element  802 . This causes the second portion  806   b  of the first surface  806  of the disc-shaped element  802  to further compress into the indentation  742  of the finish portion  704 . As a result, the integrity of the seal between the deformable sealing member  800  and the third segment  732  of the outer surface  720  of the finish portion  704  is maintained. 
       FIGS. 10A-10C  illustrate another embodiment of a vial  1000 . The illustrated vial  1000  generally includes a base portion  1002 , a finish portion  1004 , and a neck portion  1006  extending therebetween. The base portion  1002  and neck portion  1006  can be similar to base portion  102  and neck portion  106  shown in  FIGS. 1A-3A , and therefore common features are not further described herein. 
     The finish portion  1004  can have a variety of configurations. As shown, the finish portion  1004  has an inner surface  1019  and an outer surface  1020 . The inner surface  1019  circumscribes and defines a channel  1024  extending through the finish portion  1004 . The channel  1024  of the finish portion  1004  is in fluid communication with the channel  1018  of the neck portion  1006 , and thus the cavity  1012  of the base portion  1002 . The channel  1024  of the finish portion  1004  is configured to receive a first portion of a deformable sealing member. The deformable sealing member can have a variety of configurations. For example, the deformable sealing member can be similar to any of the foregoing deformable sealing members  200 ,  500 ,  800  shown in  FIGS. 2-3A, 5-6A, and 8-9B , respectively. 
     As further shown, the finish portion  1004  includes a surface feature  1026  extending from a first segment  1028  of its outer surface  1020 . While the surface feature  1026  can have a variety of configurations, in this illustrated embodiment, the surface feature  1026  is in the form of a protrusion that extends circumferentially about a portion of the finish portion  1004 . As described in more detail below, the protrusion  1026  is configured to engage with a portion of the deformable sealing member, thereby forming a seal between the finish portion  1004  and the deformable sealing member. The protrusion  1026  is further configured to remain engaged with the deformable sealing member when the deformable sealing member contracts from a first configuration to a second configuration. As a result, the seal can be maintained when the deformable sealing member, and thus the vial  1000 , is exposed to a lower temperature. 
     The protrusion  1026  can have a variety of configurations, e.g., a frusto-polygonal shape, such as a frusto-triangular shape, a frusto-pyramidal shape, a frusto-conical shape, a frusto-quadrilateral shape, a frusto-pentagonal shape, a frusto-hexagonal shape, a frusto-heptagonal shape, a frusto-octagonal shape, and the like. In this illustrated embodiment, the protrusion  1026  has a frusto-triangular shape with four corners  1029   a ,  1029   b ,  1029   c ,  1029   d , each of which may be radiused. 
     The protrusion  1026  includes first and second opposing walls  1026   a ,  1026   b  that extend outward from a portion of the first segment  1028  of the outer surface  1020  towards a surface  1027 . In this illustrated embodiment, the surface  1027  is planar and extends substantially parallel to the first segment  1028  of the outer surface  1020  in the lateral direction (e.g., the X-direction). 
     As shown in more detail in  FIG. 10C , the first and second opposing walls  1026   a ,  1026   b  are sloped and extend at an angle (A 1 ) relative to each other. In some embodiments, the angle (A 1 ) can be between 0 degrees and 90 degrees. In certain embodiments, the angle (A 1 ) can be from about 10 degrees to 60 degrees, from about 20 degrees to 50 degrees, or from about 40 degrees to 50 degrees. In one embodiment, the angle (A 1 ) can be from about 45 degrees to 55 degrees. In another embodiment, the angle (A 1 ) can be about 50 degrees. In other embodiments, one or both of the opposing walls  1026   a ,  1026   b  can extend about 90 degrees relative to the first segment  1028  of the outer surface  1020 . 
     The nominal width (W 1 ) of the protrusion  1026  is defined by the width of the planar surface  1027  in the lateral direction (e.g., the X-direction). A person skilled in the art will appreciate based on this description that the nominal width (W 1 ) of the protrusion  1026  can depend at least upon the structural configuration of a deformable sealing member that is configured to be sealed to the vial  1000  and the width of the first segment  1028  of the outer surface  1020 . For example, in some embodiments, the nominal width (W 1 ) of the protrusion  1026  can be between 0 mm and 6 mm. In certain embodiments, the nominal width (W 1 ) of the protrusion  1026  can be from about 0.1 to 6 mm, from about 0.1 mm to 5 mm, from about 0.1 mm to 2 mm, from about 0.1 mm to 1.5 mm, from about 0.1 to 1 mm, from about 0.1 to 0.5 mm, or from about 0.2 mm to 0.5 mm. In one embodiment, the nominal width (W 1 ) of the protrusion  1026  can be about 0.41 mm. 
     While the four corners  1029   a ,  1029   b ,  1029   c ,  1029   d  of the protrusion  1026  can have a variety of configurations, in this illustrated embodiment, the four corners  1029   a ,  1029   b ,  1029   c ,  1029   d  are rounded each with a corresponding radius of curvature R A1 , R B1 , R C1 , R D1 . A person skilled in the art will appreciate based on this description that the radius of curvature of each of the rounded corners can depend at least upon the manufacturing tolerances in the production of the vial. For example, in some embodiments, at least one radius of curvature R A1 , R B1 , R C1 , R D1  can be from about 0 mm to 0.5 mm, about 0.1 mm to 0.4 mm, or from about 0.15 to 0.3 mm. Further, in some embodiments, at least two radii R A1 , R B1 , R C1 , R D1  can be the same, whereas in other embodiments, each radius of curvature R A1 , R B1 , R C1 , R D1  can be different. In one embodiment, the two radii R A1  and R D1  are each about 0.3 mm and the two radii R B1  and R C1  are each about 0.15 mm. 
     The height (H P2 ) of the protrusion  1026  is defined by the distance between the first segment  1028  of the outer surface  1020  and the planar surface  1027  of the protrusion  1026  in the longitudinal direction (e.g., the Y-direction). A person skilled in the art will appreciate based on this description that the height (H P2 ) of the protrusion  1026  can depend at least upon structural configuration of a deformable sealing member that is configured to be sealed to the vial  1000 . For example, in some embodiments, the height (H P2 ) of the protrusion  1026  can be between 0 mm and 0.5 mm. In certain embodiments, the height (H P2 ) of the protrusion  1026  can be from about 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm, from about 0.2 mm to 0.5 mm, or from about 0.2 mm to 0.45 mm. In one embodiment, the height (H P2 ) of the protrusion  1026  can be about 0.3 mm, whereas in another embodiment, the height (H P2 ) of the protrusion  1026  can be about 0.43 mm. 
     Further, as shown in  FIGS. 10A-10B , the protrusion  1026  is spaced a distance (D I ) from at least the inner surface  1019  of the finish portion  1004 . In this illustrated embodiment, the distance (D I ) is defined by the distance between the center of the protrusion  1026  and the inner surface  1019  in the lateral direction (e.g., the X-direction). A person skilled in the art will appreciate based on this description that the distance (D I ) between the center of the protrusion  1026  and the inner surface  1019  can depend at least upon structural configuration of a deformable sealing member that is configured to be sealed to the vial  1000  and the width of the first segment  1028  of the outer surface  1020 . For example, in some embodiments, the distance (D I ) between the center of the protrusion  1026  and the inner surface  1019  can be between 0 mm and 3 mm. In certain embodiments, the distance (D I ) between the center of the protrusion  1026  and the inner surface  1019  can be from about 0.5 mm to 2 mm or from about 1 mm to 1.5 mm. In one embodiment, the distance (D I ) between the center of the protrusion  1026  and the inner surface  1019  can be about 1.2 mm to 1.5 mm. 
     In use, a deformable sealing member is inserted into the vial  1000 . While the deformable sealing member can have a variety of configurations, for purposes of this discussion with respect to vial  1000 , the deformable sealing member is the deformable sealing member  500  shown in  FIGS. 5-6B . More specifically, the elongated cylindrical element  504  is positioned within the channel  1024  of the finish portion  1004 , and the disc-shaped element  502  is positioned atop the planar surface  1027  of the protrusion  1026 . As a result, the first surface  506  of the disc-shaped element  502  faces the first segment  1028  of the outer surface  420  of the finish portion  404 . 
     Once the deformable sealing member  500  is inserted into the vial  1000 , a protective cap is placed and crimped about the second surface  508  of the disc-shaped element  502  of the deformable sealing member  500  and a portion of the finish portion  1004  of the vial  1000 . While the protective cap can have a variety of configurations, for purposes of this discussion with respect to vial  1000 , the protective cap is the protective cap  600  shown in  FIGS. 6A-6B . 
     When the protective cap  600  is crimped, the first surface  506  of the disc-shaped element  502  is forced downward toward the vial  1000  (e.g., in the y-direction) such that the first surface  506  comes into contact with the two opposing walls  1026   a ,  1026   b  of the protrusion  1026  and the first segment  1028  of the outer surface  1020  of the finish portion  1004 , thereby forming a seal therebetween. As such, at least a portion of the protrusion  1026  is nested within the deformable sealing member  500 . When exposed to a low temperature, the deformable sealing member  500  contracts from a first configuration to a second configuration. During contraction, the nesting of the protrusion  1026  within the deformable sealing member  500  inhibits radially movement of the disc-shaped element  502  relative to the first segment  1028  of the outer surface  1020  of the finish portion  1004 . Further, the height of the protrusion  1026  nested within the deformable sealing member is designed to be greater than the extent of axial contraction of the deformable sealing member  500 . As a result, during contraction, at least a portion of the protrusion  1026  remains embedded within the deformable sealing member  500 . Thus, the integrity of the seal between the deformable sealing member  500  and the protrusion  1026 , and thus the vial  1000 , is maintained. 
     In some embodiments, the vial  1000  can include additional features, such as a retention element  1048  that is configured to be grasped by automated or manual handling equipment, such as a gripper, to allow the vial  1000  to be manipulated during processing. According to an embodiment, the vial  1000  can be held via the retention element  1048  while the vial  1000  is being coated with one or more materials, e.g., materials that can inhibit the ingress and/or egress of moisture and air through the walls of the vial. Further, holding the vial  1000  by the retention element  1048  can provide 360 degrees access to at least one outer surface of the vial  1000  (e.g., the outer surface  1010  of the base portion  1002 , the outer surface  1016  of the neck portion  1006 , and/or the outer surface  1020  of the finish portion  1004 ). As a result, a substantially uniform coating of the one or more materials onto the at least one outer surface of the vial  1000  can be achieved. 
     While the retention element  1048  can have a variety of configurations, as shown in  FIG. 10A , and in more detail in  FIG. 10B , the retention element  1048  is in the form of a recess that extends circumferentially about a second segment  1054  of the finish portion  1004 . In particular, the recess  1048  has an inverted frusto-triangular shape with four corners  1049   a ,  1049   b ,  1049   c ,  1049   d . As a result, the recess  1048  defines a channel within the second segment  1054  of the finish portion  1004  that is configured to receive a piece of handling equipment, such as a gripper or track, that holds the vial  1000  during one or more coating processes. In other embodiments, the recess  1048  can have any other suitable shape, such as other frusto-polygonal shapes. 
     The recess  1048 , as shown in more detail in  FIG. 10B , includes a base surface  1050  and two opposing walls  1052   a ,  1052   b  extending inward from the second segment  1054  of the outer surface  1020  to the base surface  1050 . In this illustrated embodiment, the base surface  1050  is planar and extends substantially parallel to the second segment  1054  of the outer surface  1020  in the longitudinal direction (e.g., the Y-direction). 
     As shown in more detail in  FIG. 10B , the first and second opposing walls  1052   a ,  1052   b , are sloped, and extend at an angle (A 2 ) relative to each other. In some embodiments, the angle (A 2 ) can be between 0 degrees and 90 degrees. In certain embodiments, the angle (A 2 ) can be from about 10 degrees to 80 degrees, from about 20 degrees to 50 degrees, from about 40 degrees to 50 degrees, or from 55 degrees to 65 degrees. In one embodiment, the angle (A 2 ) can be about 60 degrees. In other embodiments, one or both of the opposing walls  1052   a ,  1052   b  can extend about 90 degrees relative to the second segment  1054  of the outer surface  1020 . 
     The nominal height (H 1 ) of the recess  1048  is defined by the height of the planar base surface  1050  in the longitudinal direction (e.g., the Y-direction). A person skilled in the art will appreciate based on this description that the nominal height (H 1 ) of the recess  1048  can depend at least upon the geometry of the handling equipment, such as a gripper, that grasps and holds the vial during one or more coating processes. For example, in some embodiments, the nominal height (H 1 ) of the recess  1048  can be between 0 mm and 2 mm. In certain embodiments, the nominal height (H 1 ) of the recess  1048  can be from about 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm, from about 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm, or from about 1 mm to 2 mm. 
     While the four corners  1049   a ,  1049   b ,  1049   c ,  1049   d  of the recess  1048  can have a variety of configurations, in this illustrated embodiment, the four corners  1049   a ,  1049   b ,  1049   c ,  1049   d  are rounded each with a corresponding radius of curvature R A2 , R B2 , R C2 , R D2 . A person skilled in the art will appreciate based on this description that the radius of curvature of each of the rounded corners can depend at least upon the geometry the handling equipment, such as a gripper, that grasps and holds the vial during one or more coating processes. For example, in some embodiments, at least one radius of curvature R A2 , R B2 , R C2 , R D2  can be from about 0 mm to 0.5 mm, about 0.1 mm to 0.4 mm, or from about 0.15 mm to 0.3 mm. Further, in some embodiments, at least two radii R A2 , R B2 , R C2 , R D2  can be the same, whereas in other embodiments, each radius of curvature R A2 , R B2 , R C2 , R D2  can be different. In one embodiment, each radii R A2 , R B2 , R C2 , R D2  can be about 0.13 mm. 
     The depth (D I ) of the recess  1048  is defined by the distance between the second segment  1054  of the outer surface  1020  and the base surface  1050  of the recess  1048  in the lateral direction (e.g., the X-direction). A person skilled in the art will appreciate based on this description that the depth (D I ) of the recess  1048  can depend at least upon the geometry of the handling equipment, such as a gripper or track, that grasps and holds the vial during one or more coating processes. For example, in some embodiments, the depth (D I ) of the recess  1048  can be between 0 mm and 0.5 mm. In certain embodiments, the depth (D I ) of the recess  1048  can be from about 0.05 mm to 0.5 mm, from about 0.05 mm to 0.4 mm, or from about 0.2 mm to 0.3 mm. In one embodiment, the depth (D I ) of the recess  1048  can be about 0.25 mm. 
     Further, as shown in  FIGS. 10A-10B , the recess  1048  is spaced a distance (D 2 ) from at least the first segment  1028  of the finish portion  1004 . In this illustrated embodiment, the distance (D 2 ) is defined by the distance from the first segment  1028  of the outer surface  1020  to the first rounded corner  1049   a  in the longitudinal direction (e.g., the Y-direction). A person skilled in the art will appreciate based on this description that the distance (D 2 ) from the first segment  1028  of the outer surface  1020  to the first rounded corner  1049   a  of the recess  1048  can depend at least upon the height (H S1 ) of the second segment  1054  of the outer surface  1020 . For example, in some embodiments, the distance (D 2 ) can be between 0 mm and 3 mm. In certain embodiments, the distance (D 2 ) can be from about 0.5 mm to 2 mm, from about 1 mm to 2 mm, or from about 1 mm to 1.5 mm. In one embodiment, the distance (D 2 ) can be about 1.2 mm. 
       FIGS. 11A-11B  illustrate another embodiment of a vial  1100 . The illustrated vial  1100  generally includes a base portion  1102 , a finish portion  1104 , and a neck portion  1106  extending therebetween. The base portion  1102  and neck portion  1106  can be similar to base portion  102  and neck portion  106  shown in  FIGS. 1A-3A , and therefore common features are not further described herein. Further, the illustrated vial  1100  also includes a retention element  1148  that can be similar to the retention element  1048  shown in  FIGS. 10A and 10B , and therefore common features are not further described here. 
     The finish portion  1104  can have a variety of configurations. As shown, the finish portion  1104  has an inner surface  1119  and an outer surface  1120 . The inner surface  1119  circumscribes and defines a channel  1124  extending through the finish portion  1104 . The channel  1124  of the finish portion  1104  is in fluid communication with the channel  1108  of the neck portion  1106 , and thus the cavity  1112  of the base portion  1102 . The channel  1124  of the finish portion  1104  is configured to receive a first portion of a deformable sealing member. The deformable sealing member can have a variety of configurations. For example, the deformable sealing member can be similar to any of the foregoing deformable sealing members  200 ,  500 ,  800  shown in  FIGS. 2-3A, 5-6A, and 8-9B , respectively. 
     As further shown, the finish portion  1104  includes a surface feature  1126  extending inward from a first segment  1128  of its outer surface  1120 . While the surface feature  1126  can have a variety of configurations, in this illustrated embodiment, the surface feature  1126  is in the form of an indentation that is concave and extends circumferentially about a portion of the finish portion  1104 . As described in more detail below, the indentation  1126  is configured to engage with a portion of the deformable sealing member, thereby forming a seal between the finish portion  1104  and the deformable sealing member. The indentation  1126  is further configured to remain engaged with the deformable sealing member when the deformable sealing member contracts from a first configuration to a second configuration. As a result, the seal can be maintained when the deformable sealing member, and thus the vial  1100 , is exposed to a lower temperature. 
     The indentation  1126  can have a variety of configurations, e.g., a frusto-polygonal shape, such as a frusto-triangular shape, a frusto-pyramidal shape, a frusto-conical shape, a frusto-quadrilateral shape, a frusto-pentagonal shape, a frusto-hexagonal shape, a frusto-heptagonal shape, a frusto-octagonal shape, and the like. In this illustrated embodiment, the indentation  1126  has a has an inverted frusto-triangular shape with radiused corners  1129   a ,  1129   b ,  1129   c ,  1129   d . As a result, the indentation  1126  defines a channel within the first segment  1128  of the finish portion  1104  that is configured to receive a portion of a deformable sealing member. 
     The indentation  1126 , as shown in more detail in  FIG. 11B , includes a base surface  1127  and two opposing walls  1126   a ,  1126   b  extending inward from the first segment  1128  of the outer surface  1120  to the base surface  1127 . In this illustrated embodiment, the base surface  1127  is planar and extends substantially parallel to the first segment  1128  of the outer surface  1120  in the longitudinal direction (e.g., the Y-direction). 
     As shown in more detail in  FIG. 11B , the first and second opposing walls  1126   a ,  1126   b  are sloped and extend at an angle (A 2 ) relative to each other. In some embodiments, the angle (A 3 ) can be between 0 degrees and 120 degrees. In certain embodiments, the angle (A 3 ) can be from about 10 degrees to 110 degrees, from about 90 degrees to 120 degrees, or from about 100 degrees to 110 degrees. In one embodiment, the angle (A 3 ) is from about 100 degrees to 110 degrees. In another embodiment, the angle (A 3 ) can be about 103 degrees. In other embodiments, one or both of the opposing walls  1126   a ,  1126   b  can extend about 90 degrees relative to the first segment  1128  of the outer surface  1120 . 
     The nominal width (W 2 ) of the indentation  1126  is defined by the width of the planar base surface  1127  in the lateral direction (e.g., the X-direction). A person skilled in the art will appreciate based on this description that the nominal width (W 2 ) of the indentation  1126  can depend at least upon the structural configuration of a deformable sealing member that is configured to be sealed to the vial  1100  and the width of the first segment  1128  of the outer surface  1120 . For example, in some embodiments, the nominal width (W 1 ) of indentation  1126  can be between 0 mm and 6 mm. In certain embodiments, the nominal width (W 1 ) of the indentation  1126  can be from about 0.1 to 6 mm, from about 0.1 mm to 5 mm, from about 0.1 mm to 2 mm, from about 0.1 mm to 1.5 mm, from about 0.1 to 1 mm, from about 0.1 to 0.5 mm or from 0.2 mm to 0.5 mm. In one embodiment, the nominal width (W 1 ) of the indentation  1126  can be about 0.39 mm. 
     While the four corners  1129   a ,  1129   b ,  1129   c ,  1129   d  of the indentation  1126  can have a variety of configurations, in this illustrated embodiment, the four corners  1129   a ,  1129   b ,  1129   c ,  1129   d  are rounded each with a corresponding radius of curvature R A3 , R B3 , R C3 , R D3 . A person skilled in the art will appreciate based on this description that the radius of curvature of each of the rounded corners can depend the manufacturing tolerances in the production of the vial. For example, in some embodiments, at least one radius of curvature R A3 , R B3 , R C3 , R D3  can be from about 0 mm to 0.5 mm, about 0.1 mm to 0.4 mm, or from about 0.1 to 0.3 mm. Further, in some embodiments, at least two radii R A3 , R B3 , R C3 , R D3  can be the same, whereas in other embodiments, each radius of curvature R A3 , R B3 , R C3 , R D3  can be different. In one embodiment, the two radii R A3  and R D3  are each about 0.25 mm and the two radii R B3  and R C3  are each about 0.15 mm. 
     The height (H 2 ) of the indentation  1126  is defined by the distance between the first segment  1128  of the outer surface  1020  and the base surface  1127  of the indentation  1126  in the longitudinal direction (e.g., the X-direction). A person skilled in the art will appreciate based on this description that the height (H 2 ) of the indentation  1126  can depend at least upon the structural configuration of the finish portion  104  and the height (H S2 ) of the second segment  1154  of the finish portion  1104 . For example, in some embodiments, the height (H 2 ) of the indentation  1126  can be between 0 mm and 0.5 mm. In certain embodiments, the height (H 2 ) of the indentation  1126  can be from about 0.05 mm to 0.5 mm, from about 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm, from about 0.1 mm to 0.4 mm, or from about 0.15 mm to 0.3 mm. In one embodiment, the height (H 2 ) of the indentation  1126  can be about 0.2 mm. 
     Further, as shown in  FIG. 11A , the indentation  1126  is spaced a distance (D 2 ) from at least the inner surface  1119  of the finish portion  1104 . In this illustrated embodiment, the distance (D 2 ) is defined by the distance between the center of the indentation  1126  and the inner surface  1119  in the lateral direction (e.g., the X-direction). A person skilled in the art will appreciate based on this description that the distance (D 2 ) between the center of the indentation  1126  and the inner surface  1119  can depend at least upon structural configuration of a deformable sealing member that is configured to be sealed to the vial  1100  and the width of the first segment  1128  of the outer surface  1120 . For example, in some embodiments, the distance (D 2 ) between the center of the indentation  1126  and the inner surface  1119  can be between 0 mm and 3 mm. In certain embodiments, the distance (D 2 ) between the center of the indentation  1126  and the inner surface  1119  can be from about 0.5 mm to 2 mm or from about 1 mm to 1.5 mm. In one embodiment, the distance (D 2 ) between the center of the indentation  1126  and the inner surface  1119  can be about 1.2 mm to 1.5 mm. 
     In use, a deformable sealing member is inserted into the vial  1100 . While the deformable sealing member can have a variety of configurations, for purposes of this discussion with respect to vial  1100 , the deformable sealing member is the deformable sealing member  200  shown in  FIGS. 2-3B . More specifically, the elongated cylindrical element  204  is positioned within the channel  1124  of the finish portion  1104  and a first portion  210  of the first surface  206  of the disc-shaped element  202  is positioned atop and in contact with the first segment  1128  of the outer surface  1120  of the finish portion  1104 . 
     Once the deformable sealing member  200  is inserted into the vial  1100 , a protective cap is placed and crimped about the second surface  208  of the disc-shaped element  202  of the deformable sealing member  200  and a portion of the finish portion  1104  of the vial  1100 . While the protective cap can have a variety of configurations, for purposes of this discussion with respect to vial  1100 , the protective cap is the protective cap  300  shown in  FIGS. 3A-3B . 
     When the protective cap  300  is crimped, a second portion  212  of the first surface  206  of the disc-shaped element  202  is forced into the indentation  1126 , and thus against at least a portion of the two opposing walls  1126   a ,  1126   b , thereby forming a seal therebetween. In some instances, when the disc-shaped element  202  is forced into the indentation  1126 , the second portion  212  can also be forced against the base surface  1127 . When exposed to a low temperature, the deformable sealing member  200  contracts from a first configuration to a second configuration. During contraction, a radial inward force is created, thereby causing the second portion  212  of the disc-shaped element  202  to further compress into the indentation  1126 . As a result, the integrity of the seal between the deformable sealing member  200  and the indentation  1126 , and thus the vial  1100 , is maintained. 
     While the retention element is primarily described with respect to the embodiments of  FIGS. 10A-11B , a person skilled in the art will understand that the retention element can likewise be used with the embodiments of  FIGS. 1-9B , making any modifications that will ensure the appropriate structural dimensions and placement of the retention element on the finish portions. 
     While the illustrated surface features are shown as an indentation ( FIGS. 1A-3B and 11A-11B ), a protrusion ( FIGS. 4A-6B and 10A-10C ), and a combination thereof ( FIG. 7A-9B ), each of which extends circumferentially about the finish portion, in some embodiments, the indentation and/or protrusion can be discontinuous about the circumference of the finish portion, e.g., broken into multiple segments extending around the circumference of the finish portion. Further, in some embodiments, the surface feature can include two or more features. For example, in one embodiment, the surface feature can include two or more concave indentations. In other embodiments, the surface feature can include two or more protrusions. In yet other embodiments, the surface feature can include two or more protrusions and one or more concave indentations. 
     Values or ranges may be expressed herein as “about” and/or from/of “about” one particular value to another particular value. When such values or ranges are expressed, other embodiments disclosed include the specific value recited and/or from/of the one particular value to another particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by the use of antecedent “about,” it will be understood that here are a number of values disclosed therein, and that the particular value forms another embodiment. It will be further understood that there are a number of values disclosed therein, and that each value is also herein disclosed as “about” that particular value in addition to the value itself. In embodiments, “about” can be used to mean, for example, within 10% of the recited value, within 5% of the recited value or within 2% of the recited value. 
     For purposes of describing and defining the present teachings, it is noted that unless indicated otherwise, the term “substantially” is utilized herein to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation. The term “substantially” is also utilized herein to represent the degree by which a quantitative representation may vary from a stated reference without resulting in a change in the basic function of the subject matter at issue. 
     One skilled in the art will appreciate further features and advantages of the invention based on the above-described embodiments. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited by what has been particularly shown and described, except as indicated by the appended claims. All publications and references cited herein are expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Any patent, publication, or information, in whole or in part, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein is incorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated material does not conflict with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth in this document. As such the disclosure as explicitly set forth herein supersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference.