Patent ID: 8603063

Claim:
A method of storing a lyophilized product, which includes the steps of: (a) providing a multilayer plastic container that includes first and second plastic layers having a moisture vapor transmission rate of not more than 0.1 gm mil/100 sq. in.-day at 73° F. and 95% rh, and a third plastic layer between said first and second layers, wherein said third plastic layer is of hygroscopic plastic construction and has a moisture content less than 1000 ppm, (b) storing said plastic container in a low humidity environment by sealing said container in a secondary container that is impervious to moisture until said container is ready for use, (c) removing said plastic container from said low humidity environment by removing said plastic container from said secondary container, (d) after said step (c), placing a product within said plastic container, (e) after said step (d), lyophilizing said product within said plastic container, (f) after said step (e), sealing said product within said plastic container; and then (g) after completion of said step (f), storing said product within said plastic container, such that said hygroscopic third layer functions as a desiccant and absorbs any moisture transmitted through said first and second layers to reduce the amount of moisture that would otherwise enter said product during storage.