Auto-injectors have provided a convenient and effective way to deliver subcutaneous injections since the 1980s, and healthcare professionals have been making use of them ever since. Nowadays, several factors are driving increased use, like a growing population of older adults with chronic diseases and more treatments being given outside of hospitals to help reduce healthcare expenses. Plus, as biologics and biosimilars have become more common, low-volume formulations are now being developed specifically for subcutaneous administration.
Benefits of auto-injectors for patients
Auto-injectors offer many advantages to patients, especially the ability to take medication privately at home, without a healthcare provider present. This not only makes things more convenient, but it also encourages patients to be more involved in their own treatment, which can improve adherence and outcomes.
More flexibility with platform devices
Auto-injectors started out as customized solutions designed by pharmaceutical companies for specific drugs. Now, we’re seeing a move towards flexible platform devices. These platforms aim to provide the pharma industry with efficient, adaptable solutions that work well with today’s drug development processes and timelines. The basic platform is built to deliver a variety of formulations, minimizing the amount of testing that’s needed for different applications.
Versatility and Flexibility
Building on the original breakthroughs in auto-injector technology from the mid-1980s, Owen Mumford Pharmaceutical Services is excited to introduce a new platform auto-injector that brings advanced flexibility and versatility.
Aidaptus stays compact and discreet at 162mm x 18mm, and it works with either a 1mL or 2.25mL prefilled syringe—both fit into the same device with very few changes needed. Its novel auto-adjust technology lets the plunger handle a range of fill volumes without altering the device. These unique features are especially valuable for pharmaceutical companies, since changes often happen during injectable drug development and through the product’s life cycle.
Another advantage: the ability to adjust the drug volume using the same device can make a big difference during clinical trial phases, as dosing often needs tweaking to find the best effectiveness and frequency for patients. The device also lets you choose between vented and vacuum filling methods, giving flexibility and more options for contract filling partnerships.
The Aidaptus auto-adjust plunger is engineered to help prevent container closure integrity (CCI) breaches by limiting any backward movement of the syringe stopper. This and other measures to reduce CCI issues are key to stopping microbes from entering the product during shipping from the plant to the patient.
To address occasional “wet injections” with auto-injectors, Aidaptus features an automatically activated needle that ensures a consistent experience for users. It also has a two-stage needle insertion and dose delivery system, with each phase controlled separately. This design ensures medication isn’t released until the needle is fully inserted into the skin, which helps prevent spillage. The dual-phase action also helps protect the syringe from breaking.
Safety features and ease of use
When creating a needle or sharp device, it’s essential to meet international safety standards for needlestick prevention. The Aidaptus needle is kept hidden throughout the injection, minimizing injury risk. After use, the safety shroud locks to keep the needle securely covered, so users aren’t exposed. The needle is also covered with a safety shroud to help reassure people who are nervous about needles.
Aidaptus gives users both audible and visual signals for easy use during the injection. You’ll hear clicks when dose delivery starts and ends, and a bright yellow plunger appears in the viewing window to confirm dose is complete. The large device window lets users clearly see the drug before injecting, so they can check the clarity and color. For 1mL doses, 80% of the medication is visible before use. There are no visible inner mechanisms through the window, making it easy to see what you need and boosting user confidence.
Benefits for your business
To learn how Aidaptus can help your organization, click here or email us at pharmaservices@owenmumford.com.