Innovation in parenteral drug delivery often comes from the device itself to enable ease of use and greater patient compliance. Several recent developments in parenteral drug delivery involve thin-wall needles for prefilled syringes, an auto-injector with audio and visual functionality, and an improved self-injection system.

Prefilled syringes
In late July, BD Medical, a segment of BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company), launched the BD Hyflow needle, a 27-gauge thin-wall needle designed for use with BD’s prefillable syringe systems. The optimized inner diameter of the BD Hyflow needle enables injection of highly viscous drug formulations without the use of a larger needle that could be more painful for the patient, according to the company.

The BD Hyflow needle increases flow to facilitate use with auto-injectors and infusors. The new needle technology also reduces the pressure required to inject, a crucial attribute for patients with dexterity limitations and facilitates patient use and compliance. The needle technology represents an alternative to larger needle-gauge systems. BD says the product is one of several the company plans to launch over the next 18 months to enhance the performance of prefilled-syringe systems.

Auto-injector with audio and visual functionality Sanofi reported last month of FDA approval for its Auvi-Q (epinephrine injection, USP) for the emergency treatment of allergic reactions in people at risk for or having a history of anaphylaxis. Auvi-Q is a compact epinephrine auto-injector with audio and visual cues that guide patients and caregivers step- by-step through the injection process. Sanofi US licensed the North American commercialization rights to Auvi-Q from Intelliject, which has retained commercialization rights for the rest of the world.