The Future of Injectable Medical Devices and Their Impact on Patient Care and the Environment
In this episode, Ian Thomson, the Vice President of Business Development at Ypsomed, and Roman Matthäs, Lonza’s Associate Director of Pharmaceutical Services, discuss the market trends in injectable delivery devices, how these devices are manufactured, and their future in contributing to sustainable pharma.
For decades, patients have been using self-administration devices to deliver medications through subcutaneous injections, with the insulin pen injector as perhaps the most well-known of these devices. Recent developments in drug delivery and device technology are significantly expanding the market. To fully leverage this opportunity for the benefit of both patients and the industry, manufacturers are now embracing a comprehensive product development strategy that integrates medical device development from the outset. This exciting convergence of newly available therapies and innovative at-home delivery systems promises to improve patient quality of life and health, with far-reaching social and environmental benefits.
When these delivery options are available, patients no longer need to visit hospitals or clinics for injections, which saves time and money while reducing the risk of infections. Injectable devices can be self-administered in the comfort of the patient's home. They also allow for precise dosing, which is particularly important for patients who require frequent treatment./p>
Curious to Know More?
Listen to this episode of A View On: Injectable Medical Devices to explore how self-administered medical devices are manufactured and get an inside look into the future market trends from industry experts Ian Thomson (Ypsomed) and Roman Matthäs (Lonza).
KEY TERMS:
Parenteral drug delivery refers to the administration of medications directly into the bloodstream or other tissues through a route other than the digestive tract. Examples include injections, intravenous infusions, and implants.
A subcutaneous injection is a type of parenteral drug delivery where medication is injected into the subcutaneous tissue (the layer of tissue between the skin and the muscle). This method is often used for drugs that require slower absorption than intravenous injection but faster absorption than oral medication.
Pen injectors are handheld devices that are used to deliver medications through subcutaneous injection. They typically have a cartridge containing a pre-measured dose of medication that can be easily inserted and then disposed.
Auto injectors are similar to pen injectors but can deliver a greater volume. They are designed to automatically inject the medication when the device is pressed against the skin. Auto injectors have traditionally been used for emergency medications such as epinephrine for severe allergic reactions. Since 2006 they have been increasingly used for self-administered treatments, such as monoclonal antibody therapies.
Patch injectors are devices that deliver medication through microneedles that penetrate the skin when placed on it. In collaboration with Lonza, Ypsomed has developed a large-dose patch injector called YpsoDose. Its versatility and higher dose capacity make it a viable solution for a variety of at-home drug delivery needs.