Ensure Complete Injections in Autoinjector Designs
Why Do Autoinjectors Require Damping Mechanisms?
Drug formulations are becoming more viscous as their molecular structures become more complex. In autoinjector applications, larger springs are implemented in designs to provide the additional force required to move and deliver these viscous drugs. These springs increase the stored energy within the device which, once actuated, can translate as a jolt, or “shock” to the patient during injection. This release of energy might take the form of an alarming vibration, audible noise, or cause incomplete injections which can negatively impact the patient's experience and affect overall drug compliance. The high force also has the potential to break or damage the syringe and/or cause excess shear in the drug, altering its structure.
How Do Lubricants Function in Autoinjectors?
Gels for autoinjectors are often applied to a shaft or in a rotational or piston damping mechanism. The gel acts as a source of viscous friction, the resistive force between surfaces in relative motion through a fluid. This viscous friction slows the speed at which the plunger is deployed and absorbs the initial release of spring energy. The spring retains enough force to advance the plunger but is slowed by the fluid to create a smoother, less abrupt injection, thus improving the patient experience.
Can a Fluid Be Customized for My Device?
Nye can simulate and model the forces applied in your device in our laboratories. We then assess the desired energy release of your design and select or customize a product with the appropriate rheological properties. Nye’s advanced rheometers allow us to analyze fluid flow through more complicated geometries, such as through an orifice as pushed by a piston, to validate its performance under your operating conditions.
Will Lubricants Pose Risk to My Application?
Using our years of experience, Nye partners with our customers to develop fluids, gels, or greases with carefully tailored properties that help reduce risk in their new drug delivery designs. Nye’s lubricants for medical applications are manufactured under the ISO 13485:2016 certified quality management system. Additionally, we offer a line of off-the-shelf lubricants, capable of meeting ISO 10993 requirements for biocompatibility. Whether your design calls for a new product or an existing one, Nye is ready to support your needs.
Visit our Drug Delivery page to learn more about our solutions for autoinjectors.
