Simplifying combination therapies: Dual-injection functionality for existing platform autoinjector systems

Summary

This article discusses how dual-chamber injection technologies can help enable combination therapies by allowing two liquid drug formulations to remain physically separated in a syringe until the point of administration. Rather than requiring entirely new dual-chamber devices, BD has developed a novel valve component that brings dual-injection functionality to existing prefillable 2.25 mL syringe and autoinjector platforms. The approach is designed to reduce development complexity by leveraging established container formats, materials, and device architectures while addressing formulation compatibility challenges commonly encountered with biologics.

Key takeaways

• Combination therapies are becoming increasingly important, particularly for biologics, as they can improve efficacy, reduce treatment burden, and target multiple disease mechanisms simultaneously.
• Co-formulation is not always feasible because different drug formulations may have incompatible pH levels, excipients, or stability profiles that can lead to degradation or unwanted interactions over time.
• Dual-chamber delivery systems offer an optimal approach by keeping two liquid drugs separated until injection while still delivering them in a single administration event.
• Many current dual-chamber solutions require specialized containers or device architectures, creating additional development, validation, regulatory, and supply chain challenges.
• BD's innovation focuses on compatibility with existing platform technologies, using a novel valve component that enables dual-injection functionality within standard 2.25 mL prefillable syringes and autoinjectors. This incremental innovation approach aims to lower development risk and accelerate adoption.

Document details

• Format: Article
• Authors/Spokespeople:

Marc Flippe, R&D Engineer, Becton Dickinson & Company 

Sophie Lelias, Associate Director of Business Development, Becton Dickinson & Company

• Page count: 6 pages
• Estimated read time: ~10 minutes