New device class addresses the void between injectors and traditional infusion according to Greystone Research Associates
The increasing number of drugs that must be infused has led to the development of a new class of drug delivery devices – devices that can deliver therapeutic drugs in volumes up to 10 mL and higher to ambulatory patients. These wearable subcutaneous infusion systems are targeting the growing need for administering biologicals – a segment that includes monoclonal antibodies, immune modulators and blood factors – that are indicated for chronic conditions. These devices distinguish themselves from syringes and injectors by delivering drug volumes in excess of 1-2 mL for durations that are measured in minutes rather than seconds.
The demographics of patient populations and the current trend in therapeutic drug development are converging to create an increasingly steep demand curve for infusion. About 20% of drugs in the pharmaceutical development pipeline are monoclonal antibodies. As currently formulated, these therapeutic biologicals require dosage volumes well in excess of the upper range for traditional subcutaneous delivery, and are currently delivered via infusion. By providing a delivery option that avoids the cost impact and logistical burden of patient travel to infusion sites, wearable infusion systems are seen as patient-friendly and fiscally responsible.
Several products in this device class have already reached the market and recent agreements between device suppliers and pharma companies are serving to validate the market need that wearable infusion systems address. Wearable infusion systems are expected to achieve and sustain double digit unit growth through the end of the decade.