Adapting to the changing face of drug delivery
Lauren Zetts, Global Head of Marketing for Healthcare at Covestro, delves into the different devices the company has developed and how they’re changing the way we deal with drug delivery.
Drug delivery is constantly changing – and the materials to support new applications must continue to evolve as well. Meeting current and future needs requires innovative materials to overcome age-old familiar hurdles and Covestro experts are leading the way.
Continuous innovation in the pharmaceutical industry requires novel drug delivery devices. These new devices can offer solutions to address ease-of-use, sustainability, and safety concerns for both patients and healthcare providers across a variety of treatments including flexibility to use at-home or on-the-go. As a result, devices such as inhalers, pens or autoinjectors have seen strong growth over a number of years. Advances in this space require innovative materials to ensure reliable administration of pharmaceuticals. Covestro’s medical portfolio of Makrolon polycarbonates (PC), Bayblend PC+ABS blend and Makroblend PC+ polyester grade plastics provide reliability and quality for use in drug delivery devices.
One device comes from Pirouette Medical with their single-use, portable auto-injector device for the safe dosing of epinephrine and other medications. With this disk-like design, it considers the patient anxiety and unwanted attention that a traditional pen-like autoinjector can cause. A number of components in this device utilise Makrolon 2458 for the biocompatibility and durability supporting an innovative device introduction to the market.
Addressing trends in the industry
Device makers are addressing key mega trends and incorporating digital features into new devices. Connectivity in devices supports patient adherence to dosing and frequency all while allowing patients to administer in the convenience of their homes or on-the-go. Connectivity is also impacting this segment with smart pill dispensing. A concept developed in collaboration with Shenkar College of Engineer, Design and Art was created for enhanced safety and well-being of patients that depend on the regular use of medication. This smart pill dispenser concept intends to improve ease of use – offering reminders and notification when refills are needed for both the convenience of patients and caregivers.
Keeping it sustainable
Simply having a connected device is no longer enough. Consumers are increasingly demanding more sustainable solutions as well. Circular economy and sustainability are now considered by pharmaceutical and device companies in the design of new devices. In order to support this, Covestro has introduced a proof-of-concept drug delivery device. This device demonstrates by using polycarbonates in each piece, the possibility for simplified sorting and recycling after disposal of bio-contaminated pieces is available. Each material used can play a specific and significant role in creating a high-functioning and sustainable solution that can reduce medical waste and enhance patient comfort.
For further emphasis on sustainability, the expanding CQ portfolio of low carbon footprint materials now includes Makrolon RE polycarbonate, Bayblend RE PC+ABS and Apec RE high temperature PC for healthcare can also be used to support companies’ sustainability targets. These products offer a drop-in solution that utilise raw material from mass-balanced bio-waste and residues.
Further developments in drug delivery devices
Safety will always be a top priority in the healthcare industry. Needle-free injectors are one step to improve safety and prevent needle-stick injuries while ease-of-use and patient acceptance are also touted as benefits compared to traditional needle injections. Needle-free injectors find applications in vaccines and other treatments. One example of a needle-free injector is the PharmaJet’s Needle-free Injection System (NFIS) that provides a more effective way of administer drug and biologics and are preferred by patients, caregivers and healthcare workers.
The PharmaJet systems require a polycarbonate material to meet the specifications of the syringe and vial adapter while standing up to gamma radiation and ethylene oxide sterilisation. Covestro was able to support PharmaJet’s material needs, despite supply chain issues that affected many medical suppliers. NFIS is the world’s first plasmid-based DNA vaccine which received Emergency Use Authorization for COVID-19 in India.
Materials matter. What a device is made of matters. And now, more than even, materials are improving drug delivery.