Syringe safety system gets FDA green light

Injectable devices specialist West Pharmaceutical Services has announced that the NovaGuard SA (Staked-needle Automatic) safety system has received 510(k) clearance from the FDA. The NovaGuard SA safety system helps reduce the risk of needlestick injuries by shielding the exposed needle of a prefilled syringe after use.  

The World Health Organization estimates that each year healthcare workers incur two million accidental needlestick injuries that may result in infections with hepatitis B and C, HIV and other diseases. Acknowledging the public health threat, the WHO, the European Union, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and other leading health organisations have developed guidelines focused on needle safety and recommending the use of safety-engineered devices to reduce sharps injuries.  

“With increased global emphasis on preventing the spread of bloodborne infectious diseases, there is a need to develop and implement safer systems and practices in healthcare facilities worldwide. This includes adopting devices that can help reduce the risk of infection caused by needlestick,” said Graham Reynolds, Vice President, Marketing and Innovation, West Pharmaceutical Services. “West has deep expertise in needlestick prevention and a portfolio of offerings that enable safe and effective drug administration. It’s our hope that the NovaGuard SA safety system is used as a cost-effective solution to help improve needle safety.”  

Injectable drug delivery systems that incorporate a safety mechanism can significantly reduce the risk of accidental needlestick injuries. West says that its new system helps protect patients and healthcare workers by shielding a syringe’s exposed needle once activated. It’s suitable for pre-filled ISO standard glass syringes and provides a tamper-evident needle shield feature and a safety mechanism which helps to prevent pre-activation of the system.  

West has increased its manufacturing capacity at its facility in France, where more than 1.5 billion similar safety systems have already been produced. The NovaGuard SA safety system could be available for all geographic markets and commercial supply. Currently, the NovaGuard SA safety system is commercialised with one marketed drug outside of the U.S., and is being evaluated by multiple West Pharmaceutical partners.