Becton Dickinson and Ypsomed collaborate on high-viscosity biologics delivery system
Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD) has announced a strategic collaboration with Swiss injection systems developer Ypsomed to address the technical challenges of delivering high-viscosity biologic drugs. The partnership combines BD’s latest prefillable syringe technology with Ypsomed’s autoinjector platform to facilitate the administration of biologics with viscosities exceeding 15 centipoise (cP).
The technical innovation centres on BD’s Neopak XtraFlow Glass Prefillable Syringe, which incorporates an 8mm needle with reduced wall thickness. According to internal BD studies, this modification optimises subcutaneous delivery compared to standard 12.7mm (half-inch) needles, particularly for viscous formulations.
Ypsomed is adapting its YpsoMate 2.25 autoinjector platform to accommodate the modified syringe format. The technical modifications encompass tooling qualification, assembly processes, and comprehensive reliability testing to ensure compatibility with the shorter needle configuration. The two-step administration process has been retained to maintain accessibility for users with compromised dexterity or visual impairment.
The collaboration appears particularly relevant for the delivery of increasingly common therapeutic biologics, including GLP-1 receptor agonists and monoclonal antibodies. These drug classes typically present significant viscosity-related challenges during administration.
Patrick Jeukenne, worldwide president of BD Pharmaceutical Systems, emphasised the importance of cross-supplier collaboration: “These partnerships can help drive innovation and ensure that systems work by design and over lifecycles, allowing our pharmaceutical partners to get life-saving therapies to patients faster.”
The development addresses a significant challenge in biologic drug delivery, as higher viscosity formulations have traditionally posed limitations for autoinjector-based administration. The partnership aims to provide pharmaceutical developers with pre-assessed integration parameters, potentially streamlining the development process for combination products.
The companies report that they are now prepared to engage with pharmaceutical partners for implementation of the integrated delivery system.
For more information: www.bd.com
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