Accessory for an injection device comprising a holder for a needle cap

Abstract

The present invention discloses an accessory (200) for an injection device (100) having a needle cap (190). The accessory (200) includes a body portion (202) having a recess (220) adapted to receive the injection device (100), and a cap (204) coupled to the body portion (202). The cap (204) is pivotally movable between an open position in which the recess (220) is exposed to receive the injection device (100) and a closed position in which the cap (204) at least partially closes the recess (220) to hold the injection device (100) in the body portion (202). The accessory (200) further includes a cap remover (234) that includes a gripper, the cap remover (234) having an expanded configuration and a contracted configuration, in the expanded configuration, the needle cap (190) can pass between the grippers, and in the contracted configuration, the grippers hold the needle cap (190) to at least partially remove the needle cap from the injection device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an accessory for an injection device. Background Art

[0002] When performing an injection, a needle safety device is typically used in combination with a syringe in order to reduce the risk of accidental needle sticks, which can lead to the transmission of bloodborne pathogens. These needle safety devices are generally required to protect healthcare providers (HCPs), such as nurses who frequently use syringes to administer injections to patients. Needle safety devices can generally be classified into one of the following two types: (1) passive devices that automatically cover the needle after injection without the user taking additional steps to activate the device; and (2) devices that require the user to take additional steps to activate the needle safety feature.

[0003] Passive needle safety devices are generally considered to be excellent in their ability to protect the user from accidental needle sticks, as for various reasons, the user may be unable to take the additional actions required to activate a non-passive device. Health authorities and healthcare systems generally require the use of needle safety devices in environments where HCPs perform injections. In addition, needle safety devices are ideal for self-administered and caregiver-administered injections to mitigate the risk of injury, infection, and transmission of bloodborne pathogens to patients, family members, caregivers, and anyone who may come into contact with the injection device during the performance of an injection and the handling of a used syringe.

[0004] A common example of a needle safety device is the UltraSafe(TM) series of devices manufactured by Becton Dickinson. The UltraSafe(TM) consists of two plastic parts, a spring, and a customized plunger rod assembled to a syringe. At the completion of an injection, the plunger rod engages a latch on the UltraSafe(TM) housing part, thereby activating the device and causing the spring to extend one of the housing parts over the needle and lock it in place, into a locked position. Figure 1A and Figure 1B Examples of the UltraSafe(TM) device are shown in

[0005] Figure 1A shows the device in a ready state, or a pre-injection position, before an injection occurs. Figure 1B shows the device in a safe-to-use state, or a locked position, after an injection has been completed.

[0006] Figure 2A 、 Figure 2B 、 Figure 2C and Figure 2DShows a typical illustration of the use of the UltraSafe(TM) device. It can be seen that the steps of using UltraSafe(TM) are substantially the same as those of injecting with a bare syringe. Pinching the skin and injecting at a 45-degree angle are necessary to limit the injection depth and ensure that the injection is subcutaneous rather than intramuscular (too deep) or intradermal (into the skin). Injecting too shallow or too deep can affect the pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of drugs intended for subcutaneous injection.

[0007] As Figures 2A - 2D shown, the steps for correctly using a syringe to achieve subcutaneous injection are complex, and differences between users can result in differences in injection depth, which can affect the efficacy of the drug. Healthcare providers (HCPs) such as nurses are very familiar with and practice the protocol for injecting with a syringe. However, the technique does vary between nurses, which can affect PK and PD. In addition, typical injection techniques require the use of two hands, one to pinch and one to inject, making it difficult for nurses to inject difficult patients such as pediatric patients who may move during the injection. Furthermore, even if a nurse can use a syringe comfortably, patients are often afraid of syringes and needles, and injections often result in an unpleasant patient experience.

[0008] Patients and caregivers find it particularly difficult to use syringes, including UltraSafe(TM), not only due to the complexity of the use steps but also because syringes with exposed needles tend to cause anxiety in patients. Therefore, there is a need to develop an attachment that allows for easier operation of needle safety devices such as UltraSafe(TM). SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] In one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an attachment for an injection device having a needle cap, the attachment comprising: a body portion including a recess adapted to receive the injection device; a cap coupled to the body portion, the cap being pivotally movable between an open position and a closed position, in the open position, the recess is exposed to receive the injection device, in the closed position, the cap at least partially closes the recess to hold the injection device in the body portion; and a cap remover including a gripper, the cap remover having an expanded configuration and a contracted configuration, in the expanded configuration, the needle cap can pass between the grippers, in the contracted configuration, the grippers hold the needle cap to at least partially remove the needle cap from the injection device; wherein the cap and the cap remover are operatively coupled to each other such that when the cap moves from the open position towards the closed position, the cap remover moves from the expanded configuration to the contracted configuration.

[0010] In this way, the injection device can be loaded into the attachment without the gripper interfering with the needle cap. Then, when the cap is closed, the gripper closes over the needle cap to automatically remove the needle cap. Additionally, after the cap is removed, the gripper opens again to release the cap so that it can be separated from the attachment.

[0011] In another aspect of the invention, there is provided an attachment for an injection device having a needle cap, the attachment comprising: a body portion including a recess adapted to receive the injection device; a cap coupled to the body portion, the cap being pivotally movable between an open position and a closed position, in the open position, the recess is exposed to receive the injection device, in the closed position, the cap at least partially closes the recess to hold the injection device in the body portion; and a cap remover including a gripper adapted to hold the needle cap, the cap remover being movable relative to the body portion, wherein the cap includes: a proximal end adapted to be moved by a user to move the cap from the open position to the closed position; and a distal end adapted to cause the gripper to move towards the end of the attachment to at least partially remove the needle cap from the injection device when the cap is moved from the open position to the closed position.

[0012] In this way, the needle cap can be automatically removed when the cap is closed. This is achieved by the cap acting as a lever to move the cap remover that causes the needle cap to be removed. This provides a simple and reliable mechanism for removing the needle cap in a manner that is easy for users with limited dexterity. Additionally, the cap provides a mechanical advantage for moving the cap remover to reduce the magnitude of the force that needs to be provided by the user.

[0013] In another aspect of the invention, there is provided an attachment for an injection device having a safety shield and at least one flange adapted to allow a user to grip the injection device and a syringe sheath movable relative to the at least one flange from a pre-injection position to a locked position, the attachment comprising: a body portion including a recess adapted to receive the safety shield of the injection device and a slot adapted to receive the at least one flange of the injection device; and a cap coupled to the body portion, the cap being pivotally movable between an open position and a closed position, in the open position, the recess and the slot are exposed to receive the safety shield and the flange of the injection device respectively, in the closed position, the cap at least partially closes the recess and the slot to hold the injection device in the body portion; wherein the slot is shaped to both prevent the at least one flange from moving distally and proximally relative to the body portion and allow the syringe sheath to move proximally from the pre-injection position to the locked position relative to the body portion.

[0014] In this way, the cap can be opened to allow easier access to the recess and the slot. Then, when the cap is closed, the slot holds the flange in place but allows the syringe sheath to move, thus not interfering with the function of the injection device.

[0015] In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an attachment for an injection device having a needle cap, the attachment comprising: a body portion including a recess adapted to receive the injection device; a lid coupled to the body portion, the lid being pivotally movable between an open position and a closed position, in the open position, the recess is exposed to receive the injection device, in the closed position, the lid at least partially closes the recess to hold the injection device in the body portion; and a cap remover including a gripper adapted to hold the needle cap, the cap remover being axially movable relative to the body portion from an initial position to a propulsion position to remove the needle cap from the injection device, wherein the body portion includes a track in which the cap remover is arranged to move axially relative to the body portion, and wherein the track is adapted such that when the injection device is located in the body portion, the cap remover is held against the track by the injection device.

[0016] In this way, the injection device performs the function of holding the needle cap remover within the track. This obviates the need for additional components that would simplify the design and manufacturing.

[0017] The needle cap (commonly equivalently referred to as "needle shield" or "needle guard") can be a rigid needle cap or a non-rigid needle cap. The rigid needle cap can be formed of at least two components, for example, it can include a rigid outer housing and an inner body that surrounds the needle on the syringe when in place. The inner body can be a flexible, elastic or flexible inner body. The inner body can be a rubber inner body. As an alternative, a non-rigid needle cap can be used, in which case the needle cap can be a single flexible, elastic or flexible body, such as a rubber-coated needle shield. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of example with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0019] Figures 1A - 1B is a perspective view of an injection device in a pre-injection ready state ( Figure 1A ) and a safe locked state ( Figure 1B );

[0020] Figures 2A - 2D is an exemplary side view depicting the use of the injection device of FIG. 1;

[0021] Figure 3 is a perspective view of an attachment for an injection device, wherein the attachment is in a closed configuration;

[0022] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the attachment in an open configuration;

[0023] Figure 5Is a perspective view of the attachment in the open configuration, with the injection device located within the attachment;

[0024] Figure 6 Is a perspective view of the attachment in the closed configuration, with the injection device located within the attachment;

[0025] Figure 7 Is an internal view of the attachment without the injection device and the cap;

[0026] Figure 8 Is an enlarged perspective view of the cap remover and the cap of the attachment in the open position, with the body portion not shown;

[0027] Figure 9 Is a further enlarged perspective view of the cap remover and the cap, with the body portion not shown;

[0028] Figure 10 Is a further perspective view of the attachment in the open configuration, with the injection device located within the attachment;

[0029] Figure 11 Is a perspective view of the cap remover and the cap in the closed position, with the body portion not shown;

[0030] Figure 12 Is a perspective view of the base of the attachment;

[0031] Figure 13 Is an internal view of the body portion of the attachment;

[0032] Figure 14 Is a plan view of the cap remover of the attachment; and

[0033] Figure 15 Is a further perspective view of the body portion. Detailed Description

[0034] Figures 1A - 1B Illustrates a manual injection device 100 suitable for use with the attachment of the present disclosure. The injection device 100 includes a syringe 110 that extends from a proximal end (including a needle 130) to an open distal end. The open distal end of the syringe is sealed by a plunger 140. A removable needle cap 190 is provided to sheath the needle 130.

[0035] The syringe 110 is fixed within a syringe sheath 120 by a syringe locking element 125. The syringe locking element 125 may include diametrically opposed base surfaces between which the flange of a standard syringe is restricted. Restricting the flange between the base surfaces prevents the syringe 110 from moving relative to the syringe sheath 120.

[0036] The syringe sheath 120 includes: an open distal end into which the syringe 110 can be inserted; and an open proximal end from which the needle 130 extends when the syringe 110 is secured within the sheath 120. The safety shield 150 is movably mounted relative to the syringe sheath 120. The safety shield 150 is capable of moving between a retracted position (shown in Figure 1A ) and an extended position (shown in Figure 1B ), in which retracted position the needle 130 extends beyond the proximal end of the safety shield, and in which extended position the safety shield extends beyond the proximal end of the needle 130. In the second position shown in Figure 1B , the needle 130 is covered by the safety shield 150, thereby shielding the needle from the user and preventing accidental needle stick injuries.

[0037] To allow the user to grasp the injection device 100 (shown in Figure 2) using a conventional dart grip, the safety shield 150 includes a flange 155 at or towards its distal end. The flange 155 shown in Figure 1 extends from the safety shield 150.

[0038] The safety shield 150 is biased relative to the syringe sheath 120 to its extended position ( Figure 1B shown) by a biasing element 160. Figures 1A - 1B The biasing element 160 shown takes the form of a helical spring disposed between the syringe sheath 120 and the safety shield 150 such that the safety shield 150 is biased proximally relative to the syringe sheath 120 to its extended position.

[0039] A releasable locking mechanism 180 holds the safety shield 150 relative to the syringe sheath 120 in its retracted position. The locking mechanism 180 is movable between a locked position in which the locking mechanism 180 prevents movement of the safety shield 150 relative to the syringe sheath 120 ( Figure 1A ) and an unlocked position in which the locking mechanism 180 no longer prevents movement of the safety shield 150 relative to the syringe sheath 120. Once the locking mechanism is moved to its unlocked position, the safety shield 150 moves to its extended position under the influence of the helical spring 160 ( Figure 1B ).

[0040] In Figures 1A - 1BIn the device shown, the locking mechanism 180 between the safety shield 150 and the syringe sheath 120 takes the form of a pair of flexible latch arms 181 provided on the safety shield 150, and the flexible latch arms engage corresponding latch surfaces 183 on the syringe sheath 120. The flexible latch arms 181 are biased to a first position where they engage their corresponding latch surfaces 183, thereby preventing proximal movement of the safety shield 150 relative to the syringe sheath 120. When the flexible latch arms 181 are moved against this bias, the latch arms 181 disengage from their corresponding latch surfaces 183, thereby allowing proximal movement of the safety shield 150 relative to the syringe sheath 120.

[0041] The latch arms 181 are configured to be moved from the first position to the second position by the plunger rod 170. The plunger rod 170 includes an elongate member that is configured to engage the stopper 140 at its proximal end and move the stopper 140 proximally along the longitudinal axis of the syringe body to deliver a dose of medication through the needle 130. At or toward its distal end, the plunger rod 170 is provided with an actuating surface 175 on which a user can place a thumb or finger to drive the plunger rod 170 proximally to deliver an injection. When the plunger rod 170 approaches or reaches the end of its travel within the syringe body, the actuating surface 175 of the plunger rod 170 deflects the flexible latch arms 181 outwardly to a position where they no longer engage the latch surfaces 183 on the syringe sheath 120. The locking mechanism is thus released at the end of the injection, and the safety shield 150 moves to its extended position.

[0042] Although not visible in the drawings, Figures 1A - 1B the manual injection device may further include a safety lock for locking the safety shield 150 in its extended position after injection is completed.

[0043] See Figure 3 , there is an accessory 200 for use with the injection device 100, such as the UltraSafe(TM) device. UltraSafe(TM) is used herein as a specific example of the injection device 100 to describe the accessory 200. However, the accessory 200 can be used with other injection devices besides the UltraSafe(TM) device. For example, the accessory can be used with the UltraSafe Plus(TM) device. The structure of the accessory 200 can be modified to conform to the form factor of any suitable injection device.

[0044] The attachment 200 includes a body portion 202 and a cap 204. The attachment 200 has a distal end 206 for positioning towards or on an injection site when administering an injection, and a proximal end 208 opposite the distal end 206. The attachment 200 includes a window 210 in the cap 204. There is also another window on the opposite face of the attachment 200 in the body 202.

[0045] See Figure 4 , the cap 204 is coupled to the body portion 202. Specifically, the cap 204 is pivotally coupled to the body portion 202 about a pair of pivots 216. Each of the pivots 216 is provided towards a respective side of the attachment 200. Each pivot 216 includes a hole 218 in the body portion 202 through which a protrusion 203 in the cap 204 passes. Alternatively, the protrusion 203 may be located on the body portion 202, where the hole 218 is provided in the cap 204. The protrusion 203 is shown in more detail in Figure 8 and Figure 9 . The protrusion 203 is capable of rotating within the hole 218, which allows the cap 204 to rotate relative to the body portion 202. Thus, the cap 204 is capable of moving between an open position, which is the position shown in Figure 4 , and a closed position, which is the position shown in Figure 3 .

[0046] The hole 218 of each pivot 216 is provided in an elastic attachment member 217 that couples the body portion 202. In this example, the elastic attachment member 217 is integrally formed with the body portion 202. The elastic attachment member 217 is arranged to bend relative to the body portion 202 such that the cap 204 can be inserted between the pivots 216. This simplifies the assembly process. In addition, each protrusion 203 on the cap 204 has a longitudinal surface and a lateral surface. The lateral surface is inclined relative to the longitudinal surface. In other words, the lateral surface is not perpendicular to the longitudinal surface. Thus, when the cap 204 is mounted on the body portion 202, the protrusion helps to bend the elastic attachment member 217.

[0047] The body portion 202 includes a recess 220 for receiving the injection device 100. Figure 5 The injection device 100 positioned within the recess 220 is shown, where the length of the safety shield 150 is longitudinally positioned within the recess 220. Referring back to Figure 4 , the body portion 202 also includes a slot 222. The length of the slot 222 is arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the attachment 200. The slot 222 is adapted to receive a flange 155 of the injection device 100, as shown in Figure 5 .

[0048] When the cap 204 is in the open position, the recess 220 and the slot 222 are exposed to receive the injection device 100. Specifically, the recess 220 receives the safety shield 150, and the slot 222 receives the flange 155. Once the injection device 100 has been positioned in the recess 220 and the slot 222, the cap 204 moves from the open position to the closed position, as Figure 6 shown. The injection device 100 and the attachment 200 are now ready for the injection to be administered. The user can place the attachment 200 containing the injection device on the injection site, such as the skin, and actuate the actuation surface 175 with one hand to administer the injection in a safe, simple, and reliable manner.

[0049] When the cap 204 is in the closed position, the cap 204 closes the recess 220 and the slot 222 to hold the injection device 100 in the body portion 202. When the injection device 100 is held within the attachment 200 by the cap 204 and the body portion 202, the injection device 100 is visible through each window 210 provided on each face of the attachment 200. This allows the user to inspect the contents of the syringe before administering the injection.

[0050] See Figure 4 and Figure 5 The slot 222 is shaped to prevent the flange 155 from moving towards the distal end 206 of the attachment 200, or in other words, the slot 222 is shaped to prevent the flange 155 from moving distally. The slot 222 is also shaped to prevent the flange 155 from moving towards the proximal end 208 of the attachment 200, or in other words, the slot 222 is shaped to prevent the flange 155 from moving proximally. However, the slot 222 is shaped to allow the syringe sheath 120 of the injection device 100 to move proximally relative to the body portion 202. This allows the injection device 100 to move from the pre-injection position to the locked position, as described above. In this specific example, a cavity is formed in the body portion 202 and the cap 204 to allow the syringe sheath to move through the cavity. However, the width of the cavity is sized such that the flange 155 cannot move through the cavity, and thus the flange 155 remains in the slot 222 when the cap 204 is in the closed position.

[0051] Referring back to Figure 3 The body portion 202 and the cap 204 are joined together to form a pair of opposing sides. The right side 212 is shown in Figure 3 ; the opposing left side is not shown, but is a mirror image of the right side 212. The attachment 200 includes a pair of opposing faces. The front face 214 is shown in Figure 3is shown; the opposite rear side is not shown. The opposing faces each have a similar surface area and each have a larger surface area than each opposing side face. The cover 204 forms part of the front face 214 and the body portion 202 forms the rear face. The face and side faces connect the distal end 206 of the attachment 200 to the proximal end 208 of the attachment 200.

[0052] The injection device 100 is positioned in the recess 220 by lowering the injection device 100 at an angle into the recess 220. The direction in which the injection device 100 is moved towards the attachment 200 so as to position the injection device 100 in the recess 220 has a component in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the attachment 200 and a component in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the attachment 200. This direction extends towards the rear face of the body portion 202. Specifically, the slot 222 and the recess 220 each have an open face parallel to the face into which the injection device 100 of the attachment 200 is lowered. Since the faces of the attachment 200 have a larger surface area than the side faces, this provides a wider area for the user to aim at when positioning the injection device 100 in the attachment 200. This allows the user to more easily position the injection device 100, particularly for users with dexterity problems.

[0053] See Figure 4 , the slot 222 includes a pair of distal base portions 224 located on each side of the body portion 202. The distal base portions 224 are fixed to the body portion 202 and each of the distal base portions 224 prevents a respective one of the flanges 155 from moving distally. The distal base portions 224 are each integrally formed with the body portion 202, which provides a secure connection that is easy to manufacture. However, the body portion 202 may be a modular part, in which the distal base portions 224 can be removed from the body portion 202. Each distal base portion 224 has a flat upper surface that extends into the curved lower surface. This reflects the shape of the outer surface of the lower portion of the flange, which helps to securely fix the injection device 100 in the body portion 202.

[0054] The slot 222 also includes a pair of proximal base portions 226. The proximal base portions 226 are fixed to the body portion 202 and each of the proximal base portions 226 prevents a respective one of the flanges 155 from moving proximally. The proximal base portions 226 are each integrally formed with the body portion 202, which provides a secure connection that is easy to manufacture. However, the body portion 202 may be a modular part, in which the proximal base portions 226 can be removed from the body portion 202. Each proximal base portion 226 has a flat lower surface for interacting with the upper surface of a respective one of the flanges 155. The proximal base portions 226 are spaced apart from each other so as to form a cavity that allows the syringe sheath 120 to travel through.

[0055] See Figure 4 , there is a lid slot 228 in the lid 204. The lid slot 228 is arranged to hold the flange 155 when the lid 204 moves from the Figure 4 open position shown to the Figure 6 closed position shown. The lid slot 228 is shaped to prevent the flange 155 from moving towards the distal end 206 of the attachment 200 when the lid 204 is in the closed position, or in other words, the lid slot 228 is shaped to prevent the flange 155 from moving distally. The lid slot 228 is also shaped to prevent the flange 155 from moving towards the proximal end 208 of the attachment 200, or in other words, the lid slot 228 is shaped to prevent the flange 155 from moving proximally. However, the lid slot 228 is shaped to allow the syringe sheath 120 of the injection device 100 to move proximally relative to the body portion 202. This allows the injection device 100 to move from the pre-injection position to the locked position, as described above. In this specific example, the lid slot 228 cooperates with the slot 222 in the body portion 202 to form a cavity that allows the syringe sheath 120 to move through. However, the width of the cavity is sized such that the flange 155 cannot move through the cavity, and thus the flange 155 remains in the lid slot 228 when the lid 204 is in the closed position.

[0056] The lid slot 228 also includes a pair of distal base portions 230 on each side of the lid 204. The distal base portions 230 are fixed to the lid 204, and each of the distal base portions 230 prevents the corresponding one of the flanges 155 from moving distally. The distal base portions 230 are each integrally formed with the lid 204, which provides a strong connection that is easy to manufacture. However, the lid 204 can be a modular part where the distal base portions 230 can be removed from the lid 204. As Figure 4 shown, each distal base portion 230 includes a rib that extends along the length of the lid 204, thus providing structural support for the lid 204.

[0057] The lid slot 228 also includes a pair of proximal base portions 232. The proximal base portions 232 are fixed to the lid 204, and each of the proximal base portions 232 prevents the corresponding one of the flanges 155 from moving proximally. The proximal base portions 232 are each integrally formed with the lid 204, which provides a strong connection that is easy to manufacture. However, the lid 204 can be a modular part where the proximal base portions 232 can be removed from the lid 204.

[0058] See Figure 7 and Figure 8, the attachment 200 includes a cap remover 234 for removing the needle cap 190 from the injection device 100. The cap remover 234 includes a gripper which, in this example, includes a pair of movable elements 236, each of the pair of movable elements having a gripping end for interacting with the needle cap 190. Each of the gripping ends is shaped to correspond to the outer surface of the needle cap 190. Each gripping end has a concave end for interfacing with the cylindrical outer shape of the needle cap 190. In this example, the movable elements 236 are integrally formed with the cap remover 234. However, the movable elements 236 may be provided as separate parts that are bendable or rotatable relative to the cap remover 234. For example, each movable element 236 may be pivotally mounted on the cap remover 234. The needle cap 190 may be a rigid needle cap or a non-rigid needle cap. The rigid needle cap may be formed of at least two parts, for example, it may include a rigid outer housing and an inner body that surrounds the needle 130 on the syringe 110 when in place. The inner body may be a flexible, elastic or compliant inner body. The inner body may be a rubber inner body. As an alternative, a non-rigid needle cap may be used, in which case the needle cap may be a single flexible, elastic or compliant body, for example it may be a rubber-coated needle shield. In the case of a non-rigid needle cap, the cap remover 234 is adapted to elastically grip the non-rigid needle cap during cap removal, for example between a pair of movable elements 236. Since the cap is non-rigid, it deforms within the cap remover 234, particularly within the gripper, such that the gripper is a tight fit and thus reliably effects cap removal.

[0059] In this example, the cap remover 234 has an expanded configuration (as Figure 8 shown) and a contracted configuration (not shown). In the expanded configuration, the cap remover 234 does not interact with the needle cap 190. Specifically, when the cap remover 234 is in the expanded configuration, such as when the injection device 100 is inserted into the recess 220, the needle cap 190 can pass through or past the movable elements 236. In the contracted configuration, the cap remover 234 holds the needle cap 190 such that the cap remover 234 can remove the needle cap 190 from the injection device 100. Specifically, the movable elements 236 move towards each other so as to cause the cap remover 234 to assume the contracted configuration to grip the needle cap 190 via the gripping ends. When the lid 204 is in the open position, the cap remover 234 is in the expanded position. Closing the lid 204 causes the cap remover 234 to assume the contracted configuration as it slides forward to remove the needle cap 190. However, when the lid 204 is fully closed (as Figure 6 shown), the cap remover 234 again assumes the expanded configuration to release the needle cap 190.

[0060] In this specific example, the gripper has two configurations: an extended configuration and a retracted configuration. However, in another example, the gripper may default to the retracted configuration. In this case, when the injection device 100 is placed in the attachment 200, the gripper holds the needle cap 190 without having to move from the extended configuration to the retracted configuration. This alternative form may be easier to manufacture. However, the gripper with the extended configuration allows the injection device 100 to be inserted into the attachment 200 without resistance from the gripper. In another case, the gripper may include only one movable element that pushes the needle cap towards the immovable element.

[0061] The cap remover 234 includes a pair of guides 240, each guide being arranged to be located within a track in the body portion 202. The cap remover 234 is arranged to slide within the track in the body portion 202.

[0062] See Figure 9 and Figure 10 , the cap remover 234 includes a pair of cap remover slots 242, each cap remover slot being provided on one side of the cap remover 234. The cover 204 includes a proximal end 244 that can be moved by the user to move the cover 204 from the open position to the closed position. The cover 204 also includes a distal end 246 that is operatively coupled to the cap remover 234 to move the cap remover 234 and the gripper including the movable element 236 distally.

[0063] In this example, there is a pair of distal ends 246 of the cover 204, each distal end including a cover cam 243 located within one of the cap remover slots 242. Thus, as the cover 204 pivots from the open position to the closed position, each distal end 246 interacts with the corresponding one of the cap remover slots 242 to translate the cap remover 234 distally. Figure 11 The cover 204 is shown in the closed position, where the cap remover 234 has been moved distally.

[0064] See Figure 9 , the cover 204 includes a pair of distal extensions that extend distally away from each pivot 216. The distal ends 246 and the cover cams 243 are provided on the distal extensions. There is a pair of proximal extensions that respectively correspond to one of the distal extensions. Each proximal extension extends proximally away from each pivot 216, thereby forming two sides of the proximal end 244 of the cover 204.

[0065] Each proximal extension is longer than each distal extension. This helps to provide a mechanical advantage about the pivot 216 such that the cover 204 can be more easily closed. This is particularly important as this movement also moves the cap remover 234 distally to remove the needle cap 190.

[0066] SeeFigure 8 and Figure 14 Each of the movable elements 236 of the gripper is made of a flexible, elastic material. This allows the gripper to move between an expanded configuration and a contracted configuration, in which the needle cap 190 can pass through or over the gripper, and in which the gripper holds the needle cap 190 for removal of the needle cap 190 from the injection device 100. There is a cap remover cam 248 on the outer surface of each of the movable elements 236. As the cap remover 234 moves distally through the cap 204, each cap remover cam 248 interfaces with a cap remover cam surface 250 on the body portion 202. The cap remover cam surfaces 250 are shown in Figure 12 and Figure 13 . The cap remover 234 also includes a pair of receiver slots, each adapted to receive at least a portion of the cap 204 when the cap 204 is in the closed position.

[0067] The cap remover cams 248 are forced into the cap remover cam surfaces 250 as the cap remover 234 is advanced distally. This pushes the movable elements 236 towards each other so as to move the gripper from the expanded configuration to the contracted configuration. Thus, when the injection device 100 is located within the recess 200, the movable elements 236 grip the needle cap 190 and at the same time the cap remover 234 moves distally, thereby pulling the needle cap 190 distally and away from the injection device 100. This removes the needle cap 190 from the injection device 100.

[0068] See Figure 12 and Figure 13 , each of the cap remover cam surfaces 250 is shaped such that as the cap 204 is moved from the open position to the fully closed position, the gripper moves from the expanded configuration to the contracted configuration and back to the expanded configuration. In this example, each of the cap remover cam surfaces 250 has a proximal end 252 and a distal end 254 that do not interact with a corresponding one of the cap remover cams 248, and an intermediate section 256 that is positioned to interact with a corresponding one of the cap remover cams 248 to move the movable elements 236 as the cap remover 234 moves distally.

[0069] Figure 8 The cap 204 is shown in the fully open position, with the cam remover 234 in the expanded configuration. Figure 12 The cap 204 is shown in the fully closed position, with the cam remover having reverted from the contracted configuration to the expanded configuration as the cap 204 is moved from the fully open position to the fully closed position.

[0070] See Figure 15, the body portion 202 includes a pair of tracks 258 for receiving respective guides 240 of the cap remover 234. Each track 258 is adapted to prevent the cap remover 234 from moving out of the track when the injection device 100 is located in the body portion 202. This is shown in Figure 10 . Specifically, when the injection device 100 is located in the recess 220, the injection device 100 holds the cap remover 234 in each track 258.

[0071] Each track 258 is configured such that when the injection device 100 is not located in the body portion 202, it allows the cap remover 234 to move in a direction having a component perpendicular to the axial direction (i.e., the longitudinal direction extending from the proximal end 208 to the distal end 206 of the attachment 200). However, when the injection device 100 is located in the body portion 202, the cap remover 234 is held against each track 258 by the injection device 100 such that the cap remover 234 can only slide axially relative to the body portion 202.

[0072] As Figure 7 shown, each track exposes at least a portion of the cap remover 234 such that when the injection device 100 is positioned in the recess 220, the injection device 100 holds the cap remover 234 at least partially within the track 258. As Figure 10 shown, the track 258 exposes the cap remover 234 because each track 258 does not include means adapted to contact the upper surface of the cap remover 234. In other words, the body portion 202 does not have a lip or other such retaining means for holding the cap remover 234 in the body portion 202. Instead, the injection device 100 holds the cap remover 234 in the track 258. Specifically, when the injection device 100 is positioned within the recess 220, the cap remover 234 directly contacts the injection device 100. This simplifies the design of the attachment 200.

[0073] Referring to Figure 15 , each track 258 includes a base 260 and a pair of side walls 264, 266 adapted to guide the respective side surfaces of the cap remover 234. In this example, the pair of side walls 264, 266 are integrally formed with the body portion 202. However, in another example, one or both of the side walls 264, 266 are separate components from the body portion 202. The first of the side walls 266 of each track 258 defines a wall of a window 268 through which the injection device 100 is visible when the injection device 100 is located within the attachment 200. The second of the side walls 264 of each track 258 defines an outer wall of the attachment 200. The base 260 and / or the side walls 264, 266 of each track 248 are integrally formed with the body portion 202.

[0074] The features of the attachment 200 described above provide an inexpensive, simple and easy-to-use attachment 200. In addition, the attachment 200 can be operated with one hand in order to administer an injection with the injection device 100.

[0075] In use, the injection device as described above can be used to accommodate and deliver substances such as: antibodies (such as monoclonal antibodies, ustekinumab, golimumab, infliximab, guselkumab, sirukumab, adalimumab, rituximab, tocilizumab, certolizumab, certolizumab pegol, sarilumab, secukinumab, ixekizumab or their biosimilar versions), etanercept, abatacept, anakinra, epoetin alfa, darbepoetin alfa, methoxy polyethylene glycol epoetin beta, polyethylene glycol peptides, hormones, antitoxins, substances for controlling pain, substances for controlling thrombosis, substances for controlling or eliminating infection, peptides, proteins, human insulin or human insulin analogs or derivatives, polysaccharides, DNA, RNA, enzymes, oligonucleotides, antiallergic agents, antihistamines, anti-inflammatory agents, corticosteroids, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, erythropoietin or vaccines, for the treatment or prevention of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, ulcerative colitis, hormone deficiency, toxicity, pain, thrombosis, infection, diabetes, diabetic retinopathy, acute coronary syndrome, angina, myocardial infarction, atherosclerosis, cancer, macular degeneration, allergies, hay fever, inflammation, anemia or myelodysplasia, or for expressing protective immunity. In addition to these substances, any drug contained within the injection device may also include other substances, such as inactive ingredients, as will be understood by a person skilled in the art. Of course, a person skilled in the art can understand that specific substances are effectively used for the treatment or prevention of specific conditions, as is well known in the art. For example, it is known that antiallergic agents are effectively used for the treatment or prevention of allergies; antihistamines are effectively used for the treatment or prevention of hay fever; anti-inflammatory agents are effectively used for the treatment or prevention of inflammation; and so on. Thus, any selection of one or more of the substances listed herein or in the claims for the treatment or prevention of one or more conditions for which these substances are known to be effective is contemplated. However, in a specific example, golimumab is known to be effectively used for the treatment or prevention of one or more of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis or ulcerative colitis, or any combination of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and ulcerative colitis, or all of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and ulcerative colitis.

[0076] Golimumab may optionally be used in combination with one or more inactive ingredients, such as any one or all of L-histidine, L-histidine hydrochloride monohydrate, sorbitol, polysorbate 80, and water. Golimumab may be present in a composition in which Golimumab is the only active ingredient. For example, Golimumab may be administered as administered.

[0077] The term "comprising" encompasses "including" as well as "consisting of", e.g., a composition "comprising" X may consist solely of X or may include additional substances, e.g., X + Y. Unless otherwise specified, each embodiment described herein may be combined with another embodiment described herein. In the above specific example, certain components are provided in pairs to achieve certain functions. However, at least one of these components may be used to achieve these functions.

[0078] It should be understood that the above benefits and advantages may relate to one embodiment or may relate to several embodiments. The embodiments are not limited to those that solve any or all of the above problems, or have any or all of the above benefits and advantages. Any reference to "one" item means one or more of those items.

[0079] It should be understood that the above description of the preferred embodiments is given by way of example only, and various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art. Although the various embodiments have been described above to a certain degree of particularity or with reference to one or more individual embodiments, those skilled in the art can make various changes to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0080] List of numbered implementation examples

[0081] 1. An attachment for an injection device having a needle cap, the attachment comprising:

[0082] A body portion including a recess adapted to receive the injection device;

[0083] A cap coupled to the body portion and pivotally movable between an open position and a closed position, in the open position, the recess is exposed to receive the injection device, and in the closed position, the cap at least partially closes the recess to hold the injection device in the body portion; and

[0084] A cap remover including a gripper, the cap remover having an expanded configuration and a contracted configuration, in the expanded configuration, the needle cap can pass between the grippers, and in the contracted configuration, the grippers hold the needle cap to at least partially remove the needle cap from the injection device;

[0085] Wherein the cap and cap remover are operatively coupled to each other such that when the cap moves from the open position towards the closed position, the cap remover moves from the extended configuration to the retracted configuration.

[0086] 2. The attachment according to embodiment 1, wherein the cap remover is arranged to return to the extended configuration to release the needle cap when the cap reaches the closed position.

[0087] The attachment according to embodiment 1 or embodiment 2, wherein the gripper includes at least one movable element adapted to hold the needle cap when the cap remover is in the retracted configuration and to be offset from the needle cap when the cap remover is in the extended configuration.

[0088] 4. The attachment according to embodiment 3, wherein the at least one movable element is formed of a flexible, elastic material that allows the at least one movable element to move between a position where the gripper holds the needle cap and a position where the needle cap can pass between the grippers.

[0089] 5. The attachment according to embodiment 4, wherein the at least one movable element is configured to bend between a position where the gripper holds the needle cap and a position where the needle cap can pass between the grippers.

[0090] 6. The attachment according to any one of the preceding embodiments, further comprising at least one cap remover cam arranged to interact with at least one cap remover cam surface to move the cap remover from the extended configuration to the retracted configuration.

[0091] 7. The attachment according to embodiment 3, embodiment 6, and optionally embodiment 4 and / or embodiment 5, wherein the at least one cap remover cam is coupled to or disposed on the at least one movable element.

[0092] 8. The attachment according to embodiment 6 or embodiment 7, wherein the cap remover cam surface is coupled to or disposed on the body portion.

[0093] 9. The attachment according to any one of embodiments 6 to 8, wherein the at least one cap remover cam surface is arranged to interact with the cap remover cam to move the cap remover from the extended configuration to the retracted configuration and back to the extended configuration as the cap remover cam moves over and past the cap remover cam surface.

[0094] When the cap is in the open position, the at least one cap remover cam and the at least one cap remover cam surface are offset from each other.

[0095] 11. The attachment according to any one of embodiments 6 to 10, wherein movement of the cap from the open position to the closed position causes the cap remover cam to move into engagement with the cap remover cam surface such that the cap remover moves from the extended configuration to the retracted configuration.

[0096] 12. The attachment according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the gripper includes at least one gripping end that is shaped to correspond to the outer surface of the needle cap.

[0097] 13. The attachment according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the gripper includes a pair of movable elements that are adapted to hold the needle cap when the cap remover is in the retracted configuration and to be offset from the needle cap when the cap remover is in the extended configuration.

[0098] 14. The attachment according to embodiment 13, wherein each of the pair of movable elements is formed of a flexible, resilient material that permits each movable element to move between a position where the gripper holds the needle cap and a position where the needle cap can pass between the grippers.

[0099] 15. The attachment according to embodiment 13 or embodiment 14, wherein each of the pair of movable elements is configured to bend between a position where the gripper holds the needle cap and a position where the needle cap can pass between the grippers.

[0100] 16. The attachment according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, further comprising a pair of cap remover cams, each cap remover cam being arranged to interact with one of a pair of corresponding cap remover cam surfaces so as to move the cap remover from the extended configuration to the retracted configuration.

[0101] 17. The attachment according to embodiment 13, embodiment 16, and optionally embodiment 14 and / or embodiment 15, wherein each cap remover cam is coupled to or disposed on a respective one of the movable elements.

[0102] 18. The attachment according to embodiment 16 or embodiment 17, wherein each cap remover cam surface is coupled to or disposed on the body portion.

[0103] 19. The attachment according to any one of embodiments 16 to 18, wherein the cap remover cam surfaces are arranged to move the cap remover from the extended configuration to the retracted configuration and back to the extended configuration as the cap remover cam moves over and past each respective cap remover cam surface.

[0104] 20. The attachment according to any one of embodiments 16 to 19, wherein when the cap is in the open position, each cap remover cam and the corresponding cap remover cam surface are offset from each other such that the cap remover cam and the cap remover do not intersect each other.

[0105] 21. The attachment according to any one of embodiments 16 to 20, wherein the movement of the cap from the open position to the closed position causes each respective cap remover cam to move into engagement with the corresponding cap remover cam surface such that the cap remover moves from the extended configuration to the retracted configuration.

[0106] 22. The attachment according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the gripper includes a pair of gripping ends, each of the pair of gripping ends being shaped to correspond to the outer surface of the needle cap.

[0107] 23. The attachment according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the cap includes a proximal end adapted to be moved by a user to move the cap from the open position to the closed position.

[0108] 24. The attachment according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the cap includes a distal end adapted to cause the gripper to move towards the end of the attachment to at least partially remove the needle cap from the injection device when the cap moves from the open position to the closed position.

[0109] 25. The attachment according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the cap is pivotally coupled to the body portion about at least one pivot.

[0110] 26. The attachment according to embodiment 25, wherein the at least one pivot includes:

[0111] at least one hole in the body portion; and

[0112] at least one protrusion in the cap, the at least one protrusion being rotatable within the hole.

[0113] 27. The attachment according to embodiment 25 or embodiment 26, wherein the cap includes at least one distal extension extending distally away from the at least one pivot, wherein the distal end of the cap is disposed at the end of the distal extension.

[0114] 28. The attachment according to any one of embodiments 25 to 27, wherein the cap includes a proximal extension extending proximally away from the at least one pivot.

[0115] 29. The attachment according to embodiments 27 and 28, wherein the distal extension is shorter than the proximal extension.

[0116] 30. According to the attachment of embodiment 24 and any one of the foregoing embodiments optionally, wherein the distal end of the cap includes a cap cam disposed within a cap remover slot in the cap remover.

[0117] 31. According to the attachment of embodiment 30, wherein rotation of the cap cam about the pivot axis causes the cap cam to act on the cap remover slot to translate the cap remover within the attachment.

[0118] 32. According to the attachment of embodiment 30 or embodiment 31, wherein the cap is arranged to pivot from an open position to a closed position to cause the cap cam to act on the cap remover slot to move the cap remover towards the distal end of the attachment.

[0119] 33. According to the attachment of embodiment 32, wherein the gripper is arranged to hold the needle cap when the cap remover slot moves towards the distal end of the attachment to at least partially remove the needle cap from the injection device.

[0120] 34. According to the attachment of any one of embodiments 30 to 33, wherein the cap is arranged to pivot from a closed position to an open position to cause the cap cam to act on the cap remover slot to move the cap remover towards the proximal end of the attachment.

[0121] 35. According to the attachment of any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the cap is pivotally connected to the body portion by a pair of pivots.

[0122] 36. According to the attachment of embodiment 35, wherein each of the pair of pivots includes a hole in the body portion and a protrusion in the cap, and the protrusion is rotatable within the hole.

[0123] 37. According to the attachment of embodiment 35 or embodiment 36, wherein the cap includes a pair of distal extensions each extending distally away from a respective one of the pair of pivots.

[0124] 38. According to the attachment of any one of embodiments 35 to 37, wherein the cap includes a pair of proximal extensions each extending proximally away from a respective one of the pair of pivots.

[0125] 39. According to the attachment of embodiment 36 and embodiment 37, wherein each distal extension is shorter than the corresponding proximal extension.

[0126] 40. According to the attachment of embodiment 37 and optionally embodiment 38 and / or embodiment 39, further comprising a pair of distal ends each disposed at an end of each of the distal extensions of the cap, wherein each of the distal ends is operatively coupled to the cap remover to move the gripper towards the end of the attachment to at least partially remove the needle cap from the injection device when the cap moves from the open position to the closed position.

[0127] 41. The attachment according to embodiment 40, wherein each distal end of the cap includes a cap cam disposed within a corresponding cap remover slot in the cap remover.

[0128] 42. The attachment according to embodiment 41, wherein rotation of each cap cam about a pivot axis causes each respective cap cam to act on the corresponding cap remover slot so as to translate the cap remover within the attachment.

[0129] 43. The attachment according to embodiment 41 or embodiment 42, wherein the cap is arranged to pivot from an open position to a closed position so that each cap cam acts on the corresponding cap remover slot to move the cap remover towards the distal end of the attachment.

[0130] 44. The attachment according to embodiment 43, wherein the gripper is arranged to hold the needle cap when the cap remover slot moves towards the distal end of the attachment to remove the needle cap from the injection device.

[0131] 45. The attachment according to any one of embodiments 41 to 44, wherein the cap is arranged to pivot from a closed position to an open position so that each cap cam acts on the corresponding cap remover slot to move the cap remover towards the proximal end of the attachment.

[0132] 46. The attachment according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the attachment is for an injection device having a safety shield and at least one flange adapted to allow a user to grip the injection device, and a syringe sheath movable relative to the at least one flange from a pre-injection position to a locked position, and the body portion further includes a slot adapted to receive the at least one flange of the injection device.

[0133] 47. The attachment according to embodiment 46, wherein when the cap is in the open position, the recess and the slot are exposed to receive the safety shield and the at least one flange, respectively.

[0134] 48. The attachment according to embodiment 46 or embodiment 47, wherein when the cap is in the closed position, the cap at least partially closes the recess and the slot to hold the injection device in the attachment.

[0135] 49. The attachment according to any one of embodiments 46 to 48, wherein the slot is shaped to prevent the at least one flange from moving distally and proximally relative to the body portion and to allow the syringe sheath to move proximally from a pre-injection position to a locked position relative to the body portion.

[0136] 50. The attachment according to any one of embodiments 46 to 49, further comprising:

[0137] The distal end of the attachment adapted to be positioned towards the injection site, and the opposite proximal end of the attachment;

[0138] A pair of opposite faces and a pair of opposite side faces connecting the distal ends of the proximal ends of the attachment.

[0139] 51. The attachment according to embodiment 50, wherein each of the opposite faces has a larger surface area than each of the opposite side faces.

[0140] 52. The attachment according to embodiment 50 or embodiment 51, wherein one of the opposite faces includes a cap.

[0141] 53. The attachment according to any one of embodiments 50 to 52, wherein each of the slot and the recess has an opening face parallel to the face of the attachment.

[0142] 54. The attachment according to any one of embodiments 46 to 53, wherein the recess and the slot are arranged to receive the injection device when the injection device is moved in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the attachment.

[0143] 55. The attachment according to any one of embodiments 46 to 54, wherein the slot includes at least one distal base portion arranged to prevent at least one flange from moving distally relative to the attachment.

[0144] 56. The attachment according to embodiment 55, wherein at least one distal base portion of the slot is integrally formed into the body portion.

[0145] 57. The attachment according to embodiment 55 or embodiment 56, wherein the shape of at least one distal base portion at least partially corresponds to the shape of the lower side of at least one flange.

[0146] 58. The attachment according to any one of embodiments 46 to 57, wherein the slot includes at least one proximal base portion arranged to prevent at least one flange from moving proximally relative to the attachment.

[0147] 59. The attachment according to embodiment 58, wherein at least one proximal base portion of the slot is integrally formed into the body portion.

[0148] 60. The attachment according to any one of embodiments 46 to 59, wherein the cap includes a cap slot shaped to prevent at least one flange from moving distally and proximally relative to the attachment, but allowing the syringe sheath to move proximally from a pre-injection position to a locked position relative to the attachment.

[0149] 61. The attachment according to embodiment 60, wherein the cap slot is formed within the cap.

[0150] 62. The attachment according to embodiment 61, wherein the cap slot includes at least one distal abutment portion arranged to prevent at least one flange from moving distally relative to the attachment.

[0151] 63. The attachment according to embodiment 62, wherein at least one distal abutment portion of the cap slot is integrally formed into the cap.

[0152] 64. The attachment according to any one of embodiments 60 to 63, wherein the cap slot includes at least one proximal abutment portion arranged to prevent at least one flange from moving proximally relative to the attachment.

[0153] 65. The attachment according to embodiment 64, wherein at least one proximal abutment portion of the cap slot is integrally formed into the cap.

[0154] 66. The attachment according to any one of embodiments 46 to 65, wherein the attachment is for an injection device having a pair of flanges adapted to allow a user to grip the injection device.

[0155] 67. The attachment according to embodiment 66, wherein the slot includes a pair of distal abutment portions, each distal abutment portion being arranged to prevent a respective flange of the pair of flanges from moving distally relative to the attachment.

[0156] 68. The attachment according to embodiment 67, wherein the pair of distal abutment portions are integrally formed into the body portion.

[0157] 69. The attachment according to embodiment 67 or embodiment 68, wherein each of the pair of distal abutment portions is at least partially shaped to correspond to the shape of the underside of a respective flange of the pair of flanges.

[0158] 70. The attachment according to any one of embodiments 66 to 69, wherein the slot includes a pair of proximal abutment portions, each proximal abutment portion being arranged to prevent a respective flange of the pair of flanges from moving proximally relative to the body portion.

[0159] 71. The attachment according to embodiment 70, wherein the pair of proximal abutment portions are integrally formed into the body portion.

[0160] 72. The attachment according to any one of embodiments 60 to 71, wherein the cap slot includes a pair of distal abutment portions arranged to prevent the pair of flanges from moving distally relative to the body portion.

[0161] 73. The attachment according to embodiment 72, wherein the pair of distal abutment portions of the cap slot are integrally formed into the cap.

[0162] 74. An attachment according to any one of embodiments 60 to 73, wherein the lid slot includes a pair of proximal base portions arranged to prevent the pair of flanges from moving proximally relative to the body portion.

[0163] 75. An attachment according to embodiment 74, wherein the pair of proximal base portions of the lid slot are integrally formed into the lid.

[0164] 76. An attachment according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the body portion includes a track within which the cap remover is arranged to translate; and

[0165] wherein the track exposes at least a portion of the cap remover such that when the injection device is positioned in the recess, the injection device holds the cap remover at least partially within the track.

[0166] 77. An attachment according to embodiment 76, wherein the track is configured such that when the injection device is positioned within the recess, the cap remover directly contacts the injection device.

[0167] 78. An attachment according to embodiment 76 or embodiment 77, wherein the track does not include means adapted to contact the upper surface of the cap remover.

[0168] 79. An attachment according to any one of embodiments 76 to 78, wherein the track includes a base and at least one sidewall.

[0169] 80. An attachment according to any one of embodiments 76 to 79, wherein the track includes:

[0170] a base adapted to guide the lower surface of the cap remover; and

[0171] at least one sidewall adapted to guide the side surface of the cap remover.

[0172] 81. An attachment according to embodiment 80, wherein at least one sidewall defines the wall of a window through which the injection device is visible when the injection device is located within the attachment.

[0173] 82. An attachment according to embodiment 80, wherein at least one sidewall defines the outer sidewall of the attachment.

[0174] 83. An attachment according to any one of embodiments 80 to 82, wherein the base and / or at least one sidewall are integrally formed with the body portion.

[0175] 84. An attachment according to any one of embodiments 80 to 83, wherein the track includes a pair of sidewalls adapted to guide the respective side surfaces of the cap remover.

[0176] 85. The attachment according to any one of embodiments 80 to 84, wherein the pair of side walls is integrally formed with the main body portion.

[0177] 86. The attachment according to any one of embodiments 76 to 85, wherein the main body portion includes a pair of tracks, and the cap remover is arranged to translate within the pair of tracks; and

[0178] wherein each track exposes at least a portion of the cap remover such that when the injection device is positioned in the recess, the injection device holds the cap remover at least partially within each track.

[0179] 87. The attachment according to embodiment 86, wherein each track is configured such that when the injection device is positioned within the recess, the cap remover directly contacts the injection device.

[0180] 88. The attachment according to embodiment 86 or embodiment 87, wherein each track does not include means adapted to contact the upper surface of the cap remover.

[0181] 89. The attachment according to any one of embodiments 86 to 88, wherein each track includes a base and at least one side wall.

[0182] 90. The attachment according to any one of embodiments 86 to 89, wherein each track includes:

[0183] a base adapted to guide the lower surface of the cap remover; and

[0184] at least one side wall adapted to guide the side surface of the cap remover.

[0185] 91. The attachment according to embodiment 90, wherein at least one side wall of each track defines a wall of a window through which the injection device is visible when the injection device is located within the attachment.

[0186] 92. The attachment according to embodiment 90, wherein at least one side wall of each track defines an outer side wall of the attachment.

[0187] 93. The attachment according to any one of embodiments 90 to 92, wherein the base and / or at least one side wall of each track is integrally formed with the main body portion.

[0188] 94. The attachment according to any one of embodiments 90 to 93, wherein each track includes a pair of side walls adapted to guide the respective side surfaces of the cap remover.

[0189] 95. The attachment according to any one of embodiments 90 to 94, wherein the pair of side walls of each track is integrally formed with the main body portion.

[0190] 96. An attachment according to any one of embodiments 76 to 95, wherein the cap remover includes a guide adapted to be positioned within a track.

[0191] 97. An attachment according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the cap remover includes at least one receiver slot adapted to receive at least a portion of the cap when the cap is in the closed position.

[0192] 98. An attachment according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the cap remover includes a pair of receiver slots, each receiver slot adapted to receive at least a portion of the cap when the cap is in the closed position.

[0193] 99. An attachment according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the body portion includes at least one resilient attachment member adapted to couple the cap to the body portion.

[0194] 100. An attachment according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the body portion includes a track within which the cap remover is arranged to move axially relative to the body portion, and wherein the track is adapted such that when the injection device is located within the body portion, the cap remover is held against the track by the injection device.

[0195] 101. The attachment according to embodiment 100, wherein the track is adapted such that when the injection device is located within the body portion, the cap remover is prevented from moving out of the track.

[0196] 102. The attachment according to embodiment 100 or embodiment 101, wherein the track is adapted such that when the injection device is not located within the body portion, the cap remover is allowed to move in a direction having a component perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0197] 103. The attachment according to any one of embodiments 100 to 102, wherein the track is adapted such that when the injection device is located within the body portion, the cap remover is held against the track by the injection device such that the cap remover is only axially movable relative to the body portion.

[0198] 104. An attachment according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the body portion includes a track within which the cap remover is arranged to slide.

[0199] 105. The attachment according to embodiment 1 and embodiment 6 and optionally any one of the other preceding embodiments, wherein at least one cap remover cam is arranged to slide within a slot in the body portion that includes a cap remover cam surface.

[0200] 106. A system for administering an injection, the system comprising: an injection device having a needle cap; and an attachment according to any one of the preceding embodiments.

[0201] The system according to embodiment 106

[0202] wherein the injection device comprises a substance selected from the group consisting of:

[0203] antibodies (such as monoclonal antibodies, ustekinumab, golimumab, infliximab, guselkumab, sirukumab, adalimumab, rituximab, tocilizumab, certolizumab, pegylated certolizumab, sarecycline, secukinumab, ixekizumab or biosimilar versions thereof), etanercept, abatacept, anakinra, epoetin alfa, darbepoetin alfa, methoxy polyethylene glycol epoetin beta, polyethylene glycol peptides, hormones, antitoxins, substances for controlling pain, substances for controlling thrombosis, substances for controlling or eliminating infections, peptides, proteins, human insulin or human insulin analogs or derivatives, polysaccharides, DNA, RNA, enzymes, oligonucleotides, antiallergic agents, antihistamines, anti-inflammatory agents, corticosteroids, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, erythropoietin or vaccines, for treating or preventing rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, ulcerative colitis, hormone deficiency, toxicity, pain, thrombosis, infection, diabetes, diabetic retinopathy, acute coronary syndrome, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, atherosclerosis, cancer, macular degeneration, allergies, hay fever, inflammation, anemia or myelodysplasia, or for expressing protective immunity.

[0204] 108. A substance selected from the group consisting of:

[0205] An antibody (such as a monoclonal antibody, ustekinumab, golimumab, infliximab, guselkumab, sirukumab, adalimumab, rituximab, tocilizumab, certolizumab, pegylated certolizumab, sarilumab, secukinumab, ixekizumab or a biosimilar version thereof), etanercept, abatacept, anakinra, epoetin alfa, darbepoetin alfa, methoxy polyethylene glycol epoetin beta, a polyethylene glycol peptide, a hormone, an antitoxin, a substance for controlling pain, a substance for controlling thrombosis, a substance for controlling or eliminating infection, a peptide, a protein, human insulin or a human insulin analogue or derivative, a polysaccharide, DNA, RNA, an enzyme, an oligonucleotide, an anti-allergy drug, an antihistamine, an anti-inflammatory drug, a corticosteroid, a disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug, an erythropoietin or a vaccine, is delivered to a human subject by using the system according to embodiment 106 for treating or preventing rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, ulcerative colitis, hormone deficiency, toxicity, pain, thrombosis, infection, diabetes, diabetic retinopathy, acute coronary syndrome, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, atherosclerosis, cancer, macular degeneration, allergy, hay fever, inflammation, anemia or myelodysplasia, or for expressing protective immunity.

[0206] 109. An injection device for treating or preventing rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, ulcerative colitis, hormone deficiency, toxicity, pain, thrombosis, infection, diabetes, diabetic retinopathy, acute coronary syndrome, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, atherosclerosis, cancer, macular degeneration, allergy, hay fever, inflammation, anemia or myelodysplasia, or expressing protective immunity by delivering a substance selected from the group consisting of: an antibody (such as a monoclonal antibody, ustekinumab, golimumab, infliximab, guselkumab, sirukumab, adalimumab, rituximab, tocilizumab, certolizumab, pegylated certolizumab, sarilumab, secukinumab, ixekizumab or a biosimilar version thereof), etanercept, abatacept, anakinra, epoetin alfa, darbepoetin alfa, methoxy polyethylene glycol epoetin beta, a polyethylene glycol peptide, a hormone, an antitoxin, a substance for controlling pain, a substance for controlling thrombosis, a substance for controlling or eliminating infection, a peptide, a protein, human insulin or a human insulin analogue or derivative, a polysaccharide, DNA, RNA, an enzyme, an oligonucleotide, an anti-allergy drug, an antihistamine, an anti-inflammatory drug, a corticosteroid, a disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug, an erythropoietin or a vaccine to a human subject by using the system according to embodiment 106.

Claims

1. An accessory for an injection device having a needle cap, the accessory comprising: A body portion including a recess adapted to receive the injection device; A single lid pivotally movable between an open position and a closed position, the lid being coupled to the body portion, in the open position, the recess is exposed to receive the injection device, in the closed position, the lid at least partially closes the recess to hold the injection device in the body portion; And A cap remover including a gripper, the cap remover having an expanded configuration and a contracted configuration, in the expanded configuration, the needle cap can pass between the grippers, in the contracted configuration, the grippers hold the needle cap to at least partially remove the needle cap from the injection device; Wherein the lid and the cap remover are operatively coupled to each other such that when the lid moves from the open position towards the closed position, the cap remover moves from the expanded configuration to the contracted configuration; And Wherein the gripper includes at least one movable element adapted to move to hold the needle cap when the cap remover is in the contracted configuration and to be offset from the needle cap when the cap remover is in the expanded configuration; The at least one movable element is formed of a flexible, elastic material that allows the at least one movable element to move between a position where the gripper holds the needle cap and a position where the needle cap can pass between the grippers.

2. The accessory according to claim 1, wherein the cap remover is arranged to return to the expanded configuration to release the needle cap when the lid reaches the closed position.

3. The accessory according to claim 1, wherein the at least one movable element is configured to bend between a position where the gripper holds the needle cap and a position where the needle cap can pass between the grippers.

4. The accessory according to any one of claims 1-3, further comprising at least one cap remover cam arranged to interact with at least one cap remover cam surface to move the cap remover from the expanded configuration to the contracted configuration.

5. The accessory according to claim 4, wherein the at least one cap remover cam is coupled to or provided on the at least one movable element.

6. The accessory according to claim 4, wherein the cap remover cam surface is coupled to or provided on the body portion.

7. The accessory according to claim 4, wherein the at least one cap remover cam surface is arranged to interact with the cap remover cam to move the cap remover from the expanded configuration to the contracted configuration and back to the expanded configuration as the cap remover cam moves over and past the cap remover cam surface.

8. The attachment according to claim 4, wherein when the cap is in the open position, the at least one cap remover cam and the at least one cap remover cam surface are offset from each other.

9. The attachment according to claim 4, wherein movement of the cap from the open position to the closed position causes the cap remover cam to move into engagement with the cap remover cam surface such that the cap remover moves from the expanded configuration to the contracted configuration.

10. The attachment according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the gripper includes at least one gripping end shaped to correspond to the outer surface of the needle cap.

11. The attachment according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the gripper includes a pair of movable elements adapted to hold the needle cap when the cap remover is in the contracted configuration and to be offset from the needle cap when the cap remover is in the expanded configuration.

12. The attachment according to claim 11, wherein each of the pair of movable elements is formed of a flexible, elastic material that permits each movable element to move between a position in which the gripper holds the needle cap and a position in which the needle cap can pass between the grippers.

13. The attachment according to claim 11, wherein each of the pair of movable elements is configured to bend between a position in which the gripper holds the needle cap and a position in which the needle cap can pass between the grippers.

14. The attachment according to any one of claims 1-3, further comprising a pair of cap remover cams, each of the pair of cap remover cams being arranged to interact with one of a pair of corresponding cap remover cam surfaces to move the cap remover from the expanded configuration to the contracted configuration.

15. The attachment according to claim 14, wherein each cap remover cam is coupled to or disposed on a respective one of the movable elements.

16. The attachment according to claim 14, wherein each cap remover cam surface is coupled to or disposed on the body portion.

17. The attachment according to claim 14, wherein the cap remover cam surfaces are arranged to move the cap remover from the expanded configuration to the contracted configuration and back to the expanded configuration as the cap remover cam moves over and past each respective cap remover cam surface.

18. The attachment according to claim 14, wherein when the cap is in the open position, each cap remover cam and the corresponding cap remover cam surface are offset from each other such that the cap remover cam and the cap remover do not engage each other.

19. The attachment according to claim 14, wherein movement of the cap from the open position to the closed position causes each respective cap remover cam to move into engagement with the corresponding cap remover cam surface such that the cap remover moves from the extended configuration to the retracted configuration.

20. The attachment according to any one of claims 1 - 3, wherein the gripper comprises a pair of gripping ends, each of the pair of gripping ends being shaped to correspond to the outer surface of the needle cap.

21. A system for administering an injection, the system comprising: An injection device having a needle cap; and an attachment according to any one of the preceding claims.

22. The system according to claim 21, wherein the injection device accommodates a substance selected from the group consisting of: Polyethylene glycol peptides, hormones, proteins, polysaccharides, DNA, RNA, anti - allergic drugs, anti - inflammatory drugs, disease - modifying anti - rheumatic drugs, or erythropoietin.

23. The system according to claim 22, wherein the protein comprises an antibody.

24. The system according to claim 23, wherein the antibody is a monoclonal antibody.

25. The system according to claim 24, wherein the monoclonal antibody is ustekinumab, golimumab, infliximab, guselkumab, sirukumab, adalimumab, rituximab, tocilizumab, certolizumab, pegylated certolizumab, sarecycline, secukinumab, ixekizumab, or a biosimilar version thereof.

26. The system according to claim 22, wherein the protein comprises an antitoxin.

27. The system according to claim 22, wherein the hormone comprises a corticosteroid.

28. The system according to claim 21, wherein the injection device contains etanercept, abatacept, anakinra, epoetin alfa, darbepoetin alfa, or methoxy polyethylene glycol - epoetin beta.

29. The system according to claim 22, wherein the anti - allergic drug comprises an antihistamine.

30. The system according to claim 21, wherein the injection device contains a substance for controlling pain, a substance for controlling thrombosis, or a substance for controlling or eliminating infection.

31. The system according to claim 21, wherein the injection device contains a peptide.

32. The system according to claim 22, wherein the protein contains an enzyme.

33. The system according to claim 22, wherein the protein contains human insulin or a human insulin analogue or derivative.

34. The system according to claim 21, wherein the injection device contains an oligonucleotide.

35. The system according to claim 21, wherein the injection device contains a vaccine.

36. The system according to claim 21, wherein the substance contained in the injection device is for treating or preventing rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, ulcerative colitis, hormone deficiency toxicity, pain, thrombosis, infection, diabetes, diabetic retinopathy, acute coronary syndrome, myocardial infarction, atherosclerosis, cancer, macular degeneration, allergy, hay fever, anemia or myelodysplasia, or for expressing protective immunity.

37. An injection device for delivering a substance to a human subject by using the system according to claim 21.

38. The injection device according to claim 37, wherein the substance is selected from the group consisting of: polyethylene glycol peptides, hormones, proteins, polysaccharides, DNA, RNA, anti-allergy drugs, anti-inflammatory drugs, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs or erythropoietin.

39. The injection device according to claim 38, wherein the protein comprises an antibody.

40. The injection device according to claim 39, wherein the antibody is a monoclonal antibody.

41. The injection device according to claim 40, wherein the monoclonal antibody is ustekinumab, golimumab, infliximab, guselkumab, sirukumab, adalimumab, rituximab, tocilizumab, certolizumab, pegylated certolizumab, sarilumab, secukinumab, ixekizumab or a biosimilar version thereof.

42. The injection device according to claim 38, wherein the protein comprises an antitoxin.

43. The injection device according to claim 38, wherein the hormone comprises a corticosteroid.

44. The injection device according to claim 37, wherein the injection device contains etanercept, abatacept, anakinra, epoetin alfa, darbepoetin alfa or methoxy polyethylene glycol epoetin beta.

45. The injection device according to claim 38, wherein the anti-allergy drug comprises an antihistamine.

46. The injection device according to claim 37, wherein the injection device contains a substance for controlling pain, a substance for controlling thrombosis, or a substance for controlling or eliminating infection.

47. The injection device according to claim 37, wherein the injection device contains a peptide.

48. The injection device according to claim 38, wherein the protein contains an enzyme.

49. The injection device according to claim 38, wherein the protein contains human insulin or a human insulin analogue or derivative.

50. The injection device according to claim 37, wherein the injection device contains an oligonucleotide.

51. The injection device according to claim 37, wherein the injection device contains a vaccine.

52. The system according to claim 37, wherein the substance is for treating or preventing rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, ulcerative colitis, hormone deficiency toxicity, pain, thrombosis, infection, diabetes, diabetic retinopathy, acute coronary syndrome, myocardial infarction, atherosclerosis, cancer, macular degeneration, allergy, hay fever, anemia or myelodysplasia, or for expressing protective immunity.

Images