Plunger for expelling medicament, medicament delivery device, back subassembly and corresponding method

Abstract

There is disclosed a plunger (1000) for expelling a medicament (Dr, M) from a medicament container (900), the plunger comprising:-an elongated shaft (1010) extending from a proximal end (1011p) of the plunger (1000) in a direction of a distal end (1011d) of the plunger (1000), where the distal end (1011d) is configured to transmit a force during expelling of the medicament (Dr, M),-at least one trigger feature (TF) disposed within or on the shaft (1010), where the trigger feature (TF) is configured to trigger the force during expelling of the medicament (Dr, M). The invention relates to a drug delivery device (100) comprising-a plunger (1000) having a trigger feature (TF) configured to allow release of the plunger (1000) from other portions of the drug delivery device (100) in order to initiate expelling of the drug (Dr, M) from the drug container (900), and-at least one interaction feature (IF) configured to interact with a drive source generating a force for expelling the drug (Dr, M).

Description

[0001] This disclosure relates to a drug delivery device, and more particularly to an auditory indicator. The drug delivery device may be a manually actuated device (pen-type) or an autoinjector device. Known devices may include a plunger having features that support only one basic function, such as expelling the drug. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The object of this disclosure is to provide a plunger that includes at least one additional feature for performing a function additional to the basic function of expelling the drug. The production of the plunger should preferably be easy to carry out and / or should not weaken the function related to signaling to the user. In addition, a corresponding drug delivery device, a corresponding rear subassembly, and / or a corresponding method should be provided.

[0003] This object is achieved by a plunger according to claim 1. Further embodiments are given in the dependent claims.

[0004] According to an embodiment, a plunger for expelling a drug from a drug container may include:

[0005] - an elongated shaft (e.g., a plunger body), which may extend from the proximal end of the plunger in a direction towards the distal end of the plunger, wherein the distal end may be configured to transmit a force during the expulsion of the drug,

[0006] - at least one triggering feature, which may be arranged within or on the shaft, wherein the triggering feature is configured to allow the release of the plunger from other parts of the drug delivery device in order to start expelling the drug from the drug container, and

[0007] - at least one interaction feature, which may be configured to interact with a drive source that generates a force for expelling the drug.

[0008] The shaft may preferably be cylindrical. A hollow cylinder may be used as the shaft. Alternatively, a solid cylinder without an internal cavity or having only at least one small internal cavity may be used.

[0009] The triggering feature can be an orifice configured to release the plunger from the holding position, e.g. to expel the drug. The orifice can be configured to dock and / or interact with a flexible arm or other element of the drug delivery device. Alternatively, other triggering features can be used, such as at least one radially extending rib, preferably arranged on the proximal end of the plunger. The rib can be configured to interact with other triggering features, such as a ramp on the needle cannula (e.g. on the proximal port of the needle cannula), which needle cannula is also configured to protect the needle of the drug delivery device before and / or after drug delivery (expulsion). Alternatively or additionally, the triggering feature (e.g. an additional triggering feature) can be configured to trigger an additional function, such as generating an audible signal and / or a tactile signal by an audible indicator and / or a tactile indicator. Thus, the plunger can have at least one notch (e.g. axially extending) or other recess for triggering the indicator.

[0010] The interaction feature can be a simple area of the surface of the plunger, such as a proximally directed surface or surface area, preferably arranged on the proximal end of the plunger. Alternatively, the interaction feature can include a cavity within the plunger shaft (e.g. configured to hold a drive spring and / or an optional pin for holding the drive spring) and / or at least one surface area within the shaft configured to interact with the proximal end of the drive spring.

[0011] Thus, the plunger can perform at least two or at least three basic functions, such as expelling the drug and / or for triggering a drug injection and / or for other triggering purposes.

[0012] According to an embodiment, the plunger can include at least one auxiliary structure or at least one group including at least two auxiliary structures. The at least one auxiliary structure or the group including at least two auxiliary structures can be configured to enable automatic identification of at least one of the position of the plunger and / or the movement of the plunger during testing of a device including the plunger.

[0013] The at least one auxiliary structure can be a circumferentially extending auxiliary structure, at least partially along the circumference of the shaft, preferably at least along a quarter of the circumference of the shaft, more preferably not extending around the entire circumference, e.g. extending less than three-quarters or less than half of the circumference of the shaft.

[0014] Automatic testing can be used, such as using a camera, preferably using a shutter camera or other high-speed camera.

[0015] Using at least one auxiliary structure, the position of the plunger at the end of drug delivery can be detected, for example, through at least one viewing window (sidewall window) of a drug delivery device including a plunger. However, if the viewing window permits (e.g., has a corresponding proximal position) and / or if the material of the housing of the drug delivery device is transparent to the radiation used to take a picture with a camera, the starting position can also be identified.

[0016] Alternatively or additionally, the movement of the plunger during drug delivery or during the delivery of a test fluid or without using a fluid at all can be detected, for example, in order to analyze the kinetics of the movement. This method can be used if at least one viewing / sidewall window is relatively short and does not permit detection of at least one auxiliary structure at the end position of the plunger using light in the visible light frequency range or wavelength range (e.g., in the range of 400 nm (nanometers) to 800 nm) through the at least one viewing / sidewall window.

[0017] Thus, at least one auxiliary structure can be arranged on the plunger such that its angular position on the plunger is aligned with the angular position of at least one viewing / sidewall window of the assembled drug delivery device including the plunger. There can be two viewing / sidewall windows (e.g., enhancing usability) on opposite (e.g., lateral) sides of the housing of the drug delivery device. Thus, two sets of auxiliary structures can be used, each corresponding to a respective viewing / sidewall window. However, even if only one viewing / sidewall window is used, there can be two sets of auxiliary structures, one set aligned with the viewing / sidewall window and the other set not aligned with the at least one viewing / sidewall window. This can give the plunger rotational symmetry, for example, preventing warping of the plunger and / or facilitating assembly of the plunger into the drug delivery device.

[0018] At least one auxiliary structure can extend along the circumference of the shaft, for example, less than half of the circumference. This can provide mechanical stability, especially during production of the plunger (e.g., during ejection of the plunger from a mold) and / or during assembly or use of the drug delivery device, mechanical stability in the axial direction under mechanical forces.

[0019] At least one auxiliary structure can include at least one groove or at least one rib or a combination of grooves and ribs or other protruding features. These features are easy to manufacture. In addition, if circumferentially arranged, the usability of the device is not diminished because only a shorter portion of the shaft is required to arrange the auxiliary structure.

[0020] However, alternatively or additionally, axially extending ribs and / or grooves can also be used to identify the position and / or movement of the plunger.

[0021] The technical effect of at least one auxiliary structure can be to make automatic testing and / or assembly possible and / or easy.

[0022] The following describes a method for testing a drug delivery device, which includes a plunger, especially including an auxiliary structure. The corresponding technical effects can be applied to at least one auxiliary structure and the method of using the auxiliary structure.

[0023] According to an embodiment, the plunger may include at least one lateral opening or preferably at least two lateral openings respectively arranged on opposite lateral sides of the shaft, wherein the at least one lateral opening or the at least two lateral openings may be configured to allow removal of at least one auxiliary part or portion of the mold used for producing the plunger. For example, this part may be an area integral with the mold. The at least one auxiliary part may be configured to laterally hold another auxiliary part in a long shape during injection of plastic into the mold. The other auxiliary part includes, for example, a rod or a pin or is composed of a rod or a pin. Therefore, the produced plunger can have high accuracy, especially in terms of the position of the inner profile of the inner cavity relative to the outer surface of the plunger. It is possible to prevent the rod or pin from deforming under the action of high pressure during molding. This can also have a positive impact on the life of the mold.

[0024] The other auxiliary part may be a long part that defines at least a part of the inner profile of the plunger or at least a part of the entire profile of the plunger. Therefore, the inner profile of the plunger may include an inner long cavity (hole). The axial length of the inner cavity may be substantially the same as the axial length of the shaft of the plunger. For example, the length of the inner cavity may be at most ten percent shorter than the axial length of the shaft of the plunger or the plunger itself. There may be only a thin wall between the inner cavity and the outer surface of the plunger, and the thickness of the thin wall is, for example, in the range of 1.5 mm to 0.5 mm, such as 1 mm (millimeter) or less than 1 mm.

[0025] One or more lateral openings can prevent the long other auxiliary molding parts (such as pins or rods) from deforming and / or shifting under the action of high pressure during injection molding. Preferably, two pairs of openings respectively arranged on each lateral side of the shaft of the plunger can be used to make the plunger have high accuracy and low tolerance.

[0026] "Long" may mean, for example, that the axial length is at least 5 times or 10 times the lateral width or diameter. The lateral opening may be a hole, such as a rounded hole, a slot, or may have other suitable shapes.

[0027] The lateral opening can be offset in the angular direction relative to at least one viewing / sidewall window and / or other structures on the outside of the plunger (e.g., relative to the optional auxiliary structures for identifying the position / movement of the plunger described above), for example by 90 degrees or within the range of 80 degrees to 100 degrees. Thus, during movement of the plunger within the drug delivery device and when the plunger is in all other static positions, the lateral opening may not be visible or may be rarely visible through the viewing / sidewall window. However, it is also possible to arrange the lateral opening at an angular position that is visible through at least one viewing window.

[0028] At least two openings can be used that are arranged at the same angular position of the shaft but at different axial positions of the shaft. The axial distance between the openings at different axial positions can be within the range of 15 mm to 30 mm. This distance can be equal to or greater than the axial length of at least one sidewall window, for example in order to prevent or reduce the visibility of the openings.

[0029] The position of the lateral opening can be such that the lateral opening is not visible through at least one sidewall window of the drug delivery before, during, or after injection, for example in order to make the device highly usable, for example in order to avoid confusing the user due to seeing too many structures in the sidewall window (viewing window).

[0030] Alternatively, the lateral opening can be visible in order to increase usability, for example if there are no other visible structures within the (viewing window).

[0031] Alternatively or additionally, at least two lateral openings can be used that are arranged at the same axial position of the shaft but at different angular positions. Thus, additional elongated structures (internal pins / rods of the mold, preferably arranged on the slider) can be held tightly from two lateral sides, thereby improving accuracy during molding. The internal pins / rods can be arranged on the slider of the mold.

[0032] The shape of the opening can be configured as a groove. The groove can have multiple sides at the same axial position, and these sides have different inclination angles relative to each other and also relative to the circumferential tangent at the position where the corresponding side meets the outer surface of the shaft on the outside of the shaft. Other references can also be used, such as the radial direction. The sides can include substantially planar regions or the main planar regions. Using sides with different angles (not only due to angular position) can allow the mold to deform without using a slider for the part that generates the lateral groove or other lateral openings.

[0033] The opening or groove can be arranged such that it has rotational symmetry when the plunger or shaft rotates around its longitudinal axis. Thus, warping can be prevented and / or assembly can be facilitated.

[0034] The following describes a method for producing a plunger having at least one lateral opening. The corresponding technical effects can be applied to at least one lateral opening and to a method for producing a plunger including at least one lateral opening.

[0035] According to an embodiment, the plunger may include at least one identification mark, which preferably includes at least one letter, at least one number, and / or at least one other symbol on the plunger, preferably on the shaft, more preferably on the distally facing surface of the shaft. The distally facing surface may not be visible or may be rarely visible in at least one lateral viewing window, for example in order to avoid confusing the user of the drug delivery device including the plunger.

[0036] Preferably, the at least one identification mark may be provided on each of a plurality of plungers (e.g., all plungers produced on a large scale). Thus, more than 1000 or more than 10000 or more than 100000 plungers can be produced in a week or in a month, for example by injection molding.

[0037] Furthermore, preferably, different marks may be used to mark different cavities of a mold and / or different molds. This may allow for a complete mapping of all plungers to the cavities in which the corresponding plungers were produced, for example for documentation and / or tracing, etc. Documentation is particularly important in the medical field, as device failures can have serious consequences for patients.

[0038] At least a part of the mark may indicate or may be an identifier of the cavity of the mold or the mold used to produce the plunger. Alternatively, several marks may indicate or may be an identifier of the cavity of the mold or the mold used to produce the plunger. Other data may also be imprinted into the plunger by using marks (such as production date and / or production month and / or production year, production site, etc.). This may allow for a more detailed tracing and documentation of the production process, especially by using digital data associated with the marks or markers.

[0039] According to another embodiment, the plunger may include at least two, at least three, or at least four identification marks on the distal surface of the shaft or on the distal surface of the plunger, preferably on the distal surface bounded laterally by the distal end of the shaft and medially by the proximal part of the end portion of the plunger. The outer diameter or (outer) minimum width of the end portion may be smaller compared to the outer diameter or outer minimum width of the shaft, for example less than half of the outer diameter or outer minimum width of the shaft. This location may be preferred because it may be a location that is not visible or rarely visible to the user, for example such that the marks or markers do not confuse the user.

[0040] On the side of the mold, each cavity configured to produce a plunger may include an "inverse marker" that identifies the cavity and / or the mold. Generally, the mold may include a number of cavities, each cavity configured to produce a plunger in the same manner. This can allow for a reduction in part cost and / or the time required to produce the parts. However, due to tolerances and other sources, for example, there may be slight differences between the cavities, and thus also between the plungers produced in different cavities. There may also be minor differences between the plungers produced in the same cavity. However, to reduce production risks (faulty devices or devices of poor quality), it may be chosen to combine only the parts that have been produced in the corresponding identical cavities into an assembled device. As an example, only the parts of the corresponding sixth cavity are combined, for example, having the marking "X006". This can make testing easier and / or errors can be traced. Additionally, this may be the best way to provide high-quality devices.

[0041] Production tracking and documentation may in particular include digital documentation, automatic error tracking during the development of the device, automated quality control (especially statistical quality control), etc.

[0042] An annular surface may be used to place the marker or markers. Reading may be done clockwise or counterclockwise. The annular surface may be a surface that may not be used for other purposes of the plunger or has multiple functions (such as transmitting force and / or carrying a marker, etc.).

[0043] Corresponding methods for marking one or more plungers and / or drug delivery devices are mentioned below. The drug delivery device may include a plunger with the above-mentioned marking. However, the marking principle may be used in the same way for other parts of the drug delivery device, such as for the needle cannula and the drive spring holder. Corresponding technical effects may apply to the marker or markers and the marking method.

[0044] According to an embodiment, the plunger may include at least one retaining structure, preferably a rib, the at least one retaining structure including an axially extending portion arranged proximally and a distal support portion, the distal support portion having a greater angular width relative to the width of the axially extending portion. The retaining structure may be arranged in the proximal portion of the plunger and / or the shaft, that is, both the axially extending portion of the at least one retaining structure and the distal portion of the at least one retaining structure are provided in the proximal portion.

[0045] The at least one retaining structure may be configured to interact with an additional retaining structure on a part of the drug delivery device such that the plunger is firmly retained within the additional retaining structure in the state where it is biased by the drive spring. At least one complementary shape portion having a shape complementary to the shape on the retaining structure may be arranged on the additional retaining structure. The additional retaining structure may be a shaped groove as mentioned in the following description of the drawings.

[0046] The axial length of the axially extending portion of the retaining structure may be greater than the axial length of the distal support portion of the retaining structure, for example, 2 times greater or 3 times greater, and preferably less than 10 times as an example.

[0047] Accordingly, at least one retaining structure may be L-shaped, and preferably the angle between the two portions (straight lines) is in the range of 80 degrees to 130 degrees. Compared with the case where the retaining structure has or substantially has the same axial width as the distal support structure (L-shaped rib) of the retaining structure along its entire length, material can be saved. However, stability can still be provided, and the stability is not reduced or hardly reduced.

[0048] The angular direction may be the direction around the circumference of an axis, especially a cylindrical axis. The angular width may be the width in the angular direction.

[0049] Preferably, two retaining structures may be used, for example, on opposite sides of the axis. Thus, during the assembly of the rear subassembly (RSA) and / or the storage / transport of the rear subassembly, the mechanical forces may be symmetric. Final assembly may be carried out later, for example, by installing the syringe in the front subassembly (FSA) and assembling the FSA and RSA together into a final drug delivery device.

[0050] The lateral width of the distal support portion may be greater than the lateral width of the axially extending portion, for example, at least 20% or 50% greater than the width of the axially extending portion. This may also apply to the angular width.

[0051] As described above, the additional retaining structure may be, for example, a profiled groove, preferably on the housing, for example, on the rear part of the housing of the drug delivery device. The drive spring holder may form the rear part of the housing. Alternatively, the additional retaining structure may be arranged on the drive spring holder of the drug delivery device or on another part of the drug delivery device. The retaining structure may include, for example, a first angled surface, an intermediate wall portion, and a second angled surface in this order. The angled angles of the two angled surfaces may be substantially the same, for example, may be parallel to each other. Alternatively, different angles may be used for the two angled surfaces. The wall portion may have a surface that is arranged obliquely with respect to the first angled surface and / or the second angled surface. Accordingly, the additional retaining structure may be in the shape of a symbol of lightning (lightning symbol). This shape may be suitable for retaining the plunger that is strongly biased in the storage position and allows for facilitating the release of the plunger by pressing the plunger proximally and enabling the plunger to rotate and / or initiating the rotation of the plunger.

[0052] According to an embodiment, the triggering feature may include or may be constituted by at least one set (e.g., at least a pair) of sets each including at least two outwardly directed ribs. The respective ribs in at least one set may be located at the same angular position on the shaft (preferably within the proximal region of the shaft) or have an angular offset of less than 10 degrees relative to each other. The respective ribs in at least one set may have different axial positions, preferably spaced less than 15 mm (millimeters) or less than 10 mm apart. The respective ribs in at least one set may extend axially, for example, much more than they extend angularly.

[0053] At least two outwardly (e.g., radially outwardly extending) directed ribs in at least one set may be arranged on a respective common rib, which, for example, extends axially relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. At least one support rib may be arranged on the respective common rib. The support rib may extend axially and extend obliquely relative to at least two outwardly directed ribs in adjacent sets of at least two sets, preferably including an angle in the range of 80 degrees to 100 degrees, such as being about 90 degrees or an angle of 90 degrees.

[0054] At least one support rib may include a rounded portion that includes a curved shape, the curve of which extends from an axial position equal to the proximal axial position of a first rib (e.g., a distal rib) in at least one set to an axial position equal to the proximal axial position of a second rib (e.g., a proximal rib) in the respective set of the at least one set.

[0055] One technical effect of the support rib may be to improve the mechanical stability of the triggering feature. This may be important, for example, when using a relatively high fill volume (greater than 2 ml) within a medicament container compared to a lower fill volume of less than 1.5 ml, and / or when using a drug having a high viscosity, such as when the viscosity of the drug is at the upper limit of, for example, the range from 1 centipoise (cP) to 25 cP, such as in the range from 15 cP to 25 cP.

[0056] The ribs in at least one set may have at least one planar surface, preferably on opposite lateral sides of the respective ribs in the at least one set. The planar surfaces may facilitate interaction with other parts of the drug delivery device, such as during triggering of drug delivery (e.g., discharging the drug through a needle or nozzle) and / or during drug delivery itself. Thus, the ribs in at least one set may interact with other ribs, for example, on a needle cannula and / or a drive spring retainer and / or on the inner side of the housing of the drug delivery device.

[0057] Two sets may be arranged respectively on opposite lateral sides of the shaft of the plunger, for example, such that symmetric mechanical forces are generated during storage of the device and / or when triggering the device to start moving the plunger within the device.

[0058] Thus, the ribs in at least one set of sets can be adjacent to each other. Alternatively or additionally, the ribs in at least one set can be arranged on the same common rib.

[0059] According to an embodiment, the interaction feature can be constituted by or can include an elongate cavity that is within the shaft and is configured to interact with a drive force member, such as with a spring (preferably a compression spring), gas, etc. The plunger (e.g., more specifically the shaft) can include at least two internal ribs or at least three internal ribs or at least four internal ribs that extend at least a quarter, a half, three - quarters of the axial length of the elongate cavity, or along the entire axial length of the elongate cavity. The at least two ribs can be arranged at equidistant angular positions between adjacent ribs. This can allow for smooth guidance of the drive spring, e.g., generating less noise, fewer sound waves of different frequencies within the noise, and thus being more acceptable to the user when the drive spring is released.

[0060] According to an embodiment, the cross - section from the proximal end to the distal end can include at least one of the following features on the inner side of the shaft, preferably in a given order:

[0061] - Preferably, a first rounded edge,

[0062] - A bevel that is preferably oblique within the cross - section with respect to the outer surface of the shaft and / or with respect to the inner main surface of the shaft,

[0063] - Preferably, a second rounded edge, and

[0064] - The inner main surface of the shaft or that inner main surface of the shaft.

[0065] The radius of the first rounded edge and / or the second rounded edge can be greater than the radius on the proximal outer edge of the shaft, e.g., 2 times greater, and for example, less than 10 times greater. If the drive spring is released and / or if the plunger is pushed forward (e.g., thereby coming into contact with the drive spring), then this rounded chamfer feature can reduce noise.

[0066] The bevel angle with respect to the outer surface of the shaft and / or with respect to the inner main surface of the shaft can be in the range of 30 degrees to 60 degrees, preferably in the range of 40 degrees to 50 degrees, and more preferably 45 degrees. An angle within one of these ranges can enhance the noise reduction of the noise generated due to the contact of the drive spring with the inside of the shaft.

[0067] According to an embodiment, the plunger may include a distal end portion, preferably a cylindrical distal end portion. The distal end portion may be arranged on the distal end of the shaft and / or may form the distal end of the plunger. The distal portion may have a complementary shape compared to an opening in a stop of a syringe barrel or another drug container (such as a cartridge for a removable needle). Thus, the transfer of force may be easier, for example, centering the plunger within the stop. However, other end portions may also be used, such as those having a cross-shaped cross-section, etc.

[0068] According to an embodiment, the plunger may comprise or may be made of a glass-filled or glass-fiber-filled plastic material, preferably a glass-filled or glass-fiber-filled polyamide, more preferably a glass-filled polyamide PA 66. Polyamide (PA, nylon) 66 may be particularly well-suited as a material for a medical device, especially for a plunger that is part of a medical device, since it is also suitable for the food industry. Additionally, the molding properties of such a material may be excellent.

[0069] The content of glass or glass fibers in the glass-filled material may be in the range of 23 mass percent to 43 mass percent, or in the range of 30 mass percent to 36 mass percent, for example 33 mass percent. Preferably, Zytel FGFE5171 from DuPont, especially FGFE5171NC010C, which contains 33 mass percent of glass or glass fibers, may be used. Alternatively, volume percent may be used instead of mass percent in the above ranges or values. Other materials, such as polyamide (PA, nylon) 6, may also be used.

[0070] The material may be mechanically very stable, for example, to resist the force of a drive spring during storage of the assembled rear sub-assembly (RSA) or during storage of the fully assembled drug delivery device (such as in a low-temperature environment). Thus, creep phenomena are rarely likely to occur with this material.

[0071] According to an embodiment, the plunger may include at least one axially extending (such as longitudinally) cut or at least two axially extending (such as longitudinally) cuts. The at least one axially extending cut or the at least two axially extending cuts may be arranged within the proximal portion of the shaft. The at least one axially extending cut or the at least two axially extending cuts may be configured to interact with a support arm. The support arm may be configured to interact with and / or trigger an auditory indicator of the drug delivery device.

[0072] Preferably, at least one pair of axially extending incisions or at least two pairs of axially extending incisions may be used. Using at least one pair of incisions may be preferred compared to using only one incision that interacts with the flexible support arm, for example in order to enable the use of two ribs, providing greater lateral stability compared to using only one rib. When triggering the auditory indicator and / or the tactile indicator, the two ribs on the support arm may interact with the two incisions in a pair of incisions. Additionally, using two ribs on the support arm that interact with the incisions may have other technical effects, such as providing redundancy.

[0073] The technical effect of using two pairs of incisions arranged on opposite lateral sides of the shaft respectively may make the assembly of the plunger easier, due to the rotational symmetry, i.e., for example, there may be no special or preferred upper side with respect to the pin / rod for guiding the drive spring. The pin or rod for guiding the drive spring may be arranged on or within the drive spring holder. Additionally, due to the rotational symmetry of the plunger, there may be less warping during molding and / or especially during subsequent cooling. If two pairs of incisions are provided on the shaft, within the drug delivery device, one of the pairs of incisions may not be used.

[0074] According to another embodiment, the (flexible) support arm may include at least one of the following features:

[0075] a) being configured to support the auditory indicator onto the plunger of the drug delivery device, for example in order to prevent direct mechanical contact between the auditory indicator and the plunger and / or to enhance design options,

[0076] b) including a support structure, which may include at least two support portions. The at least two support portions may include support surfaces whose shape may be complementary to the angle between at least two wing-shaped sections of the auditory indicator (e.g., within the range of 120 degrees to 140 degrees), for example in order to trigger a special type of indicator that generates a very loud sound, preferably using the click frog principle known from toys (e.g., a toy frog that generates a loud clicking sound).

[0077] c) including a holding structure, which includes at least one ramp or at least two ramps, for example in order to hold the support structure mentioned in item b),

[0078] e) including an additional support structure that points in the opposite direction compared to the support structure or the support structure on the flexible support arm, wherein the additional support structure may include at least one or at least two ramps configured to be supported by the plunger of the drug delivery device, for example in order to allow for an accurately defined trigger time point.

[0079] According to one aspect, there is provided a drug delivery device, which includes:

[0080] - A plunger according to any one of the previous or foregoing embodiments

[0081] - A drug container or a holding space configured to hold the drug container, wherein the drug container can store a drug or can be configured to store a drug

[0082] The drug can be one of the drugs mentioned in the drug list further below

[0083] Therefore, the technical effects described above for the plunger and its embodiments can also be effective for the drug delivery device

[0084] The drug delivery device can further include at least one of the following components

[0085] - A device housing that can support the internal components of the drug delivery device, and / or

[0086] - A slidable needle cannula (cover) that can be configured to cover the needle of the drug delivery device before and / or after injecting the drug and / or can be configured to trigger the automatic injection of the drug

[0087] Therefore, the technical effects described above for the plunger and its embodiments can also be effective for an autoinjector that enables, for example, an untrained person to easily inject a drug

[0088] According to one aspect, a rear sub - assembly (RSA) can include at least one of the following

[0089] - A drive spring holder configured to hold a drive spring

[0090] - A drive spring, and

[0091] - A plunger according to any one of the above embodiments

[0092] Therefore, the technical effects described above for the plunger and its embodiments can also be effective for the rear sub - assembly (RSA)

[0093] According to another aspect, a drive spring holder can include at least one of the following

[0094] - At least one holding space for an auditory indicator and / or a tactile indicator, the at least one holding space being configured to generate an auditory signal and / or a tactile signal for the user, preferably a drug delivery end signal, and / or

[0095] - An elongate drive spring support pin / rod configured to support a drive spring of a drug delivery device, wherein the drive spring and / or the drive spring support pin / rod may be configured to be disposed inside the hollow plunger of the drug delivery device, and / or

[0096] - At least one syringe support arm that may extend from the base of the drive spring holder, preferably extending parallel to the drive spring support pin / rod.

[0097] Thus, the technical effects described above for the plunger and its embodiments may also be effective for the drive spring holder.

[0098] According to one aspect, a method for marking a plunger, preferably a plunger according to any one of the above embodiments, is provided. The method may include:

[0099] - Preparing a mold for producing at least one plunger or a plurality of plungers,

[0100] wherein the mold may include at least one cavity (e.g., a molding cavity) for producing at least one plunger or corresponding cavities for producing a plurality of plungers,

[0101] - Marking the at least one cavity by using at least one of a groove or a protrusion to print at least one letter, number, or other symbol onto at least one plunger or each of the plurality of plungers, preferably using different markings for different cavities,

[0102] wherein preferably at least a part of the marking or several markings are identifiers of the mold and / or at least one cavity of the mold,

[0103] - Using the mold to produce at least one plunger, and

[0104] - Preferably, for at least one of the produced plungers, tracking the mold and / or cavity used to produce the plunger, for example as part of a quality control method.

[0105] Replaceable inserts may be used to change the marker and / or omit the marker in a simple manner if necessary, for example depending on the preference of the manufacturer or its customers.

[0106] According to another aspect, a method for producing a plunger, preferably a plunger according to any one of the above embodiments, is provided. The method may include:

[0107] - Preparing a mold for producing at least one plunger or a plurality of plungers,

[0108] wherein the mold includes two main parts configured to be pressed together during molding,

[0109] Wherein, two main parts can define the outer contour of at least one plunger.

[0110] Wherein, the inner contour of at least one plunger is defined by an elongate first auxiliary forming part (e.g., including a rod or a pin or consisting of a rod or a pin), and the first auxiliary forming part is preferably arranged on a first slider which is part of a mold, and

[0111] Wherein, the mold includes at least one second auxiliary forming part which is configured to laterally hold the elongate first auxiliary forming part during injection of plastic material into the mold, preferably at the free end and / or intermediate part of the elongate first auxiliary forming part.

[0112] Wherein, at least one second auxiliary forming part is preferably fixedly (e.g., integrally with the mold) arranged on at least one of the halves of the mold, e.g., on the corresponding half (e.g., without using a second sliding part, such as a slider); alternatively, a slider can be used.

[0113] - Closing the two main parts of the mold before, during or after sliding the first slider to its forming position.

[0114] Wherein, at least one second auxiliary forming part laterally holds the first auxiliary forming part.

[0115] - Injecting plastic material into the mold to form at least one plunger, wherein at least one plunger can include at least one lateral groove or at least one other lateral opening at a position defined by at least one second auxiliary forming part.

[0116] - Preferably, forced cooling or natural cooling is performed on at least one plunger.

[0117] - Opening the two main parts and sliding the first slider back to a position allowing ejection of at least one plunger from the mold.

[0118] - After opening the two main parts, ejecting at least the plunger from the mold.

[0119] The technical effects described above for the lateral groove and / or lateral opening can be effective for this method.

[0120] According to one aspect, there is provided a method for testing, especially for batch testing, a drug delivery device, the drug delivery device including a plunger, especially a plunger according to any one of the embodiments given above. The plunger can include at least one circumferentially extending groove or rib or other types of auxiliary structures as described above. The method can include:

[0121] -At least one injection molding tool is preferably used to produce the plunger and other parts of the drug delivery device,

[0122] -The produced parts are preferably used to assemble one or more drug delivery devices,

[0123] -The drug delivery device is tested, wherein the testing may include using a camera to identify at least one circumferentially extending groove or rib or other type of auxiliary structure, whereby the position of the plunger is preferably automatically determined, for example, during drug discharge and / or at the end of drug delivery. Alternatively, the testing may be carried out using a test fluid having a viscosity similar to that of the drug and / or without using a fluid at all.

[0124] -Quality control is carried out based on at least one result of the testing.

[0125] The technical effects described above for the auxiliary structure may also be effective for this method.

[0126] A batch may include a number of parts, preferably parts of the same type, such as only plungers, produced using the same machine / die and / or the same cavity of the die. Thus, separation of the plunger may occur during ejection. However, other batches for testing may include parts produced not only in the corresponding cavities of a plurality of cavities but also plungers produced in several different cavities and / or different dies. The quality control may be statistical quality control, for example, defining how many devices must be tested during production to ensure quality, preferably according to an approved test plan, etc.

[0127] According to another aspect, a method for marking parts of a drug delivery device, in particular the plunger of a drug delivery device, is provided. The plunger may be the plunger according to any one of the above embodiments. This may equally apply to the drug delivery device. The method may include:

[0128] -Preparing at least two different dies for producing at least two different parts (preferably including the plunger) of the drug delivery device,

[0129] wherein the respective die includes at least one cavity for producing the respective at least one part,

[0130] -Marking at least one cavity of the respective die by using at least one of a groove and a protrusion to print at least one letter, number or other symbol onto at least one part, preferably using different markings for different cavities and / or different markings for different dies,

[0131] wherein preferably at least a part of the respective marking is an identifier of the die and / or the cavity of the die, or wherein at least one marking includes a part of the identifier of the die and / or the cavity of the die,

[0132] - Use these molds to produce at least one drug delivery device,

[0133] - Assemble the drug delivery device, and

[0134] - Preferably, for at least one of the produced drug delivery devices, trace at least one of the molds and / or at least one of the cavities used to produce the device, for example as part of a quality control method, such as storing digital data indicating the corresponding mold and / or the corresponding cavity.

[0135] Replaceable inserts (e.g., with markings or markers) can be used to change the markers in a simple manner. The inserts can be removed from the mold, for example using at least one threaded connection.

[0136] Preferably, the markers on all the marked parts of the device can have the same value. This can ensure that the parts of the corresponding cavities and / or molds have been properly tested during device development. Production tracing may be easier. This also applies to documentation, etc.

[0137] The technical effects described above for the markers can be effective for the methods using the markers, and vice versa.

[0138] According to another aspect, a method of delivering a drug from a drug delivery device is provided, the method comprising using a drug delivery device according to any one of the above embodiments, or using a drug delivery device comprising a plunger according to any one of the above embodiments, or using a drug delivery device comprising a rear sub-assembly according to any one of the above embodiments.

[0139] According to another aspect, a drug for use in a method of treating a patient is provided, wherein the method comprises using a drug delivery device according to any one of the above embodiments, or using a drug delivery device comprising a plunger according to any one of the above embodiments, or using a drug delivery device comprising a rear sub-assembly according to any one of the above embodiments to deliver the drug to the patient.

[0140] The fabrication and use of presently preferred embodiments are discussed in detail below. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure provides many applicable concepts that can be implemented in a variety of specific environments. The specific embodiments discussed merely illustrate specific ways of fabricating and using the disclosed concepts and do not limit the scope of the claims.

[0141] Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the same reference numerals refer to the same technical features. With respect to "can" and "may" used in this application, it indicates the possibility of doing so and the actual technical implementation. The current concept of the present disclosure will be described below in a more specific context, namely a drug delivery device, particularly a drug delivery device for humans or animals, with respect to preferred embodiments. However, the disclosed concept can also be applied to other situations and / or arrangements, such as other syringes, spray devices, or inhalation devices.

[0142] The features and technical advantages of the embodiments of the present disclosure have been outlined quite extensively above. Additional features and advantages of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below (e.g., the subject matter of the dependent claims). Those skilled in the art should understand that the disclosed concept and specific embodiments can be easily used as a basis for modifying or designing other structures or processes for achieving the same or similar purposes as the concept specifically discussed herein. Those skilled in the art should also recognize that equivalent structures do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined, for example, in the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0143] To more fully understand the current disclosed concept and its advantages, reference is now made to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings are not drawn to scale. In the drawings:

[0144] Figures 1A to 1D A cross-section of a drug delivery device according to a first embodiment and in different operating states is shown,

[0145] Figure 2 An exploded view of an example of a drug delivery device without or with an optional separate syringe holder is shown,

[0146] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3I An optional cap and an optional cap cover are shown, and

[0147] Figure 4A and Figure 4B A perspective view and a cross-section of an optional gripper are shown respectively,

[0148] Figure 4C An exemplary embodiment of a single-piece sheet that can form a gripper support is shown,

[0149] Figure 4D and Figure 4E A gripper in an engaged position with the needle guard of a syringe is shown,

[0150] Figure 4F A cross-sectional view of the gripper of the previous embodiment assembled in a cap is shown,

[0151] Figure 4GShows in detail the interaction between the gripper retaining boss (such as the boss of the cap) and the opening of the exemplary gripper,

[0152] Figure 4H Shows a cross-section of the front end of the injection device, on which a cap is mounted and a gripper mounted on the cap and interacting with the needle guard,

[0153] Figure 5 Shows an optional needle shield (needle cannula),

[0154] Fig. 6A Shows the needle shield spring,

[0155] Figure 6B Shows a cross-sectional view of the needle shield spring assembled in the drug delivery device in the pre-use state of the drug delivery device,

[0156] Fig. 7A Shows the device body,

[0157] Figure 7B Shows a cross-sectional view of the device body,

[0158] Figure 7C Shows a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the distal end of the device body,

[0159] Fig.7D Shows a cross-sectional view of the central part of the device body with an injection barrel holder,

[0160] Fig. 7E Shows a three-dimensional view of the front stop of the injection barrel holder of the device body,

[0161] Figure 7F Shows a cross-sectional view of the distal end of the device body, where the needle shield is in the third shield position,

[0162] Figure 7G Shows a three-dimensional view of the interaction between the needle shield locking structure and the flexible arm of the needle shield,

[0163] Fig. 8A Shows an optional injection barrel holder,

[0164] Figure 8B Shows a three-dimensional view of the optional injection barrel holder,

[0165] Figure 8C Shows a detailed view of another exemplary embodiment of the flexible holder arm,

[0166] Fig.8D Shows including Figure 8C The optional injection barrel holder with a flexible holder arm,

[0167] Fig. 9Shows an optional pre-filled syringe barrel,

[0168] Fig.10 Shows a plunger,

[0169] Fig. 10A Shows the plunger release mechanism in a first state,

[0170] Fig. 10B Shows the plunger release mechanism in a second state,

[0171] Fig. 10C Shows the plunger release mechanism during the assembly of the drive sub-assembly,

[0172] Fig. 10D Shows the plunger release mechanism during final assembly,

[0173] Fig.10E Shows another state of the plunger release mechanism,

[0174] Fig.10F Shows a schematic view of the plunger release mechanism after the sleeve has been pressed into the retracted position,

[0175] Figure 10G Shows a schematic detail view of the plunger release mechanism after final assembly and before the sleeve is pressed in,

[0176] Fig. 10H Shows a schematic detail view of the plunger release mechanism during the pressing in of the sleeve,

[0177] Fig.10I Shows a longitudinal rib on the inside of the rigid arm of the drive spring retainer,

[0178] Fig.10J Shows a perspective view of a plunger according to a second embodiment,

[0179] Figure 10K Shows a distal view of a plunger according to a second embodiment,

[0180] Fig.10L Shows a cross-section of the shaft of a plunger according to a second embodiment along a radial direction

[0181] Figure 10M Shows a cross-section of the shaft of the plunger along the longitudinal direction.

[0182] Fig.11A Shows a drive spring according to an embodiment of the present disclosure,

[0183] Fig. 11B Shows, during actuation of the plunger, the Fig.11A drive spring assembled in a drug delivery device,

[0184] Fig. 11C The assembly of the drug delivery device prior to actuation of the plunger is shown. Fig.11A and Fig. 11B The drive spring,

[0185] Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B A perspective view showing the drive spring retainer,

[0186] Fig. 12C The syringe rear stop mechanism is shown.

[0187] Fig.12D A cross-sectional view showing the proximal portion of the drive spring retainer,

[0188] FIG. 12E to FIG. 12G Different embodiments of the flexible portion of the drive spring holder are shown,

[0189] Fig.13A Optional audible indicators (clickers) are shown,

[0190] Fig. 13B An indicator holder exemplarily included on a drive spring holder is shown,

[0191] Fig. 13C A perspective view showing the support structure on the distal end of the flexible support arm,

[0192] Fig.13D A perspective view showing the guiding structure of the indicator holder,

[0193] Fig.13E shows a section through the longitudinal axis of symmetry of the indicator holder,

[0194] Fig.13F The rear subassembly (RSA) is shown after the audible indicator is assembled but before the audible indicator is activated.

[0195] Figure 13G The rear subassembly (RSA) is shown after activating the audible indicator (preferably using an activation tool),

[0196] Fig.13H The startup tool is shown,

[0197] Fig.13I shows the RSA during final assembly with the front subassembly (FSA) shortly before the audible indicator is activated.

[0198] FIG. 14A to FIG. 14J The steps for assembling the optional syringe holder and pre-filled syringe into the device are shown.

[0199] Fig.15AA flow chart illustrating an exemplary feedback sequence during use of a drug delivery device,

[0200] FIG. 15B to FIG. 15D shows different views of the medication window during the dose dispensing process,

[0201] Fig.16 and Fig.17 The rear subassembly and the front subassembly of the drug delivery device are shown, and

[0202] Figure 18 shows the expanded structural formula, molecular formula and molecular weight of fetocillin (eg, sodium form). DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0203] In general, "distal" is used herein to indicate that the distribution end of the drug delivery device is arranged or is to be arranged to face or point to and / or is opposite to, is to be arranged to be away from, or is away from the direction, end or surface of the proximal end. On the other hand, "proximal" is used to indicate that the distribution end and / or the direction, end or surface of the drug delivery device or its parts is arranged or is away from or is away from the proximal end and / or is away from the distribution end. The distal end can be the end closest to the distribution end and / or the end farthest from the proximal end, and the proximal end can be the end farthest from the distribution end. The proximal surface can be away from the distal end and / or face the proximal end. The distal surface can face the distal end and / or away from the proximal end. For example, the distribution end can be a needle end, and the needle is arranged at the needle end, or the needle or needle unit is installed to or is to be installed to the device at the needle end. "Axial" can be synonymous with "longitudinal".

[0204] The distal end DE may be an end closer to the needle than the proximal end PE.

[0205] Certain embodiments of the present disclosure are presented with respect to injection devices, such as autoinjectors. The device may include an advanced needle shield that serves as an activation element.

[0206] 1. General Description of Drug Delivery Devices ( Figures 1A to 1D )

[0207] Figures 1A to 1D An embodiment of a drug delivery device 100 is shown. The device 100 may be suitable as a device in a drug delivery arrangement as described above and further below. The figures show different states of the device 100 during its operation.

[0208] Figure 1AThe drug delivery device 100 is shown in an initial state or a factory state. The drug delivery device 100 may include a housing or device body 700. The device body 700 may be configured to and / or may hold a medicament container (e.g., a prefilled syringe 900) therein. A medicament (e.g., a liquid medicament or a drug Dr) may be disposed in the prefilled syringe 900. It should be noted that the use of the term "prefilled syringe 900" below does not limit the design of the container to a prefilled syringe. Rather, implementation of containers other than prefilled syringes is also contemplated. The device body 700 may be configured to hold and / or may hold a needle 908, see Figure 1C . In other words, the needle 908 can be arranged or can be arranged in the device body 700. The needle 908 can be an integral part of the prefilled syringe 900 or container (e.g., permanently or releasably connected to the body of the medication container), or separate from the medication container. In the first case, the medication container can be a syringe. In the second case, the medication container can be a cartridge. In the case of using a cartridge as a medication container, initially, the medication container and the needle can be fluidically disconnected, and fluid communication between the interior of the medication container and the needle 908 is established only during operation of the drug delivery device 100. An optional medication container support, such as a syringe holder 800, can be used to support and / or carry the medication container within the device body 700.

[0209] A drive mechanism 101 configured to drive a drug delivery operation may be appropriately provided in the device body 700. The drive mechanism 101 may include a plunger 1000. The drug delivery device 100 may further include a drive energy source, such as a drive spring 1100, such as a compression spring (not explicitly shown). The drive energy source may be arranged to drive the plunger 1000 in a distal direction D relative to the medicament container during a drug delivery operation. During this movement, a plunger stop 910 that may be movably retained in the medicament container (i.e., the prefilled syringe 900) and that may seal the medicament container may be shifted toward an outlet of the medicament container to dispense the drug Dr or medicament retained in the medicament container through the outlet. The outlet may be formed or defined by a needle 908, see Figure 1C .

[0210] Other possible drive energy sources other than the drive spring 1100 include power cells or batteries for driving the plunger 1000 via a motor, or (in the case where gas pressure can be used to drive the drug delivery operation) a reservoir suitable for providing gas pressure.

[0211] The drug delivery device 100 may be an auto-injector. The energy used to drive the drug delivery operation in the auto-injector may be provided by the components of the drug delivery device 100, rather than being loaded into the device by the user during operation of the device 100, as is the case with many spring-driven pen-type variable dose injectors (in which energy is typically loaded into the spring by the user during a dose setting procedure).

[0212] The drug delivery device 100 may suitably be a single shot device, i.e., it is configured to dispense only one dose. The drug delivery device 100 may be a disposable drug delivery device 100, i.e., a device 100 that is discarded after its use. The device 100 may be a pen-type device. The prefilled syringe 900 and / or the needle 908 may be axially secured within the drug delivery device 100 (e.g., within the device body 700), or may be movable relative to the device body 700 (e.g., to pierce the skin). In the first case, the user may have to perform the movement of piercing the skin with the needle 908. In the second case, piercing the skin by the needle 908 may be driven by a needle insertion mechanism of the drug delivery device 100. Automatic needle retraction may also be used.

[0213] like Figure 1A As depicted, the drug delivery device 100 can further include a cap 200. The cap 200 can be disposed at the distal end DE of the drug delivery device 100. The cap 200 can be detachably connected to the remainder of the device 100, such as to the device body 700 and / or another component or member of the drug delivery device 100. The cap 200 can cover the distal end DE and / or the needle channel opening of the remainder of the drug delivery device 100, through which the needle 908 (e.g., the distal needle tip) can protrude to pierce the skin for a drug delivery operation. The cap 200 can include a needle shield remover, such as a grabber 400, which can engage a rigid needle shield (RNS) 914 that can cover the needle 908, such that, for example, when the cap 200 is separated or disconnected from the device 100, the RNS 914 is removed from the needle 908 together with the cap 200.

[0214] The device body 700 may suitably cover a majority of the length of the drug delivery device 100 , such as 60% or more or 70% or more of the entire length of the drug delivery device 100 (with the cap 200 attached and / or with the cap 200 detached).

[0215] Figure 1B The drug delivery device 100 is shown with the cap 200 removed. Figure 1B, the device 100 can be in a state ready for operation, for example, a state ready to perform a drug delivery operation when the operation is triggered. As depicted, the drug delivery device 100 can further include a needle shield 500. The needle shield 500 can protrude distally from the device body 700 and / or can be covered by the cap 200 while the cap 200 is still attached to the device body 700. The needle shield 500 can move from an initial position or a first position to a second position or a trigger position relative to the device body 700. The needle shield 500 can be configured to extend beyond the distal tip of the needle 908, which can protrude from the device body 700 before the drug delivery operation begins. The needle shield 500 can move relative to the housing 102 in a proximal direction P. During this movement, for example, before the needle shield 500 reaches the second position, the needle 908 can pierce the skin of the user.

[0216] The needle shield 500 can be used as a trigger member of the drug delivery device 100. The needle shield 500 as a trigger member is Figure 1B The depicted initial or first position is displaced proximally to a second or triggered position (see Figure 1C ), preferably when it is in the second position, the drug delivery operation can be automatically initialized. The drug delivery operation can be initialized by removing the mechanical lock that prevents the plunger 1000 from moving in the distal direction D or by disengaging the mechanical lock by moving the plunger 1000 via the moving needle shield 500. Alternatively, the needle shield 500 can only be able to trigger the drug delivery operation when it moves from the first position to the second position and when it is in the second position. In this case, a separate trigger member (e.g., a trigger button on the proximal end PE of the device body 700) can be provided to start the drug delivery operation. Only when the needle shield 500 is in the second position, it is possible to operate the trigger button to start the drug delivery operation. In another alternative, the needle shield 500 can only be arranged to prevent needle sticks before and / or after using the drug delivery device 100. In this case, the needle shield 500 can be completely decoupled from the drive mechanism 101 and / or can not participate in the triggering of the drug delivery operation or realize the triggering of the drug delivery operation at all.

[0217] The needle shield 500 can be arranged to abut against the user's skin during injection. Therefore, the distal surface of the needle shield 500 can provide a bearing surface or skin contact surface 501. The skin contact surface 501 can define a needle channel opening arranged in the needle shield 500 and / or extend around the needle channel opening. The skin contact surface 501 can be annular, oval, elliptical, rectangular, square, etc., circumferentially closed and / or defined by an inward protrusion protruding radially from the inner wall of the needle shield 500 (e.g., its distal cylindrical portion). The skin contact surface 501 can be appropriately the distal surface of the needle shield 500, for example facing the distal side. The syringe with a needle can be fixed axially in the device. The insertion of the needle into the skin is appropriately done manually, rather than by displacing the syringe relative to the device body 700.

[0218] Figure 1C The needle shield 500 is shown in a second position relative to the device body. This is, for example, a position when a drug delivery operation has been initiated, can be initiated, and / or when the needle 908 pierces the skin. The needle 908 can protrude axially from the skin contact surface 501 of the drug delivery device 100 (particularly through the needle channel opening in the needle shield 500) and pierce the skin (the skin is not shown in this representation) by the distance it protrudes from the skin contact surface 501. The distance can be a representation of the injection depth or equal to the injection depth. The device 100 can be maintained in contact with the skin until the drug delivery operation of the drug Dr has been completed, which can be indicated by an optional audible, tactile and / or visual indication or feedback provided by the drug delivery device 100.

[0219] After the drug delivery operation has been completed (eg, plunger 1000 has moved distally), device 100 may be removed from the skin (see Figure 1D ). The needle shield 500 can be biased toward the first position relative to the device body 700 by a needle shield spring 600 (not shown). Therefore, when the device 100 is removed from the skin, the needle shield 500 can be moved toward the first position relative to the device body 700. The needle shield 500 can be moved distally (for example, beyond its first position) into a final position, a third position, or a locked position relative to the device body 700. In this position, the needle shield 500 can be appropriately axially locked relative to the device body 700 to resist movement in the proximal direction P, for example, by a locking engagement between a locking feature of the needle shield 500 and the device body 700. Because the needle shield 500 is axially locked, the needle shield can no longer be displaced proximally relative to the device body 700 to the second position and / or the first position. This can protect the user from needle sticks after use. In this state, the device 100 can be locked, see Figure 1D The needle shield may protrude further from the device body in the third shield position Z than in the first shield position X.

[0220] Medication List

[0221] The terms "drug" or "medicament" are used synonymously herein and describe a pharmaceutical preparation comprising one or more active pharmaceutical ingredients or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof and optionally a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In the broadest sense, an active pharmaceutical ingredient ("API") is a chemical structure that has a biological effect on humans or animals. In pharmacology, a drug or medicament is used to treat, cure, prevent, or diagnose disease or to otherwise enhance physical or mental health. A drug or medicament may be used for a limited duration, or periodically for a chronic disorder.

[0222] As described below, a drug or medicament may include at least one API or a combination thereof in different types of formulations for treating one or more diseases. Examples of APIs may include small molecules (having a molecular weight of 500 Da or less); polypeptides, peptides, and proteins (e.g., hormones, growth factors, antibodies, antibody fragments, and enzymes); carbohydrates and polysaccharides; and nucleic acids, double-stranded or single-stranded DNA (including naked and cDNA), RNA, antisense nucleic acids (such as antisense DNA and RNA), small interfering RNA (siRNA), ribozymes, genes, and oligonucleotides. Nucleic acids may be incorporated into molecular delivery systems (such as vectors, plasmids, or liposomes). Mixtures of one or more drugs are also contemplated.

[0223] The drug or medicament can be included in a primary package or "drug container" suitable for use with a drug delivery device. The drug container can be, for example, a cartridge, a syringe, a reservoir or other solid or flexible vessel, which is configured to provide a suitable chamber for storing (for example, short-term or long-term storage) one or more drugs. For example, in some cases, the chamber can be designed to store the drug for at least one day (for example, 1 day to at least 30 days). In some cases, the chamber can be designed to store the drug for about 1 month to about 2 years. It can be stored at room temperature (for example, about 20 ° C) or refrigerated temperature (for example, about -4 ° C to about 4 ° C). In some cases, the drug container can be or can include a dual-chamber cartridge, which is configured to store two or more components (for example, API and diluent, or two different drugs) of the pharmaceutical preparation to be applied separately, and one is stored in each chamber. In such a case, the two chambers of the dual-chamber cartridge can be configured to allow mixing between two or more components before and / or during distribution to the human body or animal body. For example, the two chambers can be configured so that they are in fluid communication with each other (e.g., through a conduit between the two chambers), and allow the user to mix the two components if necessary before dispensing. Alternatively or in addition, the two chambers can be configured to allow mixing when the components are dispensed into the human or animal body.

[0224] The drugs or medicaments contained in the drug delivery device as described herein can be used to treat and / or prevent many different types of medical disorders. Examples of obstacles include, for example, diabetes or complications associated with diabetes (such as diabetic retinopathy), thromboembolic disorders (such as deep vein or pulmonary thromboembolism). Further examples of obstacles are acute coronary syndrome (ACS), angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, tumors, macular degeneration, inflammation, hay fever, atherosclerosis and / or rheumatoid arthritis. Examples of APIs and drugs are examples as described in the following manuals: such as Rote Liste 2014 (for example, but not limited to, main group 12 (antidiabetic drugs) or 86 (oncology drugs)) and Merck Index (Merck Index), 15th edition.

[0225] Examples of APIs for treating and / or preventing type 1 or type 2 diabetes or complications associated with type 1 or type 2 diabetes include insulin (e.g., human insulin, or human insulin analogs or derivatives); glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1), GLP-1 analogs or GLP-1 receptor agonists, or analogs or derivatives thereof; dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) inhibitors, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts or solvates thereof; or any mixtures thereof. As used herein, the terms "analogs" and "derivatives" refer to polypeptides having a molecular structure that can be formally derived from the structure of a naturally occurring peptide (e.g., the structure of human insulin) by deleting and / or exchanging at least one amino acid residue present in a naturally occurring peptide and / or by adding at least one amino acid residue. The added and / or exchanged amino acid residues can be codable amino acid residues or other naturally occurring residues or purely synthetic amino acid residues. Insulin analogs are also referred to as "insulin receptor ligands." In particular, the term "derivative" refers to a polypeptide having a molecular structure that is formally derived from the structure of a naturally occurring peptide (e.g., the structure of human insulin), wherein one or more organic substituents (e.g., fatty acids) are bound to one or more amino acids. Alternatively, one or more amino acids present in the naturally occurring peptide may have been deleted and / or replaced by other amino acids (including non-encodable amino acids), or amino acids (including non-encodable amino acids) have been added to the naturally occurring peptide.

[0226] Examples of insulin analogs are Gly(A21), Arg(B31), Arg(B32) human insulin (insulin glargine); Lys(B3), Glu(B29) human insulin (insulin glulisine); Lys(B28), Pro(B29) human insulin (insulin lispro); Asp(B28) human insulin (insulin aspart); human insulin in which proline at position B28 is replaced by Asp, Lys, Leu, Val or Ala and in which Lys at position B29 can be replaced by Pro; Ala(B26) human insulin; Des(B28-B30) human insulin; Des(B27) human insulin and Des(B30) human insulin.

[0227] Examples of insulin derivatives are, for example, B29-N-myristoyl-des(B30) human insulin, Lys(B29)(N-tetradecanoyl)-des(B30) human insulin (insulin detemir, ); B29-N-palmitoyl-des(B30) human insulin; B29-N-myristoyl human insulin; B29-N-palmitoyl human insulin; B28-N-myristoyl LysB28ProB29 human insulin; B28-N-palmitoyl-LysB28ProB29 human insulin; B30-N-myristoyl-ThrB29LysB30 human insulin; B30-N-palmitoyl-ThrB29LysB30 human insulin; B29-N-(N-palmitoyl-γ-glutamyl)-des(B30) human insulin, B29-N-ω-carboxypentadecanoyl-γ-L-glutamyl-des(B30) human insulin (insulin degludec, ); B29-N-(N-lithocholyl-γ-glutamyl)-des(B30) human insulin; B29-N-(ω-carboxyheptadecanoyl)-des(B30) human insulin and B29-N-(ω-carboxyheptadecanoyl) human insulin.

[0228] Examples of GLP-1, GLP-1 analogs and GLP-1 receptor agonists are, for example, lixisenatide exenatide (Exendin-4, a 39-amino acid peptide produced by the salivary glands of the Gila monster), liraglutide semaglutide, taspoglutide, albiglutide dulaglutide rExendin-4, CJC-1134-PC, PB-1023, TTP-054, Langlenatide / HM-11260C (Efpeglenatide), HM-15211, CM-3, GLP-1Eligen, ORMD-0901, NN-9423, NN-9709, NN-9924 , NN-9926, NN-9927, Nodexen, Viador-GLP-1, CVX-096, ZYOG-1, ZYD-1, GSK-2374697, DA- 3091, MAR-701, MAR709, ZP-2929, ZP-3022, ZP-DI-70, TT-401 (Pegapamodtide), BHM-034. MOD-6030, CAM-2036, DA-15864, ARI-2651, ARI-2255, Telportide (LY3298176), Bamadutide (SAR425899), Exenatide-XTEN, and Glucagon-Xten.

[0229] Examples of oligonucleotides are, for example: Mipomersen sodium Cholesterol-reducing antisense therapeutics for the treatment of familial hypercholesterolemia or RG012 for the treatment of Alport syndrome.

[0230] Examples of DPP4 inhibitors are linagliptin, vildagliptin, sitagliptin, denagliptin, saxagliptin, berberine.

[0231] Examples of hormones include pituitary hormones or hypothalamic hormones or regulatory activity peptides and their antagonists, such as gonadotropins (follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, chorionic gonadotropin, tocopherol), growth hormone (somatropin), desmopressin, terlipressin, gonadorelin, triptorelin, leuprorelin, buserelin, nafarelin and goserelin.

[0232] Examples of polysaccharides include glycosaminoglycans, hyaluronic acid, heparin, low molecular weight heparin or ultra low molecular weight heparin or derivatives thereof, or sulfated polysaccharides (e.g., polysulfated forms of the above polysaccharides), and / or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. An example of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of a polysulfated low molecular weight heparin is enoxaparin sodium. An example of a hyaluronic acid derivative is Hylan GF 20 A sodium hyaluronate.

[0233] As used herein, the term "antibody" refers to an immunoglobulin molecule or an antigen binding portion thereof. Examples of antigen binding portions of immunoglobulin molecules include F (ab) and F (ab') 2 fragments, which retain the ability to bind antigens. The antibody can be a polyclonal antibody, a monoclonal antibody, a recombinant antibody, a chimeric antibody, a deimmunized antibody or a humanized antibody, a fully human antibody, a non-human (e.g., mouse) antibody or a single-chain antibody. In some embodiments, the antibody has effector functions and can fix complement. In some embodiments, the ability of the antibody to bind to Fc receptors is reduced or there is no such ability. For example, the antibody can be an isotype or subtype, an antibody fragment or a mutant, which does not support binding to Fc receptors, for example, its Fc receptor binding region has been mutated or deleted. The term "antibody" also includes antigen binding molecules based on tetravalent bispecific tandem immunoglobulins (TBTI) and / or dual variable region antibody-like binding proteins with cross-binding region orientation (CODV).

[0234] The term "fragment" or "antibody fragment" refers to a polypeptide (e.g., antibody heavy chain and / or light chain polypeptide) derived from an antibody polypeptide molecule, which does not include a full-length antibody polypeptide, but still includes at least a portion of a full-length antibody polypeptide that can bind to an antigen. Antibody fragments may include cleavage portions of full-length antibody polypeptides, but the term is not limited to such cleavage fragments. Antibody fragments that can be used in the present invention include, for example, Fab fragments, F(ab')2 fragments, scFv (single-chain Fv) fragments, linear antibodies, monospecific or multispecific antibody fragments (such as bispecific, trispecific, tetraspecific and multispecific antibodies (e.g., diabodies, triabodies, tetrabodies)), monovalent or multivalent antibody fragments (such as bivalent antibodies, trivalent antibodies, tetravalent antibodies and multivalent antibodies), mini antibodies, chelated recombinant antibodies, triabodies or biabodies, intracellular antibodies, nanobodies, small modular immunopharmaceuticals (SMIPs), binding domain immunoglobulin fusion proteins, camelized antibodies and antibodies containing VHH. Other examples of antigen-binding antibody fragments are known in the art.

[0235] The term "complementarity determining region" or "CDR" refers to short polypeptide sequences within the variable region of both heavy and light chain polypeptides that are primarily responsible for mediating specific antigen recognition. The term "framework region" refers to amino acid sequences within the variable region of both heavy and light chain polypeptides that are not CDR sequences and are primarily responsible for maintaining the correct positioning of the CDR sequences to allow antigen binding. Although the framework region itself is typically not directly involved in antigen binding as known in the art, certain residues within the framework region of certain antibodies may be directly involved in antigen binding or may affect the ability of one or more amino acids in the CDR to interact with the antigen.

[0236] Examples of antibodies are anti-PCSK-9 mAb (eg, alirocumab), anti-IL-6 mAb (eg, salilumab), and anti-IL-4 mAb (eg, dupilumab).

[0237] Further examples of APIs for preventing hemophilia A or B (with or without inhibitors) include siRNAs targeting antithrombin. An example of an siRNA targeting antithrombin is fetocillin. The terms "prevention" and "prophylactic treatment" are used interchangeably herein.

[0238] Pharmaceutically acceptable salts of any API described herein are also contemplated for use in a drug or medicament in a drug delivery device. Pharmaceutically acceptable salts are, for example, acid addition salts and basic salts.

[0239] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that modifications (additions and / or removals) may be made to the various components, formulations, apparatuses, methods, systems and embodiments of the API described herein without departing from the overall scope and spirit of the invention, and that the invention encompasses such modifications and any and all equivalents thereof.

[0240] An example drug delivery device may involve a needle-based injection system as described in Table 1 of Section 5.2 of ISO 11608-1:2014(E). As described in ISO 11608-1:2014(E), needle-based injection systems can be broadly divided into multi-dose container systems and single-dose (partially or completely emptied) container systems. The container may be a replaceable container or an integral non-replaceable container.

[0241] As further described in ISO 11608-1:2014(E), a multiple-dose container system may involve a needle-based injection device with a replaceable container. In such a system, each container contains multiple doses, the sizes of which may be fixed or variable (pre-set by the user). Another multiple-dose container system may involve a needle-based injection device with an integral non-replaceable container. In such a system, each container contains multiple doses, the sizes of which may be fixed or variable (pre-set by the user).

[0242] As further described in ISO 11608-1:2014 (E), a single dose container system can relate to an injection device based on a needle with a replaceable container. In an example of such a system, each container holds a single dose, wherein the entire deliverable volume is discharged (completely emptied). In another example, each container holds a single dose, wherein a portion of the deliverable volume is discharged (partially emptied). Also as described in ISO 11608-1:2014 (E), a single dose container system can relate to an injection device based on a needle with an integral non-replaceable container. In an example of such a system, each container holds a single dose, wherein the entire deliverable volume is discharged (completely emptied). In another example, each container holds a single dose, wherein a portion of the deliverable volume is discharged (partially emptied).

[0243] Fetocilan as API for drug delivery in device

[0244] Fetosilan is a synthetic, chemically modified, double-stranded small interfering RNA (siRNA) oligonucleotide that is covalently linked to a triantennary N-acetyl-galactosamine (GalNAc) ligand targeting AT3 mRNA in the liver, thereby inhibiting the synthesis of antithrombin. See, e.g., Pasi et al., N Engl J Med. [New England Journal of Medicine] (2017) 377 (9): 819-28. The nucleosides in each chain of Fetosilan are linked by 3'-5' phosphodiester or phosphorothioate linkages to form the sugar-phosphate backbone of the oligonucleotide.

[0245] The sense strand and antisense strand contain 21 and 23 nucleotides, respectively. The 3' end of the sense strand is conjugated to a GalNAc-containing portion (referred to herein as L96) by a phosphodiester linkage. The sense strand contains two continuous thiophosphate linkages at its 5' end. The antisense strand contains four thiophosphate linkages, two at the 3' end and two at the 5' end. The 21 nucleotides of the sense strand are hybridized with the complementary 21 nucleotides of the antisense strand, thus forming 21 nucleotide base pairs and two bases at the 3' end of the antisense strand. See also U.S. Patent No. 9,127,274, U.S. Patent No. 11,091,759, US2020 / 0163987A1 and WO 2019 / 014187, the entire contents of each of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference.

[0246] The two nucleotide chains of phenobarbital are shown below:

[0247] Sense strand: 5'Gf-ps-Gm-ps-Uf-Um-Af-Am-Cf-Am-Cf-Cf-Af-Um-Uf-Um-Af-Cm-Uf-Um-Cf-Am-Af-L96 3' (SEQ ID NO: 1), and

[0248] Antisense strand: 5'Um-ps-Uf-ps-Gm-Af-Am-Gf-Um-Af-Am-Af-Um-Gm-Gm-Uf-Gm-Uf-Um-Af-Am-Cf-Cm-ps-Am-ps-Gm 3' (SEQ ID NO: 2),

[0249] in

[0250] Af = 2'-deoxy-2'-fluoroadenosine

[0251] Cf = 2'-deoxy-2'-fluorocytidine

[0252] Gf = 2'-deoxy-2'-fluoroguanosine

[0253] Uf = 2'-deoxy-2'-fluorouridine

[0254] Am=2'-O-methyladenosine

[0255] Cm=2'-O-methylcytidine

[0256] Gm=2'-O-methylguanosine

[0257] Um = 2'-O-methyluridine

[0258] "-" (hyphen) = 3'-5' phosphodiester linkage sodium salt

[0259] "-ps-" = 3'-5' phosphorothioate linkage sodium salt

[0260] And wherein L96 has the formula:

[0261]

[0262] As used herein, the terms "2'-deoxy-2'-fluoroadenosine" and "2'-fluoroadenosine" are used interchangeably.

[0263] As used herein, the terms "2'-deoxy-2'-fluorocytidine" and "2'-fluorocytidine" are used interchangeably.

[0264] As used herein, the terms "2'-deoxy-2'-fluoroguanosine" and "2'-fluoroguanosine" are used interchangeably.

[0265] As used herein, the terms "2'-deoxy-2'-fluorouridine" and "2'-fluorouridine" are used interchangeably.

[0266] The expanded structural formula, molecular formula, and molecular weight of fetocillin (eg, sodium form) are shown in FIG18.

[0267] The structure of phentocilan can also be described by the following diagram, where X is O:

[0268]

[0269] Fetocilan is shown in Figure 18 as the sodium salt.

[0270] In some embodiments, the device delivers fetucillin in an aqueous solution, wherein the concentration of fetucillin is about 40 mg / mL to about 200 mg / mL (e.g., about 50 mg / mL to about 150 mg / mL, about 80 mg / mL to about 110 mg / mL, or about 90 mg / mL to about 110 mg / mL). As used herein, values ​​between the ranges and values ​​are also intended to be part of the present disclosure. In addition, it is intended to include ranges of values ​​using a combination of any of the values ​​as upper and / or lower limits. In further embodiments, the pharmaceutical formulation comprises fetucillin at a concentration of about 40 mg / mL, about 50 mg / mL, about 75 mg / mL, about 100 mg / mL, about 125 mg / mL, about 150 mg / mL, or about 200 mg / mL in an aqueous solution. In certain embodiments, fetucillin is provided at a concentration of about 100 mg / mL in an aqueous solution.

[0271] The terms "deliver / delivers / delivering" are intended to mean "administer / administers / administering."

[0272] Unless specifically stated or otherwise apparent from the context, as used herein, the term "approximately" or "about" refers to a value within an acceptable error range for a particular value determined by a person of ordinary skill, a portion of which will depend on how the measurement or determination is made. For example, "approximately" or "about" can mean a range of up to 10% (i.e., ±10%). Thus, "approximately" or "about" can be understood as greater than or less than 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, 0.5%, 0.1%, 0.05%, 0.01%, or 0.001%. When a specific value is provided in the present disclosure, unless otherwise stated, the meaning of "approximately" or "about" should be assumed to be within an acceptable error range for that specific value.

[0273] Although the weight of the fetocillin dosage described herein refers to the weight of fetocillin free acid (active moiety), administration of fetocillin to a patient herein refers to administration of fetocillin sodium (drug substance) provided in a pharmaceutically suitable aqueous solution (e.g., phosphate buffered saline at physiological pH). For example, about 100 mg / mL fetocillin means that each mL contains about 100 mg of fetocillin free acid (equivalent to about 106 mg of fetocillin sodium, drug substance). Unless otherwise specified, the weight of fetocillin listed in this disclosure is the weight of fetocillin free acid (active moiety).

[0274] In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical preparation in the device comprises fetoxilan in phosphate buffered saline. The phosphate concentration in the solution can be about 1 to about 10mM (e.g., about 2mM, about 3mM, about 4mM, about 5mM, about 6mM, about 7mM, about 8mM, or about 9mM), and the pH is about 6.0-8.0. The pharmaceutical preparation herein can include a stabilizer, such as EDTA. The pharmaceutical preparation can be preservative-free. In some embodiments, the fetoxilan pharmaceutical preparation in the device is preservative-free, and each mL of about 5mM phosphate buffered saline (PBS) solution comprises about 100mg fetoxilan, is composed of or is substantially composed of about 100mg fetoxilan. In some embodiments, the fetoxilan pharmaceutical preparation in the device is preservative-free, and comprises fetoxilan in about 5mM phosphate buffered saline (PBS) solution, is composed of or is substantially composed of it. The PBS solution is composed of sodium chloride, disodium hydrogen phosphate (heptahydrate) and sodium dihydrogen phosphate (monohydrate). The pH of the formulation can be adjusted to about 7.0 or about 7.1 using sodium hydroxide solution and dilute phosphoric acid.

[0275] In some embodiments, the fetucillin formulation in the device for subcutaneous delivery contains fetucillin in 5 mM phosphate buffered saline at pH 7.0 with 0.64 mM NaH 2 PO 4 、4.36mM Na 2 HPO 4 and 84 mM NaCl. In certain embodiments, the formulation of the fetocillin solution for subcutaneous delivery is shown in Table 1 below:

[0276] Table 1. Exemplary non-toxilan formulations

[0277]

[0278] *Amount: Amount

[0279] In some embodiments, the formulation of a fetocillin solution for subcutaneous delivery with a device may be described as shown in Table 2 below.

[0280] Table 2. Exemplary non-toxilan formulations

[0281]

[0282] In some embodiments, the device can be used to deliver a single dose of fetocillin, wherein the single dose includes about 20 mg to about 80 mg of fetocillin (e.g., about 20 mg, about 25 mg, about 30 mg, about 40 mg, about 50 mg, or about 80 mg). In some embodiments, the device can be used to deliver a single dose of fetocillin, wherein the single dose includes about 1 mg to about 30 mg of fetocillin (e.g., about 1.25 mg, about 2.5 mg, about 5 mg, about 10 mg, about 20 mg, or about 30 mg).

[0283] In one embodiment, the device may be used to deliver a single dose of about 80 mg of fetucillin. In one embodiment, the device may be used to deliver a single dose of about 50 mg of fetucillin. In one embodiment, the device may be used to deliver a single dose of about 20 mg of fetucillin. In one embodiment, the device may be used to deliver a single dose of about 30 mg of fetucillin. In one embodiment, the device may be used to deliver a single dose of about 10 mg of fetucillin. In one embodiment, the device may be used to deliver a single dose of about 5 mg of fetucillin. In one embodiment, the device may be used to deliver a single dose of about 2.5 mg of fetucillin. In one embodiment, the device may be used to deliver a single dose of about 1.25 mg of fetucillin.

[0284] In some embodiments, a single dose of fetocillan can be delivered in a delivery volume of about 0.5 mL to about 1 mL (e.g., about 0.5 mL, about 0.6 mL, about 0.7 mL, about 0.8 mL, about 0.9 mL, or about 1 mL). Other delivery volumes described herein can also be used.

[0285] In one embodiment, the device can be used to deliver a single dose of about 80 mg of fetocillin at about 0.8 mL (about 100 mg of fetocillin / mL). In one embodiment, the device can be used to deliver a single dose of about 50 mg of fetocillin at about 0.5 mL (about 100 mg of fetocillin / mL). In one embodiment, the device can be used to deliver a single dose of about 20 mg of fetocillin at about 0.5 mL (about 40 mg of fetocillin / mL). In one embodiment, the device can be used to deliver a single dose of about 30 mg of fetocillin at about 0.5 mL (about 60 mg of fetocillin / mL). In one embodiment, the device can be used to deliver a single dose of about 10 mg of fetocillin at about 0.5 mL (about 20 mg of fetocillin / mL). In one embodiment, the device can be used to deliver a single dose of about 5 mg of fetocillin at about 0.5 mL (about 10 mg of fetocillin / mL). In one embodiment, the device can be used to deliver a single dose of about 2.5 mg of fetocillin in about 0.5 mL (about 5 mg fetocillin / mL). In one embodiment, the device can be used to deliver a single dose of about 1.25 mg of fetocillin in about 0.5 mL (about 2.5 mg fetocillin / mL).

[0286] In one embodiment, the device delivers fetucillin in a prophylactically effective amount to prophylactically treat hemophilia (e.g., hemophilia A or B patients with or without inhibitors) in a patient in need thereof (e.g., hemophilia A or B patients with or without inhibitors). A "prophylactically effective amount" refers to an amount of fetucillin that helps a patient with hemophilia A or B (with or without inhibitors) achieve a desired clinical endpoint (e.g., a reduction in the annualized bleeding rate (ABR), annualized joint bleed rate (AjBR), annualized spontaneous bleeding rate (AsBR), or the frequency of bleeding episodes). As used herein, in the context of fetucillin, the terms "treat / treating / treatment" include prophylactic treatment of a disease and refer to achieving a desired clinical endpoint.

[0287] A hemophilia A or B patient with inhibitors is one who has developed alloantibodies to a factor that the patient has previously received (e.g., Factor VIII for hemophilia A patients or Factor IX for hemophilia B patients). Hemophilia A or B patients with inhibitors may be difficult to treat with replacement clotting factor therapy. A patient without inhibitors is one who does not have such alloantibodies. The present treatment method may benefit hemophilia A patients with inhibitors as well as hemophilia B patients with inhibitors.

[0288] As used herein, a patient with "hemophilia A or B (with or without inhibitors)" refers to either 1) a hemophilia A patient with inhibitors, or 2) a hemophilia B patient with inhibitors, 3) a hemophilia A patient without inhibitors, or 4) a hemophilia B patient without inhibitors. As used herein, a patient refers to a human patient. A patient may also refer to a human subject.

[0289] In some embodiments, the device can be used for prophylactic treatment of patients with hemophilia A or B (with or without inhibitors) with a subcutaneous dose of about 50 mg of fetocillin once every two months (or every eight weeks). In other embodiments, the device can be used for prophylactic treatment of patients with hemophilia A or B (with or without inhibitors) with a subcutaneous dose of about 50 mg of fetocillin per month (or every four weeks). In yet other embodiments, the device can be used for prophylactic treatment of patients with hemophilia A or B (with or without inhibitors) with a subcutaneous dose of about 80 mg of fetocillin per month (or every eight weeks). In yet other embodiments, the device can be used for prophylactic treatment of patients with hemophilia A or B (with or without inhibitors) with a subcutaneous dose of about 80 mg of fetocillin per month (or every four weeks). In yet other embodiments, the device can be used for prophylactic treatment of patients with hemophilia A or B (with or without inhibitors) with a subcutaneous dose of about 20 mg of fetocillin per two months (or every eight weeks). In yet other embodiments, the device can be used for the prophylactic treatment of patients with hemophilia A or B (with or without inhibitors) with a subcutaneous dose of about 20 mg of fetucillin per month (or every four weeks). In yet other embodiments, the device can be used for the prophylactic treatment of patients with hemophilia A or B (with or without inhibitors) with a subcutaneous dose of about 10 mg of fetucillin per month (or every four weeks). In yet other embodiments, the device can be used for the prophylactic treatment of patients with hemophilia A or B (with or without inhibitors) with a subcutaneous dose of about 30 mg of fetucillin per month (or every four weeks). In yet other embodiments, the device can be used for the prophylactic treatment of patients with hemophilia A or B (with or without inhibitors) with a subcutaneous dose of about 5 mg of fetucillin per month (or every four weeks). In yet other embodiments, the device can be used for the prophylactic treatment of patients with hemophilia A or B (with or without inhibitors) with a subcutaneous dose of about 2.5 mg of fetucillin per month (or every four weeks). In yet other embodiments, the device may be used to prophylactically treat patients with hemophilia A or B (with or without inhibitors) with a subcutaneous dose of about 1.25 mg of fetocillin per month (or every four weeks).

[0290] Accordingly, the present disclosure provides a method for prophylactic treatment of a patient with hemophilia A or hemophilia B (with or without inhibitors), the method comprising subcutaneous delivery of a prophylactically effective amount of fitusiran to a patient in need thereof using the device. The prophylactically effective amount of fitusiran can be any dose provided herein, such as from about 1 mg to about 80 mg, from about 1 mg to about 30 mg, or from about 20 mg to about 80 mg. The prophylactically effective amount of fitusiran can be, for example, about 1.25 mg, about 2.5 mg, about 5 mg, about 25 mg, about 30 mg, about 50 mg, or about 80 mg. The prophylactically effective amount of fitusiran can be delivered once monthly (or every four weeks) or once every two months (or every eight weeks). The fitusiran can be delivered at a delivery volume of from about 0.5 mL to about 1 mL (e.g., about 0.5 mL, about 0.6 mL, about 0.7 mL, about 0.8 mL, about 0.9 mL, or about 1 mL).

[0291] As an example, a method for prophylactic treatment of a patient with hemophilia A or hemophilia B (with or without inhibitors) can comprise subcutaneous delivery of about 50 mg of fitusiran to a patient in need thereof using the device once monthly (or every four weeks) or once every two months (or every eight weeks). The about 50 mg of fitusiran can be delivered in about 0.5 mL of PBS (at a concentration of about 100 mg fitusiran / mL).

[0292] Furthermore, the present disclosure provides a method for reducing the frequency of bleeding episodes in a patient with hemophilia A or B (with or without inhibitors), the method comprising subcutaneous delivery of a prophylactically effective amount of fitusiran to a patient in need thereof using the device. The prophylactically effective amount of fitusiran can be any dose provided herein, such as from about 1 mg to about 80 mg, from about 1 mg to about 30 mg, or from about 20 mg to about 80 mg. The prophylactically effective amount of fitusiran can be, for example, about 1.25 mg, about 2.5 mg, about 5 mg, about 25 mg, about 30 mg, about 50 mg, or about 80 mg. The prophylactically effective amount of fitusiran can be delivered once monthly (or every four weeks) or once every two months (or every eight weeks). The fitusiran can be delivered at a delivery volume of from about 0.5 mL to about 1 mL (e.g., about 0.5 mL, about 0.6 mL, about 0.7 mL, about 0.8 mL, about 0.9 mL, or about 1 mL).

[0293] As an example, a method for reducing the frequency of bleeding episodes in a patient with hemophilia A or B (with or without inhibitors) can comprise subcutaneous delivery of about 50 mg of fitusiran to a patient in need thereof using the device once monthly (or every four weeks) or once every two months (or every eight weeks). The about 50 mg of fitusiran can be delivered in about 0.5 mL of PBS (at a concentration of about 100 mg fitusiran / mL).

[0294] In addition, provided herein is a method for reducing ABR in a patient with hemophilia A or B (with or without inhibitors), the method comprising subcutaneous delivery of a prophylactically effective amount of fitusiran to a patient in need using the device. The prophylactically effective amount of fitusiran can be any dose provided herein, such as from about 1 mg to about 80 mg, from about 1 mg to about 30 mg, or from about 20 mg to about 80 mg. The prophylactically effective amount of fitusiran can be, for example, about 1.25 mg, about 2.5 mg, about 5 mg, about 25 mg, about 30 mg, about 50 mg, or about 80 mg. The prophylactically effective amount of fitusiran can be delivered once monthly (or every four weeks) or once every two months (or every eight weeks). The fitusiran can be delivered at a delivery volume of from about 0.5 mL to about 1 mL (e.g., about 0.5 mL, about 0.6 mL, about 0.7 mL, about 0.8 mL, about 0.9 mL, or about 1 mL).

[0295] As an example, a method for reducing ABR in a patient with hemophilia A or B (with or without inhibitors) can comprise subcutaneous delivery of about 50 mg of fitusiran to a patient in need once monthly (or every four weeks) or once every two months (or every eight weeks) using the device. The about 50 mg of fitusiran can be delivered in about 0.5 mL of PBS (at a concentration of about 100 mg fitusiran / mL).

[0296] In addition, provided herein is a method for reducing AjBR in a patient with hemophilia A or B (with or without inhibitors), the method comprising subcutaneous delivery of a prophylactically effective amount of fitusiran to a patient in need using the device. The prophylactically effective amount of fitusiran can be any dose provided herein, such as from about 1 mg to about 80 mg, from about 1 mg to about 30 mg, or from about 20 mg to about 80 mg. The prophylactically effective amount of fitusiran can be, for example, about 1.25 mg, about 2.5 mg, about 5 mg, about 25 mg, about 30 mg, about 50 mg, or about 80 mg. The prophylactically effective amount of fitusiran can be delivered once monthly (or every four weeks) or once every two months (or every eight weeks). The fitusiran can be delivered at a delivery volume of from about 0.5 mL to about 1 mL (e.g., about 0.5 mL, about 0.6 mL, about 0.7 mL, about 0.8 mL, about 0.9 mL, or about 1 mL).

[0297] As an example, a method for reducing AjBR in a patient with hemophilia A or B (with or without inhibitors) can comprise subcutaneous delivery of about 50 mg of fitusiran to a patient in need once monthly (or every four weeks) or once every two months (or every eight weeks) using the device. The about 50 mg of fitusiran can be delivered in about 0.5 mL of PBS (at a concentration of about 100 mg fitusiran / mL).

[0298] In addition, the present disclosure provides a method for reducing AsBR in a patient with hemophilia A or B, with or without inhibitors, the method comprising subcutaneous delivery, using the device, of a prophylactically effective amount of fitusiran to a patient in need thereof. The prophylactically effective amount of fitusiran can be any of the doses provided herein, such as from about 1 mg to about 80 mg, from about 1 mg to about 30 mg, or from about 20 mg to about 80 mg. The prophylactically effective amount of fitusiran can be, for example, about 1.25 mg, about 2.5 mg, about 5 mg, about 25 mg, about 30 mg, about 50 mg, or about 80 mg. The prophylactically effective amount of fitusiran can be delivered once monthly (or every four weeks) or once every two months (or every eight weeks). Fitusiran can be delivered at a delivery volume of from about 0.5 mL to about 1 mL (e.g., about 0.5 mL, about 0.6 mL, about 0.7 mL, about 0.8 mL, about 0.9 mL, or about 1 mL).

[0299] As an example, the method for reducing AsBR in a patient with hemophilia A or B, with or without inhibitors, can comprise subcutaneous delivery, using the device, of about 50 mg of fitusiran to a patient in need thereof once monthly (or every four weeks) or once every two months (or every eight weeks). About 50 mg of fitusiran can be delivered in about 0.5 mL of PBS (at a concentration of about 100 mg fitusiran / mL).

[0300] In some embodiments, the device can be used for prophylactic treatment of patients with hemophilia A or B (with or without inhibitors) with nonacog teras at a subcutaneous dose of about 50 mg approximately once every two months (or approximately every eight weeks). In other embodiments, the device can be used for prophylactic treatment of patients with hemophilia A or B (with or without inhibitors) with nonacog teras at a subcutaneous dose of about 50 mg approximately once a month (or approximately every four weeks). In still other embodiments, the device can be used for prophylactic treatment of patients with hemophilia A or B (with or without inhibitors) with nonacog teras at a subcutaneous dose of about 80 mg approximately once every two months (or approximately every eight weeks). In still other embodiments, the device can be used for prophylactic treatment of patients with hemophilia A or B (with or without inhibitors) with nonacog teras at a subcutaneous dose of about 80 mg approximately once a month (or approximately every four weeks). In still other embodiments, the device can be used for prophylactic treatment of patients with hemophilia A or B (with or without inhibitors) with nonacog teras at a subcutaneous dose of about 20 mg approximately once every two months (or approximately every eight weeks). In still other embodiments, the device can be used for prophylactic treatment of patients with hemophilia A or B (with or without inhibitors) with nonacog teras at a subcutaneous dose of about 20 mg approximately once a month (or every four weeks). In still other embodiments, the device can be used for prophylactic treatment of patients with hemophilia A or B (with or without inhibitors) with nonacog teras at a subcutaneous dose of about 10 mg approximately once a month (or approximately every four weeks). In still other embodiments, the device can be used for prophylactic treatment of patients with hemophilia A or B (with or without inhibitors) with nonacog teras at a subcutaneous dose of about 30 mg approximately once a month (or approximately every four weeks). In still other embodiments, the device can be used for prophylactic treatment of patients with hemophilia A or B (with or without inhibitors) with nonacog teras at a subcutaneous dose of about 5 mg approximately once a month (or approximately every four weeks). In still other embodiments, the device can be used for prophylactic treatment of patients with hemophilia A or B (with or without inhibitors) with nonacog teras at a subcutaneous dose of about 2.5 mg approximately once a month (or approximately every four weeks). In still other embodiments, the device can be used for prophylactic treatment of patients with hemophilia A or B (with or without inhibitors) with nonacog teras at a subcutaneous dose of about 1.25 mg approximately once a month (or approximately every four weeks).

[0301] Accordingly, the present invention provides a method for prophylactic treatment of patients with hemophilia A or hemophilia B (with or without inhibitors), the method comprising subcutaneously delivering a prophylactically effective amount of fitusiran to a patient in need using the device. The prophylactically effective amount of fitusiran can be any dose provided herein, such as from about 1 mg to about 80 mg, from about 1 mg to about 30 mg, or from about 20 mg to about 80 mg. The prophylactically effective amount of fitusiran can be, for example, about 1.25 mg, about 2.5 mg, about 5 mg, about 25 mg, about 30 mg, about 50 mg, or about 80 mg. The prophylactically effective amount of fitusiran can be delivered about monthly (or about every four weeks) or about every two months (or about every eight weeks). Fitusiran can be delivered at a delivery volume of about 0.5 mL to about 1 mL (e.g., about 0.5 mL, about 0.6 mL, about 0.7 mL, about 0.8 mL, about 0.9 mL, or about 1 mL).

[0302] As an example, a method for prophylactic treatment of a patient with hemophilia A or hemophilia B (with or without inhibitors) can comprise subcutaneously delivering about 50 mg of fitusiran to a patient in need using the device about monthly (or about every four weeks) or about every two months (or about every eight weeks). About 50 mg of fitusiran can be delivered in about 0.5 mL of PBS (at a concentration of about 100 mg fitusiran / mL).

[0303] Furthermore, the present invention provides a method for reducing the frequency of bleeding episodes in patients with hemophilia A or B (with or without inhibitors), the method comprising subcutaneously delivering a prophylactically effective amount of fitusiran to a patient in need using the device. The prophylactically effective amount of fitusiran can be any dose provided herein, such as from about 1 mg to about 80 mg, from about 1 mg to about 30 mg, or from about 20 mg to about 80 mg. The prophylactically effective amount of fitusiran can be, for example, about 1.25 mg, about 2.5 mg, about 5 mg, about 25 mg, about 30 mg, about 50 mg, or about 80 mg. The prophylactically effective amount of fitusiran can be delivered about monthly (or about every four weeks) or about every two months (or about every eight weeks). Fitusiran can be delivered at a delivery volume of about 0.5 mL to about 1 mL (e.g., about 0.5 mL, about 0.6 mL, about 0.7 mL, about 0.8 mL, about 0.9 mL, or about 1 mL).

[0304] As an example, a method for reducing the frequency of bleeding episodes in a patient with hemophilia A or B (with or without inhibitors) can comprise subcutaneously delivering about 50 mg of fitusiran to a patient in need using the device about monthly (or about every four weeks) or about every two months (or about every eight weeks). About 50 mg of fitusiran can be delivered in about 0.5 mL of PBS (at a concentration of about 100 mg fitusiran / mL).

[0305] In addition, the present disclosure provides a method for reducing ABR in patients with hemophilia A or B (with or without inhibitors), the method comprising subcutaneously delivering to a patient in need a prophylactically effective amount of fitusiran using the device. The prophylactically effective amount of fitusiran can be any dose provided herein, such as from about 1 mg to about 80 mg, from about 1 mg to about 30 mg, or from about 20 mg to about 80 mg. The prophylactically effective amount of fitusiran can be, for example, about 1.25 mg, about 2.5 mg, about 5 mg, about 25 mg, about 30 mg, about 50 mg, or about 80 mg. The prophylactically effective amount of fitusiran can be delivered about monthly (or about every four weeks) or about every two months (or about every eight weeks). Fitusiran can be delivered at a delivery volume of from about 0.5 mL to about 1 mL (e.g., about 0.5 mL, about 0.6 mL, about 0.7 mL, about 0.8 mL, about 0.9 mL, or about 1 mL).

[0306] As an example, a method for reducing ABR in a patient with hemophilia A or B (with or without inhibitors) can include subcutaneously delivering about 50 mg of fitusiran to a patient in need about monthly (or about every four weeks) or about every two months (or about every eight weeks) using the device. About 50 mg of fitusiran can be delivered in about 0.5 mL of PBS (at a concentration of about 100 mg fitusiran / mL).

[0307] In addition, the present disclosure provides a method for reducing AjBR in patients with hemophilia A or B (with or without inhibitors), the method comprising subcutaneously delivering to a patient in need a prophylactically effective amount of fitusiran using the device. The prophylactically effective amount of fitusiran can be any dose provided herein, such as from about 1 mg to about 80 mg, from about 1 mg to about 30 mg, or from about 20 mg to about 80 mg. The prophylactically effective amount of fitusiran can be, for example, about 1.25 mg, about 2.5 mg, about 5 mg, about 25 mg, about 30 mg, about 50 mg, or about 80 mg. The prophylactically effective amount of fitusiran can be delivered about monthly (or about every four weeks) or about every two months (or about every eight weeks). Fitusiran can be delivered at a delivery volume of from about 0.5 mL to about 1 mL (e.g., about 0.5 mL, about 0.6 mL, about 0.7 mL, about 0.8 mL, about 0.9 mL, or about 1 mL).

[0308] As an example, a method for reducing AjBR in a patient with hemophilia A or B (with or without inhibitors) can include subcutaneously delivering about 50 mg of fitusiran to a patient in need about monthly (or about every four weeks) or about every two months (or about every eight weeks) using the device. About 50 mg of fitusiran can be delivered in about 0.5 mL of PBS (at a concentration of about 100 mg fitusiran / mL).

[0309] In addition, the present disclosure provides a method for reducing AsBR in patients with hemophilia A or B (with or without inhibitors), the method comprising subcutaneously delivering to a patient in need a prophylactically effective amount of fitusiran using the device. The prophylactically effective amount of fitusiran can be any dose provided herein, such as from about 1 mg to about 80 mg, from about 1 mg to about 30 mg, or from about 20 mg to about 80 mg. The prophylactically effective amount of fitusiran can be, for example, about 1.25 mg, about 2.5 mg, about 5 mg, about 25 mg, about 30 mg, about 50 mg, or about 80 mg. The prophylactically effective amount of fitusiran can be delivered about monthly (or about every four weeks) or about every two months (or about every eight weeks). Fitusiran can be delivered at a delivery volume of about 0.5 mL to about 1 mL (e.g., about 0.5 mL, about 0.6 mL, about 0.7 mL, about 0.8 mL, about 0.9 mL, or about 1 mL).

[0310] As an example, the method for reducing AsBR in patients with hemophilia A or B (with or without inhibitors) can comprise subcutaneously delivering about 50 mg of fitusiran to a patient in need about monthly (or about every four weeks) or about every two months (or about every eight weeks) using the device. About 50 mg of fitusiran can be delivered in about 0.5 mL of PBS (at a concentration of about 100 mg fitusiran / mL).

[0311] 2. Examples of drug delivery devices without or with a separate syringe holder( Figures 1A to 1D and Figure 2 )

[0312] Figure 2 Shows an exploded view of an example of a drug delivery device 100 without or with an optional separate syringe holder 800. The drug delivery device 100 can be an autoinjector suitable for automatically injecting a drug Dr. The triggering of the injection process can be done manually, i.e., by the user.

[0313] The drug delivery device 100 can comprise:

[0314] - A removable cap 200 and a cap cover 300. After using the drug delivery device 100, reattachment of the cap 200 to the cap cover 300 can be prevented. Details of the cap 200 and the cap cover 300 will be explained in Section 3 below.

[0315] - A gripper 400, which is mounted on the cap 200 and is configured to remove the RNS 914 or the soft needle shield SNS 914 of the prefilled syringe 900. Details of the gripper 400 will be explained in Section 4 below.

[0316] - A needle shield 500, which is telescopically arranged within the device body 700. Details of the needle shield 500 will be explained in Section 5 below.

[0317] - A needle shield spring 600 that biases the needle shield 500 in the distal direction D. Details of the needle shield spring 600 will be explained in Section 6 below.

[0318] - A device body 700 that is generally cylindrical and may include a distal opening configured to receive the needle shield 500 and a proximal opening configured to receive a drive spring holder 1200 that may have a function of a rear case. Details of the device body 700 will be explained in Section 7 below.

[0319] - An optional syringe holder 800. The installation of a pre-filled syringe 900 without a syringe holder is described in more detail in Section 7 below. Details of the syringe holder 800 will be explained in Section 8 below.

[0320] - A pre-filled syringe 900. Details of the pre-filled syringe 900 will be explained in Section 9 below. Alternatively, a cartridge or any other drug container configured to be connected to a removable needle may be used.

[0321] - A plunger 1000. Details of the plunger 1000 will be explained in Section 10 below. The plunger 1000 may be used to expel a drug Dr from the pre-filled syringe 900.

[0322] - A drive spring 1100. Details of the drive spring 1100 will be explained in Section 11 below. The drive spring 1100 may supply mechanical energy for automatic drug injection. Alternatively, other drive sources such as pneumatic energy or electrical energy may be used.

[0323] - A drive spring holder 1200. Details of the drive spring holder 1200 will be explained in Section 12 below. The drive spring holder 1200 may be a housing, a shell, or a part of the device body 700, especially the rear part. The drive spring holder 1200 may be configured to hold the drive spring 1100 and perform other functions, such as supporting a syringe flange 912 of the pre-filled syringe 900 via two support arms extending distally from a proximal plate of the drive spring holder 1200.

[0324] - A clicker 1300. Details of the clicker 1300 will be explained in Section 13 below. The clicker may be an auditory indicator and / or a tactile indicator or provide auditory feedback and / or tactile feedback, such as indicating the end of dose delivery or other events.

[0325] The control subassembly (or front subassembly) may include the needle shield 500, the needle shield spring 600, and the device body 700. The control subassembly may control the pre-filled syringe 900.

[0326] The plunger 1000, the drive spring 1100, the drive spring retainer 1200, and an optional audible indicator or clicker 1300 may be included in the drive subassembly (or rear subassembly).

[0327] The drug delivery device 100 may include a housing designed as a multi-part housing. In particular, the housing may include a device body 700 forming a front housing and a rear housing formed, for example, by the drive spring retainer 1200. A part of the drive spring retainer 1200 may be surrounded by the front housing or the device body in the longitudinal direction and is adapted to close the open proximal end of the front housing. The proximal part of the drive spring retainer may protrude from the proximal end of the device body. The housing may be adapted to hold the prefilled syringe 900 and other parts of the autoinjector 100.

[0328] The prefilled syringe 900 is provided with a needle 908 at the distal end, for example, the needle is staked to the neck of the syringe body. The prefilled syringe 900 may be pre-assembled. Typically, a protective needle shield may be removably coupled to the needle 908 of the prefilled syringe 900. The protective needle shield may be a soft needle shield (e.g., rubber needle shield SNS) 914 or an RNS 914 that may consist of an internal rubber material and a fully or partially plastic housing.

[0329] A plunger stop 910 may be arranged to seal the prefilled syringe 900 from the proximal side and to displace the drug Dr or medicament M contained in the prefilled syringe 900 through the needle 908. In other exemplary embodiments, a cartridge or container may be used instead of the prefilled syringe 900, the cartridge or container containing the drug Dr or medicament M and engaging with a removable needle (e.g., by threading, snap-fit, friction, luer lock, etc.).

[0330] In an exemplary embodiment, the cap 200 may be removably provided at the distal end DE of the device body 700 or the housing. The cap 200 may include a gripping element of the gripper 400 (e.g., including barbs, hooks, constricted sections, etc.), the gripper being arranged to engage with the protective needle shield RNS or SNS 914 of the prefilled syringe 900. The cap 200 may also engage with the needle shield 500 and / or with the device body 700. The cap 200 may include a gripping feature facilitating the removal of the cap 200 (e.g., by twisting and / or pulling the cap 200 relative to the device body 700). In addition, the cap 200 may include a visual and / or tactile indication of the direction for removing the cap 200 from the device body 700, such as an arrow. The cap 200 may be a single part integrally formed, for example, by injection molding. Alternatively, the cap 200 may include several parts, such as a cap body 201 and a cap cover 300.

[0331] In an exemplary embodiment, the needle shield spring 600 may be arranged to bias the needle shield 500 in the distal direction D against the device body 700.

[0332] In an exemplary embodiment, the drive spring 1100 may be disposed within the device body 700, for example, mounted on the drive spring holder 1200. The plunger 1000 may be used to transfer the force of the drive spring 1100 to the plunger stop 910 within the pre-filled syringe 900 or another drug container.

[0333] In an exemplary embodiment, the plunger 1000 may be hollow, and the drive spring 1100 may be disposed within the plunger 1000, such that the plunger 1000 is biased in the distal direction D relative to the device body 700 and / or the drive spring holder 1200.

[0334] In another exemplary embodiment, the plunger 1000 may be solid, and the drive spring 1100 may engage the proximal end of the plunger 1000. Similarly, the drive spring 1100 may be wound around the outer diameter of the plunger 1000 and / or extend within the pre-filled syringe 900.

[0335] In an exemplary embodiment, a plunger release mechanism may be arranged to prevent the release of the plunger 1000 before the needle shield 500 is retracted relative to the device body 700, and to release the plunger 1000 once the needle shield 500 is fully retracted.

[0336] In an exemplary embodiment, a pre-use needle shield locking mechanism may be arranged to prevent the needle shield 500 from retracting relative to the device body 700 when the cap 200 is in place, thereby avoiding accidental activation of the auto-injector (i.e., the drug delivery device 100) (e.g., if dropped during transportation or packaging, etc.).

[0337] In addition, a post-use needle shield locking mechanism may be present to prevent the needle shield 500 from moving proximally after the drug delivery device 100 has been used.

[0338] When the cap 200 is attached to the drug delivery device 100, the axial movement of the cap 200 relative to the device body 700 in the proximal direction P may be restricted by the cap 200 abutting against the device body 700. When the cap 200 is pulled in the distal direction D relative to the device body 700, the gripper 400 of the cap 200 may grip the RNS or SNS 914 and may also allow the removal of the RNS or SNS 914.

[0339] In the illustrated embodiment, the cap 200 may include a closable opening for inserting a front assembly tool. The cap 200 may be permanently closed at its distal end.

[0340] The drug delivery device 100 may include at least one clicker 1300 for generating an auditory feedback and / or a tactile feedback when the delivery of the drug Dr or the medicament M is completed. In the context of the present invention, the clicker 1300 may also be referred to as an auditory indicator and / or a tactile indicator. The auditory indicator and / or the tactile indicator 1300 may be formed as, for example, a monostable or bistable spring, such as a leaf spring, and may be held in the drive spring holder 1200 or the rear housing.

[0341] The drive spring holder 1200 or the rear housing may be adapted to prevent the pre-filled syringe 900 from axially moving after assembly (in particular during storage, transportation and normal use). In detail, the drive spring holder 1200 may include resilient arms at its front end, such as two resilient arms. The resilient arms may be formed as labyrinth arms to attenuate the impact force. The resilient arms may be mounted on more rigid arms of the drive spring holder 1200, such as two rigid arms. The rigid arms may extend in a distal direction from the proximal plate of the drive spring holder 1200. The two rigid arms may be arranged parallel to each other or substantially parallel to each other. The drive spring holder 1200 may include a central pin for guiding the drive spring 1100. The central pin and the proximal plate may be an integral part of the drive spring holder 1200 or may be separate parts thereof, such as integrated into a single part separate from the drive spring holder 1200.

[0342] In an exemplary embodiment, the drug delivery device 100 may be formed of at least two sub-assemblies, such as a control sub-assembly or a front sub-assembly and a drive sub-assembly or a rear sub-assembly, to allow for flexibility in terms of the manufacturing time and location of the sub-assemblies as well as the final assembly time and site with respect to the pre-filled syringe 900.

[0343] 3. Cap and Cap Cover ( FIG. 3A to FIG. 3I )

[0344] Figure 3A The optional cap 200 is shown, on which the optional cap cover 300 is mounted, wherein the cap 200 and the cap cover 300 are separated from the device body 700 and the needle shield 500. The cap 200 may have a different color from the device body 700. FIG. 3A to FIG. 3I The cap 200 shown in Figure 4F 、 Figure 4H and Figure 6BThe cap 200 shown therein or the like. The material selected for the cap 200 and / or the cap cover 300 may be Bayblend M850XF, a medical-grade PC / ABS blend. PC / ABS can be selected mainly considering its strength, flexibility, and its strength at high temperatures, thus allowing for a shorter injection molding cycle time and therefore allowing for a reduction in part cost. The cap 200 includes a cap body 201. The cap body 201 (e.g., when viewed in a planar view) has the shape of a frustum of a cone, where the radial and / or circumferential dimensions of the cap body 201 increase in the distal direction D along the longitudinal axis A. This shape supports the user in gripping the cap 200 and pulling off the cap in the distal direction D, for example, by a pure axial movement relative to the device body. When viewed from above, i.e., along the longitudinal axis A, the cap body 201 may have an oval shape or a rectangular shape with rounded corners. This shape can also support the user in gripping the cap 200 and pulling off the cap in the distal direction D. In addition, this shape can prevent the drug delivery device 100 from rolling away when it is put down by the user. To further facilitate the user's manipulation, especially when removing the cap 200, the cap 200 is characterized by a gripping surface 202, such as the side surface of the cap 200. The gripping surface 202 may have a ribbed, flared, square geometry. As Figure 3A shown therein, the cap 200 has at least one on-cap user indicator 203 on its surface. Preferably, the cap 200 has two on-cap user indicators 203, which are arranged opposite to each other. In the depicted embodiment, the on-cap user indicator 203 has the shape of an arrow pointing in the distal direction D. The cap 200 may have a rectangular recess along the proximal direction before the start of the arrow. The on-cap user indicator 203 and the on-body user indicator 733 (described in Section 7 below) may form a user indicator. Thus, the on-cap user indicator 203 indicates to the user in which direction the cap 200 must be pulled when removing it from the drug delivery device 100. Since the arrow is designed as a recess in the cap surface, the arrow also supports the user's firm grip when gripping and pulling the cap 200. Thus, the on-cap user indicator 203 provides both visual and tactile assistance to the user. In addition, the cap 200 includes at least one cap clip 204 to connect or mount the cap 200 to the needle shield 500 and thus to the device body 700. As Figure 3B , Figure 3C , Figure 3F , Figure 3H and Fig. 3I depicted, the cap clips 204 may be designed as elastic members having free ends in the proximal direction, and these free ends engage with corresponding parts of the needle shield 500. The corresponding parts of the needle shield 500 may be the cap clip windows 504 as described below. The cap 200 preferably has two opposite cap clips 204. As Figure 3B , Figure 3C , Figure 3F , Figure 3H and Fig. 3I As depicted in Fig. 3I , the cap clip 204 is an integral part of the cap 200. The cap clip 204 has a proximal free end that defines the clip 204 in the proximal direction. This free end has an inwardly directed hook or retaining element in the radial direction. The retaining element is designed to engage in the cap clip window 504 of the needle shield 500. The cap 200 has two diametrically opposed cap recesses 213. In the depicted embodiment, the recesses 213 are on the same side as the arrow (see Fig. 3I ). Preferably, the recesses 213 have a trapezoidal shape (when viewed in a plan view). The width of the respective recesses increases in the proximal direction.

[0345] In addition, the cap 200 includes at least one, preferably more than one, for example four, anti-rotation ribs 205. The anti-rotation ribs 205 can assist in enabling the cap 200 to be assembled to the device body 700 in only one orientation, such that the user indicator 733 on the body and the user indicator 203 on the cap are rotationally aligned, and the combined indicators are axially oriented. When the cap 200 is attached to the drug delivery device 100, the anti-rotation ribs 205 prevent the cap 200 from rotating accidentally relative to the housing body 700. Since the needle shield is properly rotationally locked to the cap, accidental rotation of the cap could cause damage or perforation of the needle shield. For example, in Figure 3A , Figure 3H and Fig. 3I it can be seen that the anti-rotation ribs 205 can be elongated bars that extend in the proximal direction along the longitudinal axis of the cap 200 or the device. The anti-rotation ribs 205 can be integral protrusions of the cap 200. Each anti-rotation rib 205 can be chamfered at its proximal end such that the anti-rotation rib 205 has a ramp at its proximal end.

[0346] The anti-rotation ribs 205 can be designed as elongated (e.g., their main extension is along the longitudinal axis A) locking lugs that, when the cap 200 is coupled to the device body 700, slide into corresponding recesses or cap grooves 725 in the device body 700. Thus, it is not possible to rotate the cap 200 relative to the device body 700 (i.e., the drug delivery device 100). The user indicator 203 on the cap can be on the same surface as the anti-rotation ribs 205 and the cap recesses 213.

[0347] As Figure 3B and Figure 3C shown, the cap clip 204 can assist in implementing drop protection, i.e., a drop protection mechanism. In the depicted embodiment, the device 100 includes two cap clips 204. The drop protection mechanism properly prevents the drug delivery device 100 from being fired in the event of its dropping. In the absence of such a mechanism in place, if the cap 200 of the drug delivery device 100 drops upward, then when the drug delivery device 100 impacts the ground from a first cap position X (see Figure 1B ) to a second cap position Y (see Figure 1C ) When the trigger 500 may continue to move under its own inertia, allowing the device 100 to fire. The cap clip 204 prevents this. Figure 3B The drug delivery device 100 is shown in its pre-use state, where the needle shield 500 is in a first shield position X biased forward by the needle shield spring 600. The cap clip 204 is located in the corresponding cap clip window 504 of the needle shield 500 and, as Figure 3C depicted, restricts the backward movement of the needle shield 500 in the proximal direction P. Thus, if the cap clip 204 is located in the corresponding cap clip window 504, the needle shield 500 cannot reach the second shield position Y. The cap clip 204 is constrained by a cap rib 727 on the device body 700 (see Figure 7F ) to prevent the cap clip from deflecting outward. When the user removes the cap 200, the cap 200 first moves forward, allowing the cap clip 204 to move into a wider section of the device body 700 before the cap clip 204 contacts the needle shield 500, so that the cap clip 204 can deflect outward and the cap 200 can be removed.

[0348] Figure 3D and Figure 4F shows the interior of the cap 200. The cap 200 has a cap opening 206 for receiving the gripper 400. The cap opening 206 extends distally into the cap shell or cap tube 210. The cap tube 210 may have a cylindrical shape. The cap opening 206 may be defined by the cap tube 6. The cap opening 206 may be at the proximal section of the cap tube 210. A plurality of gripper retaining bosses 207 (e.g., two gripper retaining bosses 207) are provided along the circumferential inner surface of the cap tube, for example, equidistantly, to prevent the gripper 400 from moving in the proximal direction P relative to the cap 200. The retaining bosses are located distally of the cap (tube) opening 206. Regarding the interaction between the cap opening 206 and the gripper 400, reference is made to the description in 4A to 4H . As can be seen in Figure 3D , the cap has a number of apertures in the longitudinal direction, i.e., distal holes 208 or device activation holes. These holes 208 can serve as channels for a tool used to activate the device. Activation may involve putting the device into a state where the device can be triggered. Activation may involve the movement of the needle shield and is a step performed during assembly, for example, near the end of the assembly of the device (which will be described further below).

[0349] Furthermore, the cap 200 includes at least one, but preferably two, cap lid clips 209 to connect the cap lid 300 to the cap 200. Preferably, the two cap lid clips 209 are arranged opposite to each other. The cap 200 may have a surface 214 that has an interference fit with the cap lid 300. As for example in Figure 2 , Figure 3A , Figure 3B , Figure 3C , Figure 3E and Figure 3FAs can be seen, the cap 300 can be arranged in the distal region of the cap 200. Figure 3E A lateral cross-sectional view of the cap 300 is shown. The cap 300 has a cap outer surface 301 which closes the cap 200 in the distal region. Thus, the distal aperture 208 of the cap 200 can be sealed (such that it is not accessible). Another function of the cap 300 is to prevent the user from re-applying the cap to a drug delivery device 100 that has already been used, where this is implemented by means of an anti-re-attachment mechanism. The cap 300 further includes an inner surface facing the proximal direction P. This inner surface has at least one cap spacer 302. Preferably, as Figure 3E and Figure 3F depicted, the cap 300 includes two cap spacers 302. The cap spacers 302 are arranged opposite to each other. Furthermore, the distance between the two end regions of the cap spacer 302 pointing in the proximal direction P at least substantially corresponds to and / or is adjusted to the distance between two diametrically opposite points on the skin contact surface 501 of the needle shield 500 (see Figure 5 ). In other words, the distance between the cap spacers can be between the inner diameter and the outer diameter of the ring defining the annular skin contact surface. As Figure 3F shown, once the drug delivery device 100 has been removed from the injection site and the needle shield 500 has been brought to its final locked position after the device has been used or fired (see Figure 1D ), the anti-re-attachment mechanism prevents the cap 200 from being placed back onto the used drug delivery device 100. Since the needle shield 500 protrudes further distally from the device body 700 after dispensing (see Figure 1D ) than before dispensing (see Figure 1B ), and since the distance between the cap spacers 302 has been appropriately selected, attempting to reattach the cap 200 to the device body 700 (as Figure 3F shown) will result in direct contact between the needle shield 500 and the cap 300 before the cap is connected to the rest of the device. This means that the cap 300 (i.e., the cap spacers 302) contacts the needle shield 500 (i.e., the skin contact surface 501) before the cap 200 can be fully seated on the device body 700. Since the anti-re-attachment mechanism prevents the cap 200 from being placed on the drug delivery device 100 in the same way as it was originally through the cooperation of the needle shield and the cap, the appearance of the drug delivery device 100 with the cap 200 being attempted to be repositioned also becomes different, such that the used drug delivery device 100 with the cap 200 is visually and haptically distinguishable from the unused drug delivery device 100 with the cap 200. Advantageously, the cap cannot be placed back on the device body at all, at least not in the position it originally had (i.e., before the cap was separated from the rest of the device for use).

[0350] As Figure 3G As depicted, the cap 300 preferably has two oppositely arranged positioning structures or positioning arcs 303. Preferably, each positioning arc 303 has a positioning guide 303a in the end region, which is designed as an integral protrusion of the positioning arc 303. Thus, the cap 300 has four positioning guides 303a. The cap 300 preferably has an interference fit rib 303b in the middle of the corresponding positioning arc 303a. Preferably, each positioning arc 303 has three ribs 303b. The ribs 303b are configured to form an interference fit with the corresponding interference fit surface 214 of the cap 200. In addition, the cap 300 preferably has two oppositely arranged recesses 304.

[0351] 4. Grasper ( 4A to 4H )

[0352] 4A to 4H Shows an optional grasper 400. The cap 200 can be adapted to form part of a needle shield remover or removal assembly. For this purpose, the cap 200 and the grasper 400 can be connected in such a way that when the cap 200 and the grasper 400 are removed together from the drug delivery device 100, the needle shield 914 is removed from the needle 908. In other words: the grasper 400 is coupled to the cap 200 in such a way that when the cap 200 is removed, the needle shield 914 is also removed from the needle 908. The grasper can be axially locked to the cap.

[0353] Figure 4A and Figure 4B Show a perspective view and a cross-section of the optional grasper 400, respectively. The grasper 400 can be a sheet metal part that is located inside the cap 200 and removes the needle shield 914 from the pre-filled syringe 900 during cap removal. The needle shield 914 (shown, for example, in Fig. 9 ) can be a rigid needle shield (RNS) or a soft needle shield (SNS).

[0354] In this example, the grasper 400 can be formed from a single piece, such as a sheet, such as a metal sheet or a metal alloy sheet (see, for example, Figure 4C ). The grasper 400 can at least include a body or a grasper bracket 402. The grasper bracket 402 can be bent or kinked multiple times along a plurality of longitudinal folding edges, kinks or bends 404 to form a plurality of bracket portions 406. The respective bracket portions 406 can have or include a planar outer surface region or a substantially planar outer surface region.

[0355] In addition, the outer surface area of the gripper support 402 plane can be bent or angled in such a way that the outer support part 406 partially overlaps in the overlapping area 408. Thus, in the bent state, the gripper support 402 can have a pipe form or a tubular form with, for example, a polygonal cross-section. Other cross-sections are also possible, such as a circular cross-section. The partially overlapping area 408 in the bent state of the gripper support 402 can allow for compensation of the manufacturing tolerances of the gripper 400. The gripper support 402 can have longitudinal free ends, which can be arranged close to the overlapping area 408.

[0356] In order to grip the needle shield 914, more than one of the plurality of support parts 406 can include a notch or opening 410, from which the respective barb 412 can be bent and can project inwards from the inner surface of the gripper support 402 and thus from the inner surface of the support part 406. In the assembled state, the angled-inwards barbs 412 can extend in the distal direction D of the gripper 400 and thus in the distal direction of the drug delivery device 100.

[0357] The barb 412 can be adapted to deflect and grip the needle shield 914 during assembly of the needle shield 914 into the drug delivery device 100 (see, for example, Figure 4D , Figure 4E and Figure 4H ), and can be adapted to further grip the needle shield 914 when the cap 200 is being removed from the drug delivery device 100.

[0358] The barb 412 can be designed as a hook or can have a pronged form. In particular, the barb 412 can project inwards from the inner surface of the support part 406 and can include a prong 414 at its free end. The prong 414 can be adapted to abut against or penetrate into the outer surface of the needle shield 914. The prong can be designed to form an interference fit and / or a form fit and / or a press fit during assembly, or at least a forced connection and / or a non-forced connection during removal of the needle shield 914 from the needle (for example, see Figure 4D and Figure 4E ). According to another aspect, the prong 414 can be adapted to have penetrated into the outer surface of the needle shield 914 when the gripper 400 is being assembled onto the needle shield 914. That is, the form fit or the forced fit can already be applied during the assembly process, rather than only after the start of the cap removal process.

[0359] According to this embodiment, the prong 414 can be configured as a double spike disposed respectively on each barb 412. This configuration can be achieved by a concave shape between the two prongs 414 of each barb 412. Due to the concave shape and thus controlling the distance between the prongs 414, the penetration depth into the surface of the needle shield 914 can be restricted. This can be particularly important when the needle shield 914 is a rubber needle shield, where penetration beyond a certain limit may affect sterility due to contact with the needle 908.

[0360] The opening 410 having the corresponding barb 412 can be disposed on the distal portion D6 (e.g., on the distal half) of the gripper bracket 402, while the proximal portion D5 (e.g., the proximal half) of the gripper bracket 402 can include a gripper portion 406 without any opening or barb.

[0361] Looking along the longitudinal direction, the proximal portion D5 and the distal portion D6 can have substantially the same length. However, the proximal portion D5 can also be longer than the distal portion D6. The proximal portion D5 can be, for example, about 10 mm, and the distal portion can be 9 mm.

[0362] The sum of the lengths of the proximal portion D5 and the distal portion D6 corresponds to the total length of the gripper 400 along the longitudinal direction.

[0363] The total length of the gripper can be, for example, between 15 mm and 25 mm, for example 19 mm.

[0364] The gripper 400 can have two opposite axial ends, namely a first end or leading edge end 418 located on the distal portion D6 of the gripper bracket 402 and a second end or trailing edge end 420 located on the proximal portion D5 of the gripper bracket 402.

[0365] The first end 418 (e.g., the leading edge end 418) of the gripper 400 can be the end that is first introduced into the cap opening 206 of the cap 200 during the assembly process. The gripper 400 can have a deflected surface area 422 provided at the leading edge end 418. As viewed from the first end 418, the area 422 can be inclined and away from the axis.

[0366] The area 422 can be designed to interact with the gripper retaining bosses 207, and these gripper retaining bosses should engage the associated gripper interface features 410b, such as the opening 410b and / or the retaining groove 410b (see Figure 4F and Figure 4E)。When assembled to the cap 200, the skewed surface region 422 can be angled-aligned with the gripper interface feature 410b and / or the gripper retaining boss 207 that should engage with the gripper interface feature. Axially, the skewed surface region 422 is offset distally relative to the gripper interface feature 410b. In the Figure 4A embodiment depicted, the gripper interface feature is formed by the opening 410. When the gripper retaining boss 207 contacts the surface region 422 during insertion of the gripper 400 into the cap opening 206 and the gripper 400 is further guided into the cap opening 206, the elastic deformation of the gripper 400 in the radial direction can increase, for example until the gripper interface feature (opening 410b / retaining slot 410b) engages with the gripper retaining boss 207 (see, for example Figure 4F ). When the engagement is established, the elastic bias of the gripper 400 can decrease, for example until the gripper 400 abuts against the cap 200.

[0367] In Figure 4A , a cutout forming the gripper orientation feature 416 is shown. The cutout can have skewed side surfaces 424 that angularly delimit the cutout. Axially, as viewed along the axial direction away from the first end 418 (e.g., in the proximal direction P), the cutout can be delimited by the surface 426. The angular extent of the cutout can decrease or reduce as the distance from the first end 418 increases. In other words, the cutout can taper towards the second end 420 (e.g., towards the proximal direction P). When the cutout is viewed in a plan view or top view, the surface 426 that axially delimits the cutout can extend perpendicular to the axis A. When the cutout is viewed in a plan view or top view, the angle of the surface 424 relative to the axis can be less than 90°, for example 45 degrees or less.

[0368] The kink, fold or bend region 404 can extend along the longitudinal direction of the gripper 400, preferably along the entire axial extent of the gripper 400. Accordingly, at the leading edge end or leading edge 418, the kink, fold or bend 404 can define a corner 428. The corresponding corner can be an angled region of the edge of the gripper 400. The edge or corner 428 can be oriented in the axial direction, i.e., away from the cap opening 206.

[0369] The trailing edge end 420 of the gripper bracket 402 can include at least one additional cutout 434. The cutout 434 has the function of helping to maintain the orientation of the assembly head during assembly (e.g., the assembly of the gripper 400 with the cap).

[0370] The trailing edge end 420 can also include smaller recesses 436 that are recesses formed during the production of the metal sheet for later forming the gripper 400. ……

[0371] Figure 4CAn exemplary embodiment of a single-piece sheet 430 from which the gripper support 402 can be formed is shown. The metal sheet and thus the gripper 400 can include two sets of three openings 410a, 410b, 410c each. Each opening 410 can include a corresponding barb 412. The webs between the openings 410a, 410b, 410c can be optional, for example, there can be a common opening for several barbs 412. All barbs 412 can have the same length and / or shape. Alternatively, the shape and / or length of at least one of the barbs 412 can be different from the shape and / or length of the other barbs 412.

[0372] The two sets of openings, such as 410a, 410b, 410c, are arranged on the metal sheet in such a way that when the gripper support 402 is formed, the two sets of openings 410 and their corresponding barbs 412 can be positioned substantially opposite to each other. In this way, during the removal of the needle guard (RNS or SNS) 914, the forces exerted by the barbs 412 on the needle guard are more evenly and / or symmetrically distributed, and the needle guard can be removed better.

[0373] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the gripper 400 can be produced by the following steps:

[0374] - Providing a gripper support 402 in the form of a sheet 430, such as a metal sheet, for example, a stamped or punched (punched out) metal sheet;

[0375] - Forming a plurality of barbs 412 on the gripper support 402 by cutting, stamping, embossing or molding;

[0376] - Bending or kinking the gripper support 402 along a plurality of longitudinal folding edges or lines 404 a plurality of times to form a plurality of support portions 406 in such a way that more than one of the plurality of support portions 406 can include a corresponding barb 412;

[0377] - Bending the barbs 412 in such a way that the barbs 412 protrude from the inner surface of the associated support portion 406, for example, as shown in Figure 4A and Figure 4B shown.

[0378] The sheet 402 can be a single-piece sheet metal, which can be cut, for example, by stamping or embossing, to form incisions or openings 410 and barbs 412 in the incisions or openings 410.

[0379] The sheet can include stainless steel, such as EN 1.4310, a high-strength stainless steel.

[0380] In the assembled state, the maximum outer diameter of the gripper 400 can depend on the transverse length l1 of the sheet. However, when the two longitudinal edges of the folded sheet 430 abut, the maximum outer diameter of the gripper 400 in the assembled state can be smaller than the outer diameter of the sheet. This may be because there is an overlapping region 408 in the gripper 400 in its assembled state (see, for example Figure 4A and Figure 4B ).

[0381] The opening 410 can have a generally rectangular form. The extent to which the opening 410 extends along the transverse axis of the sheet 420 can represent the width or breadth of the opening 410 (e.g., 410a, 410b, and 410c).

[0382] The barb 412 can have a width smaller than that of the opening 410 and can extend longitudinally along at least one-third of the corresponding opening 410.

[0383] In particular, the length of the barb 412 along the longitudinal axis can be greater than or equal to 0.5 mm, 1 mm, or 2 mm, which length is measured from the proximal end of the barb 412 to the distal end of its prong

[0384] In particular, the length of the barb 412 along the longitudinal axis can be less than or equal to 3 mm, 2 mm, or 1 mm. In particular, the width of the barb can be 1 mm, 2 mm, or 3 mm.

[0385] Figure 4D and Figure 4E shows the gripper 400 in an engaged position with the needle guard 914 of the syringe barrel 900. All other elements, such as the body or barrel 902 of the syringe barrel 900, and the cap 200, are not depicted in this figure.

[0386] As can be seen, the gripper 400 can be arranged on the distal portion of the needle guard 914 such that at least the proximal portion D4 between the proximal end (e.g., the trailing edge 420) of the gripper 400 and the proximal end of the needle guard 914 is not covered.

[0387] Accordingly, the length of the gripper 400 can be shorter than the length of the needle guard it is intended to grip, such that the proximal portion of the needle guard 914 extends proximally beyond the proximal portion of the gripper 400.

[0388] The leading edge 418 of the gripper 400 can be aligned with the distal end of the needle guard 914 along a vertical plane, or it can be substantially aligned with the distal end of the needle guard 914.

[0389] In the assembled position of the gripper 400 with the needle guard 914, the barb 412 is properly bent and penetrates the needle guard 914. As can be seen from Figure 4DAs can be seen, the contact point (e.g., the penetration point) of the barb 412 with the needle guard 914 can be offset distally relative to the longitudinal midpoint of the needle guard 914. In other words, the gripper 400 can grip the needle guard 914 at the distal portion of the needle guard 914. In other words, the gripper 400 can interact with the needle guard 914 via the barb 412 at a position that is approximately the sum of the partial D4 and the partial D5 (as well as the length of the barb 412) from the proximal end of the needle guard 914.

[0390] An advantage of the proximal portion D5 of the gripper 400 can be that it keeps the needle guard 914 stable during removal of the cap 200 and thus removal of the needle 0 itself. In this way, the sterility of the needles 110, 908 can be further maintained.

[0391] The required size of the gripper 400 depends on the drug delivery device, the prefilled syringe, and in particular on the needle guard used in a particular drug delivery device, and can thus vary accordingly.

[0392] Figure 4F A cross-sectional view of the gripper 400 of the previous embodiment assembled within the cap 200 is shown.

[0393] As can be seen, the gripper 400 is inserted into the cap opening 206 ( Figure 3D as shown), which is configured and / or dimensioned to receive the gripper 400 when the gripper 400 is introduced. The cap opening 206 can be defined by a tubular or sleeve-like portion of the cap 200, and the dimensions of the tubular or sleeve-like portion can be set to receive the gripper 400 therein.

[0394] Furthermore, in order to correctly orient the gripper 400 during assembly within the cap 200, the gripper 400 can include an orientation element 416 indicating the assembly orientation. The orientation element 416 can be designed as a tactile indicator or a visual indicator or a combination thereof. In particular, one front surface of the gripper bracket 402 is shaped, for example, wavy or pitchfork-shaped. The orientation feature 416 can be a notch as described in more detail above.

[0395] The cap 200 can further include at least two lugs, bosses, or gripper retaining bosses 207, which can be designed to engage with one of the openings 410 in a set of three openings 410, preferably the middle opening 410b. In the assembled state, the gripper retaining boss 207 can abut against the corresponding distal end 432 of the opening 410 and hold the gripper 400 in its position within the cap 200, see Figure 4G .

[0396] In the context of the present disclosure, "angular" can refer to an azimuthal direction, i.e., a direction defined by an azimuth angle or a rotational angle relative to an axis (e.g., relative to a longitudinal axis extending through the cap opening 206).

[0397] The gripper 400 can be elastically deformed during assembly. Here, before the gripper 400 engages with the gripper retaining boss 207, the gripper 400 is first slightly elastically deformed, for example, because the diameter of the cap opening 206 is smaller than the diameter of the undeformed gripper 400. Then, the radial elastic deformation increases. Accordingly, there may be a force acting in the radial direction, and this force may tend to expand the diameter of the gripper 400 in one or more regions that are angularly offset relative to the gripper retaining boss 207.

[0398] In particular, as Figure 3D depicted, the cap 200 can include at least one, preferably four, gripper guiding features 211 and an inner distal hole 212.

[0399] In embodiments suitable for reducing or preventing scratching or generating debris, the sensitive area of the cap 200 can include the inner distal hole 212.

[0400] The inner distal hole 212 can extend radially through a section of the cap, such as the cap shell 210. The inner distal hole 212 can be defined during the molding of the cap 200.

[0401] The inner distal hole 212 can be axially overlapped with the gripper retaining boss 207.

[0402] The inner distal hole 212 can extend axially in a region that is distal or away from the cap opening 206 relative to the gripper retaining boss 207, preferably in the entire region up to the end of the receiving space of the cap shell 210.

[0403] The opening can be axially overlapped with the gripper retaining boss 207. It has been shown that using the inner distal hole 212 is also particularly advantageous in avoiding scratching or debris.

[0404] It should be noted that due to the provision of the inner distal hole 212 in the sensitive area, there are no gripper guiding features 211 in this area.

[0405] As depicted, the absence of the gripper guiding features 211 can be angularly offset relative to the inner distal hole 212 or the sensitive area.

[0406] Thus, although there is an inner distal hole 212 in the sensitive area, gripper guiding features 211 can still be established, which guide the engagement of the interface features of the gripper and the cap during assembly.

[0407] In Figure 4GIn [the figure], the interaction between the gripper retaining boss 207 of the cap 200 and the opening 410b / retaining groove 410 of the exemplary gripper 400 is shown in more detail.

[0408] The gripper retaining boss 207 includes an inclined area or ramp section 207a at its proximal end. The preferably planar surface of this section or area may form or define an acute angle with the longitudinal axis A, for example less than 45°. At its distal end, the gripper retaining boss 207 may be arranged to interact with the surface 432 of the gripper 400 (such as the surface 432 that distally defines the retaining groove 410b and / or the opening 410b). The distally provided end surface 207b of the gripper retaining boss 207 preferably defines or forms an angle with the axis A that is greater than the angle defined by the proximal ramp section 207a and the axis A. For example, the end surface 207b may be oriented perpendicular to the axis A. The proximal ramp section 207a and the end surface 207b may be connected by a connecting area 207c, which may extend substantially parallel to the axis A.

[0409] In the assembled position, the end surface 207b of the gripper retaining boss 207 may abut against the surface 432 of the retaining groove 410b and / or the opening 410b distally.

[0410] Figure 4H A cross - section of the front end of the injection device 100 is shown, on which the cap 200 is mounted and the gripper 400 is mounted on the cap and interacts with the needle guard 914.

[0411] As shown, the barbs penetrate the needle guard 914 to grip the needle guard and enable the removal of the needle guard 914 by removing the cap 200. The length of the barbs 412 may be such that only the tips of the barbs penetrate the needle guard 914 to maintain the sterility of the needle 908.

[0412] In this illustration, the gripper guiding feature 422 does not contact the needle guard 914 because the diameter of the needle guard at its front end (such as its distal end) is smaller than the diameter at its proximal end. In an embodiment where the needle guard 914 has a constant diameter from the proximal end to the distal end, the leading edge 422 will contact the outer surface of the needle guard 914 and provide guiding assistance during the assembly of the gripper 400 onto the injection device 100 including a needle guard with a constant diameter.

[0413] 5. Needle shield (needle cannula) ( Figure 5 )

[0414] As Figures 1B to 1D depicted, the drug delivery device 100 may further include a needle shield 500. The needle shield 500 is Figure 5is shown in more detail. The needle shield 500 may project distally from the device body 700 and / or may be covered by the cap 200 when the cap 200 is attached to the device body 700. The needle shield 500 may move relative to the device body 700 from a first shield position X (see Figure 1B ) to a second shield position Y (see Figure 1C ).

[0415] The needle shield 500 may be arranged to extend beyond the distal tip of the needle 908, which may project from the device body 700 before the start of a drug delivery operation. The needle shield 500 may move in a proximal direction P relative to the device body 700. During this movement, for example, before the needle shield 500 reaches the second shield position Y, the needle 908 may pierce the user's skin. The needle shield 500 may serve as a trigger member of the drug delivery device 100. The needle shield 500, as a trigger member, preferably when in the second shield position Y, may automatically initialize a drug delivery operation when displaced proximally from the first shield position X to the second shield position Y. The needle shield 500 may be maintained in contact with the skin until the drug delivery operation has been completed, which may be indicated by an audible, tactile, and / or visual indication provided by the drug delivery device 100. After completion of the drug delivery operation, the needle shield 500 may move distally relative to the device body 700 to a third shield position Z (see Figure 1D ) to cover the tip of the needle 908.

[0416] The drug delivery operation of the drug delivery device 100 may be initialized by removing a mechanical lock that prevents the plunger 1000 from moving distally or by unlocking the mechanical lock by moving the plunger 1000 via the moving needle shield 500. Alternatively, the needle shield 500 may only be able to trigger the drug delivery operation when moving from the first shield position X to the second shield position Y and properly when in the second shield position Y. In this case, a separate trigger member (e.g., a trigger button on the proximal end of the device body 700) may be provided to initiate the drug delivery operation. The trigger button may only be operable to initiate the drug delivery operation when the needle shield 500 is in the second shield position Y. In yet another alternative, the needle shield 500 may only be arranged to prevent needle stick injuries before and / or after using the drug delivery device. In this case, the needle shield 500 may be completely decoupled from the drive mechanism 101 and / or may not participate at all in triggering the drug delivery operation or effecting the triggering of the drug delivery operation. In the currently described device, the needle shield acts as a trigger member. Thus, the user does not need to actuate a separate trigger member.

[0417] As described in more detail below, the drug delivery device 100 may include a needle shield spring 600. The needle shield spring 600 may be operatively coupled to the needle shield 500 so as to move the needle shield 500 relative to the device body 700 in the distal direction D when the drug delivery device 100 is removed from the skin. In order to move the needle shield 500 in the proximal direction P away from the first shield position X, the force of the needle shield spring 600 must be overcome. After the drug delivery operation has been completed, when in the final or third shield position Z (see Figure 1D ), the drug delivery device 100 has been removed from the skin and the needle shield spring 600 has displaced the needle shield 500 distally, at which time the needle shield 500 may be locked against proximal movement relative to the device body 700.

[0418] Figure 5 A detailed exemplary illustration of the needle shield 500 is shown. The needle shield 500 may include a skin contact surface 501 having a circular shape or other shape, which is disposed at the cylindrical distal portion 502 of the needle shield 500 and is designed to be placed on the skin of the user. The skin contact surface 501 may have an opening concentric with the circular shape, which extends axially in the proximal direction through the cylindrical distal portion, wherein, in the assembled state of the drug delivery device 100 (when viewed in a plan view), the opening encloses the needle 908. Starting from, for example, the cylindrical distal portion 502, the needle shield 500 may have a side region 503 extending in the proximal direction P. In the example shown, the needle shield 500 may have two side regions 503, but it should be noted that the needle shield 500 may have more than two, such as three or four side regions 503, and each side region 503 may have all the features of the side region 503 described below. The two side regions 503 are arranged opposite to each other and are designed to enclose an optional syringe holder 800 (if present), a pre-filled syringe 900, a plunger 1000, and / or a drive spring 1100 when the drug delivery device 100 is assembled. The side regions may be legs.

[0419] Each of the two side regions 503 includes a side region inner surface 503a and a side region outer surface 503b, wherein the side region inner surface 503a faces the longitudinal axis in the radial direction and the side region outer surface 503b faces away from the longitudinal axis in the radial direction. The side region 503 includes two lateral edges 503.1, and the side region 503 includes three recesses, namely a cap clip window 504, a front stop groove 505, and a plunger boss groove 506. In the depicted embodiment, the front stop groove 505 may be located axially between the cap clip window 504 and the plunger boss groove 506, wherein the cap clip window 504 may be offset in the distal direction relative to the front stop groove 505, and the plunger boss groove 506 is offset in the proximal direction relative to the front stop groove 505.

[0420] The cap clip window 504 can be a recess (e.g., rectangular), into which the cap clip 204 can engage when the cap 200 is mounted to the device body 700. The connection between the cap clip 204 and the cap clip window 504 can prevent the needle shield 500 from axially moving relative to the device body 700. Such a connection can provide a safety feature, e.g., if the drug delivery device 100 is accidentally dropped by a user, this safety feature can prevent the dispensing mechanism from being accidentally triggered.

[0421] The front stop groove 505 can be a rectangular recess (e.g., rectangular), which can interact with the needle shield front stop 724 (e.g., Figure 7C the boss 724 shown on the inner surface of the device body 700) to define the maximum distal position of the needle shield relative to the device body 700 after the operation of the drug delivery device (e.g., at the end of injection).

[0422] The plunger boss groove 506 can be an L-shaped recess, i.e., a recess formed by two rectangles of different sizes, i.e., the proximal groove 506a and the distal groove 506b placed directly adjacent to each other. The angular width of the proximal groove 506a can be smaller than the angular width of the distal groove 506b. The plunger boss groove 506 and at least one of the plunger bosses 1040.2, 1040.3 of the plunger 1000 (see Fig.10 ) can form a mechanical lock, e.g., a rotational lock. As long as the mechanical lock is established, the needle shield 500 can be held in the first shield position X. The plunger boss groove 506 can be configured to allow the needle shield 500 to move relative to the plunger 1000 when the needle shield 500 moves from the first shield position X to the second shield position Y, so as to release the mechanical lock. Here, due to the plunger boss 1040.2 of the plunger 1000 (see Fig.10 ), rotational movement of the plunger 1000 relative to the needle shield 500 can be prevented until the plunger bosses 1040.2, 1040.3 (see Fig.10 ) move axially from the proximal groove 506a to the distal groove 506b.

[0423] The plunger boss groove 506 can include a groove rib 507 on one side of the transition from the proximal groove 506a to the distal groove 506b. Due to the different sizes of the rectangles, the groove rib can include a shoulder 507a. The groove rib 507 can include a contact surface 507b on the inner surface 503a of the side region, wherein the contact surface 507b can be designed for the plunger boss 1040.2 (see Fig.10 ) to rest on. The groove rib 507 can further include an optional first ramp 507c and an optional second ramp 507d, which can interact with the plunger 1000, e.g., with the plunger boss 1040.3, as Figure 10G and Fig. 10HAs shown. An optional first ramp 507c may be located at the transition from the proximal slot 506a to the distal slot 506b and may interact with the plunger lug 1040.3, see Figure 10G and Fig. 10H . In the unlikely event that the plunger 1000 does not rotate spontaneously (e.g., when the needle shield is in the second position), the first ramp 507c may interact with the plunger lug 1040.3, see Figure 10G and Fig. 10H , so as to additionally prompt or initiate the rotation of the plunger 1000. A second ramp 507d may be located at the proximal end of the side region 503 and may be designed to facilitate the starting of the plunger 1000 during the final assembly of the drug delivery device 100, e.g., by acting on the plunger lug 1040.3, as Figure 10G and Fig. 10H shown.

[0424] As can be seen in Figure 5 , the needle shield 500 may include plunger guide ribs 508 on the inner surface 503a of the side region, which are designed to provide angular guidance to the plunger 1000, e.g., for one or both of the lugs 1040.2 and 1040.3. Additionally, the needle shield 500 may have grooves 509 on the outer surface 503b of the side region. These grooves may be provided to reduce part warping during and / or after injection molding in the manufacture of the needle shield 500. The mechanical stability may also be enhanced by the grooves 509.

[0425] Figure 5 It is also shown that the needle shield 500 may have at least one needle shield blocking device 510. The needle shield blocking device 510 may be offset 90 degrees relative to each cap clip window 504 in the rotational direction. The needle shield blocking device 510 may be embodied as an elastically pivotable flexible arm 510, which is biased or may be biased radially away from the longitudinal axis in the assembled state of the device 100. The needle shield 500 may have a number of flexible arms 510. For example, the needle shield 500 may have one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight or more flexible arms 510. The flexible arms 510 may be evenly distributed along the circumference of the needle shield 500. Additionally, the flexible arms 510 are arranged opposite to each other. After the drug delivery operation has been completed, the drug delivery device 100 may be removed from the user's skin. The needle shield 500 may be biased relative to the device body 700 towards the first shield position X by the needle shield spring 600. Thus, when the drug delivery device 100 is removed from the skin, the needle shield 500 may move relative to the device body 700 towards the first shield position X, e.g., beyond its first shield position X, into the final locked or third shield position Z, as Figure 1DAs shown. In the third cannula position Z, the cannula 500 can be axially locked relative to the device body 700 against movement in the proximal direction by a locking engagement between the flexible arm 510 of the cannula 500 and an associated protrusion of the device body 700 (e.g., the cannula locking structure 720 on the inner surface of the side wall 700a of the device body 700). The cannula locking structure 720 can also be referred to as a blocking element 720 or a ramp-shaped element 720. Since the cannula 500 is axially locked, the cannula can no longer be displaced proximally relative to the device body 700 to the second and / or first cannula positions of the cannula 500. This can protect the user from needle stick injuries after use. Additionally, when the cannula 500 is in the third cannula position Z, it may no longer be possible to reattach the cap 200, for example due to the flexible arm 510 and / or due to features on the cap 200 (especially features on the optional cap cover 300).

[0426] As Figure 5 As shown, the flexible arm 510 can have a (e.g., cuboid-shaped) protrusion 510.1 in the radial direction at its proximal region. The protrusion can project radially from the flexible arm. The protrusion 510.1 forms the proximal end of the flexible arm 510. The protrusion can also be referred to as a stop surface. In the circumferential direction, the protrusion 510.1 can extend further than in the axial direction of the cannula 500. Due to the cuboid shape and the height difference in the radial direction relative to the rest of the outer surface of the flexible arm, the flexible arm has edges in the distal and proximal directions. The protrusion 510.1 of the flexible arm 510 can engage with a corresponding protrusion at the inner circumferential surface of the device body 700 to lock the cannula 500 against axial movement relative to the device body 700 (e.g., in the third cannula position Z). It should be noted that in this disclosure, the first cannula position X is also referred to as the intermediate position X, and the third cannula position Z is also referred to as the initial position Z. For example, when the cannula is in the third cannula position Z, one surface of the protrusion 510.1 (e.g., the surface pointing in the proximal direction P) can abut against the distal surface of the cannula locking structure 720. Thus, the proximal movement of the cannula 500 relative to the device body 700 is restricted. In other words, the protrusion 510.1 and the cannula locking structure 720 provide a post-use cannula locking mechanism, which can prevent user injury by preventing the needle tip from being exposed.

[0427] For example, if the proximal force applied to the cannula 500 is less than 60 N, preferably less than 50 N, more preferably less than 40 N, the post-use cannula locking mechanism can prevent the cannula 500 from moving proximally relative to the device body 700.

[0428] In this disclosure, the protrusion 510.1 can also be referred to as the stop surface 510.1. The flexible arm 510 can also have a web 510.2, as Figure 5As shown. In this disclosure, the web 510.2 may also be referred to as the protrusion 510.2. The web 510.2 may have a free end in the distal direction, and the free end may be chamfered. The relatively proximal end of the web may transition to a bulge. The height of the web 510.2 in the radial direction may be lower than or the same as the height of the bulge 510.1. The web 510.2 may interact with the needle shield locking structure 720 of the device body 700 (see also Figure 4H ). For example, the web 510.2 may interact with the recess of the needle shield locking structure 720 to prevent the needle shield 500 from rotating relative to the device body 700. Alternatively or additionally, due to this interaction, when the flexible arm 510 moves along the needle shield locking structure 720, for example, when the needle shield 500 moves from its second shield position Y to its third shield position Z relative to the device body 700, the degree of inward deflection required for the flexible arm 510 may be reduced. This reduces the load on the flexible arm.

[0429] As Figure 5 shown, the flexible arm 510 has a recess 510.3 at its interface with the rest of the needle shield body. The circular recess 510.3 may be a circular material recess. The material recess provides a hinge area between the flexible arm 510 and the rest of the needle shield body. The area of the needle shield adjacent to the flexible arm (e.g., the distal portion 502) may be a cylindrical sleeve-like area of the needle shield. Preferably, at any position of the needle shield relative to the device body, only this area protrudes from the device body.

[0430] In addition, the needle shield 500 may move slightly in the distal direction immediately after the cap 200 is removed, but this movement occurs before the needle shield 500 is placed on the skin surface and before the energy of the plunger 1000 and the drive spring 1100 is released. In this case, the needle shield 500 slides slightly forward because the needle shield spring 600 is released and the plunger 1000 rotates to the ready-to-use position. In particular, this may occur when the cap 200 is directly engaged with the device body 700 of the drug delivery device 100 or when the device body 700 and the needle shield (biased by the needle shield spring) abut the cap before the cap is removed.

[0431] It should be noted that all features of the needle shield 500, namely, in particular, the skin contact surface 501, the distal portion 502, the side regions 503, the inner surface 503a of the side regions, the outer surface 503b of the side regions, the cap clip window 504, the front stop groove 505, the plunger boss groove 506, the proximal groove 506a, the distal groove 506b, the groove ribs 507, the shoulders 507a, the abutment surface 507b, the first ramp 507c, the second ramp 507d, the plunger guide ribs 508, the recesses 509 and the flexible arms 510 can be an integral part of the needle shield 500. Accordingly, the needle shield 500 and all its features can represent a one-piece component. However, a two-piece or multi-piece needle shield 500 can also be used.

[0432] 6. Needle shield spring( Fig. 6A 、 Figure 6B )

[0433] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B shows the needle shield spring 600. As Figure 6B shown, the needle shield spring 600 can extend between the needle shield 500 and the device body 700 (described below). For example, the needle shield spring 600 can extend between the proximally facing surface of the needle shield 500 and the distally facing surface of the central support structure 701 of the device body 700. More particularly, the needle shield spring 600 can extend between the proximally facing inner surface of the distal portion 502 of the needle shield 500 and the needle shield spring support 708a of the device body 700 as described below.

[0434] In one embodiment, the needle shield spring 600, in particular its proximal end, can be supported in the radially outward direction by the needle shield rear stop 721 (described below) of the device body 700. In other words, the needle shield spring 600 can be prevented from tilting relative to the device body 700 and / or deflecting radially outward by the needle shield rear stop 721.

[0435] The needle shield spring 600 can be configured to provide a force to the needle shield 500. This force biases the needle shield 500 in the distal direction D. The needle shield spring 600 can be configured such that when a force less than the needle shield spring force is applied to the needle shield in the proximal direction P, for example when the drug delivery device 100 is removed from the user's skin after injection, or when the injection is interrupted, the needle shield spring force can push the needle shield 500 distally. Additionally, the needle shield spring 600 can be configured to ensure that the device 100 can only be enabled if the needle shield 500 is pressed against the user's skin with a sufficiently large force. In other words, if the user does not press the needle shield 500 against the injection site with a sufficiently large force, the drug delivery device 100 is not enabled / triggered. Thus, the needle shield spring 600 can be configured to meet a minimum enabling force requirement. For example, the minimum force required to enable the drug delivery device can be between 1 N (Newton) and 50 N, preferably less than 20 N.

[0436] In one embodiment, the needle shield spring 600 can be made of high-strength stainless steel. For example, the needle shield spring 600 can be made of austenitic steel with sufficient elasticity to allow the needle shield spring 600 to be elastically compressed. In one embodiment, the needle shield spring 600 can be made of austenitic chromium-nickel steel. In one embodiment, the needle shield spring 600 can be made of DIN EN 1.4310 steel.

[0437] In one embodiment, the length of the needle shield spring 600 can be selected such that a smooth force curve can be obtained and an excessive enabling force can be avoided.

[0438] In one embodiment, the needle shield spring 600 can be made of coiled wire. The wire diameter can be selected according to the stress endured when the needle shield spring 600 is compressed. Further, the wire can be soap-lubricated wire to facilitate manufacturability.

[0439] In one embodiment, the needle shield spring 600 can have 5 to 50 turns, preferably 5 to 25 turns, more preferably 10 turns. The outer diameter of the turns can be selected according to the geometry of the needle shield 500, in particular the flexible arm 510 of the needle shield 500, such that when the flexible arm 510 deflects on the needle shield locking structure while the needle shield spring 600 surrounds the axial support front end 703 of the device body 700, collision with the flexible arm 510 can be avoided.

[0440] In one embodiment, the outer diameter of the turns can be between 5 mm and 20 mm, preferably between 10 mm and 15 mm, more preferably between 12 mm and 14 mm, for example 13 mm. The inner diameter of the turns can be between 5 mm and 20 mm, preferably between 10 mm and 15 mm, more preferably between 11 mm and 13 mm, for example 12 mm.

[0441] In one embodiment, the coiled wire may have a double or triple coil winding 601 at its end. The double or triple coil winding 601 may be formed by two or three coils that are axially in contact with each other along their circumferences. The double or triple coil winding 601 may provide a contact surface for firmly contacting the needle shield spring 600 with the needle shield 500 and the device body 700.

[0442] In one embodiment, the length of the needle shield spring 600 may be between 30 mm and 100 mm. In one embodiment, the length of the needle shield spring 600 may be between 50 mm and 80 mm. In one embodiment, the length of the needle shield spring 600 may be between 60 mm and 70 mm, preferably 66 mm.

[0443] 7. Device body ( FIG. 7A to FIG. 7G )

[0444] Fig. 7A and Figure 7B shows a device body 700 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The device body 700 may be the main housing of the drug delivery device 100. The device body 700 may provide a space for accommodating some or all of the components of the drug delivery device 100.

[0445] The device body 700 may have a cylindrical shape. In other words, the device body may have a distal end and a proximal end that are connected to each other by a side wall 700a. The side wall 700a defines the cross-sectional area of the device body 700. The cross-sectional area may be substantially constant along the axial length of the device body 700. Optionally, towards the distal end, the cross-sectional area may increase such that the cross-sectional area at the distal end may be greater than the cross-sectional area at the proximal end.

[0446] In one embodiment, the cross-sectional area may increase from a drug window 710 (side wall window) in the side wall 700a, for example from its middle to the distal end. The increase may be linear or non-linear (e.g., parabolic), such that the outer surface of the side wall 700a of the device body 700 may curve towards the distal end.

[0447] At its proximal end, the device body 700 includes a proximal orifice 730. The proximal orifice 730 may be defined by a proximal edge 732 of the side wall 700a.

[0448] The side wall 700a may provide a user gripping surface that allows a user to manipulate and / or operate the drug delivery device 100.

[0449] The side wall 700a of the device body 700 may include at least one opening. The opening may be a drug window 710. The drug window 710 may be arranged in the distal half of the side wall 700a, preferably in its fourth and / or fifth section when the axial length of the side wall 700a measured from the proximal end is divided into six equal-length sections. The drug window 710 may be an elongated window that extends longer in the axial direction than in the circumferential direction. On the outer surface, the side wall may further include a portion for attaching a label.

[0450] Through the drug window 710, the user may be able to see the plunger stop 910 of the syringe 900 (described below) and / or the plunger 1000 (described below). Through the drug window 710, the user may further see the drug Dr before and during injection. For example, during the operation of the drug delivery device 100, the user may first see the drug Dr and the barrel 902 of the syringe 900 (described below), which may be a pre-filled syringe containing the drug Dr. During injection, the user may see the plunger stop 910 and then see the plunger 1000 moving in the distal direction D inside the barrel 902.

[0451] The outer surface of the side wall 700a and / or the inner surface of the side wall may include interaction elements for supporting other components of the drug delivery device 100, such as the cap 200 and / or the needle shield 500 and / or the syringe holder 800 (described below) and / or the drive spring holder 1200 (described below). The interaction elements may be mainly arranged on the inner surface of the side wall 700a and may include elements such as ribs, grooves, protrusions, notches, etc., which enable physical interaction with the corresponding features of other components of the drug delivery device 100.

[0452] In one embodiment, the side wall 700a may further include a first body connection structure. The first body connection structure may include at least one, preferably at least two recesses. As Fig. 7A shown, the recesses may be proximal incisions 714. The proximal incisions 714 may be arranged to be proximally offset relative to the drug window 710, for example, near the proximal end of the device body. For example, when measured from the proximal end, the proximal incisions 714 may be arranged in the first 20% or the first 10% of the length of the side wall 700a. The proximal incisions 714 may be offset from each other by 180 degrees in the circumferential direction of the device body 700. At least one of the proximal incisions 714 may overlap the drug window 710 in the circumferential direction.

[0453] As described below, for example in Section 12, the proximal incision 714 can interact with the latching protrusion 1203.2 of the latching arm 1203 of the drive spring retainer 1200, for example when the drive spring retainer is in the (first) drive spring retainer position (closure position). Further, as described below, the proximal incision 714 can interact with the retaining clip 806 of the syringe retainer 800, for example when the syringe retainer 800 is in the first syringe retainer position (first container retainer position).

[0454] The side wall 700a can further include an injection molding gate recess 712. The injection molding gate recess 712 can be formed at the outer surface of the side wall 700a. The injection molding gate recess 712 does not penetrate through the side wall 700a. The injection molding gate recess 712 can be offset distally relative to the proximal incision 714. The injection molding gate recess 712 can be offset proximally relative to the drug window 710. In one embodiment, the injection molding gate recess 712 can be disposed near the middle or in the middle of the side wall 700a along the axial direction of the device body 700.

[0455] In one embodiment, the side wall 700a can further include a second body connection structure. The second body connection structure can include at least one, preferably at least two recesses. As Fig. 7A shown, the recess can be the distal incision 713. The distal incision 713 can be arranged to be offset proximally relative to the drug window 710. The distal incision 713 can be offset distally relative to the injection molding gate recess 712. The distal incision 713 can be offset distally relative to the proximal incision 714. In one embodiment, the distal incision 713 can be disposed in the middle or near the middle of the side wall 700a along the axial direction. The distal incisions 714 can be angularly offset from each other by 180 degrees.

[0456] The proximal incision 714 can be larger than the distal incision 713. In other words, the proximal incision 714 can extend further than the distal incision 713 along at least one spatial direction. In one embodiment, at least one of the at least distal incisions 713 can be aligned with at least one of the at least proximal incisions 714.

[0457] At least one, preferably all, of the distal incisions 713 can overlap with a corresponding number of proximal incisions 714 in the circumferential direction. The overlap can be a partial overlap. Preferably, the proximal incisions 714 completely overlap the distal incisions 713 in the circumferential direction. Further, at least one of the distal incisions 713 can overlap or be aligned with the drug window 710 in the circumferential direction.

[0458] As described below, the distal incision 713 can interact with the retaining clip 806 of the syringe holder 800. Thus, the syringe holder 800 can be fastened to the device body 700, for example, in a second syringe holder position (second container holder position).

[0459] The incision 713 and / or 714 can be arranged to be offset relative to the centerline (described in more detail below) between the retaining ribs 726. Alternatively or additionally, the incisions 713, 714 can be offset relative to the longitudinal centerline extending in the axial direction of the drug window 710, as Fig. 7A and Fig.17 shown. Alternatively or additionally, the incision 713 and / or 714 can be arranged intermediate between the retaining ribs 726, i.e., centered.

[0460] The device body 700 can include an on-body user indicator 733 at the outer surface of the sidewall 700a. The on-body user indicator 733 can be configured to indicate to the user the position of the device body 700 relative to other components of the drug delivery device 100 (such as the cap 200).

[0461] When the sidewall 700a is labeled, the injection molding gate recess 712 and / or the incisions 713, 714 can be hidden by the label such that at least one of these features, at least two of these features, or all of these features are not visible to the user. This can provide comfort to the user.

[0462] The device body 700 can be formed of polycarbonate (PC) Makrolon 2258 (a medical grade PC) or other materials. PC can be selected mainly considering its strength, flexibility, toughness, and its strength at high temperatures, thus allowing a shorter injection molding cycle time and therefore allowing a reduction in part cost.

[0463] As Figure 7B shown, certain features of the device body 700 can form a syringe support mechanism. The syringe support mechanism can be formed inside the device body 700. The syringe support mechanism can be configured to position the syringe 900 within the device body 700 such that the needle extension requirement is met. The needle extension requirement can be, for example, that the distal end of the needle 908 of the syringe 900 extends beyond the distal end of the device body by a certain length, for example, between 4 millimeters (mm) and 8 mm, while withstanding the impact load caused by the impact of the plunger 1000 on the plunger stop 910 of the syringe 900 at the start of injection.

[0464] In one embodiment, the syringe support mechanism is configured to support a syringe (e.g., a pre-filled syringe 900) within the device body 700, e.g., resisting distal movement relative to the device body 700. In one embodiment, the syringe support mechanism may be configured to support the shoulder 904 of the syringe 900. Thus, manufacturing tolerances can be better compensated for compared to a design that supports the proximal flange 912 of the syringe 900. This results in less variability in the amount by which the distal end of the needle extends beyond the device body 700 when the syringe 900 is in its final assembled position within the device body 700.

[0465] A specific designed assembly process may be required to ensure that the components reach their correct final positions and that the syringe 900 is properly supported.

[0466] As Figure 7C shown, the syringe support mechanism may include a central support structure 701 formed inside the device body 700. In one embodiment, the central support structure 701 may be configured to support the barrel 902 of the syringe 900, e.g., support the shoulder 904. In one embodiment, as Fig.7D and Fig. 7E shown, the central support structure 701 may be configured to support the syringe holder 800.

[0467] The central support structure 701 may include a central tube 702 that is configured to radially support the barrel 902 of the syringe 900 (see Figure 7C ) or the syringe holder 800 (not shown). In one embodiment, the central tube 702 may have a non-closed circumference, e.g., the central tube may include at least one axial recess extending in the axial direction of the central tube 702. The axial length of the central tube 702 may exceed half or more than three-quarters of the axial length of the barrel 902 of the syringe 900 (e.g., when measured from the shoulder 904 to the distal surface of the syringe flange 912 (not shown)).

[0468] The central support structure 701 may include an axial support front end 703 that is configured to axially support the syringe 900, e.g., resisting distal movement relative to the device body 700. The axial support front end 703 may be formed at the distal end of the central tube 702.

[0469] In one embodiment, the axial support front end 703 may include a radially inwardly extending protrusion 704 at its distal end. The axial support front end 703 and the radial protrusion 704 may interact with the shoulder 904 of the syringe barrel 900, thereby preventing the syringe barrel 900 from moving distally beyond the axial support front end 703, particularly beyond the protrusion 704. In other words, the axial support front end 703 may define the maximum distal position of the syringe barrel 900 relative to the device body 700 and hold the syringe barrel 900 in its desired axial position relative to the device body 700.

[0470] In one embodiment, the axial support front end 703 may have a closed circumference. Thus, the axial support front end 703 may surround the shoulder 904. The closed circumference may enable the force to be evenly distributed over the entire contact surface. The closed circumference may also enable the axial support front end 703 to withstand higher loads and impacts in the distal and / or radial directions.

[0471] In one embodiment not shown in the drawings, the axial support front end may have an open circumference, for example interrupted by at least one recess extending in the axial direction. In this embodiment, the axial support front end 703 may be thicker in the radial direction in order to be able to withstand the forces of the drug delivery device 100, such as the force of the drive spring 600, during assembly and / or operation.

[0472] In one embodiment, the inner diameter 704ID of the radially inward protrusion 704 may be smaller than the outer diameter 902OD of the barrel 902. For example, the inner diameter 704ID may be at least 2%, at least 5%, at least 10% or at least 20% smaller than the outer diameter 902OD.

[0473] In one embodiment as Figure 7C shown, the outer diameter 914OD of the needle shield 914 (described below) may be smaller than the inner diameter 704ID of the protrusion 704, thereby allowing the needle shield 914 to move distally beyond the protrusion 704. For example, the outer diameter 914OD may be at least 2%, at least 5%, at least 10% or at least 20% smaller than the inner diameter 704ID of the protrusion 704. The outer diameter 914OD of the needle shield 914 may be smaller than the outer diameter 902OD of the barrel 902. Further details regarding the syringe barrel 900 are described in Section 9 below.

[0474] In one embodiment as Fig.7DIn one illustrated embodiment, the outer diameter 914OD of the needle guard 914 can be greater than the outer diameter 902OD of the barrel 902, such as at least 2%, at least 5%, at least 10% or at least 20% greater. This may require the use of a syringe holder 800 in order to be able to assemble the syringe 900 in the drug delivery device 100, in particular in the device body 700. However, the syringe holder 800 can be used even if the outer diameter 914OD of the needle guard 914 is equal to the outer diameter 902OD of the barrel 902, or even if the outer diameter 914OD of the needle guard 914 is less than the outer diameter 902OD of the barrel 902.

[0475] In one embodiment, the axial support front end 703 can be configured to axially support the syringe holder 800 relative to the device body 700 (see Fig.7D ). For example, the axial support front end 703 can be configured to fasten the syringe holder 800 against distal movement relative to the device body 700. In particular, the axial support front end 703 can be configured to surround the flexible holder arm 801 of the syringe holder 800. The radially inward protrusion 704 can form an abutment surface for the holder protrusion 803. The axial support front end 703 can have a closed circumference. Thus, the axial support front end 703 can surround the holder arm 801. The axial support front end 703 can have a tapered inner surface 703.1, the diameter of which decreases in the distal direction D. The tapered inner surface 703.1 can be configured to interact with the holder arm 801 when the syringe holder 800 moves distally relative to the device body 700. Thus, the tapered inner surface 703.1 can limit the radially outward movement of the holder arm 801 or even cause the holder arm 801 to deflect radially inward. Regarding additional details of certain interactions between the device body 700 and the syringe holder 800, the above-described interactions between the device body 700 and the syringe 900 apply thereto, and vice versa where technically feasible.

[0476] The central support structure 701 (in particular its central tube 702) can include at least one central support window 709 (see Fig. 7E ). The central support window 709 can be aligned with or at least partially overlap the drug window 710 in order to allow, for example, inspection of the syringe 900, the drug within the syringe 900, the plunger stop 910 and / or the plunger 1000 during assembly and / or injection. If a syringe holder 800 is used in the drug delivery device 100, the central support window 709 can be aligned with or at least partially overlap the holder window 808 (described below).

[0477] The central support structure 701 is connected to the side wall 700a of the device body 700 by at least one connecting element. The connecting element may include at least one connecting rib 708 extending from the inner surface of the side wall 700a to the outer surface of the central support structure 701. The connecting rib 708 may further extend in the axial direction of the device body 700. For example, the connecting rib 708 may extend along at least 50%, at least 60%, or at least 75% of the axial length of the central support structure 701. The connecting rib 708 may extend distally until the distal end of the axial support front end 703.

[0478] In one embodiment, there may be a plurality of connecting ribs 708, such as at least two, at least three, or at least four connecting ribs 708. The connecting ribs 708 may be arranged equidistantly in the circumferential direction of the device body 700. Alternatively, as Figure 7C shown, the connecting ribs 708 may be arranged with different angular offsets from each other. For example, two connecting ribs 708 may be connected to each other through the proximal surface and / or the distal surface of the drug window 710, which extends radially from the central support 701 to the outer surface of the side wall 700a. The angular offset between two connected connecting ribs 708 may be less than 90 degrees, such as less than 80 degrees, less than 70 degrees, or less than 50 degrees. Thus, the angular offset between two connecting ribs 708 that are not connected through the proximal surface and / or the distal surface of the drug window 710 may be greater than 90 degrees, such as greater than 100 degrees, greater than 110 degrees, or greater than 130 degrees. The connection configuration is only explained by way of example. Similar angular offsets of the connecting ribs 708 are possible even if the connecting ribs 708 are not connected to each other.

[0479] Therefore, the contact between the needle shield 500 and the device body 700 can be improved, so that the axial and / or rotational stability of the needle shield 500 inside the device body 700 can be improved.

[0480] At the radially inner section, at least one, preferably all, of the connecting ribs 708 may form a needle shield spring support 708a. In this context, the radially inner section is the section of the connecting rib 708 that is connected to the central support structure 701. In other words, the radially inner section is a section that is more radially inward than the section connected to the inner surface of the side wall 700a. The needle shield spring support 708a may interact with the needle shield spring 600 (such as its proximal end) to support the needle shield spring 600 in the axial direction.

[0481] The illustrated embodiment includes four connecting ribs 708 that extend in the axial direction of the central support structure 701, for example, from the proximal end of the central support structure 701 to the axial support front end 703. In other words, the illustrated central support structure 701 may be connected to the side wall 701a along at least 70% to 95% of its axial length.

[0482] According to an embodiment not shown, instead of the central tube 702, the syringe support mechanism may include at least two, at least three, or at least four support arms extending in the axial direction of the device body 700. The support arms may be arranged equidistantly around the circumference of the central support structure 701 or arranged with different angular offsets. In the circumferential direction, the support arms may extend at different angles, depending on the number of support arms. For example, if there are two support arms, each support arm may cover less than 90 degrees of the circumference of the central tube 702. Thus, the angle between the support arms may be 90 degrees or more. The support arms may be connected to each other at their distal ends, thereby forming the axial support front end as described above. All the specific features of this axial support end may be similar to the specific features described previously for the embodiment with the central tube 702 having the axial support end 703.

[0483] In one embodiment, the proximal incision 714 is configured to form a space into which the latching protrusion 1203.2 of the latching arm 1203 of the drive spring holder 1200 can deflect when aligned with the proximal incision 714. In other words, the latching arm 1203 and the incision 714 may form a housing latching mechanism.

[0484] The housing latching mechanism may fasten the drive spring holder 1200 to the device body 700, thereby preventing the drug delivery device 100 from being disassembled by the user at the start of injection or under the impact load of the drive spring 1100 (e.g., when the plunger 1000 contacts the plunger stop 910). In particular, when the latching arm 1203 interacts with the proximal incision 714, axial movement of the drive spring holder 1200 relative to the device body 700 may be restricted, preferably avoided. Thus, the drive spring holder 1200 may be in a first drive spring holder position (which may be a closed position). Alternatively or additionally, when the latching arm 1203 interacts with the proximal incision 714, rotational movement of the drive spring holder 1200 relative to the device body 700 may be restricted, preferably avoided. In other words, in the closed position, the drive spring holder 1200 may be fastened to the device body 700 to resist axial and / or rotational movement.

[0485] In one embodiment, if the device body 700 is for a drug delivery device 100 having a syringe holder 800, when the syringe holder 800 is moved distally from the proximal end into the device body 700 (e.g., through the proximal orifice 730), the proximal incision 714 may interact with the retaining clip 806 of the syringe holder 800.

[0486] As described below, when the retention clip 806 is aligned with the proximal incision 714, the retention clip 806 deflects radially outward into the proximal incision 714 and secures the syringe holder 800 to the device body at the first container holder position. The first container holder position may be the first engagement position of the syringe holder 800, as described below. In other words, during assembly of the syringe holder 800 in the device body 700, the proximal incision 714 provides space for the retention clip 806.

[0487] When a distally-directed force is applied to the syringe holder 800, the retention clip 806 may deflect radially inward due to interaction with the inner surface of the sidewall 700a, thereby disengaging from the proximal incision 714. Accordingly, the syringe holder 800 is free to move further distally within the device body 700. When the retention clip 806 is aligned with the distal incision 713, the retention clip 806 may deflect radially outward into the space provided by the distal incision 713, thereby locking the syringe holder 800 relative to the device body 700 at the second container holder position. The second container holder position may be the second engagement position of the syringe holder 800, as described below.

[0488] In one embodiment, the device body 700 may include a needle shield positioning structure. The needle shield positioning structure may include at least one needle shield front stop 724. The needle shield front stop 724 may include at least one protrusion that projects radially inward from the inner surface of the sidewall 700a of the device body 700. The needle shield front stop 724 may include a ramp-shaped section 724.1 that slopes radially inward in the proximal direction P and a cube section 724.2 (see Figure 7F ). The cube section 724.2 may be disposed proximally of the ramp-shaped section 724.1. The cube section 724.2 may project the same distance radially inward as the proximal end of the ramp-shaped section 724.1. Alternatively, the cube section 724.2 may project more or less radially inward than the ramp-shaped section 724.1.

[0489] The needle shield front stop 724 can be configured to interact with corresponding fastening features of the needle shield 500. The fastening feature can be the front stop groove 505 of the needle shield 500. In particular, when the needle shield 500 moves distally relative to the device body 700, such as from the second shield position Y to the third shield position Z as described above, the distally facing surface of the front stop groove 505 can abut against the proximally facing surface of the cubic section 724.2. Accordingly, the needle shield front stop 724 is configured to provide a limit to the distal movement of the needle shield 500 relative to the device body 700. In other words, when the needle shield 500 is in its final position relative to the device body 700, such as after use, the maximum distal extension of the needle shield 500 beyond the distal end of the device body 700 is defined by the interaction between the front stop groove 505 and the needle shield front stop 724.

[0490] The ramped section 724.1 can be configured to radially deflect the side region 503 of the needle shield 500 inwardly when the needle shield 500 is inserted into the device body 700, thereby enabling the needle shield 500 to be assembled in the device body 700. The cubic section 724.2 can provide additional axial strength to the needle shield front stop 724, thereby improving the stability of the device body 700. For example, this can be beneficial for withstanding the distal force applied to the needle shield 500 by the needle shield spring 600.

[0491] In one embodiment, the device body 700 can include a needle shield rear stop 721. The needle shield rear stop 721 can be formed at the distal end of at least one connecting rib 708. As Figure 7C shown, the needle shield rear stop 721 can be disposed at an outer section of the connecting rib 708, where the connecting rib 708 is connected to the inner surface of the side wall 700a. The needle shield rear stop 721 includes a distal surface that can extend to the distal end of the axial support front end 703. When the needle shield 500 moves proximally relative to the device body 700, such as when the skin contact surface 501 presses against the user's skin with sufficient force as described above, the distal surface can interact with the needle shield 500, such as with the proximally facing surface of the recess between the side region 503 and the flexible arm 510. Accordingly, the needle shield rear stop 721 can define the maximum proximal position of the needle shield 500 relative to the device body 700.

[0492] Figure 7C and Figure 7F the illustrated embodiment includes four connecting ribs 708, each having a needle shield rear stop 721 as previously described. The needle shield rear stop 721 extends distally from the connecting rib 708 beyond the needle shield spring support 708a, such as until the protrusion 704 (see also Figure 6B ). Alternatively, the needle shield rear stop 721 can extend further distally or proximally.

[0493] In one embodiment, the device body 700 may include a needle shield locking structure 720. The needle shield locking structure 720 may include at least one protrusion that projects radially inward from the inner surface of the side wall 700a of the device body 700, such as one or more ramp-shaped elements 720 (see Figure 7B , Figure 7C and Figure 7F ). The ramp-shaped element 720 may be radially inwardly inclined in the distal direction D.

[0494] The needle shield locking structure 720 may be disposed near the distal end of the device body 700, for example, within the last 30%, last 20%, or last 10% of the axial length of the device body 700 when measured from the edge 732 to the distal end. The needle shield locking structure 720 may be circumferentially aligned with the drug window 710. The needle shield locking structure 720 may be distal to the drug window 710. The needle shield locking structure 720 may interact with the flexible arm 510 on the needle shield 500 (as described above and below). Due to this interaction, when the needle shield 500 is in the distal position relative to the device body 700 (e.g., after injection), proximal movement of the needle shield 500 relative to the device body 700 can be restricted, preferably avoided. In other words, the interaction can provide a dose end locking function.

[0495] In Figure 7B , Figure 7C and Figure 7F a shown embodiment, the needle shield locking structure 720 may include at least one ramp-shaped element 720. The ramp-shaped element 720 may be offset axially relative to the needle shield front stop 724. Preferably, the ramp-shaped element 720 may be distally offset relative to the needle shield front stop 724.

[0496] Since the ramp-shaped element 720 is radially inwardly inclined in the distal direction D, when the needle shield 500 moves distally relative to the device body 700 and the flexible arm 510 is proximal to the ramp-shaped element 720, the flexible arm 510 deflects radially inwardly. After passing the ramp-shaped element 720, the flexible arm 510 may return to its relaxed state by deflecting radially outwardly. Thus, the proximal surface of the cubic-shaped bulge 510.1 interacts with the distal surface 720a of the ramp-shaped element 720. For example, the distal surface 720a of the ramp-shaped element 720 may be perpendicular to the axial direction or only slightly inclined to the axial direction, such that when a force in the proximal direction P is applied to the needle shield 500, the sliding of the cubic-shaped bulge 510.1 along the distal surface is restricted. In other words, the needle shield 500 is locked against proximal movement relative to the device body 700 by the interaction of its cubic-shaped bulge 510.1 with the distal surface of the ramp-shaped element 720.

[0497] In one embodiment as shown in Figure 7G , the needle shield locking structure 720 includes four ramp-shaped elements 720, grouped into two pairs. In other words, the needle shield locking structure 720 includes two double ramps, each double ramp being constituted by two ramp-shaped elements 720. The ramp-shaped elements 720 may be offset distally relative to the drug window 710 (see Figure 7F ). Each pair of ramp-shaped elements 720 may be circumferentially aligned with the drug window 710. The two ramp-shaped elements 720 in a pair may be arranged such that the angle therebetween in the circumferential direction is less than 90 degrees, preferably less than 45 degrees. A space may be formed between the two ramp-shaped elements in a pair. In the circumferential direction, each pair may be aligned with the flexible arm 510 of the needle shield 500 such that when the needle shield 500 is moved distally relative to the device body 700, the web 510.2 of the needle shield 500 is guided between the two ramp-shaped elements (as described above). Further, since the web 510.2 extends into the space between the ramp-shaped elements 720, the radially inward deflection of the flexible arm 510 is small when sliding along the ramp-shaped elements 720.

[0498] The two pairs of ramp-shaped elements 720 may be angularly offset from each other, for example, offset by 180 degrees. Further, the two pairs may be angularly offset relative to the needle shield front stop 724, for example, offset by 90 degrees.

[0499] After the cubic-shaped protrusion 510.1 has passed the distal end of the ramp-shaped element 720, the flexible arm 510 deflects radially outward. Thus, when a force in the proximal direction is applied to the needle shield 500 after use, the proximal surface of the cubic-shaped protrusion 510.1 interacts with the distal surface of the ramp-shaped element 720 (see Figure 7G ). Due to the interaction, the needle shield 500 is prevented from moving proximally relative to the device body 700, which is the post-use needle shield locking mechanism.

[0500] In Figure 7B , Figure 7C , Figure 7F and Figure 7GIn the illustrated embodiment, the device body 700 includes two needle shield front stoppers 724, and the needle shield locking structure 720 is formed by four ramp-shaped elements 720. However, there may be more or fewer than two needle shield front stoppers 724 and more or fewer than four ramp-shaped elements 720. The needle shield front stoppers 724 may be angularly offset relative to the ramp-shaped elements 720, for example, offset by 90 degrees or more or less, depending on the geometry of the needle shield 500 and / or the number of ramp-shaped elements 720 and / or the number of front stoppers 724. The ramp-shaped elements 720 may be grouped, for example, in pairs, such that the paired ramp-shaped elements 720 are angularly offset relative to each other in the circumferential direction, preferably such that the pairs are equidistantly arranged in the circumferential direction. For example, the angle between two pairs may be 180 degrees. Each pair of ramp-shaped elements 720 may be offset by 90 degrees relative to each needle shield front stopper 724 in the circumferential direction. Thus, the paired ramp-shaped elements 720 and the needle shield front stoppers 724 may be equidistantly arranged around the circumference of the inner surface of the side wall 700a. For example, there may be two pairs of ramp-shaped structures 720, which are angularly offset by 90 degrees relative to the needle shield front stoppers 724, while the front stoppers are angularly offset by 180 degrees from each other. The needle shield front stoppers 724 may be arranged to be proximally offset relative to the ramp-shaped elements 720.

[0501] In one embodiment, the needle shield front stopper 724 may be arranged to have a 90-degree angular offset relative to the drug window 710. The needle shield front stopper 724 may at least partially overlap the drug window 710 in the axial direction (see Fig.7D ).

[0502] In one embodiment, the device body 700 may include a needle shield locking anti-disengagement structure 720.1. The needle shield locking anti-disengagement structure 720.1 may include a protrusion, such as a rib 720.1, which protrudes radially inward from the inner surface of the side wall 700a and extends in the longitudinal direction of the device body 700 (see Figure 7C ). The needle shield locking anti-disengagement structure 720.1 is configured to limit the deformation of the needle shield 500 relative to the device body 700 when the needle shield 500 interacts with the needle shield locking structure 720 and / or the needle shield front stopper 724. This may limit the risk of the needle shield 500, particularly the cubic bulges 510.2 or grooves 505 of the flexible arms 510, disengaging from the needle shield locking structure 720 or the front stopper 724 when the device body 700 deforms relative to the needle shield 500 (e.g., due to the body dropping or being squeezed by the user). Additionally, the needle shield locking anti-disengagement structure 720.1 may provide stiffness to the side wall 700a.

[0503] As Figure 7C and Figure 7FAs shown, the needle shield locking and anti - detachment structure 720.1 can include eight elements, such as eight ribs 720.1, which are arranged at the side wall 700a with different angular offsets. The ribs 720.1 can be arranged such that a pair of ribs 720.1 can be angularly offset relative to two single ribs 720.1. For example, in each half of the circumference of the side wall 700a, a pair of ribs 720.1 can be circumferentially surrounded by two single ribs 720.1. The ribs 720.1 can extend in the proximal direction from the proximal end of the ramp - shaped element 720. In an embodiment not shown, the ribs 720.1 can overlap with the ramp - shaped structure 720 and / or the front stop 724 in the axial direction.

[0504] In the proximal direction, the amount of radial inward extension of the ribs 720.1 from the side wall 700a can decrease. In one embodiment, the ribs 720.1 can transition to the inner surface of the side wall 700a, for example, at a portion that axially overlaps with the central support window 709. For example, the amount of radial inward extension from the side wall 700a can become zero at an axial position corresponding to the proximal end of the central support window 709 or the proximal end of the needle shield front stop 724.

[0505] In one embodiment, the device body 700 can include at least one needle shield guiding rib 723 (see Figure 7C ). The needle shield guiding rib 723 can be configured to prevent the needle shield 500 from rotating relative to the device body 700. For example, the needle shield guiding rib 723 can interact with the side region 503 of the needle shield (such as with the lateral edge 503.1 of the side region 503), thereby preventing the needle shield 500 from rotating relative to the device body 700. The needle shield guiding rib 723 can be formed on the circumferentially - facing surface of at least one, several, or all of the connecting ribs 708. The needle shield guiding rib 723 can extend in the axial direction of the central support structure 701. For example, the needle shield guiding rib 723 can axially extend from the proximal end of the axial support front end 703 until the distal end of the holder guiding rib 726 (described below). As long as the needle shield guiding rib 723 is arranged to interact with the needle shield along the entire axial movement of the needle shield 500 relative to the device body 700 and provide rotational support for the needle shield, other axial extension amounts (such as with reference to the central support window 709) are also possible. The needle shield guiding rib 723 can have a triangular cross - section such that the surface of the needle shield guiding rib 723 that mainly extends in the circumferential direction can be shorter than the surface that mainly extends in the radial direction. Thus, a larger interaction surface can be formed for interacting with the lateral edge 503.1 of the side region 503. This can be beneficial for preventing the lateral edge 503.1 from disengaging from the needle shield guiding rib 723.

[0506] In one embodiment, a needle shield guiding rib 723 is formed on a circumferential surface (lateral) of the connecting rib 708, e.g., facing a circumferential surface of the needle shield radial support rib 722 (described below) and / or facing one rib 720.1 of the needle shield locking anti-disengagement structure.

[0507] In one embodiment, the device body 700 may further include at least one needle shield radial support rib 722 (see Figure 7C ). The needle shield radial support rib 722 may be configured to support a side region 503 of the needle shield 500 such that inward radial deflection of the side region 503 is prevented. This may be particularly relevant when the device body 700 is deformed (e.g., squeezed). In such a case, a portion of the needle shield 500 extending inside the device body 700 may also be deformed. This may cause the lateral edge 503.1 to disengage from the needle shield guiding rib 723 or the cubic bulge 510.1 to disengage from the needle shield locking structure 720, both of which are potentially dangerous to the user or affect the normal function of the drug delivery device.

[0508] As shown, the needle shield radial support rib 722 may extend radially outward from the central support structure 701. In the axial direction, the needle shield radial support rib 722 may extend along the same length as the needle shield guiding rib 723. In the axial direction, the needle shield radial support rib 722 may at least partially overlap with the needle shield guiding rib 723. Preferably, the needle shield radial support rib 722 and the needle shield guiding rib 723 overlap over the entire axial length of the shorter of the two ribs. As Figure 7C shown, the device body 700 may include four needle shield radial support ribs 722, e.g., one needle shield radial support rib for each connecting rib 708. In the circumferential direction, the needle shield radial support ribs 722 may be arranged such that they support the side region 503 of the needle shield 500 along its circumferential extent. Preferably, in the circumferential direction, the needle shield radial support ribs 722 may be arranged such that the outermost lateral section of the side region 503 of the needle shield 500 is supported against inward radial deflection.

[0509] In one embodiment, the needle shield radial support rib 722 may be arranged to overlap with the needle shield locking anti-disengagement structure (e.g., rib 720.1) in the circumferential direction. Alternatively, the angular offset between the needle shield radial support rib 722 and the needle shield locking anti-disengagement rib 720.1 may be small, e.g., less than 45 degrees, less than 20 degrees, less than 10 degrees, or less than 5 degrees. A smaller offset may be advantageous as it may improve the support of the needle shield 500 in two radial directions. In other words, since the needle shield radial support rib 722 extends in the radially inward direction and the needle shield locking anti-disengagement rib 720.1 extends in the radially outward direction, the side region 503 may be fastened against radial movement.

[0510] In one embodiment, the device body 700 may further include a syringe holder front stop 705 (see Fig.7D and Fig. 7E ). The syringe holder front stop 705 may be formed in the distal half of the central tube 702, for example, at the proximal end of the axial support front end 703. The syringe holder front stop 705 may be formed by the proximally facing surface of the central support structure 701. For example, the syringe holder front stop 705 may be formed by the distal end of an axial recess in the central tube 702. The syringe holder front stop 705 may define the final distal position of the syringe holder 800 within the device body 700. For example, when the syringe holder 800 is moved distally relative to the device body 700, such as during assembly of the syringe holder 800 in the device body 700, the syringe holder front stop 705 may interact with a stop feature 809 (described below) of the syringe holder 800. As Fig. 7E shown, the axial centerline of the syringe holder front stop 705 parallel to the axial direction of the central support structure 701 may be offset 90 degrees relative to the axial centerline of the central support window 709 and / or the drug window 710.

[0511] In one embodiment, the device body 700 may include at least one cap groove 725. The cap groove 725 may be formed on the inner surface of the side wall 700a. The cap groove 725 may axially extend in the proximal direction P from the distal end of the device body 700. In the circumferential direction, the extent of the cap groove 725 may cover at least 1% of the circumference. The cap groove 725 may be configured to interact with the anti-rotation rib 205 of the cap 200, whereby, as described above, when the cap 200 is connected to the device body 700, the cap 200 is prevented from rotating relative to the device body 700. As Figure 7B and Figure 7C shown, the device body 700 may include at least four cap grooves 725. The cap grooves 725 may be equidistantly arranged around the circumference of the inner surface of the side wall 700a. Alternatively, the cap grooves 725 may be arranged with different angular offsets in the circumferential direction.

[0512] In one embodiment, the device body 700 may include at least one holder guide rib 726 (see Figure 7B)。In one embodiment, the device body 700 includes four holder guide ribs 726. The holder guide ribs 726 may extend radially inwardly from the sidewall 700a. The holder guide ribs 726 may extend distally from the proximal end of the device body 700 (e.g., the orifice 730) until approximately half the length of the central support structure 701. For example, the holder guide ribs 726 may extend distally from the proximal end of the device body 700 until the proximal end of the needle shield guide rib 723 and / or until the proximal end of the needle shield radial support rib 722. Alternatively or additionally, the holder guide ribs 726 may extend distally from the proximal end of the device body 700 at least until the proximal end of the needle shield locking anti-disengagement structure 720.1, e.g., until the axial position where the amount of the rib 720.1 extending radially inwardly from the sidewall 700a becomes zero.

[0513] The holder guide ribs 726 may have a triangular cross-section or include a rectangle (e.g., a square) and have a triangular cross-section on their radially inner surface, with the tip of the triangle pointing towards the axis of symmetry of the device body 700. The holder guide ribs 726 may be angularly offset from each other by at least 30 degrees, at least 45 degrees, or at least 60 degrees. In other words, the offset of one holder guide rib 726 from its first adjacent holder guide rib may be less than its offset from its second adjacent holder guide rib. In one embodiment, the holder guide ribs 726 may be circumferentially equidistantly arranged.

[0514] In one embodiment, the holder guide ribs 726 may be configured to interact with the syringe holder 800. For example, the holder guide ribs 726 may be configured to interact with the guide features 811 of the syringe holder 800 during and / or after the assembly of the syringe holder 800, as described below. For example, the holder guide ribs 726 may prevent the syringe holder 800 from rotating relative to the device body 700, thereby defining, for example, the spatial orientation of the syringe holder 800 relative to the device body 700 during and / or after assembling the syringe holder 800 to the device body 700.

[0515] Alternatively or additionally, the holder guide ribs 726 may be configured to interact with the drive spring holder 1200 (described below). For example, the holder guide ribs 726 may be configured to interact with the guide rib 1202.1 of the drive spring holder 1200 during and / or after assembling the drive spring holder 1200 to the device body 700, as described in more detail in Section 12 below. For example, the holder guide ribs 726 may prevent the drive spring holder 1200 from rotating relative to the device body 700, thereby defining, for example, the spatial orientation of the drive spring holder 1200 relative to the device body 700 during and / or after assembling the drive spring holder 1200 to the device body 700.

[0516] In one embodiment, the device body 700 may include at least one, preferably at least four, cap ribs 727 (see Figure 7F ). The cap ribs 727 may project radially inwards from the inner surface of the side wall 700a. The cap ribs 727 are configured to interact with the cap clip 204. In particular, the cap ribs 727 may prevent the cap clip 204 from moving radially outwards, thereby preventing the cap clip 204 from disengaging from the cap clip window 504 of the needle shield 500. As Fig.12F shown, the device body 700 may include two sets of cap ribs, each set having three cap ribs 727. The two sets may be angularly offset from each other by 180 degrees.

[0517] The cap ribs 727 within each set may be arranged equidistantly in the circumferential direction. Each set of cap ribs 727 may be formed at substantially the same axial position as the needle shield locking element 720, with a 90-degree angular offset therefrom. In other words, each set of cap ribs 727 may be aligned with the needle shield front stop 724 in the circumferential direction. The cap ribs 727 may be arranged distally of the needle shield front stop 724.

[0518] In one embodiment, the device body 700 includes a label on the outer surface of the side wall 700a. The label may be attached to or connected to or directly integrated in the side wall 700a. The label may prevent the injection molding gate recess 712 and / or the cutouts 713, 714 from being visible to the user. This may provide comfort to the user. The label may contain information about the drug delivery device 100, such as information about the drug Dr to be administered with the drug delivery device 100 or the manufacturing date of the drug delivery device 100.

[0519] In one embodiment, the label includes a near field communication (NFC) label. The NFC label may be a passive NFC label, for example configured to direct the user to a website or an application. Alternatively or additionally, the NFC label may be an active NFC label that can act as a sensor. For example, the NFC label may be a radio frequency identification (RFID) label.

[0520] 8. Syringe Holder ( FIG. 8A to FIG. 8D )

[0521] Fig. 8A and Figure 8B An optional syringe holder 800 is shown to allow for accurate support of the pre-filled syringe 900 during and after assembly. In a particular embodiment, the drug delivery device may include a syringe holder 800, such as a container holder. The syringe holder 800 may be adapted to assemble and hold the pre-filled syringe 900 (e.g., a medicament container) within the device body 700, which will be further explained in more detail below.

[0522] In particular, the syringe 900 can be a 1.0 ml pre-filled syringe 900 with a rigid protective needle shield 914 (RNS). Generally, the dimensions (e.g., length and / or diameter) of the syringe 900 and / or the protective needle shield 914 (also referred to as the "needle shield") may vary. To allow the pre-filled syringe 900 to be accurately supported in the mounting position despite these variations, the syringe holder 800 and the design of the device body 700 (front shell) can be adapted to displace and position the needle shield 914 to a predetermined position during assembly, thereby providing sufficient spacing to support the pre-filled syringe 900 at its reference at the mounting position. The reference can be the distal shoulder of the syringe barrel. Alternatively or additionally, the radial diameter of the syringe shoulder can be smaller than the radial diameter of the needle shield (e.g., this is typically the case for a 1 ml syringe), such that the syringe holder facilitates access to the syringe shoulder.

[0523] Accordingly, the syringe holder 800 can include flexible holder arms 801 that are adapted to engage and / or position the syringe 900 and / or hold it in the mounting position. The flexible holder arms 801 can project inwardly in a relaxed state. Alternatively, the flexible holder arms 801 can project outwardly in a relaxed state. Other configurations of the arms in the relaxed state are possible.

[0524] The syringe holder 800 can include a holder housing 800a (e.g., a body portion) adapted to receive the pre-filled syringe 900 and at least two flexible holder arms 801 (e.g., four flexible holder arms 801) adapted to couple to the pre-filled syringe 900 at the mounting position. The holder housing 800a can be formed as a hollow cylinder or a cylindrical portion.

[0525] The flexible holder arms 801 can extend distally from the axial holder front end 802 (e.g., distal end 802) of the holder housing 800a and can project inwardly in a relaxed state, e.g., be formed inwardly, e.g., at an angle. The flexible holder arms 801 can include holder protrusions 803 at their distal ends, which can point radially (e.g., inwardly).

[0526] The flexible holder arms 801 can have the same width throughout their entire extent, i.e., the width of one flexible holder arm at the syringe holder front end 802 corresponds to the width of that flexible holder arm at its distal end (see Fig. 8A ).

[0527] The holder protrusions 803 can include a ramp on their radially inward-facing surface that increases in height in the proximal direction (best seen in Figure 8B ), which facilitates the assembly process as described below in FIG. 14B to FIG. 14E .

[0528] The retainer protrusion 803 can have the function of keeping the connection between the syringe holder 800 and the pre-filled syringe 900 stable at the installation position of the pre-filled syringe 900 and / or the syringe holder. The retainer protrusion 813 can be particularly adapted to engage the space between the proximal end of the needle guard 914 and the shoulder of the pre-filled syringe 900.

[0529] To support the final assembly of the pre-filled syringe 900 into the syringe holder 800, at least two flexible retainer arms 801 can be adapted to be coupled to the pre-filled syringe 900 at the installation position in such a way that the outward pre-stressed flexible retainer arms 801 radially inwardly return or snap back, for example to a relaxed state, at the installation position (e.g., between the rigid needle guard 914 and the shoulder 904 of the pre-filled syringe 900). Due to the relative movement of the syringe holder 800 relative to the syringe 900, such as the syringe holder moving distally, the flexible retainer arms 801 can return to the relaxed state. This relative movement can be caused by an axial force acting on the syringe holder 800 (e.g., on the retainer rear end 804).

[0530] Furthermore, when the syringe 900 is in the installation position, the device body 700 (front shell) can be adapted to restrain the flexible retainer arms 801 from deflecting outwardly. This secures the syringe in the syringe holder.

[0531] The syringe holder 800 can include a retainer rear end 804 opposite to the retainer front end 802, i.e., the proximal end. At the retainer rear end 804, the retainer 800 can include a retainer flange portion 805 that includes a retainer clip 806 for releasably and intermittently holding the syringe holder 800 relative to the device body 700.

[0532] The retainer flange portion 805 can form a receiving space 818 through which the pre-filled syringe 900 is inserted distally into the hollow cylinder formed by the retainer body 800a.

[0533] The retainer flange portion 805 can be non-circular, for example including two rounded sections 813 of the retainer flange portion 805 arranged opposite to each other (e.g., diametrically opposite), and two radially inwardly recessed sections 812 that are flatter than the rounded sections 813. In this way, the two rounded sections extend circumferentially in the form of semi-circles. The two recessed sections can be arranged at the other two opposite (e.g., diametrically opposite) ends of the retainer flange portion 805 and are arranged on opposite sides of the retainer flange portion 805 relative to the rounded sections 813. The two recessed sections 812 can define a recessed outer flange surface.

[0534] Two rounded sections 813 can be circumferentially aligned with the window 814 of the syringe holder 800. This may be because the incision 714, as described with respect to the body 700, can be circumferentially aligned with the drug window 710 of the device body 700. The recessed section 812 can be arranged to be offset 90 degrees circumferentially relative to the window 814 of the syringe holder 800 and can in particular be circumferentially aligned with the rib 807 described in more detail later.

[0535] The axial extension of the recessed section 812 in the proximal direction can be less than the axial extension of the rounded section 813 in the proximal direction, as Figure 8B indicated by the length l2 in. In other words, the proximal end 813a of the rounded section 813 can be closer to the proximal side than the proximal end 812a of the recessed section 812.

[0536] In this way, the two rounded sections 813 that axially extend further outwards in the proximal direction can define a receiving space for receiving the syringe flange when the syringe flange of the pre-filled syringe 900 is mounted on the syringe holder 800.

[0537] Once installed, the pre-filled syringe 900 can be rotationally locked relative to the syringe holder 800 and / or relative to the device body 700. Specifically, the rounded section 813 can include ribs 819 on the inner surface, which can prevent the installed pre-filled syringe 900 from rotating in the assembled state.

[0538] However, in embodiments where such rotation is considered necessary or advantageous, the pre-filled syringe 900 can also be rotated relative to the syringe holder 800 and / or the device body 700.

[0539] The two recessed sections 812 can be recesses 812 that axially extend throughout the holder flange portion 805 in the holder flange portion 805. The edge between the rounded section 813 of the holder flange portion 805 and the flat recess of the holder flange portion 805 can also include or form guiding features 811 to assist in positioning the syringe holder 800 into the body during assembly. In other words, the syringe holder 800 can include guiding features 811 that extend along the longitudinal axis on the holder flange portion 805, and the guiding features 811 are arranged on the side wall of the holder flange portion 805, thereby defining the space defined by the recessed section 812.

[0540] The flat recessed section can form a receiving space for the needle shield arm, for example, during assembly or in the device.

[0541] Each recess may further include at least one, for example two, ramp-shaped protrusions 810, the height of which increases towards the rear end 804 (e.g., proximal end 804) of the syringe holder. The ramp-shaped protrusions 810 may serve as guiding features for the needle shield arm during the assembly step of inserting the prefilled syringe 900 and the syringe holder 800 into the device body 700.

[0542] The ramp-shaped protrusions 810 may be arranged proximally on the recessed section 812 such that the proximal ends of the ramp-shaped protrusions 810 are substantially in a plane with the proximal end 812a of the recessed section 812.

[0543] Two ramp-shaped protrusions 810 may be angularly arranged at opposite ends of the outer convex surface of the recess. In the case of two ramp-shaped protrusions, the two ramp-shaped protrusions may define a channel centrally arranged between the two ramp-shaped protrusions, which is configured to permit a rib of a portion of the needle shield to pass through during the assembly of the drug delivery device and / or at the installation position of the container holder.

[0544] The recessed section 812 may be radially bounded by the surface of the holder flange portion 805. The holder flange portion 805 may be a rounded section 813 of the proximal region of the holder body. The recessed section 812 may define a space angularly bounded by the side walls of the holder flange portion 805, wherein the distal and proximal ends of the recessed section 812 may be open.

[0545] The space defined by the recessed section 812 may be adapted to engage and / or receive a portion of the needle shield of the drug delivery device at the installation position of the container holder 800. The inward radial depth of the space defined by the recessed section 812 decreases in the proximal direction. This is particularly useful when assembling the drug delivery device 100 as it deflects the needle shield side regions (e.g., legs) as needed during the assembly of the drug delivery device. The inward radial depth of the space defined by the recessed section 812 is constant.

[0546] The retaining clip 806 may be integrally formed on the holder flange portion 805 as a tongue or clip. In particular, the retaining clip 806 may have a flexible portion that extends substantially in the axial direction and is deflectable in the radial direction. The retaining clip 806 may be arranged on the rounded section 813 of the holder flange portion 805. The retaining clips 806 may be circumferentially offset relative to the midpoint of the respective rounded sections 813 on which they are arranged. The retaining clips 806 may be on opposite circumferential sides of each other.

[0547] The retention clip 806, particularly its flexible portion, can further axially extend from the distal end of the retainer flange portion 805 towards the proximal end of the retainer flange portion 805. The retention clip 806 can be configured not to extend throughout the axial elongation of the retainer flange portion 805. In particular, the extension length of the retention clip 806 in the proximal direction can be the same as the length of the retracted portion (such as the recessed portion 812). In other words, the amount of proximal extension of the retention clip 806 can be less than the amount of proximal extension of the retainer flange portion 805.

[0548] The proximal end of the retention clip 806 can be radially outwardly directed to engage with the notches 713, 714 of the device body 700. In one embodiment, the proximal end can have an inclined surface that is radially outwardly inclined in the proximal direction P. In an embodiment, the syringe retainer 800 can include two retention clips 806 arranged opposite to each other. Instead of the notches, the device body 700 can include an inner support member to releasably hold these retention clips 806. In particular, the inner support member can be formed as an inner groove.

[0549] The retention clip 806 is configured such that in the first engagement position of the syringe retainer, the retention clip 806 interacts with a groove (such as the proximal notch 714 of the device body 700). In the first engagement position, the syringe retainer 800 can be moved distally, but its proximal movement relative to the device body 700 can be prevented, thereby preventing it from disengaging from the device body 700. For example, this can be achieved, for example, by the distal ramp surface of the retention clip 806 (such as a ramp with an increasing height in its proximal direction). Further, in the first engagement position, rotation of the syringe retainer 800 relative to the device body 700 can be prevented.

[0550] The retention clip 806 is configured such that when the syringe retainer 800 is moved distally, such as during its assembly, the retention clip 806 disengages from the notch 714. Further distal movement of the syringe retainer 800 radially inwardly biases the retention clip 806 again until the retention clip 806 aligns with the distal groove (such as the distal notch 713 of the device body 700). Upon alignment, the retention clip 806 interacts with the notch 713 by deflecting radially outwardly into the space formed by the notch 713. This is the second engagement position of the syringe retainer 800. The interaction between the retention clip 806 and the notch 713 prevents the syringe retainer 800 from moving proximally and rotating relative to the device body 700.

[0551] At least one optional longitudinal rib 807 may be arranged on the holder housing 800a, for example two ribs on opposite sides of each other. The longitudinal ribs 807 may be used to axially position the syringe holder 800 relative to the device body 700. The longitudinal ribs 807 may include a stop feature 809 positioned at one end of the longitudinal rib 807 facing the holder front end 802. The stop feature 809 is configured to abut a corresponding element of the device body, as shown and described with respect to Fig. 7E This may limit the distal movement of the syringe holder relative to the device body. The stop feature may be wider than the longitudinal rib 807.

[0552] In addition, the holder housing 800a may include at least one elongated holder window 808 to enable visual inspection of the amount of drug Dr in the pre-filled syringe 900 when the syringe 900 is installed in the syringe holder 800. The holder housing 800a may include two elongated holder windows 808 on opposite sides of each other.

[0553] The holder window 808 may be configured to be larger in size than the drug window 710 of the body 700, so as to reduce the visibility of the holder housing 800a when viewed through the drug window 710 of the body 700, for example to hide the holder housing. This increases the confidence of the user (e.g., the patient) as they do not have to face any internal parts of the drug delivery device and enables them to see the pre-filled syringe 900 unobstructed through the holder window 808 and the drug window 710 of the body 700.

[0554] The inner surface of the holder housing 800a may further include longitudinal ribs, such as support ribs 814 extending substantially along the inner surface of the holder housing 800a. The support ribs 814 may extend further proximally than the holder housing 800a, thus extending onto the inner surface of the recessed section 812.

[0555] Once the pre-filled syringe 900 is inserted into the syringe holder 800, the support ribs 804 may provide support for the syringe barrel 902. The support ribs 814 further have the function of centering the pre-filled syringe 900 once it is inserted into the syringe holder 800, thereby ensuring that the pre-filled syringe 900 is centered inside the holder body 800a. By centering the pre-filled syringe 900 with the support ribs 804, the needle of the pre-filled syringe 900 is axially parallel to the axial extension amount of the drug delivery device, and preferably centered relative to the circumference defined by the body of the drug delivery device. This ensures a more precise injection process.

[0556] Fig.7DShows the syringe holder 800 disposed within the device body 700. The length of the generally cylindrical central syringe support 701 can be less than half the length of the barrel 902 of the syringe 900 or less than a quarter of the length of the barrel 902 of the syringe 900, for example, in order to save plastic material. Thus, within the central syringe support 701, an elongated window may not be necessary and may not be present.

[0557] The outer diameter of the needle guard 914 can be substantially equal to the outer diameter of the barrel 902 of the syringe 900. Thus, the distal end of the flexible holder arm 801, such as the holder projection 803 extending radially inwards, can be disposed between the shoulder 904 and the proximal end of the needle guard 914. Thereby, the needle guard 914 can be moved a short distance in the distal direction D. However, the sterility of the needle 908 can still be ensured thereby. The cap 200 and the needle guard 914 can be easily removed by providing a gap between the proximal end of the needle guard 914 and the shoulder 904. In other embodiments, the needle guard may not move.

[0558] As Figure 3A and Fig. 7A As shown in [references not specified], in order to further facilitate user manipulation, especially when removing the cap 200, the device body 700 includes on its outer surface an on-body user indicator 733. The on-body user indicator 733 can be a gripping surface. Preferably, the device body 700 has two on-body user indicators 733 arranged opposite each other. The on-body user indicator 733 is in the shape of three rectangles located on the distal end of the device body 700, the area sizes of these three rectangles increasing in the distal direction D, and these rectangles being adjacent to each other in the axial direction A. The on-cap user indicator 203 (as described in Section 3 above) and the on-body user indicator 733 can form a user indicator. Thus, the on-body user indicator 733 indicates to the user in which direction the cap must be pulled when removing the cap 200 from the drug delivery device 100. Since the rectangles are formed as recesses in the device body 700, the rectangles also support a firm grip by the user when gripping the device 100. Thus, the on-body user indicator 733 provides both a visual and a tactile aid to the user. The on-body user indicator 733 is located distally relative to the drug window along the longitudinal axis of the device body 700. The on-body user indicator 733 can have three rectangular recesses. The lengths of the side edges of the rectangles extending transversely to the longitudinal axis can be the same, and the lengths of the side edges of the rectangles extending along the longitudinal axis can increase in the distal direction. In addition, the recess disposed most distally of the on-body user indicator 733 can be located directly adjacent to the opening of the device body. The on-cap user indicator 203 can have two recesses, wherein the first recess is arrow-shaped and the second recess is rectangular or trapezoidal in shape. The recess with the arrow can be located distally relative to the recess with the trapezoidal or rectangular shape.

[0559] Figure 8C An exemplary embodiment is shown of a possible alternative or additional shape of at least one flexible holder arm 801 of the syringe holder 800.

[0560] In this embodiment, the flexible holder arm 801 may include a distal portion 816 that is configured to be wider in width than a proximal portion 817 of the flexible holder arm 801.

[0561] Figure 8C The distal portion 816 of the flexible arm 801 is wider than Fig. 8A The distal portion 816 of the flexible holder arm 801 of Figure 14K . In other words, when viewed circumferentially, the width of the flexible arm decreases proximally. By having a wider distal portion 816, the holder protrusion 803 that points radially inward and is disposed at the distal end of the flexible holder arm 801 is also wider, thereby increasing the contact surface of the holder protrusion with the pre-filled syringe 900 (e.g., with the barrel 902 of the pre-filled syringe 900) (see, for example, FIGS. 14a to Figure 14K ).

[0562] This increases the holding stability of the syringe holder 800 for the pre-filled syringe 900. This has proven to be particularly advantageous as it provides additional stability against the pre-filled syringe moving in the distal direction during injection (e.g., during the initial impact of the spring-driven plunger against the plunger stop of the syringe), which movement is caused, for example, by the impact of the pre-filled syringe 900 against the flexible holder arm 801.

[0563] Fig.8D Another exemplary embodiment of the syringe holder 800 is shown, in which Figure 8C The flexible holder arm 801 of Fig.8D has been implemented on all four flexible holder arms 801 of the syringe holder 800. Fig. 8A and Figure 8B The other features of the syringe holder 800 of

[0564] 9. Pre-filled syringe ( Fig. 9 )

[0565] Fig. 9Shows an optional pre-filled syringe 900. In particular, the syringe 900 can be a 1.0 ml pre-filled syringe 900, where the RNS 914 or SNS 914 covers the hollow needle 908. Other volumes of the drug Dr are also possible. Generally, the dimensions (such as length and / or diameter) of the pre-filled syringe 900 and the needle shield 914 may vary. The needle shield 914 can be configured to cover the needle 908 and a portion of the cone 906 at the front end (e.g., the distal end) of the pre-filled syringe 900. The needle shield 914 can be further configured such that in the installed position, there is a space between the proximal end of the needle shield 914 and the shoulder 904 of the pre-filled syringe 900. The pre-filled syringe 900 can further include a syringe flange 912 at its proximal end.

[0566] The pre-filled syringe 900 further includes a barrel 902 that contains the drug Dr, in particular, for example, a medicament M to be injected into a patient or user.

[0567] Before the injection begins, the needle shield 914 must be removed to expose the needle 908. This can be achieved by removing the cap 200 of the drug delivery device 100 together with the gripper 400, as described above with respect to the gripper 400 and the cap 200. During the injection, the plunger stopper 910 inserted into the barrel 902 can be pushed towards the distal end of the barrel 902 (e.g., towards the needle 908) to push the drug Dr (e.g., the medicament M) towards the distal end of the pre-filled syringe 900 and out of the needle 908 and into the injection area. The plunger stopper 910 can be configured to prevent the drug Dr from leaving the barrel 902 in the proximal direction, but can slide along the barrel 902 when a force acts on it in the distal direction (e.g., towards the needle 908).

[0568] Examples of the pre-filled syringe 900 are the Neopak 1 ml long pre-filled syringe (with a special thin-walled needle of size 27) from Becton Dickinson (BD) and the Ompi EZ-Fill 1 ml long pre-filled syringe (with a thin-walled needle of size 27). Both syringes include an RNS and a West 2340 Flurotec plunger stopper. Other syringes or other medicament containers can also be used, especially those including different volumes of the drug Dr and / or different needle diameters, especially the outer diameter.

[0569] According to at least one embodiment, the dose volume can range between 0.5 milliliters (ml) and 1.14 ml, and the viscosity of the drug is between 1 centipoise (cP) and 25 cP.

[0570] Additional examples of prefilled syringes can be the Neopak 2ml long prefilled syringe (with a special thin-walled needle of size 27G) and the Ompi EZ-Fill 2ml long prefilled syringe (with a thin-walled needle of size 27G) from Becton Dickinson (BD), both having a rigid needle shield (RNS) and a West 2340 Flurotec plunger stop.

[0571] According to at least one embodiment, the dose volume can range between 1.15 ml and 2.25 ml, and the viscosity of the drug can range between 1 cP and 25 cP.

[0572] 10. Plunger ( Figures 10 to 10M )

[0573] Fig.10 The plunger 1000 is shown. The plunger 1000 can include an elongated, preferably cylindrical plunger shaft 1010. The plunger shaft 1010 can be hollow, for example to provide assembly space for the drive spring 1100 and an optional spring support arm / pin 1230. On the inner surface, the plunger shaft 1010 can have at least one longitudinal rib 1060.1 to 1060.4 for guiding the drive spring 1100. The distal portion D of the plunger 1000 can be closed, for example, by a cylindrical end portion having a diameter smaller than that of the plunger shaft 1010, for example to dock with a complementary or substantially complementary recess in the plunger stop 910.

[0574] The proximal end of the plunger 1000 can include a number of radially protruding portions, for example, at least two or at least three protruding portions or two groups each including at least two or at least three protruding portions:

[0575] - A first plunger boss 1040.1, which is configured to interact with the profiled groove 1221.1 of the drive spring holder 1200 (described in section 12), see for example FIG. 10A to FIG. 10F and Fig.10I ,

[0576] - A second plunger boss 1040.2, which is configured to interact with the plunger boss groove 506 of the needle shield 500, see for example Figure 10G and Fig. 10H , and

[0577] - An angled plunger rib 1040.3.

[0578] In the following description of Fig.10I the purpose of the distal edge (face) 1040.1d of the first plunger boss 1040.1 is described in more detail. In the following description of Fig.12DThe purpose of the proximal (face) 1040.9 of the first plunger boss 1040.1 is described in more detail in the description.

[0579] In addition, optional plunger grooves 1020, 1022, etc. may be provided at the proximal end P of the plunger 1010. Irrespective of the length of the plunger 1000, the grooves 1020, 1022 can be used to provide triggering of the rattle 1300, either directly or indirectly via a flexible arm that supports the rattle 1300 in its biased state and has a protrusion adapted to fit into the grooves 1020, 1022. There may be at least one plunger groove 1020 or at least two plunger grooves 1020, 1022, such as a pair of plunger grooves, adapted to be coupled to at least one protrusion or a pair of protrusions of a flexible arm that supports the rattle 1300. Optionally, at least one additional groove may be provided on the underside of the plunger 1000, for example in order to provide a symmetrical design and ease of assembly of the plunger 1000.

[0580] Fig. 10A The plunger release mechanism 1025 in a first state is shown. The following elements of the drive spring holder 1200 may be relevant:

[0581] - The proximal region 1221,

[0582] - The profiled groove 1221.1,

[0583] - The first angled surface 1221.2 of the profiled groove 1221.1,

[0584] - The wall 1221.3 of the profiled groove 1221.1, which may extend substantially in the axial direction of the drug delivery device 100 and may be arranged between the first angled surface 1221.2 and the second angled surface 1221.4,

[0585] - The second angled surface 1221.4 of the profiled groove 1221.1, and

[0586] - The longitudinal edge 1234 of the profiled groove 1221.1 (see also Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B ), which may be positioned radially in a region that does not interact with the first plunger boss 1040.1.

[0587] The plunger release mechanism 1025 may include a first plunger lug 1040.1 disposed on the plunger 1000 and an irregular groove 1221.1 in the proximal region 1221 (rear portion of the device body 700) of the drive spring retainer 1200. The irregular groove 1221.1 may include: a first angled surface 1221.2 adapted to engage with the first plunger lug 1040.1 to apply a torque to the plunger 1000 in a first rotational direction R1; a wall 1221.3 for restricting the movement of the first plunger lug 1040.1 in the first rotational direction R1 when engaged with the first angled surface 1221.2. Additionally, the irregular groove 1221.1 may include a second angled surface 1221.4 adapted to engage with the first plunger lug 1040.1 to apply a torque to the plunger 1000 in the first rotational direction R1.

[0588] The inclination angle of the first angled surface 1221.2 and / or the second angled surface 1221.4 with respect to the perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the drug delivery device 100 (which may also be the longitudinal axis of the plunger 1000) may be in the range of 30° to 70°. In other words, the inclination angle of the first angled surface 1221.2 with respect to the circumferential direction may be in the range of 30° to 70°.

[0589] In Fig. 10A the first state shown, the first plunger lug 1040.1 is engaged with the first angled surface 1221.2. Due to the drive spring 1100 acting on the plunger 1000, the first plunger lug 1040.1 presses against the first angled surface 1221.2 in the distal direction D, such that a torque is applied to the plunger 1000 in the first rotational direction R1, causing the first plunger lug 1040.1 to slide along the first angled surface 1221.2 until it abuts against the wall 1221.3, thereby stopping the rotation of the plunger 1000 in the first rotational direction R1. The first state may be used for assembling the drive subassembly.

[0590] Optionally, a recess 1221.15 may be disposed on the proximal side surface of the irregular groove 1221.1, which, as described below, may serve as a drop protection and / or as a guiding feature for guiding the first plunger lug (rib) 1040.1 in a rotational direction opposite to the rotational direction R1.

[0591] Fig. 10BThe plunger release mechanism 1025 in the second state is shown. Starting from the first state, the plunger 1000 has moved in the proximal direction P by at least a distance as long as the wall 1221.3, such that the wall 1221.3 no longer restricts the movement of the first plunger lug 1040.1 in the first rotational direction R1. The plunger 1000 has then rotated further in the first rotational direction R1, such that the first plunger lug 1040.1 engages with the second angled surface 1221.4, for example by using the needle shield 500. Due to the drive spring 1100 acting on the plunger 1000, the first plunger lug 1040.1 presses against the second angled surface 1221.4 in the distal direction D, such that a torque in the first rotational direction R1 is applied to the plunger 1000, causing the first plunger lug 1040.1 to slide along the second angled surface 1221.4. If the plunger 1000 is not otherwise prevented from further rotation, the first plunger lug 1040.1 can slide down along the second angled surface 1221.4 until it disengages therefrom, thereby allowing the plunger 1000 to advance in the distal direction D to displace the drug Dr or the medicament M from the pre-filled syringe 900. However, this will only occur later, i.e., when the drug delivery device 100 is triggered by pressing it against the user's skin using, for example, the needle shield 500.

[0592] In an exemplary embodiment, the movement of the plunger 1000 from the first state in the proximal direction P onto the second angled surface 1221.4 can be achieved by the interaction of the needle shield 500 (proximal sleeve portion 513) with the plunger 1000, for example by engaging with a plunger lug or rib on the plunger 1000. This can be done during the final assembly, i.e., during the assembly of the control sub-assembly and the drive sub-assembly. Additionally, again, this can be different from the triggering of the drug delivery by the device 100.

[0593] Alternatively, other parts of the drug delivery device 100 can be used for this purpose. For example, the end plate of the drive spring holder 1200 includes a suitable protrusion, whereby the shape of the first angled surface 1221.2 can be different, for example angled in the opposite direction compared to the FIG. 10A to FIG. 10F direction shown and without using the wall 1221.3. In this alternative embodiment, the plunger rib / protrusion 1040.3 can be omitted or absent.

[0594] An exemplary embodiment of the plunger release mechanism 1025 is shown in Fig. 10C 、 Fig. 10D 、 Fig.10E and Fig.10F in more detail. Fig. 10C The plunger release mechanism 1025 during the final assembly of the control sub-assembly and the drive sub-assembly is shown. The needle shield 500 includes a proximal sleeve portion 513. The proximal sleeve portion 513 can include:

[0595] - A groove rib 507 (such as an angled groove rib 507), including a longitudinally extending portion (such as groove rib 507, see Figure 5 ), and a circumferentially extending portion (such as a second ramp 507d, see Figure 5 ):

[0596] - A proximal side surface 513.2, such as on the circumferentially extending portion (second ramp 507d),

[0597] - A distal side surface 513.3, such as on the circumferentially extending portion (second ramp 507d),

[0598] - An abutment surface 507b, such as on the longitudinally extending portion, such as on groove rib 507, and

[0599] - An optional first ramp 507c, see Fig. 10H .

[0600] The proximal sleeve portion 513 may include a plunger boss groove 506, see Figure 10G and Figure 10H . The plunger boss groove 506 is described in more detail in Section 5 above and includes, for example, a proximal groove 506a and a distal groove 506b.

[0601] There may be a pair of proximal sleeve portions 513 that each interact with a set of plunger protrusions 1040.2 and / or 1040.3, for example, to apply a symmetrical force on the protrusions 1040.2 and / or 1040.3 and other parts, thereby preventing parts from jamming and enabling smooth operation of the drug delivery device 100.

[0602] The plunger release mechanism 1025 may essentially have two functions:

[0603] a) During the assembly of the control sub - assembly and the drive sub - assembly, move the plunger 1000 from its first state to its second state, that is, the needle shield 500 is stationary relative to the device body 700, but the device body 700 including the needle shield 500 moves axially relative to the drive spring holder 1200, and vice versa, see Figure 10C and Figure 10D . As described above, the needle shield 500 or other parts can be used for this purpose, such as other parts of the device 100.

[0604] b) If the needle shield 500 is pressed against the patient's skin, that is, during the relative movement of the needle shield 500 relative to the device body 700 (the front part of the housing) and relative to the drive spring holder 1200 (the rear part of the housing), then release the plunger 1000, see Figure 10F .

[0605] The plunger release mechanism 1025 may include a plunger 1000, a proximal region 1021, and a proximal sleeve portion 513 that interact with each other. The proximal sleeve portion 513 and the proximal region 1221 are configured to move axially only relative to each other, e.g., move relative to each other parallel to or along the longitudinal axis A, while the plunger 1000 may move parallel to the longitudinal axis A and rotate about the longitudinal axis A, see the rotation directions R1 and R2. These parts of the plunger release mechanism 1025 may be substantially rigid and do not need to deform to function properly.

[0606] The parts arranged for engaging with the plunger 1000, the proximal region 1221, and the proximal sleeve portion 513 may include:

[0607] - a first plunger boss 1040.1 on the plunger 1000,

[0608] - a second plunger boss 1040.2 on the plunger 1000,

[0609] - an angled plunger rib 1040.3 on the plunger 1000,

[0610] - a profiled groove 1221.1 in the proximal region 1221, which is adapted to interact with the first plunger boss 1040.1,

[0611] - a groove rib 507 on the proximal sleeve portion 513, a proximal surface 513.2 of the plunger boss groove 506 adapted to interact with the angled plunger rib 1040.3, a distal surface 513.3 of the plunger boss groove 506, and an abutment surface 507b of the plunger boss groove 506 adapted to interact with the second plunger boss 1040.2.

[0612] A clearance 1030 is shown in Figure 10C which clearly shows that there may be a rotational offset between the two parts of the figure. However, the three protrusions of the plunger 1000 may have fixed positions relative to each other, see the dashed line 1032.

[0613] The profiled groove 1221.1 may include: a first angled surface 1221.2, which is adapted to engage with the first plunger boss 1040.1 to apply a torque to the plunger 1000 in the first rotation direction R1; a wall 1221.3 for restricting the movement of the first plunger boss 1040.1 in the first rotation direction R1 when engaging with the first angled surface 1221.2. In addition, the profiled groove 1221.1 may include a second angled surface 1221.4, which is adapted to engage with the first plunger boss 1040.1 to apply a torque to the plunger 1000 in the first rotation direction R1.

[0614] As described above, during the assembly of the drive sub-assembly, the plunger 1000 and the drive spring 1100 are inserted into the proximal region 1221. Once the plunger 1000 reaches the proximal position, the first plunger lug 1040.1 is axially aligned with the profiled groove 1221.1. By rotating the plunger 1000 through an angle (e.g., approximately 30°) in the second rotational direction R2, the first plunger lug 1040.1 moves into the profiled groove 1221.1. In this position, since the drive spring 1100 biases the plunger 1000 in the distal direction D, the first angled surface 1221.2 causes the first plunger lug 1040.1 to move against the wall 1221.3 by applying a torque to the plunger 1000 in the first rotational direction R1.

[0615] For the final assembly of the drug delivery device 100, the syringe barrel 900 can be inserted into the control sub-assembly, which can include the device body 700 (the front part of the housing).

[0616] Thereafter, the drive sub-assembly is inserted into the control sub-assembly in the distal direction D. The proximal region 1221 and the device body 700 can include snap connections to lock them together during assembly. During the final assembly of the drug delivery device 100, the needle shield 500 together with the proximal sleeve portion 513 can be partially pressed in to allow the plunger release mechanism 1025 to be activated from the first state to the second state, for example, by an assembly jig (not shown) or in a different manner. The activation of the plunger release mechanism 1025 is different from the triggering.

[0617] Figure 10D The plunger release mechanism 1025 during the final assembly is shown. Exemplarily, the groove rib 507, in particular the proximal face 513.2, abuts the angled plunger rib 1040.3 proximally, thereby applying a torque to the plunger 1000 in the first rotational direction R1 and pushing the plunger 1000 in the proximal direction P such that the first plunger lug 1040.1 moves along the wall 1221.3 until it disengages from the wall 1221.3. This action is the start-up of the device. Due to the applied torque, the first plunger lug 1040.1 moves in the first rotational direction R1 and engages with the second angled surface 1221.4. The pressing-in of the needle shield 500 together with the proximal sleeve portion 513 can be stopped, and since the first plunger lug 1040.1 engages with the second angled surface 1221.4 and the drive spring 1100 acts on the plunger 1000 in the distal direction D, the plunger 1000 can rotate further in the first rotational direction R1.

[0618] Since the needle shield 500 and thus the proximal sleeve portion 513 are no longer being further pressed in, the needle shield can move in the distal direction D relative to the device body 700, for example, under the action of a needle shield spring 600 (a sleeve spring, not shown). This movement can be restricted by the second plunger boss 1040.2 abutting against the distal face 513.3 on the groove rib 507. Further rotation of the plunger 1000 in the first rotational direction R1 can be prevented by the second plunger boss 1040.2 abutting against the longitudinal face of the groove rib 507. By engaging the first plunger boss 1040.1 with the profiled groove 1221.1, the load of the drive spring 1100 can be decomposed within the proximal region 1221. This state (i.e., the second state) of the plunger release mechanism 1025 is shown in Figure 10E in

[0619] The operating sequence of the drug delivery device 100 can be as follows:

[0620] The user removes the cap 200 and the cap cover 300 by pulling the cap 200 and the cap cover 300 away from the device body 700 in the distal direction D. Removing the cap 200 and the cap cover 300 can simultaneously remove the protective needle shield 914 (e.g., a rigid needle shield or a soft needle shield) from the needle 908.

[0621] The needle shield 500 can be in an extended position protruding from the device body 700 in the distal direction D. The extended position can be defined by the second plunger boss 1040.2 abutting proximally against the distal face 513.3 of the groove rib 507.

[0622] Then, the user can press the needle shield 500 of the drug delivery device 100 against the injection site (e.g., the patient's skin) forward, thereby overcoming the bias of the needle shield spring 600 and causing the needle shield 500 to move from the extended position towards the retracted position.

[0623] Figure 10F is a schematic view of the plunger release mechanism 1025 after the needle shield 500 has been pressed into the retracted position. When the needle shield 500 is moving from the extended position towards the retracted position, the second plunger boss 1040.2 moves in the distal direction D relative to the needle shield 500 (starting from the position shown in Figure 10E and is guided along the abutment surface 507b of the groove rib 507.

[0624] In an exemplary embodiment, the abutment surface 507b of the groove rib 507 can include interruptions or raised features (not shown) to increase the force required to further press in the needle shield 500. This can be used to indicate to the user that needle insertion will begin with further pressing in of the needle shield 500 together with the proximal sleeve portion 513. Prior to this, the user can freely remove the drug delivery device 100 from the injection site and reposition it, since the needle shield 500 will re-extend to its initial position under the force of the needle shield spring 600.

[0625] If the user continues to press the drug delivery device 100 against the injection site, the needle shield 500 moves to the retracted position, thereby exposing the needle 908 and inserting it into the injection site.

[0626] Once the needle shield 500 has been pressed into the retracted position and the needle 908 has been inserted, the second plunger lug 1040.2 has moved distally beyond the groove rib 507 such that there is no longer any prevention of the plunger 1000 from rotating in the first rotational direction R1 due to the torque exerted by the drive spring 1100 and the engagement of the first plunger lug 1040.1 with the second angled surface 1221.4 on the profiled groove 1221.1. The plunger 1000 rotates in the first rotational direction R1 due to this torque, and the first plunger lug 1040.1 leaves the profiled groove 1221.1 and is guided along the internal longitudinal rib 1236, see Figure 10I . Accordingly, the plunger 1000 is released and advances the plunger stop 910 in the distal direction D, thereby displacing the drug Dr or the medicament M from the syringe barrel 900 through the needle 908. The release of the first plunger lug 1040.1 or the second plunger lug 1040.2 may provide an audible feedback that the medicament delivery has started.

[0627] Figure 10G is a schematic detailed view of the plunger release mechanism 1025 after final assembly and before pressing in the needle shield 500 together with the proximal sleeve part 513 (i.e., with the plunger 1000 in the second state). Figure 10G is a view of the inner side of the proximal part of the elongate arm of the needle shield 500, in particular of the inner side of the proximal sleeve part 513. The movement of the needle shield 500 relative to the device body 700 in the distal direction D can be restricted by the second plunger lug 1040.2 abutting against the distal face 513.3 on the groove rib 507. Further rotation of the plunger 1000 in the first rotational direction R1 can be prevented by the second plunger lug 1040.2 abutting against the abutment surface 507b of the groove rib 507.

[0628] Figure 10H is a schematic detailed view of the plunger release mechanism 1025 during the pressing in of the needle shield 500 together with the proximal sleeve part 513. Figure 10H is a view of the inner side of the proximal part of the elongate arm of the needle cannula 500, in particular of the inner side of the proximal sleeve part 513. When the proximal sleeve part 513 is moving from the extended position in the proximal direction P towards the retracted position, the second plunger lug 1040.2 moves in the distal direction D relative to the needle shield 500 (starting from the Figure 9 position shown in), and is guided along the abutment surface 507b of the groove rib 507.

[0629] If the user continues to press the drug delivery device 100 against the injection site, the needle shield 500 moves to the retracted position, thereby exposing the needle 908 and inserting it into the injection site.

[0630] Once the needle shield 500 has been pressed into the retracted position and the needle 908 inserted, the second plunger boss 1040.2 has moved distally beyond the groove rib 507 such that there is no longer any prevention of the plunger 1000 from rotating in the first rotational direction R1 due to the torque exerted by the drive spring 1100 and the engagement of the first plunger boss 1040.1 with the second angled surface 1221.4 on the profiled groove 1221.1. The plunger 1000 rotates in the first rotational direction R1 due to this torque and the first plunger boss 1040.1 moves out of the profiled groove 1221.1. Accordingly, the plunger 1000 is released and advances the plunger stop 910 in the distal direction D, thereby displacing the drug / agent Dr / M from the syringe 900 through the needle 908.

[0631] In addition to the above-described embodiment, in another embodiment of the plunger release mechanism 1025, a first ramp 507c is provided on the proximal sleeve portion 513. When the proximal sleeve portion 513 approaches the retracted position, the first ramp 507c engages a rib or boss (such as the angled plunger rib 1040.3) on the plunger 1000 to actively rotate the plunger 1000 in the first rotational direction R1. If the plunger 1000 cannot rotate spontaneously due to the features of the foregoing embodiment, the additional first ramp 507c will rotate the plunger 1000.

[0632] During normal use, the plunger 1000 will be released as in the foregoing embodiment. The first ramp 507c is positioned to interact with the angled plunger rib 1040.3 only if the plunger 1000 does not rotate spontaneously towards the end of the pressing-in of the needle shield 500 together with the proximal sleeve portion 513. It will be readily understood by the person skilled in the art that the embodiment will function equally well if only one of the rib or boss (such as the angled plunger rib 1040.3) on the plunger 1000 or the first ramp 507c is ramped or angled. This also applies to the proximal face 513.3.

[0633] Another advantage of another embodiment (i.e., the use of the first ramp 507c) is that it provides additional guidance of the movement of the plunger when the plunger 1000 is actuated.

[0634] In another exemplary embodiment, the engagement of the first ramp 507c with a rib or boss on the plunger 1000, such as the angled plunger rib 1040.3, can be the only way to rotate the plunger 1000 out of engagement with the profiled groove 1221.1. For example, the profiled groove 1221.1 may not have an angled surface that allows the plunger 1000 to rotate in the first rotational direction R1 out of engagement with the profiled groove 1221.1. In an exemplary embodiment, the profiled groove 1221.1 may only have a lateral surface that faces in the distal direction D and is laterally oriented with respect to the longitudinal axis A. The lateral surface may have a pawl or a ridge. In another exemplary embodiment, the profiled groove 1221.1 may only have an angled surface that allows the plunger to rotate in the second rotational direction R2 so as to maintain the engagement of the first plunger boss 1040.1 within the profiled groove 1221.1.

[0635] In an exemplary embodiment, the drug delivery device 100 may be an auto-injector.

[0636] Figure 10I An internal longitudinal rib 1236 is shown, which is arranged on the inner side of at least one syringe support arm 1202 of the drive spring holder 1200 (see also Figure 12A and Figure 12B ). In other words, the internal longitudinal rib 1236 may be arranged at the radially inward-facing surface of the arm 1202 of the drive spring holder 1200. In the second state of the plunger 1000, the distal edge / surface 1040.1.d of the first plunger boss 1040.1 abuts the proximal surface 1239 of the sliding surface 1238 on the longitudinal rib 1236. For example, the rib 1236 may have a holding function for holding the plunger 1000 against the biasing force of the drive spring 1100. The proximal surface 1239 may be inclined such that the plunger 1000 rotates further without additional support. However, the second plunger bosses 1040.2, 1040.2a and 1040.2b are supported on the rib 507a, and thus prevent the plunger 1000 from rotating further as long as the drug delivery device 100 has not been fired. If the plunger release mechanism 1025 is triggered for injection by moving the needle shield 500 proximally relative to the device body 700 and relative to the drive spring holder 1200, the plunger 1000 is allowed to rotate, i.e., the second plunger boss 1040.2 rotates freely in the direction R1, see Figure 10H , and the first plunger boss 1040.1 can slide distally via the sliding surface 1238. Guide ribs may be used to guide the plunger 1000 further distally, for example by guiding the first plunger boss 1040.1.

[0637] Thus, the longitudinal edge 1234 will not interfere with the first plunger boss 1040.1. In other words, the longitudinal edge 1234 can be arranged at a position more outward in the radial direction than the inner edges of the first angled surface 1221.2 and the second angled surface 1221.4 and the position of the first plunger boss 1040.1, such that the plunger boss 1040.1 does not contact the longitudinal edge 1234.

[0638] Figure 10J Fig. shows a perspective view of a plunger 1000 according to a second embodiment. The plunger 1000 can be used to expel a drug Dr, M from a drug container 900. The plunger 1000 can include an elongate shaft 1010, such as an elongate plunger rod 1010, which forms, for example, the body of the plunger and extends in a direction from a proximal end 1011p of the plunger 1000 towards a distal end 1011d of the plunger 1000. The distal end 1011d can be configured to transfer a force during the expulsion of the drug Dr, M.

[0639] Optionally, at least one trigger feature TF can be arranged within or on the shaft 1010. The trigger feature TF can be configured to allow the release of the plunger 1000 from other parts of the drug delivery device 100 in order to initiate the expulsion of the drug Dr, M from the drug container 900 (such as a pre-filled syringe 900). In a second embodiment of the plunger 1000, two pairs of plunger ribs 1042a, 1042b can be used as the trigger feature TF, for example, as in Figure 10 the first embodiment shown. At least one common rib CR can be used as a basis for arranging the two pairs of plunger ribs 1042a, 1042b on the plunger 1000 (such as on the plunger shaft 1010). However, optionally, further radially extending ribs 1046 to 1049 and / or support ribs SR including, for example, rounded support features RF can be used to enhance the trigger feature TF, as described in more detail below.

[0640] Optionally, the plunger 1000 can include at least one interaction feature IF, which is configured to interact with a drive source that generates a force for expelling the drug Dr, M. In the second embodiment, a drive spring 1100 can also be used as the driving force. The interaction feature IF can include an internal elongate cavity 1059 within the plunger 1000, more specifically within the shaft 1010. In addition, the interaction feature IF can include internal longitudinal ribs 1060.1 to 1060.4, bevels 1075, and other optional features, as described in more detail below, see Figure 10L and Figure 10M and the corresponding description.

[0641] Additionally or alternatively, the plunger 1000 may include at least one auxiliary structure AS or at least one group 1050a, 1050b including at least two auxiliary structures AS. The at least one auxiliary structure AS or the group 1050a, 1050b including at least two auxiliary structures AS may be configured to enable automatic identification of at least one of the position of the plunger 1000 and / or the movement of the plunger 1000, for example, during testing of the device 100 including the plunger 1000. Preferably, the at least one auxiliary structure AS may be a circumferentially extending auxiliary structure that extends at least partially around the circumference of the shaft 1010, preferably at least around a quarter of the circumference of the shaft 1010. However, other types of auxiliary structures may also be used, such as axially extending structures. The group 1050a may include, from distal to proximal: groove 1051.1a, groove 1051.2a, and groove 1051.3a. The group 1050b may include, from distal to proximal: groove 1051.1b, groove 1051.2b, and groove 1051.3b.

[0642] In addition to the testing function, the grooves 1051.1a, etc. may also have several functions, such as a visual feedback function described later.

[0643] A method for batch testing a drug delivery device 100, the drug delivery device including a plunger 1000 or any other plunger including a suitable auxiliary structure AS, the method may include:

[0644] - Preferably using at least one injection molding die to produce a batch of plungers 1000 and / or drug delivery devices 100,

[0645] - Assembling the drug delivery device 100,

[0646] - Testing the drug delivery device 100, wherein the testing may include using a camera (such as a high-speed camera and / or using a shutter) to preferably automatically detect the auxiliary structure AS and identify the position of the plunger 1000 during the discharge of the dose (drug Dr, M) and / or at the end of the dose (drug Dr, M) delivery,

[0647] - Performing quality control based on at least one result of the testing.

[0648] A batch may include several parts produced using the same machine / die and / or cavity, etc. A batch may include a plurality of parts in the range of 10 to 1000, or in the range of 100 to 500.

[0649] The quality control may be statistical quality control, for example, defining how many devices must be tested during production to ensure quality, such as when to test and how many devices must be tested preferably according to an approved test plan.

[0650] Preferably, the auxiliary structure AS (such as the grooves 1051a, 1051.2a, etc.) is arranged at an angular position of the shaft 1010 such that the auxiliary structure AS can be observed through at least one side wall window 710 of the drug delivery device 100. However, other arrangements are possible, for example if suitable radiation is used to identify the plunger position / movement, such as radiation passing through the housing or body 700.

[0651] Optionally, the plunger 1000 may include at least one lateral opening 1052.1a, 1053 or preferably at least two lateral openings 1052.1a, 1052.1b on opposite lateral sides of the shaft 1010. The at least one lateral opening 1052.1a, 1053 or the at least two lateral openings 1052.1a, 1052.1b may be configured to allow removal of at least one auxiliary part of the mold for producing the plunger 1000. The at least one auxiliary molding part may be configured to laterally hold another auxiliary molding part that is elongate during injection of plastic into the mold, the other auxiliary molding part for example including a rod or pin or consisting of a rod or pin. The other auxiliary molding part (such as a rod or pin) may be an elongate part that may define the internal profile or at least part of the internal profile of the internal elongate cavity 1059 of the plunger 1000. The internal profile / cavity 1059 of the plunger 1000 may include an internal elongate cavity hole, especially a generally cylindrical hole, preferably including a slight draft angle that may facilitate removal of the other auxiliary molding part (such as a rod or pin) after injection of the plastic material into the mold and after an appropriate cooling time.

[0652] According to a second embodiment, two pairs of molding grooves 1052a, 1052b may be used. One pair 1052a may include grooves 1052.1a and 1052.2a. One pair 1052b may include grooves 1052.1b and 1052.2b. However, it is also possible to use only one of the two pairs of molding grooves 1052a, 1052b or only one groove on each lateral side of the plunger 1000, for example only two molding grooves in total. Thus, it is possible to use only grooves 1052.1a and 1052.1b or only grooves 1052.2a and 1052.2b. The grooves 1052.2a and 1052.2b are described in more detail below, see Figure 10L and the corresponding description.

[0653] Preferably, the lateral openings 1052.1a, etc., 1053 are arranged at an angular position of the shaft 1010 to prevent the lateral openings 1052.1a, etc., 1053 from being seen in at least one side wall window 710 (drug observation window) of the drug delivery device 100. However, other positions are possible, see Figure 10J, the opening 1053 is at the top surface of the shaft 1010, for example, at the same angular position as the middle of the upper auxiliary structures AS, 1050a, 1051.1a, etc.

[0654] A method for producing the plunger 1000 or any other plunger may include:

[0655] - Preparing a mold for producing at least one plunger 1000 or a plurality of plungers 1000, wherein the mold includes two main parts configured to be pressed together during molding, and wherein the two main parts define the outer contour of at least one of the plungers 1000. The inner contour of the inner elongated cavity 1059 of the plunger 1000 may be defined by an elongated first auxiliary molding part (e.g., including a rod or a pin or consisting of a rod or a pin), which is preferably arranged on a first slider that is part of the mold. The mold may include at least one second auxiliary molding part configured to laterally hold the elongated first auxiliary molding part (e.g., a pin or a rod) during injection of the plastic material 1090 into the mold, preferably at the free end and / or intermediate portion of the elongated first auxiliary molding part. The at least one second auxiliary molding part may preferably be integrally arranged on the mold, i.e., a separate slider may not be used here, but alternatively, a second slider may be used here. However, each slider may make the mold more complex and thus the production more complex.

[0656] - Closing the two main parts of the mold before, during, or after sliding the first slider (and optionally the second slider (if any)) to its molding position, whereby the at least one second auxiliary molding part laterally holds the first auxiliary molding part (e.g., a rod or a pin).

[0657] - Injecting the plastic material 1090 into the mold, whereby at least one plunger 1000 is formed, wherein the plunger 1000 includes at least one molding groove 1052a, 1052b, 1052.1, etc. or at least one other molding opening 1053 at the position defined by the at least one second auxiliary molding part.

[0658] - Optionally, cooling is performed, for example, by forced cooling using a liquid cooling medium in the cooling cavity of the mold, or free cooling (e.g., without using a separate cooling medium other than ambient air), preferably mainly using or only using heat conduction within the mold.

[0659] - Opening the two main parts of the mold and sliding the first slider (and the second slider (if any)) back to a position that allows at least one plunger 1000 to be ejected from the mold.

[0660] - Ejecting at least one plunger 1000 from the mold after opening the two main parts.

[0661] Due to the use of a second auxiliary forming part that holds the first auxiliary forming part (such as a rod or a pin), especially at its free end, the accuracy of the plunger 1000 can be relatively high, for example, in order to prevent displacement during the injection of the thermoplastic material 1090 into the mold under high pressure.

[0662] Optionally, the plunger 1000 or any other plunger may include at least one holding structure 1043, 1040.1, preferably a rib 1040.1. The at least one holding structure includes a proximal axially extending portion 1045 and a distal support portion 1044. The distal support portion has a greater angular width relative to the width of the axially extending portion 1045. The holding structure 1043 may be configured to interact with an additional holding structure 1221.1 (a shaped groove) on a part of the drug delivery device 100, such that the plunger 1000 is firmly held within the additional holding structure 1221.1 (the shaped groove) in the state where it is biased by the drive spring 1100. Preferably, the axial length of the axially extending portion 1045 is greater than the axial length of the distal support portion 1045, for example, 2 times greater or 3 times greater, preferably less than 10 times.

[0663] Optionally, the plunger 1000 may include the above-mentioned triggering feature TF. The triggering feature TF may comprise or may include at least one set 1042a, 1042b, for example, at least one pair including at least two outwardly directed ribs 1040.2, 1040.2a, 1040.2b; 1040.3, 1040.3a, 1040.3b of pairs 1042a, 1042b. A pair 1042a may include ribs 1040.2a and 1040.3a. A pair 1042b may include ribs 1040.2b and 1040.3b.

[0664] The corresponding ribs 1040.2, 1040.2a, 1040.2b; 1040.3, 1040.3a, 1040.3b in at least one set (such as a pair) 1042a, 1042b may be positioned at the same angular position or have an angular offset of less than 10 degrees relative to each other. The corresponding ribs 1040.2, 1040.2a, 1040.2b; 1040.3, 1040.3a, 1040.3b in at least one set 1042a, 1042b may have different axial positions, preferably spaced less than 15 mm or less than 10 mm apart. The corresponding ribs 1040.2, 1040.2a, 1040.2b; 1040.3, 1040.3a, 1040.3b may also extend in the axial direction. The corresponding ribs 1040.2, 1040.2a, 1040.2b; 1040.3, 1040.3a, 1040.3b may have an angular or circumferential extension that is small compared to their radial extension and / or axial extension.

[0665] At least two outwardly directed ribs 1040.2, 1040.2a, 1040.2b; 1040.3, 1040.3a, 1040.3b in at least one of the sets 1042a, 1042b may be arranged on corresponding common ribs CR, CRa, CRb, which may extend axially relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft 1010.

[0666] Preferably, at least one support rib SR may be arranged on the corresponding common ribs CR, CRa, CRb. The support rib SR may extend axially and extend obliquely relative to at least two outwardly directed ribs 1040.2, 1040.2a, 1040.2b; 1040.3, 1040.3a, 1040.3b in adjacent sets of at least two sets 1042a, 1042b, preferably at an angle within the range of 80 degrees to 100 degrees, for example about 90 degrees or 90 degrees, with the ribs 1040.3a and / or 1040.3b arranged on the nearer side P.

[0667] Preferably, at least one support rib SR may include a rounded support feature RF, which includes a curved shape, and the curve of the curved shape extends from an axial position equal to the proximal axial position of the first rib (such as the distal rib (such as 1040.2a, 1040.2b)) in at least one of the sets 1042a, 1042b to an axial position equal to the proximal axial position of the second rib (such as the proximal rib (such as 1040.3a, 1040.3b)) in the corresponding set of at least one of the sets 1042a, 1042b.

[0668] The following radially extending ribs may be used, for example for reinforcement purposes:

[0669] - Rib 1046, which is at the distal end of the common ribs CR, CRa, CRb and preferably terminates at the distal portion of the ribs 1040.2a, 1040.2b,

[0670] - Rib 1047, which is at the middle portion of the common ribs CR, CRa, CRb and preferably terminates at the proximal portion of the ribs 1040.2a, 1040.2b; the rounded support feature RF may start from here,

[0671] - Rib 1048, which is on the side of the common ribs CR, CRa, CRb opposite to the side where the ribs 1046 and 1047 are arranged and preferably terminates at the distal portion of the angled ribs 1040.3a, 1040.3b, and

[0672] - Rib 1049, which is on the side of the common ribs CR, CRa, CRb opposite to the side where ribs 1046 and 1047 are arranged, and preferably terminates at the proximal part of the angled ribs 1040.3a, 1040.3b; the rounded support feature RF can end here.

[0673] Corresponding ribs can be used on a pair 1042b including the plunger ribs 1040.2b and 1040.3b. Generally, the rotational symmetry of the plunger 1000 can be preferred for easy production (e.g., less warping during molding) and / or assembly (e.g., without additional specific features regarding the installation direction).

[0674] Optionally, the plunger 1000 can include a glass-filled or glass fiber-filled plastic material 1090, preferably a glass-filled or glass fiber-filled polyamide, more preferably a glass-filled polyamide PA 66, or can be made of it. The content of glass or glass fiber in the glass-filled material can be in the range of 23 mass percentage to 43 mass percentage, or in the range of 30 mass percentage to 36 mass percentage, for example 33 mass percentage. Preferably, Zytel FGFE5171 from DuPont, especially FGFE5171NC010C, which contains 33 mass percentage of glass or glass fiber, can be used. Alternatively, volume percentage can be used instead of mass percentage in the above ranges or values. Other materials can also be used, such as polyamide (PA, nylon) 6. Polyamide (PA, nylon) 66 can be particularly well-suited as a material for medical devices, especially for the plunger 1000 as part of a medical device 100, because it is also suitable for the food industry. In addition, the molding properties are excellent.

[0675] Optionally, the plunger 1000 can include at least one axially extending cut (e.g., groove) 1020a, 1022a, 1020b, 1022b or at least two longitudinally extending cuts (e.g., grooves) 1020a, 1020b. At least one axially extending cut 1020a, 1020b or at least two longitudinally extending cuts 1020a, 1022a, 1020b, 1022b can be arranged within the proximal part of the shaft 1010. Preferably, at least one axially extending cut 1020a, 1022a, 1020b, 1022b or at least two longitudinally extending cuts 1020a, 1022a, 1020b, 1022b can be configured to interact with the support arm 1241, as explained in more detail below, for example see Figures 13B to 13E and the corresponding description. In particular, the support arm (e.g., support arm 1241) can be configured to interact with and / or trigger the auditory indicator and / or indicator 1300 of the drug delivery device 100, see for example Figure 13Aand corresponding descriptions.

[0676] Pairs of incisions can be used. The first pair can include incisions 1020a, 1022a. The second pair can include incisions 1020b, 1022b. If only one auditory indicator and / or indicator 1300 is used, only one pair can be used to trigger the auditory indicator and / or indicator 1300. The other pair can be absent or can be present, for example to give the plunger 1000, in particular the shaft 1010, rotational symmetry. Alternatively, only one inwardly directed rib can be used on the flexible support arm 1241 or on the flexibly mounted support arm 1241. In this case, only one incision can be used to interact with the single radially inwardly directed rib on the support arm 1241. Additional incisions can be arranged on the other side of the shaft 1010. Alternatively, only one incision is used.

[0677] The incisions 1020a, 1020b, 1022a, 1022b can be longitudinally extending incisions (slots). The slope of the sides of the first incision in a pair can be different from the slope of the sides of the second incision in the pair, for example to avoid using a slider.

[0678] The above features on the plunger 1000 can achieve multiple functions. Thus, the plunger 1000 can be a multi-functional part of the drug delivery device 100, especially if all the functions are implemented. The combination of these functions may have a synergistic technical effect, especially if the additional functions described below with reference to Figures 10K to 10M are considered.

[0679] Figure 10K A distal view of the plunger 1000 according ...

Claims

1. A plunger (1000) for expelling a medicament (Dr, M) from a medicament container (900), the plunger comprising: an elongate shaft (1010) extending in a direction from a proximal end (1011p) of the plunger (1000) towards a distal end (1011d) of the plunger (1000), wherein the distal end (1011d) is configured to transmit a force during expulsion of the medicament (Dr, M), at least one triggering feature (TF), the at least one triggering feature being arranged within or on the shaft (1010), wherein the triggering feature (TF) is configured to allow release of the plunger (1000) from other parts of a medicament delivery device (100) in order to initiate expulsion of the medicament (Dr, M) from the medicament container (900), and at least one interaction feature (IF), the at least one interaction feature being configured to interact with a drive source that generates a force for expelling the medicament (Dr, M).

2. The plunger (1000) according to claim 1, comprising: at least one auxiliary structure (AS) or at least one group (1050a, 1050b) comprising at least two auxiliary structures (AS), wherein the at least one auxiliary structure (AS) or the group (1050a, 1050b) comprising the at least two auxiliary structures (AS) is configured to enable at least one of automatic identification of the position of the plunger (1000) and / or movement of the plunger (1000) during testing of a device (100) comprising the plunger (1000), wherein the at least one auxiliary structure (AS) is a circumferentially extending auxiliary structure extending at least partially around the circumference of the shaft (1010), preferably extending at least around a quarter of the circumference of the shaft (1010).

3. The plunger (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: at least one lateral opening (1052.1a, 1053) or at least two lateral openings (1052.1a, 1052.1b) on opposite lateral sides of the shaft (1010), wherein the at least one lateral opening (1052.1a, 1053) or the at least two lateral openings (1052.1a, 1052.1b) are configured to allow removal of at least one auxiliary part of a mould for producing the plunger (1000), wherein the at least one auxiliary moulding part is configured to laterally hold an additional auxiliary moulding part that is elongate during injection of plastic into the mould, wherein the additional auxiliary moulding part is an elongate part that defines at least a part of an internal profile or internal profile (1059) of the plunger (1000).

4. The plunger (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: At least one identification mark (1080), which preferably comprises at least one letter, at least one digit and / or at least one other symbol on the plunger (1000), preferably on the shaft (1010), more preferably on the distally facing surface (1014) of the shaft (1010). Wherein at least a part of the mark is or comprises or several marks are identifiers of the molding cavity of the mold for producing the plunger or identifiers of the mold itself for producing the plunger.

5. The plunger (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: At least one retaining structure (1043, 1040.1), which comprises a proximally axially extending portion (1045) and a distally supporting portion (1044), and the distally supporting portion has a greater angular width relative to the width of the axially extending portion (1045). Wherein the retaining structure (1043) is configured to interact with a further retaining structure (1221.1) on a part of the drug delivery device (100), such that the plunger (1000) is firmly retained within the further retaining structure (1221.1) in a state where it is biased by a drive spring (1100). And wherein the axial length of the axially extending portion (1045) is greater than the axial length of the distally supporting portion (1045).

6. The plunger (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, the triggering feature (TF) is or comprises at least one set (1042a, 1042b) comprising at least two outwardly directed ribs (1040.2, 1040.2a, 1040.2b; 1040.3, 1040.3a, 1040.3b). Wherein the respective ribs (1040.2, 1040.2a, 1040.2b; 1040.3, 1040.3a, 1040.3b) in the at least one set (1042a, 1042b) are located at the same angular position or have an angular offset of less than 10 degrees relative to each other. And wherein the respective ribs (1040.2, 1040.2a, 1040.2b; 1040.3, 1040.3a, 1040.3b) in the at least one set (1042a, 1042b) have different axial positions, preferably spaced less than 15 mm or less than 10 mm apart. And wherein at least two of the outwardly directed ribs (1040.2, 1040.2a, 1040.2b; 1040.3, 1040.3a, 1040.3b) in the at least one set (1042a, 1042b) are arranged on respective axially extending common ribs (CR, CRa, CRb). Wherein at least one support rib (SR) is arranged on the respective common rib (CR, CRa, CRb). Wherein, the support rib (SR) extends axially and extends obliquely with respect to at least two of the at least two sets (1042a, 1042b) of outwardly directed ribs (1040.2, 1040.2a, 1040.2b; 1040.3, 1040.3a, 1040.3b) in adjacent sets, and / or Wherein, the at least one support rib (SR) includes a rounded portion (RF), the rounded portion includes a curved shape, and the curve of the curved shape extends from an axial position equal to the proximal axial position of the first rib in the at least one set (1042a, 1042b) to an axial position equal to the proximal axial position of the second rib in the corresponding set of the at least one set (1042a, 1042b).

7. The plunger (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, Wherein, The interaction feature (IF) is or includes an elongate cavity (1059) within the shaft (1010), the elongate cavity being configured to interact with a drive spring (1100), preferably a compression spring, and Wherein, the plunger (1000) includes at least two or at least three or at least four internal ribs (1060.1 to 1060.4), and these internal ribs extend at least along a quarter, a half, or three-quarters of the axial length of the elongate cavity (1059), or along the entire axial length of the elongate cavity. Wherein, the at least two ribs (1060.1 to 1060.4) are arranged at equidistant angular positions between adjacent ribs (1060.1 to 1060.4).

8. The plunger (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, Wherein, The cross-section from the proximal end (1011p) to the distal end (1011d) includes at least one of the following features on the inner side of the shaft (1010), preferably in a given order: An inclined surface (1075), the inclined surface being preferably inclined with respect to the outer surface (1071) of the shaft (1010) and / or with respect to the inner main surface (1077), and The inner main surface (1077) of the shaft (1010) or the inner main surface (1077) of the shaft (1010).

9. The plunger (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, Comprising: A distal end portion (1014), preferably a cylindrical distal end portion (1014), Wherein, the distal end portion (1014) is arranged at the distal end of the shaft (1010) and / or forms the distal end (1011d) of the plunger (1000), Wherein, (preferably) the distal portion has a complementary shape compared to the opening in the stopper of the syringe barrel (900) or another drug container.

10. The plunger (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising or consisting of a glass-filled or glass fiber-filled plastic material (1090), preferably glass fiber-filled polyamide, more preferably glass fiber-filled polyamide PA 66.

11. The plunger (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one axially extending incision (1020a, 1020b) or at least two axially extending incisions (1020a, 1020b), wherein, the at least one axially extending incision (1020a, 1020b) or the at least two axially extending longitudinal incisions (1020a, 1020b) are arranged within a proximal portion of the shaft (1010), and wherein the at least one axially extending incision (1020a, 1020b) or the at least two axially extending incisions (1020a, 1020b) are configured to interact with a support arm (1241), wherein the support arm (1241) is configured to interact with and / or trigger an auditory indicator of the drug delivery device (100).

12. A drug delivery device (100), comprising: a plunger (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, a drug container (900) or a holding space configured to hold the drug container (900), wherein the drug container (900) stores a drug (Dr, M) or is configured to store a drug (Dr, M).

13. A rear subassembly (RSA), comprising: a drive spring holder (1200) configured to hold a drive spring (1100), the drive spring (1100), and a plunger (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

14. A method for producing a plunger (1000), in particular a plunger (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, the method comprising: preparing a mold for producing at least one plunger (1000) or a plurality of plungers (1000), wherein the mold comprises at least one mold cavity for producing the at least one plunger (1000) or corresponding mold cavities for producing a plurality of plungers (1000), marking the at least one mold cavity by using at least one of a groove or a protrusion to print at least one letter, number or other symbol onto the at least one plunger or each of the plurality of plungers, preferably using different markings (1080.1 to 1080.4) for different mold cavities, wherein at least a part of the marking (1080.1 to 1080.4) is an identifier of the mold and / or the at least one mold cavity, using the mold to produce the at least one plunger (1000), and for the at least one plunger (1000) produced, tracing the mold and / or the mold cavity used for producing the plunger (1000).

15. A method for testing a drug delivery device (100), in particular a drug delivery device (100) comprising a plunger (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 or a drug delivery device (100) according to claim 12, wherein, the plunger (1000) comprises at least one circumferentially extending groove or rib, and wherein the method comprises: Manufacturing the plunger (1000) and other parts of these drug delivery devices (100), assembling the drug delivery device (100), testing the drug delivery device (100), wherein the testing includes using a camera to identify the at least one circumferentially extending groove or rib, thereby preferably automatically identifying the position and / or the movement of the plunger (1000) during the expulsion of the drug (Dr, M) and / or at the end of the drug (Dr, M) delivery, and performing quality control based on at least one result of the testing.

16. A plunger (1000) for expelling a drug (Dr, M) from a drug container (900), the plunger comprising: an elongate shaft (1010) extending in a direction from a proximal end (1011p) of the plunger (1000) towards a distal end (1011d) of the plunger (1000), wherein the distal end (1011d) is configured to transmit a force during the expulsion of the drug (Dr, M), at least one triggering feature (TF) arranged within or on the shaft (1010), wherein the triggering feature (TF) is configured to allow the release of the plunger (1000) from other parts of the drug delivery device (100) in order to initiate the expulsion of the drug (Dr, M) from the drug container (900), wherein the triggering feature (TF) comprises an aperture configured to interact with a flexible arm of the drug delivery device (100), or at least one radially extending rib configured to interact with at least one other triggering feature on a needle cannula (500) of the drug delivery device (100), and at least one interaction feature (IF) configured to interact with a drive spring (1100) generating a force for expelling the drug (Dr, M), wherein the interaction feature (IF) comprises an elongate cavity within the shaft (1010) of the plunger (100) configured to interact with the drive spring (1100) of the drug delivery device (100), and at least one lateral groove (1052.1a, 1053) or at least two lateral grooves (1052.1a, 1052.1b) on opposite lateral sides of the shaft (1010), wherein the at least one lateral groove (1052.1a, 1053) or the at least two lateral grooves (1052.1a, 1052.1b) are configured to allow the removal of at least one auxiliary part of a mold for manufacturing the plunger (1000), wherein the at least one auxiliary molding part is configured to laterally hold an additional auxiliary molding part which is elongate during the injection of plastic into the mold, wherein the additional auxiliary molding part is an elongate part which defines at least a part of an internal profile or internal profile (1059) of the plunger (1000).

17. A method for manufacturing a plunger (1000), preferably a plunger (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising: - Prepare a mold for producing at least one plunger (1000) or a plurality of plungers (1000), wherein the mold includes two main parts, and the two main parts are configured to be pressed together during molding, wherein the two main parts define the outer contour of the at least one plunger (1000), wherein the inner contour of the at least one plunger (1000) is defined by an elongate first auxiliary molding part, and wherein the mold includes at least one second auxiliary molding part, and the at least one second auxiliary molding part is configured to laterally hold the elongate first auxiliary molding part during injection of plastic material into the mold, wherein the at least one second auxiliary molding part is arranged on at least one of the halves of the mold, - Close the two main parts of the mold before, during or after sliding the first slider to its molding position, wherein the at least one second auxiliary molding part laterally holds the first auxiliary molding part, - Inject plastic material into the mold, thereby forming the at least one plunger (1000), wherein the at least one plunger (1000) can include at least one lateral groove (1052.1a, 1053) or at least one other lateral groove (1052.1a, 1053) at a position defined by the at least one second auxiliary molding part, - Open the two main parts, - After opening the two main parts, eject the at least one plunger (1000) from the mold.

18. A method of delivering a drug from a drug delivery device (100), the method comprising using the drug delivery device (100) according to claim 12, or using a drug delivery device (100) including a plunger (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 or 16, or using a drug delivery device (100) including a rear subassembly (RSA) according to claim 13.

19. A drug (M) for use in a method of treating a patient, wherein, the method comprises using the drug delivery device (100) according to claim 12, or using a drug delivery device (100) including a plunger (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 or 16, or using a drug delivery device (100) including a rear subassembly (RSA) according to claim 13 to deliver the drug to the patient.

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