Container that can be filled or pre-filled with fluid, as well as cannula assembly and closure system for a container that can be filled or pre-filled with fluid

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a container that can be prefilled or filled with a fluid, in particular with a pharmaceutical or cosmetic preparation, wherein the container may comprise a syringe or cartridge, a syringe body or an injection device.

[0002] The fluid, in particular the pharmaceutical or cosmetic preparation, can be stored in the container and / or injected or applied using the container. While the primary function of a pre-filled syringe is injection, the present invention allows for the withdrawal of liquid. Such systems can also be used, for example, for dosing, such as for an infusion. Furthermore, the application can, but does not necessarily, involve penetration into the human or animal body; it can also include application, such as the application of an anesthetic to a patient's body region, as is frequently done, for example, in oral surgery before the injection of an anesthetic.

[0003] Furthermore, the term "medicinal preparation" within the scope of this disclosure also includes veterinary preparations and their corresponding applications.

[0004] Proper storage and application of these preparations are generally of considerable importance; in particular, sterility throughout the entire storage period is also of considerable importance.

[0005] The containers for cosmetic or pharmaceutical preparations discussed in this disclosure, such as syringes or cartridges, also make a significant contribution to the administration of these preparations. These generally cylindrical containers typically comprise a chamber for receiving the preparation, the chamber being bounded by a proximal and a distal end.

[0006] In the context of this disclosure, the proximal end is understood to be the end into which, for example, a plug or cap is inserted, while the distal end is understood to be the end to which, for example, a cannula with its cannula assembly can be attached. In a common terminology in the relevant technical literature, the end facing the user during normal handling is also referred to as the proximal end, and the end facing away from the user and, in the case of the application of cosmetic and / or medical preparations, towards the patient, is referred to as the distal end.

[0007] Insofar as the terms "proximal" and "distal" are used for different assemblies, the geometric relationships explained above are disclosed in the same way for the respective assembly.

[0008] During a typical application of the pharmaceutical or cosmetic preparation, the proximal end will therefore be facing the user and the distal end will be facing away from the user.

[0009] A piston can be inserted, particularly into the proximal end, to guide the preparation distally through a passage at the distal end of the container in an axial, especially sliding, motion, or, conversely, to draw a preparation or even a patient's bodily fluid through this opening into the container, particularly into the syringe. The end of the container surrounding the passage is often, at least in part, designed as a tapered tip or cone.

[0010] For injecting or applying a preparation, a cannula can be attached to this cone, as described, for example, in publication GB 377,891. Attaching the cannula to the cone as described here allows for easy replacement. US 2,034,294 describes a similar principle for connecting a cannula with a cone to a syringe.

[0011] Patent US 6,488,666 B1 describes a device designed to prevent the insertion of used needles. For this purpose, the needle is inserted into a sleeve after use and secured by a locking mechanism. The needle is thus enclosed between the sleeve and the elastic locking mechanism.

[0012] Another embodiment for connecting a cannula to a syringe is described in publication WO 02 / 087671 A1. To prevent hazards associated with a cannula permanently mounted on a syringe, such as the possible transmission of diseases through contact with a used cannula, a system is proposed in which the cannula can be retracted into the chamber of the container after the application of a preparation. The entire cannula is retracted into the chamber by pulling back the plunger.

[0013] For faster and easier administration of pharmaceutical preparations, pre-filled syringes or cartridges are increasingly being used today. This eliminates the need to transfer the active ingredient from a separate reservoir to the cartridge chamber before administration, which not only reduces administration time but also helps prevent losses during transfer. This is particularly advantageous with high-value medications. Furthermore, the risk of contamination of the active ingredients and of infection can also be reduced.

[0014] In the medical field, plastic containers equipped with a closure are known, such as those described in German patent application DE 10 2014 007 604 A1. Pre-filled containers can be sealed with the closure, which can then be opened to administer the preparation and a cannula inserted.

[0015] Another container is described, for example, in DE 10 2014 211 018 A1. The container described in this document is made of glass in order to advantageously utilize the inert properties of glass with regard to expensive, highly potent medications. An opening of the glass container is closed with a plastic connector, which seals the container chamber and prevents the escape of any preparation filled into it. For subsequent administration of the preparation filled into the container, the connector is opened and the container is connected at this point to a cannula, through which the preparation can then be administered.

[0016] While pre-filled syringes can be produced in this way, administering the medication still involves a certain amount of effort, as the reservoir chamber must be opened before each use. Furthermore, a suitable needle must be found, opened, and then connected to the pre-filled syringe. Besides the increased time required, this process also carries a certain risk of contamination, for example, if the opened needle comes into contact with an unwanted substance before it is attached to the syringe.

[0017] Furthermore, pre-filled disposable syringes with ready-to-use medication are known. For example, a pre-filled disposable syringe with a pre-attached needle is described in German patent application DE 27 17 830 A1.

[0018] The publication EP 1 364 670 A2 also describes a disposable syringe with a cannula in a needle channel of the syringe.

[0019] Publication CH 583 567 A5 describes an infusion set for a container with a flange that receives and holds a cannula. The flange is not directly connected to the neck of the container, but via an intermediate piece with a membrane that seals the container neck. Publication US 6 488 666 B1 describes a device for preventing punctures from a used needle.

[0020] With disposable syringes of this type, the needle is first connected to the container body, and then the syringe is filled with the pharmaceutical preparation. With plastic containers, the needle is often attached to the container during its production, typically using injection molding. This means the needle is, for example, overmolded and thus bonded to the container. However, this is inconvenient because appropriate injection molds must be provided for each geometry of the needle or container.

[0021] This also means that during the manufacturing process the container body must be moved together with the cannula, which requires special care in their respective handling.

[0022] Another significant disadvantage is that cannulas with a relatively small diameter cannot typically be injection-molded to the container body. A common way to designate cannula size, referring to its outer diameter, is in gauge (G). Cannulas with an outer diameter greater than 30 G, i.e., cannulas with sizes of 31 G, 32 G, 33 G, or 34 G, generally cannot be manufactured using injection molding. Therefore, pre-filled, disposable syringes with ready-to-use medication cannot be provided with such thin cannulas, especially those between 31 G and 34 G. This is problematic because, for example, when injecting a pharmaceutical preparation into the human body, the sensation of pain decreases with a smaller cannula diameter, which is why cannulas with a small outer diameter are preferred.

[0023] Furthermore, the variety of options, which can arise, for example, in terms of the size of the chamber for the preparation in conjunction with different dimensions of the cannula, quickly becomes very large and can lead to a large number of tools for production and complex storage.

[0024] The cannula is often glued into the syringe channel, which is generally considered disadvantageous because it involves the use of an additional material that, especially over a longer period such as more than one to three years, can lead to undesirable contamination of the medication. Another disadvantage is the potential contamination of the pharmaceutical product by outgassing from the adhesive used. This outgassing can contaminate and damage the medication. Since such contamination may not be visible to the user, it should be avoided with the utmost care.

[0025] It would therefore be desirable to provide a pre-fillable container for pharmaceutical preparations which can be filled with a fluid, in particular a pharmaceutical or cosmetic preparation, and in which the fluid can be applied or injected from or by means of the pre-filled container without the need to dismantle a closure and / or assemble a cannula or other component.

[0026] The container pre-filled with the fluid should preferably also exhibit improved shelf life after filling, preferably for at least one year, more preferably for at least two years, and particularly preferably for at least three years or even longer. The container pre-filled with the fluid should, especially in cases where the fluid is a pharmaceutical or cosmetic preparation, also meet the applicable sterility requirements over this period, in particular those applicable in the pharmaceutical sector for the storage of pharmaceutical preparations.

[0027] The aim is to make use of existing container geometries, in particular syringes, syringe bodies, cartridges or injection devices, and cannulas available on the market.

[0028] In summary, one object of the invention is to provide a container for storing and applying a fluid, in particular a pharmaceutical or cosmetic preparation, which is flexible with respect to the dimensions of the container and the cannula, pre-assembled or pre-assemblable, pre-fillable or pre-filled, and which can be stored for a longer period of time.

[0029] The prefillable or pre-filled container should advantageously be able to be equipped with very thin cannulas, especially cannulas of a gauge size between 31 G and 34 G.

[0030] Furthermore, a pre-filled container should have a shelf life of at least three years, while complying with the applicable sterility requirements for the storage of the fluid, in particular for the storage of pharmaceutical or cosmetic preparations.

[0031] Furthermore, it should be advantageous to use modular containers and cannulas that are readily available on the market.

[0032] This problem is solved by the features of claim 1, which in particular also provides the aforementioned advantageous further effects.

[0033] According to the invention, a prefillable or pre-filled container for storing and / or applying a fluid, in particular a pharmaceutical or cosmetic preparation, is provided, comprising a container, in particular a syringe, with a syringe body, a cartridge or an injection device, with a chamber for receiving the fluid further comprising a cannula assembly, wherein the cannula assembly has a cannula and a sealing element and the cannula assembly is attachable to the container, and comprising a closure cap, wherein an outer channel opening of the cannula projects into a sealing elastomeric inner area of ​​the closure cap and the latter seals the channel opening, wherein the chamber is fluid-tightly closed by radial and / or axial compression of the sealing element and by sealing the channel opening by means of the closure cap.

[0034] The advantageously enabled storage time of more than three years with regard to stability and sterility is achieved in particular by the axial and / or radial compression of the sealing element of the cannula assembly and the sealing of the cannula by means of the closure cap, wherein at least two sealing surfaces are defined: the sealing surface of the sealing element to a front area or distal end of the container, which is preferably designed as a Luer-Lock, and the seal in the closure cap of the cannula, which seals the outer channel opening of the cannula.

[0035] The use of a pre-filled container, as disclosed herein, is advantageous for the sterile storage of a pharmaceutical or cosmetic preparation for a storage period of more than one, preferably more than two, and particularly preferably more than three years.

[0036] The term pre-filled container refers to a filled container which no longer needs to be filled by the user, but may have been filled, for example, by the manufacturer of the respective preparation or, in the case of further processing, for example, by the respective processor or filler using additional fillers or active ingredients.

[0037] However, the end user can also pre-fill the disclosed container, for example in a clinical setting, in order to store it, particularly for extended periods, so that it is immediately available, especially in time-critical situations such as those that can occur in emergency medicine. This allows preparations for time-critical and / or emergency medical applications to be stored for longer periods and significantly reduces the need for their regular replacement due to the expiration date of the respective preparation.

[0038] Sterile storage, as used here, is understood to mean storage that fulfills the necessary sterility conditions for the specified period. For such sterility conditions, it is typically required that a pre-filled container, as disclosed herein, after sterilization, contains a population of living individuals, such as germs or microorganisms, of less than 10⁻⁶ times the original population size, thus reducing their number to less than one millionth. Storage that fulfills this condition for the specified period is considered sterile storage for that period. Sterilization methods are well known to those skilled in the art and are discussed again later in this disclosure.

[0039] The cannula assembly and the adapter serve to connect a cannula firmly and permanently to a container such as a syringe, syringe barrel, cartridge, or injection device, thereby sealing the opening at the distal end, in order to create a prefillable container for storing and applying a fluid, in particular a pharmaceutical or cosmetic preparation. A prefillable or prefilled container according to the invention therefore comprises at least one such container and a cannula attached to the container.

[0040] The container may have a chamber for receiving the fluid, which is or can be filled with the fluid. The fluid may be a pharmaceutical or cosmetic preparation. It may consist of liquids, gases, solids, or mixtures thereof. A container pre-filled with a fluid may be stored for an extended period before the fluid can be applied via the cannula.

[0041] A key advantage is that disassembling a closure and / or assembling a cannula or other component before application becomes unnecessary. The invention allows the container to be filled with a fluid and, before or after filling, a cannula to be securely and permanently connected to the container, thereby sealing the opening at the distal end. A pre-filled container can then be stored for an extended period and subsequently made ready-to-use for applying the fluid, for example, a pharmaceutical or cosmetic preparation.

[0042] The manufacturing process is relatively simple, as the cannula does not need to be mounted during the production of the container.

[0043] According to the invention, commercially available containers, in particular syringes, syringe bodies, cartridges or injection devices and cannulas, can be used. This simplifies availability insofar as these containers and cannulas can be combined with one another in a variety of ways, thus enabling a very wide range of containers and cannulas to be represented modularly for the prefillable or prefilled container.

[0044] This also advantageously leads to a significant reduction in the number of devices and tools, for example the number of injection molds.

[0045] This allows commercially available components to be combined as desired to form a prefabricated unit. The invention thus offers the significant advantage of cost reduction, particularly with regard to fixtures and tools, while simultaneously providing maximum format and cannula variety.

[0046] Furthermore, additional components such as adhesives in the contact area with the fluid can be omitted, which improves shelf life, as unwanted contamination of the fluid with components or reaction products of the adhesive can be avoided. The risk of contamination of the fluid by outgassing from the adhesive can also be avoided, which is of particular importance in the case of pharmaceutical or cosmetic preparations.

[0047] A major advantage of the invention lies in the fact that the connection between the cannula and the container can be designed to be leak-proof, in particular liquid- and gas-tight. The leak-tightness of the connection can be verified, for example, using the helium overpressure method according to DIN EN 1779. In this method, the chamber of the container can be pressurized with helium or a helium-containing gas mixture, sealed, and then pressurized. Any leakage can then be detected on the outside of the container using a suitable leak detector. Thus, such a test can verify and confirm the liquid- and gas-tightness of the connection between the cannula and the container.

[0048] The invention enables the creation of a connection between a cannula and a container that remains leak-proof under pressure up to 2 bar, preferably up to 3 bar or higher. The connection between the cannula and the container can thus be considered microbiologically sealed. The design of the cannula-container connection therefore constitutes a sterility barrier, enabling long-term storage.

[0049] This leads to the great advantage of the invention that a container pre-filled with a fluid, for example with a pharmaceutical or cosmetic preparation, can be stored for at least one year, preferably at least two years, particularly preferably at least three years or more than three years after filling and sterilization, without the stability and sterility of the fluid, for example a pharmaceutical or cosmetic preparation, being unduly impaired.

[0050] The production of a pre-filled container according to the invention, comprising a receptacle and a cannula, can be carried out as follows: The required components are produced and assembled under cleanroom conditions, then sterilized and subsequently packaged sterilely. This pre-fillable container can then be aseptically filled with the fluid, for example with a pharmaceutical or cosmetic preparation, to provide the pre-filled container according to the invention.

[0051] It is also possible to fill a pre-fillable container in a cleanroom with the fluid, in particular with the pharmaceutical preparation, and then to sterilize the container pre-filled according to the invention.

[0052] For the application of pharmaceutical or cosmetic preparations, containers such as syringes, syringe barrels, cartridges, or injection devices of various sizes are known and available in the medical field and are suitable for the invention. Such containers are generally cylindrical and elongated, and have a central chamber for holding the fluid. The chamber is axially bounded by a proximal and a distal end. The distal end is understood to be the end of the chamber that points away from the hand of the person handling the device when the fluid is being applied.

[0053] The proximal end of the chamber typically includes an opening into which a stopper can be inserted. This allows the fluid to be forced axially towards the opposite distal end, which typically features a tip with a through-channel leading to the chamber. This is achieved, for example, by a piston rod, hydraulically, or by a pump. A key element here is the insertion of a stopper, which is then moved towards the cannula, either by a piston rod or hydraulically, to deliver a medication. The tip can be stepped, conical, or tapered.

[0054] The fluid can then be expelled through this passage within the usually stepped tip by a corresponding movement of the stopper. The central axis of the container represents the longitudinal axis of the arrangements described below.

[0055] When the term "application" is used below, it refers to the injection or administration of a fluid, such as a pharmaceutical or cosmetic preparation, using a pre-filled or filled container. Application thus includes, for example, the injection or administration of a cosmetic or pharmaceutical preparation from the pre-filled container into the human body. Exchange page 18

[0056] However, it is also possible to use a container that can be prefilled according to the invention for withdrawing or receiving a fluid. In this context, the term "applying" means receiving a fluid into the chamber.

[0057] Furthermore, application also includes using the container for dosing, for example in connection with an infusion. In summary, during application, a fluid enters the chamber through the flow channel or exits the chamber through the flow channel.

[0058] According to the invention, a cannula assembly and an adapter are provided for connecting the cannula to the container.

[0059] The cannula assembly includes a cylindrically symmetrical sealing element with an axial passage, and a cannula, wherein the cannula is arranged coaxially to the sealing element and at least partially within the central passage of the sealing element, wherein a section of the lateral surface of the cannula is materially and / or form-fittedly firmly connected to the sealing element, and wherein at least one end face of the sealing element comprises an annular region surrounding the passage, which forms an end-face sealing surface in a plane perpendicular to the central axis of the sealing element.

[0060] Where the invention refers to a material-locking and / or form-locking connection, the term "material-locking" refers to a cohesion of the joining partners by atomic or molecular forces, and the term "form-locking" refers to an interlocking of at least two joining partners.

[0061] The cylindrically symmetrical sealing element is designed with an axially central passage. This serves to accommodate the cannula.

[0062] The term cannula is understood below to mean a hollow needle or an injection needle with a continuous channel, which can preferably be used in the medical field.

[0063] The outer diameter of the cannula is typically specified in gauge and is defined in the relevant standards EN ISO 6009 and EN ISO 9626. According to the invention, cannulas with a gauge size from 10 G up to 34 G, or even smaller, can be used. Common gauge sizes that can be assembled by gluing or injection molding range from 10 G to 29 G. Exchange page 20

[0064] However, cannulas with even smaller outer diameters are more advantageous for patient-friendly application of a pharmaceutical preparation. Thus, the invention makes it possible to use cannulas from 27 G to 30 G, preferably 31 G and 32 G, and particularly preferably 33 G and 34 G and above.

[0065] Preferably, the cannula can be arranged coaxially to the sealing element such that, in its mounted position, the cannula is located at least partially within the central passage of the sealing element. The sealing element and cannula are preferably firmly and tightly connected to each other. The connection between the cannula and the sealing element is preferably liquid- and / or gas-tight.

[0066] The cannula assembly can be placed on the tip of the container to position the cannula radially and / or axially relative to the through-channel of the container.

[0067] Furthermore, the cannula assembly, in its mounted position, can ensure the necessary seal of the container's through-channel. To hold the cannula assembly on the container's tip and create the seal, the sealing element is preferably subjected to an axial contact force in its mounted position and pressed towards the tip. According to the invention, an adapter is provided for this purpose.

[0068] The liquid- and / or gas-tight sealing of the container's passage channel is achieved firstly by the aforementioned liquid- and / or gas-tight design of the connection between the sealing element and the cannula, which prevents the passage of fluid or other substances between the sealing element and the cannula, and secondly by pressing the sealing element against the tip surrounding the passage channel at its end face.

[0069] This method ensures compliance with sterility requirements for pharmaceutical or cosmetic preparations when they are placed in the chamber, as it prevents the ingress of foreign substances such as gases, germs, or other contaminants. Furthermore, it prevents unwanted leakage of fluid from the chamber.

[0070] The cannula can be held in the passage of the sealing element, for example, by means of clamping and / or frictional engagement. This means that the inner diameter of the passage of the sealing element can advantageously be smaller than the outer diameter of the cannula in the section intended for attachment to the sealing element. Therefore, the inner diameter of the passage of the sealing element is advantageously matched to the outer diameter of the cannula.

[0071] Alternatively or in addition to clamping, the cannula and sealing element can be bonded together at a connection point or surface, for example by laser welding. A connection surface formed by a section of the cannula's outer surface and a corresponding section of the inner wall of the passage is advantageous due to the stronger bond.

[0072] The cannula can also additionally or supplementarily include a projection on its outer surface, for example in the form of a circumferential rib, which in the mounted position can engage with a precisely matching recess or groove, preferably within the passage of the sealing element, and thus can counteract an axial displacement of the cannula held in the sealing element even more effectively.

[0073] In a preferred embodiment, the cannula completely penetrates the passage of the sealing element. The cannula is flush with the sealing element, at least on the side facing the chamber when mounted. In use, this offers the advantage that the dead volume in the chamber can be kept as small as possible when completely emptying the chamber. Conversely, a slight protrusion of the cannula relative to the sealing element on the side facing the chamber when mounted can facilitate proper communication between the chamber and the cannula, allowing fluid to flow from the chamber into the cannula without the risk of the sealing element covering the cannula opening. A cannula protrusion of approximately 0.1 mm to 3 mm, preferably up to 2 mm, relative to the end face of the sealing element facing the chamber when mounted, therefore appears advantageous.

[0074] The cannula's protrusion on the opposite side of the sealing element provides the necessary clearance between the cannula and the container, which is required for applying the fluid when using the container according to the invention. This free length of the needle is advantageously in a range of approximately 0.6 cm (2 / 8 inch) to approximately 5 cm (2 inches).

[0075] The sealing element is made of an elastomeric material. Such materials exhibit a certain degree of flexibility or compressibility under pressure and are therefore suitable for sealing openings. The sealing element according to the invention can thus be particularly advantageously placed on the through-channel of the container's tip and pressed axially to seal the opening. Therefore, when the cannula assembly is mounted on the container, the sealing element can tightly and permanently seal the gap that forms between the outer surface of a cannula projecting into or adjacent to the through-channel and the inner wall of the through-channel in the region of the tip.

[0076] Since the sealing element can come into contact with a fluid filled into the chamber, such as a pharmaceutical or cosmetic preparation, it is highly advantageous if the elastomeric material of the sealing element is approved for use in contact with pharmaceutical preparations. This prevents contamination of the fluid and ensures a long shelf life and storage capacity. Suitable elastomeric materials include, for example, thermoplastic elastomers, particularly butyl, chlorobutyl, bromobutyl, or polyisoprene rubber.

[0077] To ensure a particularly effective seal around the passage of the typically conical tip of the container, at least one end face of the sealing element comprises a preferably annular area surrounding the passage of the sealing element, forming a sealing surface in a plane perpendicular to the central axis of the sealing element. This end-face sealing surface can be flat, but need not be; for example, it can be conically tapered, extending towards the center. This sealing surface is located on the side that, in the assembled position, faces the container and is in contact with the end face of the container or the end face of the tip to seal it. The sealing surface thus forms a stop.

[0078] The geometric design of the surface of the end-face sealing surface is preferably adapted to the shape of the end face of the tip to be sealed. For example, if the end face of the tip to be sealed is designed as a flat circular annular surface, it is advantageous to also design the sealing surface of the sealing element as flat. If the sealing surface is conical, a correspondingly shaped sealing surface of the sealing element can prove advantageous, for example, a concave surface.

[0079] In its mounted position, the end-face sealing surface of the sealing element forms a circumferential contact and sealing surface with the end face of the tip and preferably rests flat on the end face of the tip all around and can additionally extend into the space between the cannula and the inner wall, thereby increasing the sealing effect.

[0080] In its installed position, the cannula can communicate with the chamber of the container. This means that fluid can move from the chamber into the cannula or vice versa. In its installed position, the cannula can protrude slightly into the through-channel of the container's tip, and the resulting gap between the cannula and the through-channel is sealed by the sealing element at the tip's end.

[0081] In order to seal this free space, it is advantageous that the inner and outer diameters of the sealing element, which define the sealing surface on the outside and inside, are geometrically adapted to the front face of the container or to the tip with which they are in contact in the mounted position.

[0082] To ensure a full-surface seal, the annular sealing surface preferably has a radial extent of at least 0.5 mm, more preferably at least 0.7 mm, and particularly preferably at least 1 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the annular sealing surface has a radial extent that corresponds at least to the radial extent of the end face of the tip. A slight radial overlap of this end face by the annular sealing surface to the inside and / or outside can be advantageous in order to create the widest possible sealing surface as a contact surface between the sealing element and the tip in the mounted position.

[0083] It is advantageous if the inner diameter of the sealing element's passage is smaller or at least not larger than the inner diameter of the container's passage channel, although the inner diameter of the sealing element's passage ultimately depends on the gauge size of the cannula.

[0084] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the outer diameter of the sealing element corresponds to the outer diameter of the tip in order to avoid any protrusion relative to the tip.

[0085] Common sizes of containers and tips suitable according to the invention are specified in the standard ISO 80369-7.

[0086] To further enhance the sealing effect, the end-face sealing surface can alternatively or additionally be designed with a central, preferably frustoconical, projection. This projection can surround the central passage of the sealing element and, in the mounted position, engage or project into the through-channel of the tip, at least in its end-face region. In this way, an additional seal between the tip and the sealing element can be created particularly effectively. The advantage is that the seal between the sealing element and the through-channel is already formed within the through-channel itself, preventing fluid from entering the gap between the end faces of the tip and the sealing element. The projection also facilitates better guidance and / or positioning of the cannula within the through-channel and / or relative to the container.

[0087] The preferably frustoconical projection can also be geometrically adapted to the passage of the container to be sealed. It has proven advantageous if its axial length is dimensioned such that, in the installed position, the projection protrudes at least 0.1 mm, preferably at least 1 mm, and particularly preferably at least 2 mm, and no more than 5 mm, preferably no more than 4 mm, and particularly preferably no more than 3 mm, into the passage.

[0088] To achieve a good sealing effect, the angle between the axis of the frustoconical projection and the generatrix is ​​at least 1°, preferably at least 8° and particularly preferably at least 10° to 30°.

[0089] The self-adjustment during the assembly of the cannula assembly and container is also advantageous.

[0090] According to the invention, the cannula assembly, comprising cannula and sealing element, is to be firmly and permanently sealed to the tip of the container, in particular a syringe, syringe body, cartridge or injection device, in order to provide the inventive prefillable and / or prefilled container for storing and / or applying a fluid, for example a pharmaceutical or cosmetic preparation.

[0091] In a further aspect of the invention, an adapter is proposed for firmly and permanently sealingly connecting a cannula, in particular a cannula assembly, to the tip of a container, in particular a syringe, syringe barrel, cartridge, or injection device. This adapter makes it possible to firmly and permanently seal a cannula to the container in such a way that the aforementioned requirements, particularly with regard to shelf life and / or sterility, can be met.

[0092] The adapter according to the invention makes it possible in a particularly simple way to provide the axial and / or radial compression required to connect the cannula assembly firmly and permanently tightly to the container.

[0093] To enable the filling, closing, and reopening of such containers, particularly syringes, syringe barrels, cartridges, or injection devices, connection systems based on a so-called Luer-lock connection have been developed for the medical field. Containers for storing and administering pharmaceutical preparations are available that are equipped with a first part of a Luer-lock connection and can be closed and later reopened for administering a preparation by means of a closure comprising a second part of a Luer-lock connection. The invention also utilizes this type of connection based on the Luer-lock principle.

[0094] A Luer-Lock connection consists of a connector with an internal thread as the first part of the connection, into which a second connector with an external thread engages and can be tightened by twisting around a pivot point. The connector with the internal thread is also referred to as the male part of a Luer-Lock connection, and the connector with the external thread is also referred to as the female part of a Luer-Lock connection.

[0095] The inventors have discovered that such a connection principle, used for closing and opening a container, is also particularly suitable for connecting the cannula to the container.

[0096] The invention relates, in a further aspect, to an adapter for connecting a cannula, in particular a cannula assembly, to a container, in particular to the tip of a container such as a syringe, a syringe body, a cartridge or an injection device, wherein the adapter is designed as an elongated hollow body with an axial through-opening, a proximal end and a distal end. wherein the inner diameter of the through-hole is enlarged at the proximal end and forms a receptacle for retaining the sealing element, and wherein the proximal end further comprises an external thread as part of a Luer-Lock connection which is or can be connected to the internal thread of the container.

[0097] The terms "proximal" and "distal" refer to those ends of the adapter that, when mounted, correspond to those of the container, such as the syringe. When mounted, the proximal end of the adapter, for example, points towards the user.

[0098] The axial through-opening is therefore designed with at least two different inner diameters, with the section with the enlarged inner diameter opening towards the side of the adapter which, in the mounted position, points towards the container.

[0099] This enlarged inner diameter is advantageously geometrically matched to the outer diameter of the sealing element of the cannula assembly to be received, thus enabling the sealing element of the cannula assembly to be inserted axially into the adapter from the end face, at least partially, until a stop is formed by the transition from the diameter-enlarged through-hole to the through-hole of smaller diameter, which thereby prevents further insertion of the sealing element.

[0100] The smaller inner diameter is chosen so that the cannula, in its mounted position, can penetrate this area of ​​the adapter's through-hole, while the sealing element is held in the intended position.

[0101] Alternatively or additionally, a further positive-locking connection, i.e., one created by the interlocking of at least two connecting parts, can be established between the inner wall of the passage and the sealing element, for example by a circumferential groove. This groove can be dimensioned such that an outer section of the sealing element can snap into this groove when mounted. In this way, the sealing element can be held in the adapter in such a way that axial displacement of the sealing element relative to the adapter in both directions is prevented.

[0102] In a further embodiment, it is provided that the connection between the cannula assembly and the adapter can also be formed by material bonding, i.e., by atomic or molecular forces holding the connecting partners together.

[0103] Before the adapter is placed on the container and screwed in, the cannula assembly is preferably inserted into the adapter.

[0104] The proximal end of the adapter is advantageously provided with an external thread for secure connection to the container. This external thread is particularly useful when designed as the (female) part of a Luer-Lock connection, thus enabling it to be connected to a (male) part of a Luer-Lock connection on the container, which has a corresponding internal thread.

[0105] In this way, the adapter can be used to connect a cannula to the container and thereby seal the distal opening of the container. A major advantage is that the adapter according to the invention can be used with a variety of containers available on the market, in particular syringes, syringe bodies, cartridges or injection devices, which are equipped with a (male) Luer-lock connection with an internal thread.

[0106] Of course, it is also possible to equip the adapter with other thread shapes and thus use it with containers that have threads that do not correspond to the Luer-Lock principle.

[0107] For connection and closure, the adapter, preferably with the cannula assembly already inserted, can be placed onto the Luer-lock connection of the container and screwed on with a twisting motion. The stop in the through-opening is preferably designed such that, when the closure system is screwed on, the sealing element is pressed against the tip of the container with the predetermined axial and / or radial contact force in the intended final position, thereby achieving the desired sealing effect and sealing the through-channel of the container against the cannula.

[0108] To seal the cannula itself, which in a preferred embodiment protrudes from the distal end of the adapter in the mounted position, a further protective element is provided to secure and seal this end of the cannula in order to achieve the required sterile long-term storage capability.

[0109] According to the invention, a snap-on closure cap is therefore further provided, which can, for example, comprise a hard outer area and a sealing, elastomeric inner area. The closure cap can be snapped onto the distal end of the adapter and, with its sealing, elastomeric inner area, at least partially encompass and thus seal the protruding part of the cannula (40). In a preferred embodiment, the adapter is therefore designed at its distal end with a projection for snapping on and retaining a closure cap.

[0110] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the prefillable or pre-filled container comprises a cap designed to seal the cannula channel from the environment when in place, thus ensuring stable and sterile long-term storage. For example, when the cap is attached, the cannula can be pushed into the sealing elastomeric material in the inner area of ​​the cap, so that the elastomeric material exerts slight axial and / or radial pressure on the cannula opening when the cap is in place, thereby sealing it.

[0111] The adapter and the cannula assembly can also be manufactured and stored together as a single unit and then connected to the container. In this way, they form a closure system for the container that can be flexibly configured, for example, with different cannulas. In an advantageous embodiment, this closure system can already include the aforementioned closure cap.

[0112] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the adapter and / or the closure cap is designed in a specific color, which is selected depending on at least one property of the cannula, preferably depending on the outer diameter, the inner diameter, the length and / or the type of bevel of the cannula.

[0113] For example, a color system is defined in the EN ISO 6009 standard, which assigns a color based on the gauge size of the cannula. This allows the adapter and / or cap to be used in a particularly useful way to directly inform the user about the cannula's outer diameter. This can improve safety and access time.

[0114] In a preferred embodiment, the color of the adapter and / or the cap corresponds to the color coding according to standard EN ISO 6009, in order to provide the user with information about the outer diameter of the cannula and thus the gauge size. In this way, a user of a prefillable or pre-filled container according to the invention can quickly obtain information about the cannula properties and select the container required for the specific application very easily and reliably.

[0115] A combined color scheme is also possible, for example, a first color scheme of the adapter to give the user information about the outer diameter or gauge size of the built-in cannula, and a second color scheme of the closure cap, which gives information about the type of bevel or the length of the cannula.

[0116] The closure system according to the invention can be used, preferably with an already inserted cannula assembly, on or in a prefillable or prefilled container for storing and applying a fluid, in particular a pharmaceutical or cosmetic preparation, in order to seal the through-channel of the container and to attach a cannula.

[0117] In this way, a pre-fillable or pre-filled container, in particular a pre-fillable or pre-filled syringe, a pre-fillable or pre-filled syringe body, a pre-fillable or pre-filled cartridge or a pre-fillable or pre-filled injection device can very easily be provided "ready-to-use" for storing and / or applying a fluid, in particular a pharmaceutical or cosmetic preparation.

[0118] According to the invention, a variety of commercially available syringes, syringe bodies, cartridges or injection devices are suitable containers, preferably equipped with a (male) Luer-Lock connection with internal thread.

[0119] The great advantage of the invention is that these containers can be manufactured cost-effectively in large quantities without having to provide and connect a suitable cannula during the manufacture of the container.

[0120] Since such containers are often made of plastic and manufactured using injection molding, this greatly simplifies production. Furthermore, handling during production is also significantly easier, as there is no need to process containers with cannulas.

[0121] Furthermore, it is much easier to offer a wide variety of container sizes and cannulas without requiring extensive warehousing. This is due to the fact that, according to the invention, the container and cannula can be manufactured, stored, transported, and connected independently of each other, according to the intended use.

[0122] Containers with a volume of, for example, 0.25 ml, 0.5 ml, 0.6 ml, 1.0 ml, 1.2 ml, 1.5 ml, 2.0 ml, 2.25 ml, 3.0 ml, 5.0 ml, 10.0 ml, 20 ml or 50 ml can be very easily combined with cannulas of various gauge sizes, e.g. 27, 28, 29, 30 G and especially with cannulas with very small outer diameters with gauge sizes 31, 32, 33, or 34 G.

[0123] In addition to reducing storage costs, tooling costs can also be reduced, as the containers can be manufactured independently of the dimensions of the cannulas.

[0124] Containers suitable according to the invention can be made in one piece from a transparent material, preferably glass or plastic, wherein the plastic can comprise a thermoplastic or thermosetting plastic.

[0125] Of course, it is also possible to manufacture the container from more than one material, as described, for example, in German patent application DE 10 2014 211 018 A1, the contents of which are also incorporated into the present application. The embodiment of a container for pharmaceutical preparations described here makes it possible to utilize the excellent inert properties of glass in contact with other substances, while simultaneously enabling a connection with a Luer-lock fitting, with a fitting body made of a plastic material being provided.

[0126] The thermoplastic materials can include the plastics commonly used and approved in the medical field; therefore, the thermoplastic material can be or include a cyclo-olefin copolymer (COC), cyclo-olefin polymer (COP), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyamide (PA), polylactate (PLA), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), or polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0127] Suitable thermosetting plastics commonly used and approved in the medical field may include or consist of a cellulose acetate (CA) or a transparent thermosetting resin.

[0128] A suitable glass can be a borosilicate glass, which may have the following composition (in wt.%): SiO2 65% to 82% B 2 O3 5% to 13% ∑ Na₂O + K₂O 4% to 10% Al2O3 2% to 9% Σ CaO + MgO + BaO + SrO 0% to 5%

[0129] Preferably, such a glass may have a composition (in wt.%): SiO2 73% to 79% B 2 O3 9% to 12% Na₂O 5% - 8% K2O 0% to 0.5% Li 2 O 0% - 0,3 % Al2O3 3.5% to 7% CaO 0% - 3% BaO 0% - 1% F 0 - 0,3% Σ CaO + MgO + BaO + SrO 0% to 3%

[0130] In another embodiment, such a glass can have a composition (in wt.%): SiO2 71% to 77% B 2 O3 9% to 12% Na₂O 5,5% - 8,5% K2O 0.1% to 1.0% Li 2 O 0% - 0,3 % Al2O3 5.5% to 8% CaO 0% - 1,5% BaO 0% - 1% F 0 - 0,3% Σ CaO + MgO + BaO + SrO 0% to 2%

[0131] The prefillable or pre-filled container according to the invention is further characterized in that, in the assembled position, the contact force of the sealing element, in particular on the end face of the tip, is at least 0.1 to 30 N, preferably 5 to 20 N. Furthermore, the prefillable container according to the invention is characterized in that, in the assembled position, the contact pressure of the sealing element in the cap on the end of the cannula is at least 20 N, preferably at least 30 N.

[0132] Due to the interaction of both seals, long-term storage is made possible with regard to stability and, in the case of sterilization of the container, also sterility.

[0133] To further improve the sealing effect, the end-face sealing surface can alternatively or additionally be designed with a central, preferably frustoconical projection. In a preferred embodiment, this preferably frustoconical projection of the sealing element, when mounted, is operatively connected to the through-channel of the container's tip. In other words, the projection of the sealing element extends at least partially into the through-channel of the container to be sealed. Good sealing effects can be achieved if the projection extends at least 0.1 mm, preferably at least 1 mm, and particularly preferably at least 2 mm, and no more than 5 mm, preferably no more than 4 mm, and particularly preferably no more than 3 mm into the through-channel.

[0134] The projection that engages in the through-channel offers a further advantage, as it secures the sealing element in its position. A semicircular protrusion is also possible and can essentially be used for centering within the through-channel.

[0135] The invention therefore also relates to a pre-filled container comprising a syringe, a syringe body, a cartridge or an injection device, with a very thin cannula for injecting a fluid, for example a pharmaceutical or cosmetic preparation. The cosmetic preparation may, for example, comprise a cosmetic formulation.

[0136] The invention thus makes it possible in a particularly simple way to connect a container with a cannula of a gauge size greater than 30 G, preferably 31 G, 32 G, 33 G or 34 G.

[0137] The pre-filled container can be filled with a fluid or liquid, for example, a pharmaceutical preparation or a preferably liquid cosmetic preparation. According to the invention, a pre-filled container with a fluid or liquid, preferably a cosmetic preparation, can also be provided, characterized in that the cannula 40 has a gauge size greater than 30 G, preferably 31 G, 32 G, 33 G, or 34 G.

[0138] According to the invention, it is provided that a pre-filled container according to the invention can be stored after filling for at least one year, preferably at least two years, particularly preferably at least three years or even more than three years, while meeting the applicable sterilization requirements.

[0139] For this purpose, it is advantageous if the above-described assemblies are designed to be X-ray or gamma-ray stable and thus accessible to X-ray or gamma-ray sterilization, which reliably excludes contamination of the pre-fillable or pre-filled container.

[0140] In a further advantageous embodiment, the above-described assemblies are temperature-stable up to 121 °C and can therefore also be autoclaved.

[0141] Depending on the preparation, a filled, especially pre-filled, container can also be sterilized together with the preparation, which can significantly contribute to improved storage life, as germs inside the container can usually be excluded with a high degree of certainty.

[0142] To prevent, for example, manipulation of a container pre-filled with the closure system according to the invention, a further development of the invention provides for equipping the positive locking, i.e., the interlocking of at least two connection partners, Luer-Lock connection with additional applications which counteract unwanted opening, or opening and re-closing and / or other manipulation.

[0143] In one embodiment, a casing in the form of a seal or band can be provided, which surrounds and connects at least sections of the adapter's outer surface and the container's outer surface. The casing can be designed such that a rotational movement of the adapter to open the container results in damage to the casing, which becomes visible to a user. This prevents the container from being opened and, if necessary, resealed by rotating the closure system. In this way, a container that has been opened can be easily identified.

[0144] In another or supplementary embodiment, the Luer-lock connection, which can be released by rotation, can be further developed into a non-releasable Luer-lock connection. This can be achieved, for example, by creating a material-bonded connection between the closure system and the container, i.e., a connection held together by atomic or molecular forces, which preferably interacts with or complements the Luer-lock connection. For this purpose, a material-bonded connection point or surface between the external and internal threads can be created, for example, by applying an adhesive, by laser welding, or by UV welding, with this additional connection then curing when the container is closed.

[0145] In a surprisingly simple way, the Luer-lock connection can thus be made permanently sealed. This ensures that a container pre-filled with fluid, and therefore the fluid itself, cannot be tampered with.

[0146] Further details of the invention will become apparent from the description of the illustrated embodiments and the attached claims. The drawings show:

[0147] Fig. 1 shows a sectional view of a container, a cannula assembly comprising a sealing element and a cannula, an adapter and a cap, as essential components of a prefillable or pre-filled container according to the invention in a preferred embodiment, wherein the section plane runs approximately centrally through the aforementioned components and includes their center line. Fig. 2 shows a sectional view of a container with a cannula assembly pushed onto it, comprising a sealing element and a cannula, wherein the section plane runs approximately centrally through these components and includes their center line. Fig. 3 shows a sectional view of the cannula assembly made of Fig. 2, wherein the cutting plane runs approximately centrally through the cannula assembly and includes its centerline, Fig. 4 a sectional view of an adapter of a preferred embodiment, wherein the cutting plane runs approximately centrally through the adapter and includes its centerline, Fig. 5 a sectional view of a closure system comprising a cannula assembly according to Fig. 3 and an adapter to Fig. 4 as well as a cap, wherein the sectioning plane runs approximately centrally through these components and includes their center line, Fig. 6 a container in the example of a syringe in a sectional view, wherein the sectioning plane runs approximately centrally through the container and includes its center line, and Fig. 7 a prefillable container of a preferred embodiment, comprising a container as shown in Fig. 6 depicted, as well as a locking system, as shown in Fig. 5is shown in a sectional view in which the section plane runs approximately through the center of the container and encompasses its center line. Detailed description of preferred embodiments

[0148] For the sake of clarity, in the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, identical reference numerals denote essentially identical parts in or on these embodiments. However, to better illustrate the invention, the preferred embodiments depicted in the figures are not always drawn to scale.

[0149] In Fig. 1In a sectional view of an exemplary embodiment, a container 10, a cannula assembly 20 comprising a sealing element 30 and a cannula 40, an adapter 60 and a closure cap 70 are shown as essential components of the prefillable or prefilled container 1 according to the invention for storing and / or applying a fluid, in particular a pharmaceutical or cosmetic preparation.

[0150] In the illustrated example, without limitation to the illustrated embodiment, container 10 is a syringe with a Luer-Lock connection with internal thread and a chamber volume of 10 ml.

[0151] A prefillable or pre-filled container 1 for storing and / or applying a fluid, in particular a pharmaceutical or cosmetic preparation, is disclosed, comprising a container 10, in particular a syringe, with a syringe body, a cartridge or an injection device, with a chamber 13 for receiving the fluid, further comprising a cannula assembly 20, wherein the cannula assembly has a cannula 40 and a sealing element 30 and the cannula assembly 20 is attachable to the container 10, and comprising a closure cap 70, wherein an outer channel opening 43 of the cannula 40 projects into a sealing, elastomeric inner area 72 of the closure cap 70 and the latter seals the channel opening 43, wherein the chamber 13 is fluid-tightly closed by radial and / or axial compression of the sealing element 30 and by sealing the channel opening 43 by means of the closure cap 70. is.

[0152] The invention therefore also discloses a format-flexible, cannula-flexible, pre-assembled, pre-filled syringe with Luer-Lock, or a stack needle with adapter pre-assembled on the Luer-Lock, with long-term tight sealing, which, in a modular design, makes it easy to integrate all variants of cannulas, and especially the very thin ones (from, for example, 31 to 34 G), into the system.

[0153] The adapter 60 and the cannula assembly 20 according to the invention can be used with different containers 10, comprising syringes, syringe bodies, cartridges or injection devices with different chamber volumes, preferably in a range of 0.6 ml to 50 ml, made of both glass and plastic. The container 10 in the exemplary embodiment has a Luer-lock connection with an internal thread 11.

[0154] The cannula assembly 20 and the adapter 60 serve to connect the cannula 40 to the container 10 in order to provide the prefillable or pre-filled container 1 according to the invention for storing and / or applying a fluid, for example, a pharmaceutical or cosmetic preparation. The container 1 can be filled with the fluid and the pre-filled container stored before the fluid can be applied using the cannula 40. In the exemplary embodiment, the container 10 is cylindrical and elongated and has a central chamber 13 for receiving the fluid. The chamber 11 is axially bounded by a proximal end 15 and a distal end 14. The distal end 14 points away from the hand of the person handling the container when applying the fluid.

[0155] The terms distal and proximal are also used analogously for the other components of the container 1 according to the invention and refer to the corresponding sides or directions of these components in the assembled position.

[0156] The proximal end 15 of the chamber 11 comprises an opening 16 into which a plug can be inserted to expel a filled fluid axially towards the oppositely arranged distal end 14 from the chamber 11 by means of a plug movement, for example via a piston rod or hydraulically driven. A fluid can be drawn into the chamber 11 by means of a reverse movement.

[0157] The distal end 14 of the container 10 is formed with a through-channel 17, which is surrounded by a point 12. A fluid (not shown) filled into the chamber 11 can then be expelled through this through-channel 17 by a corresponding stopper movement, or a fluid can be drawn into the chamber 11 through this through-channel 17 by a reverse stopper movement. The reference numeral 18 indicates the central axis of the container 10, shown with a dashed line. It also serves as the reference axis for the other components.

[0158] An essential component of the invention is the cannula assembly 20, which is exemplified in an embodiment in Fig. 3 schematically represented in a sectional view.

[0159] The Fig. 2Figure 1 additionally shows a sectional view of a container 10 with a cannula assembly 20 attached, comprising a sealing element 30 and a cannula 40. The cannula assembly according to the [reference to the figure]. Figures 2 and 3 The embodiment shown includes a cylindrically symmetrical sealing element 30 with an axial passage 31, and a cannula 40 with a continuous channel 41, wherein the cannula 40 is arranged coaxially to the sealing element 30 and at least partially within the passage 31 of the sealing element 30, and wherein a section of the outer surface 42 of the cannula 40 is firmly connected to the sealing element 30 by a material and / or form-fitting connection, and wherein at least one end face 33 of the sealing element 30 comprises an annular region surrounding the passage 31, which forms an end-face sealing surface 32 in a plane perpendicular to the central axis 18 of the sealing element 30.

[0160] As explained above, a material-bonded connection means that the bonding partners are held together by atomic or molecular forces. A form-fit connection means that at least two bonding partners interlock in such a way that they lie close together, and this close contact also provides a fluid-tight seal.

[0161] The axial passage 31 of the sealing element 30 serves to receive the cannula 40, i.e., a hollow needle or an injection needle with a continuous channel 41, which is preferably used in the medical field. The connection between the sealing element 30 and the cannula 40 is designed to be liquid- and / or gas-tight in accordance with the invention.

[0162] The invention makes it possible, in a particularly advantageous manner, to use cannulas of 27 G to 30 G, preferably 31 G and 32 G, and especially preferably 33 G and 34 G and above. This is particularly advantageous for the patient-friendly application of a pharmaceutical preparation.

[0163] The very small diameter of the cannula used according to the invention significantly reduces pain for the patient during both injections and the withdrawal of bodily fluids. This is extremely advantageous for injecting or applying medical preparations in oral surgery, particularly the injection of an anesthetic into the patient's oral cavity, as the oral cavity is typically characterized by heightened pain sensitivity.

[0164] However, the injection or application of a medical preparation in ophthalmology, in particular for suppressing eyelid reflexes or dilating a patient's pupils, is also greatly supported, because the small cannula diameter usable according to the invention leads only to very small injuries or tissue damage, which, according to experience, close up very quickly during the healing process.

[0165] When injecting or applying a medical preparation in nephrology, especially for the application of marker substances to track fluid dynamic processes, even very small vessels can now be reached, and higher accuracy in the recording of fluid dynamic processes is also achieved in robotic 3D-controlled applications.

[0166] Essentially the same advantages also occur when injecting or applying a medical preparation in nuclear medicine for the application of radioactively emitting isotopes, for example for tumor treatment, whereby active ingredients of the respective preparation can then be administered with less pain and in a more precise dose both locally and quantitatively.

[0167] The injection or application of a cosmetic preparation, such as hyaluronic acid or a Botox-based preparation, is also perceived as less unpleasant with the articles according to the invention.

[0168] The use of a pre-filled container, as disclosed herein, is advantageous for the sterile storage of a pharmaceutical or cosmetic preparation for a storage period of more than one, preferably more than two, and particularly preferably more than three years.

[0169] In the illustrated embodiment, the cannula has a size of 34 G only as an example.

[0170] The cannula 40 is arranged in the sealing element 30 in the assembled position such that it completely penetrates the sealing element 30. In this embodiment, the protrusion on the side with the end-face sealing surface 32 is approximately 0.2 mm, whereby a protrusion in the range of 0.1 mm to 3 mm, preferably up to 2 mm, is advantageous to prevent the sealing element from covering the entrance of the hollow needle.

[0171] In this embodiment, the overhang on the opposite side is approximately 4 cm, with an overhang in a range of approximately 0.6 cm (2 / 8 inch) to approximately 5 cm (2 inch) being advantageous to provide the necessary clearance between the cannula 40 and the container 10 during use.

[0172] The sealing element 30 is made of an elastomeric material and comprises a thermoplastic elastomer, in particular butyl, chlorobutyl, bromobutyl or polyisoprene rubber. It is approved for use in contact with a pharmaceutical preparation.

[0173] In order to provide a sufficiently wide sealing surface between the end face of the tip 12 and the end face sealing surface 32, the end face sealing surface 32 has a radial dimension of about 0.8 mm, whereby a dimension of at least 0.5 mm, preferably at least 0.7 mm and particularly preferably at least 1 mm is considered advantageous.

[0174] To further improve the sealing effect and to achieve radial compression in addition to axial compression during sealing, the sealing surface 32 in the exemplary embodiment is designed with a central projection 36. In the exemplary embodiment, this projection 36 is frustoconical, which enables particularly easy assembly through self-adjustment during the connection of the cannula assembly 20 and the container 10 and also ensures uniform radial compression.

[0175] The radial compression, particularly in embodiments with a frustoconical projection 36, can be influenced by the slope or angle between the central axis of the sealing element 18 and the generatrix of the frustoconical projection. Preferably, this angle is at least 1°, more preferably at least 8°, and most preferably at least 10° to 30°.

[0176] In its assembled position, the central projection 36 engages at least partially in or projects into the passage channel 17. This allows for a particularly effective increase in the sealing effect between the opening of the passage channel 17 and the sealing element 30. A further advantage is that the seal between the sealing element 30 and the passage channel 17 is already formed within the passage channel 17 itself, preventing any fluid from entering the gap between the end faces of the tip 17 and the sealing element 30.

[0177] The cannula assembly 20 can be placed on the tip 12 of the container 10. Holding the cannula assembly 20 on the tip 12 and generating the required compression in an axial and / or radial direction is achieved by means of the adapter 60 according to the invention, which is Fig. 4 shown in a sectional view in an exemplary embodiment.

[0178] Adapter 60 and cannula assembly 20 can together constitute the closure system 50 according to the invention for containers 10 in order to produce a prefillable or prefilled container 1. A closure system 50 is in Fig. 5 shown in a sectional view, comprising a cannula assembly according to the embodiment of the Fig. 3 and an adapter according to the embodiment of the Fig. 4 The locking system 50 of the Fig. 5 It also includes a closure cap 70, which is pushed onto and held in place by the adapter 60.

[0179] The adapter 60 serves to connect the cannula 40 to the container 10. It is designed as an elongated hollow body with an axial through-opening 61, a proximal end 65 and a distal end 64. wherein the inner diameter of the through-hole 61 is enlarged at the proximal end 65 and forms a receptacle 66 for retaining the sealing element 30, and wherein the proximal end 15 further comprises an external thread 62 as part of a Luer-Lock connection, which is or can be connected to the internal thread 11 of the container 10. Elongated here means that the adapter 60 has, at least in accordance with the standards cited below, the length of a Luer-Lock external thread or a Luer-Lock connection (also referred to as female) in the direction of the center line 18.

[0180] The external thread 62 of the adapter 60 is designed as the (female) part of a Luer-Lock connection and thus complies with the relevant standards ISO 11040, ISO 80369-1 and ISO 80369-7.

[0181] The receptacle 66 is geometrically adapted to the outer geometry of the sealing element 30 of the cannula assembly 20 to be received, thus enabling the sealing element 30 to be axially inserted into the adapter 60 from the end face, at least partially, until a stop 63 is reached. This stop is formed by the transition from the through-hole, which has an enlarged inner diameter, to the smaller inner diameter, and prevents further insertion of the sealing element 30. In this embodiment, the receptacle 66 is designed to taper inwards, corresponding to the outer contour of the sealing element 30. This allows the sealing element 30 to be axially inserted into the receptacle 66 with minimal force and to be radially centered within it.

[0182] In this embodiment, the adapter 60 further has a projection 67 that allows the closure cap 70 to be attached to the distal end 64 and held in the intended position. The closure cap 70 is designed, when mounted, to protect the portion of the cannula 40 that protrudes from the adapter 60 and to seal the outer channel opening 43 of the channel 41 of the cannula 40 tightly, i.e., in a liquid- and / or gas-tight manner, in accordance with the invention.

[0183] In this embodiment, the adapter 60 also has a mounting ring 68, which is designed as a hexagonal ring. This facilitates handling and thus makes it easier for a user to mount the adapter on or to the container 10.

[0184] In the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 5The cannula assembly 20 is inserted into the adapter 60 to the intended position. In this embodiment, the closure cap 70, which is attached to the adapter 60 and held in place by the projection 67, has a hard outer area 71 and a sealing, elastomeric inner area 72. The portion of the cannula 40 projecting from the adapter 60 extends at least partially into the elastomeric inner area 72 of the closure cap 70. To ensure a reliable seal, the cannula 40 should, in its assembled position, project at least 2 mm, preferably at least 3 mm, and particularly preferably at least 4 mm or more, into the elastomeric inner area 72. In this case, when the closure cap 70 is in place, the elastomeric material 72 exerts a slight axial and / or radial pressure on the channel opening 43 of the cannula 40, thus sealing it tightly in accordance with the invention.

[0185] This seal enables the channel 41 of the cannula 40 to be sealed against the environment in a liquid- and / or gas-tight manner. In this way, the required stable and sterile long-term storage capability can also be guaranteed.

[0186] Fig. 6 Figure 1 shows a container 10 suitable according to the invention in a sectional view, using a syringe as an example. In this example, the container 10 is made of a transparent material, in this example the thermoplastic cycloolefin polymer (COP). Other materials, such as thermosetting plastics or glass, are also suitable as materials for the container 10.

[0187] Suitable thermoplastic polymers include cyclo-olefin copolymer (COC), cyclo-olefin polymer (COP), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyamide (PA), polylactate (PLA), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0188] Suitable thermosetting plastics include or consist of a cellulose acetate (CA) or a transparent thermosetting resin.

[0189] Suitable glasses include a borosilicate glass, preferably with a composition (in wt.%): SiO2 65% to 82% B2O3 5% to 13% ∑ Na₂O + K₂O 4% to 10% Al2O3 2% to 9% CaO + MgO 0% to 5%

[0190] Fig. 7 Finally, a further sectional view shows a pre-fillable container 1 for storing and / or applying a fluid, for example a pharmaceutical or cosmetic preparation.

[0191] The prefillable container 1 according to the invention comprises a container 10, for example a syringe as in Fig. 2 or 6 shown, and a mounted locking system 50, as shown in Fig. 5 shown, with a cannula assembly 20 according to the embodiment in Fig. 3 and an adapter 60 according to the embodiment in Fig. 4 .

[0192] For illustrative purposes only, a stopper 19 is shown, which closes the opening 16 at the proximal end 15 of the container. A fluid, for example a pharmaceutical or cosmetic preparation, can be filled into the chamber 13.

[0193] The closure system 50 and the container 60 are connected to each other by means of a Luer-lock connection. In the assembled position, the cannula 40 is in fluid contact with the chamber 13 of the container. The adapter 60 makes it possible to connect a cannula 40, preferably a cannula with a gauge size greater than 30 G, preferably 31 G, 32 G, 33 G or 34 G, firmly and permanently leak-proof to the container 10.

[0194] The locking system 50 generates a contact force of at least 0.1 to 30 N, preferably 5 to 20 N, on the front face of the tip 12 in the mounted position of the sealing element 30.

[0195] The invention makes it possible in a particularly simple way to connect a container 10 with a and in this way to provide the inventive prefillable or prefilled container 1.

[0196] In a container 1 prefilled according to the invention, the chamber 13 is at least partially filled with a fluid. The fluid can comprise a pharmaceutical preparation or, preferably, a liquid cosmetic preparation.

[0197] According to the invention, a pre-filled container 1 containing a liquid, preferably a cosmetic preparation, can thus also be provided, characterized in that the cannula 40 has a gauge size greater than 30 G, preferably 31 G, 32 G, 33 G or 34 G. Reference symbol list:

[0198] 1 pre-fillable or pre-filled container 10 Container 11 Luer-Lock internal thread 12 Tip 13 Chamber 14 Distal end 15 Proximal end 16 Opening 17 Through channel 18 Center axis 19 Plug 20 cannula assembly 30 Sealing element 31 Passage 32 Front sealing surface 33 Front side 34 Distal end 35 Proximal end 36 Projection 37 Shell line 40 Cannula 41 Channel 42 Sheath surface 43 Cannula opening 50 locking system 60 Adapter 61 Through opening 62 External thread 63 Stop 64 Distal end 65 Proximal end 66 Receptacle 67 Attachment 68 Mounting ring 70 Closure cap 71 Outer area 72 Elastomeric inner area

Claims

1. A prefillable or prefilled container (1) for storing and / or applying a fluid, in particular a pharmaceutical or cosmetic preparation, comprising a receptacle (10) with a cavity (13) for holding the fluid; furthermore comprising a cannula assembly (20); wherein said cannula assembly comprises a cannula (40) and a sealing element (30), wherein the cannula (40) is flush with the sealing element (30) on the side facing the cavity (13) in the assembled position, wherein at least one end face (33) of the sealing element (30), which faces the receptacle in the assembled position, comprises a zone surrounding a bore (31), which defines an end-side sealing surface (32) in a plane perpendicular to the central axis (18) of the sealing element (30); and wherein said cannula assembly (20) can be attached to the receptacle (10); and comprising a closure cap (70); wherein an external channel opening (43) of the cannula (40) projects into a sealing elastomeric interior (72) of the closure cap (70), which seals the channel opening (43); wherein the cavity (13) is closed in a fluid-tight manner by virtue of a radial and / or axial compression of the sealing element (30) and by virtue of the sealing of the channel opening (43) by the closure cap (70).

2. The prefillable or prefilled container (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the receptacle (10) comprises a body having a proximal end (15) and a distal end (14), and the distal end (14) having an axial through-passage (17) with a tip (12) surrounding the through-passage (17), and wherein the distal end (14) comprises an internal thread (11) as part of a Luer-lock connection, wherein the sealing element (30) of the cannula assembly (20) preferably comprises a cylindrically symmetrical sealing element (30) having an axial bore (31) and the cannula (40), wherein the cannula (40) is preferably arranged coaxially relative to the sealing element (30) and at least partially inside the axial bore (31) of the sealing element (30), wherein a section of the lateral surface (42) of the cannula (40) is preferably firmly coupled to the sealing element (30) by a material bond or in a form-fitting manner; and further comprising an adapter (60) for connecting the cannula assembly (20) to the tip (12) of the receptacle (10), wherein the adapter (60) is in particular designed as an elongated hollow body having an axial through-opening (61), a proximal end (65) and a distal end (64), wherein the inner diameter of the through-opening (61) is widened at the proximal end (65) to form a seat (66) for holding the sealing element (30), with the proximal end (65) further comprising an external thread (62) as part of a Luer-lock connection, which is or can be coupled to the internal thread of the receptacle (10), wherein in the assembled position the cannula assembly (20) is inserted in the seat (66) and seals the through-passage (17) when the adapter (60) is connected to the receptacle (10), and wherein in the assembled position the cannula (40) is in communication with the cavity (13).

3. The container (1) according to any one of the two preceding claims, characterized in that the receptacle (10) is made of a transparent material, preferably of glass or plastics material, preferably comprising a thermoplastic or thermosetting plastics material.

4. The container (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the container (1) is made of a thermoplastic material and the thermoplastic material comprises or is made of a cyclic olefin copolymer (COC), cyclic olefin polymer (COP), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), polyamide (PA), polylactic acid (PLA), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

5. The container (1) according to the preceding claim 3, characterized in that the container (1) is made of a thermosetting plastics material and the thermosetting plastics material comprises or is made of a cellulose acetate (CA) or a transparent thermosetting resin.

6. The container (1) according to the preceding claim 3, characterized in that the container (1) is made of glass and the glass is a borosilicate glass, preferably with a composition (in wt%) of: SiO265 % to 82 %,B2O35 % to 13 %,Σ Na2O + K2O4 % to 10 %,Al2O32 % to 9 %,Σ CaO + MgO0 % to 5 %.

7. The container (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cannula (40) has a gauge size of 27G to 30G, preferably 31G, 32G, 33G or 34G.

8. The container (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, on the side of the end-side sealing surface (32), the cannula (40) projects from the sealing element (30) by 0.1 mm to 3 mm, preferably up to 2 mm, and / or projects from the sealing element (30) on the opposite side by approximately 0.6 cm (2 / 8 inch) to approximately 5 cm (2 inches).

9. The container (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the end-side sealing surface (32) comprises a central, preferably frustoconical projection (36) surrounding the central bore (31), and which preferably engages or projects into the through-passage (17), at least sections thereof.

10. The container (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the angle between the central axis (18) and the generatrix (37) of the frustoconical projection (36) is at least 1°, preferably at least 8°, and most preferably at least 10° to 30°.

11. The container (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adapter (60), at its distal end (64), comprises a lug (67) for fitting and retaining the closure cap (70).

12. The container (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, including a fluid or a liquid, preferably a cosmetic preparation, characterized in that the cannula (40) has a gauge size of greater than 30G, preferably 31G, 32G, 33G or 34G.

13. The container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container comprises a syringe with a syringe body, a cartridge or an injection device.

14. The container (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the end face (33) of the sealing element (30) facing the receptacle in the assembled position comprises an annular zone surrounding a bore (31).

15. Use of a prefilled container according to any one of claims 1 to 14 for sterile storage of a pharmaceutical or cosmetic preparation over a storage period of more than one, preferably more than two, most preferably more than three years.