Drug delivery device having shock absorber

Abstract

A drug delivery device is provided that includes a housing, a drug reservoir, a plunger, a plunger biasing member, a releaser, and a shock absorber. The housing defines a longitudinal axis and has an opening. The drug reservoir includes a barrel, a stopper, and a delivery member, the stopper being movably disposed within the barrel. The delivery member is disposed at a distal end of the barrel and has an insertion end configured to extend at least partially through the opening during a delivery state. The plunger is movable toward the distal end of the drug reservoir to engage the stopper and release the drug from the drug reservoir through the delivery member. The plunger biasing member is coupled to the plunger and configured to bias the plunger toward the distal end of the drug reservoir. The releaser member has a first position in which the releaser member prevents the plunger from transitioning to the delivery state and a second position in which the releaser member does not prevent the plunger from transitioning to the delivery state. The shock absorber is configured to absorb impact forces to prevent unintended movement of the releaser member.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS Priority is claimed from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 211,904, filed June 17, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to drug delivery devices, and more particularly to devices for automatically injecting a drug into a patient. [Background technology]

[0003] A general aversion to exposed needles, as well as health and safety concerns, have led to the development of drug delivery devices that hide the needle or other insertion member prior to use and automate various aspects of the injection process. Such devices offer various advantages over traditional forms of drug delivery, including, for example, delivery via a traditional syringe.

[0004] The drug delivery device can incorporate various mechanisms for implementing various automated or semi-automated features. Such features include, among other features, automatically covering the needle to a pre-delivery and / or post-delivery state, automatically inserting the needle and / or cannula into the user, automatically activating the drive mechanism, automatically indicating to the user that drug delivery is complete, and locking the guard into a needle-covering position after drug delivery is complete. Certain such features are activated, for example, by the application of an external force by the user. Such features may be prone to premature or inadvertent activation if the drug delivery device is subjected to sudden unintended forces or movements during manufacture, shipping, storage, and / or other handling of the device.

[0005] For example, if a drug delivery device is dropped from a height and impacts a stationary surface such as the ground, the drug delivery device may be subjected to a significant impact force. This impact force has the potential to prematurely activate automated or semi-automated features and / or cause structural damage to the drug delivery device. The likelihood of such problems increases when the drug delivery device has just been removed from cryogenic storage required for the drug delivery device containing a particular drug. In cold conditions, various components of the drug delivery device may be relatively fragile and therefore susceptible to destruction or damage as a result of a sudden impact.

[0006] The present disclosure describes drug delivery devices that embody advantageous alternatives to existing drug delivery devices and device housing features and that may address one or more of the problems or needs set forth herein. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An aspect of the present disclosure provides a drug delivery device including a housing, a drug reservoir, a plunger, a plunger biasing member, a releaser, and a shock absorber. The housing may define a longitudinal axis and have an opening. The drug reservoir may include a barrel, a stopper, and a delivery member, the stopper being movably disposed within the barrel. The delivery member may be disposed at a distal end of the barrel and have an insertion end configured to extend at least partially through the opening during a delivery state. The plunger may be movable toward the distal end of the drug reservoir to engage the stopper and release the drug from the drug reservoir through the delivery member. The plunger biasing member may be coupled to the plunger and configured to bias the plunger toward the distal end of the drug reservoir. The releaser member may have a first position in which the releaser member prevents the plunger from transitioning to the delivery state and a second position in which the releaser member does not prevent the plunger from transitioning to the delivery state. The shock absorber may be configured to absorb impact forces to prevent unintended movement of the releaser member.

[0008] The housing may include a tubular housing and a rear cap operatively coupled to one another, and the shock absorber may include the rear cap. The rear cap may be movable relative to the tubular housing.

[0009] The shock absorber may include a snap ring configured to allow relative movement between the rear cap and the tubular housing.

[0010] The shock absorber may include an annular ridge configured to be received by a snap ring. The snap ring may include a ramped surface configured to permit distal movement of the rear cap upon application of an impact force and to bias the rear cap to move proximally after dissipation of the impact force. The ramped surface may be defined by a plurality of longitudinal ribs.

[0011] The device may include a cushioning gap between the rear cap and the tubular housing. The cushioning gap may define a distance between the rear cap and the tubular housing.

[0012] The device may include a plunger guide configured to operably couple the rear cap and the tubular housing. The plunger guide may define an annular ridge that is received by a snap ring of the rear cap, and the plunger guide may further define a second annular ridge that is configured to be received by a second annular ring.

[0013] A plunger guide may be configured to operably couple the tubular housing and the rear cap, and the plunger guide may define an annular ridge.

[0014] The drug delivery device may be, but is not limited to, an autoinjector.

[0015] The tubular housing may define a generally cylindrical shape.The tubular housing may define a non-cylindrical shape, such as a generally oval or elliptical shape.

[0016] The tubular housing and the rear cap may be defined by a single monolithic structure, and the shock absorber may include a flexible or compressible portion that joins the tubular housing and the rear cap.

[0017] The present disclosure will be more fully understood when the following description is taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Some of the drawings may be simplified by omitting selected elements to more clearly show other elements. The omission of such elements in some of the drawings does not necessarily indicate the presence or absence of the particular element in any of the example embodiments, unless explicitly depicted in the corresponding written description. Additionally, none of the drawings are necessarily drawn to scale. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] 1A-1C are perspective views of an exemplary drug delivery device according to various embodiments including a shock absorber configured to absorb impact forces. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the drug delivery device of FIG. 1. [Figure 3A] 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the drug delivery device of FIG. 1 with the shock absorber in a first position where the device has not been subjected to an impact event or its aftermath. [Figure 3B] 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the drug delivery device of FIG. 1, the housing being in a second position during an impact event or its aftermath. [Figure 4A] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a portion of the drug delivery device of FIG. 1, namely the drive mechanism. [Figure 4B] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the drug delivery device of FIG. 1. [Diagram 5] 13A-13C are cross-sectional views of a rear cap that may be utilized as part of a shock absorber according to various embodiments of a drug delivery device. [Figure 6] 13 is a cross-sectional view of another rear cap that may be utilized as part of a shock absorber according to various aspects of a drug delivery device. [Figure 7] 13 is a cross-sectional view of yet another rear cap that may be utilized as part of a shock absorber according to various embodiments of a drug delivery device. [Figure 8] 13 is a cross-sectional view of another rear cap that may be utilized as part of a shock absorber according to various aspects of a drug delivery device. [Figure 9A] A cross-sectional view of a portion of a housing and plunger guide that may be utilized as part of a shock absorber according to various embodiments of a drug delivery device, with the housing in a first position where the device is not subjected to an impact event or its aftermath. [Figure 9B] 9B is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the housing and plunger guide shown in FIG. 9A, with the housing in a second position during an impact event or its aftermath. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] The present disclosure generally relates to a drug delivery device operable for a user to administer a drug or for self-administration of a drug when the patient is the user. The drug delivery device may include a housing, a drug reservoir, a plunger, a plunger biasing member, a releaser, and a shock absorber. The housing may define a longitudinal axis and have an opening. The drug reservoir may include a barrel, a stopper, and a delivery member, the stopper being movably disposed within the barrel. The delivery member may be disposed at a distal end of the barrel and has an insertion end configured to extend at least partially through the opening during a delivery state. The plunger may be movable toward a distal end of the drug reservoir to engage the stopper and release the drug from the drug reservoir through the delivery member. A plunger biasing member may be coupled to the plunger and configured to bias the plunger toward the distal end of the drug reservoir. The releaser member may have a first position in which the releaser member prevents the plunger from transitioning to the delivery state and a second position in which the releaser member does not prevent the plunger from transitioning to the delivery state. The shock absorber may be configured to absorb impact forces to prevent unintended movement of the releaser member.

[0020] The shock absorber of the present disclosure may allow the cap or certain portions thereof to move relative to other components of the device (e.g., housing) to reduce or attenuate at least some of the mechanical effects of an externally applied force, including reducing acceleration and / or deceleration caused by the externally applied force. Thus, the shock absorber may prevent or impede the actuation of one or more automated or semi-automated features included in the drug delivery device, including, among others, a drive mechanism, a releaser, for releasing the drug. In addition, the shock absorbing feature of the present disclosure may prevent or impede damage to the drug delivery device, including the cap, that may otherwise result from an externally applied force. For example, the shock absorber may reduce the likelihood of breaks or cracks forming in the cap and / or other portions of the drug delivery device if a user accidentally drops the drug delivery device after removing it from cryogenic storage. These and other advantages will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon consideration of the present disclosure.

[0021] 1-3 show several views of an embodiment of a drug delivery device 10 for delivering a drug, which may also be referred to herein as a medicament or drug product. The drug may be, but is not limited to, various biological agents such as peptides, peptibodies, or antibodies. The drug may be in fluid or liquid form, although the present disclosure is not limited to a particular condition.

[0022] Various implementations and configurations of the drug delivery device 10 are possible. This embodiment of the drug delivery device 10 is configured as a single-use, disposable injector. In other embodiments, the drug delivery device 10 may be configured as a multiple-use, reusable injector. The drug delivery device 10 is operable for self-administration by a patient or administration by a caregiver or formally trained healthcare provider (e.g., a doctor or nurse). The exemplary drug delivery device shown in the figures may take the form of an auto-injector or pen injector and thus may be held in the hand of a user for the duration of drug delivery, but may also or alternatively be suitable for other drug delivery devices and / or configurations.

[0023] The configuration of the various components included in the drug delivery device 10 may depend on the operational state of the drug delivery device 10. The drug delivery device 10 may have a storage state, a pre-delivery state, a delivery or dispensing state, and a post-delivery state, although fewer or more states are possible. For example, each state may have several sub-states or stages. The storage state may correspond to the configuration of the drug delivery device 10 of FIGS. 1-3, where the delivery device includes a removable cap in a storage position. In some embodiments, the storage state may exist in the time between when the drug delivery device 10 leaves the manufacturing facility and when the patient or other user removes the removable cap. The pre-delivery stage may correspond to the configuration of the drug delivery device 10 after the removable cap has been removed, but before the actuation of the drive mechanism by the user. This may include the moment after the user removes the removable cap while the user is initially positioning the drug delivery device 10 relative to an injection site, but before dispensing begins. The delivery state may correspond to the configuration of the drug delivery device 10 while drug delivery, also referred to herein as dispensing, is ongoing. The post-delivery state may correspond to the configuration of the drug delivery device 10 after drug delivery is completed and / or when the stopper is placed in an end-of-dose position within the drug reservoir.

[0024] 1-4B, the drug delivery device 10 includes an outer casing or housing 12. In some embodiments, the housing 12 may be sized and dimensioned to allow a person to grasp the injector 10 in one hand. The housing 12 may have a generally elongated shape, such as a cylindrical shape, and extend along a longitudinal axis A between a proximal end and a distal end. An opening 14 (FIG. 2) may be formed at the distal end (the bottom end in FIGS. 1-3) to allow an insertion end 28 of the delivery member 16 to extend outside the housing 12. A transparent or translucent inspection window 17 may be disposed in a wall of the housing 12 to allow a user to view components within the drug delivery device 10, including the drug reservoir 20. Viewing the drug reservoir 20 through the window 17 may allow a user to verify that drug delivery is in progress and / or is complete. At the distal end of the device, a removable cap 19 may cover the opening 14 prior to use of the drug delivery device 10 and may in some embodiments include a gripper 13 configured to aid in the removal of a removable sterility barrier 21 (e.g., rigid needle shield (RNS), non-rigid needle shield (nRNS), etc.) attached to the insertion end 28 of the delivery member 16. The gripper 13 may include one or more inwardly projecting barbs or arms that frictionally or otherwise mechanically engage the removable sterility barrier 21 to pull the removable sterility barrier 21 along with the removable cap 19 when a user separates the removable cap 19 from the housing 12. Thus, removing the removable cap 19 has the effect of removing the removable sterility barrier 21 from the delivery member 16.

[0025] In some embodiments, the housing 12 may include two separate interconnected structures, namely, a rear end cap 23 (e.g., a rear cover) at the proximal end of the drug delivery device 10 and a tubular housing 25 that extends substantially entirely along the length of the drug delivery device 10 and defines the opening 14. Additionally or alternatively, the housing 12 may include fewer or more components, e.g., a two-part tubular housing having a front portion and a rear portion. The tubular housing 25 may have a hollow, generally cylindrical or tubular shape, and the rear end cap 23 may have a generally hemispherical or hollow cylindrical shape with an open end and a closed end. In some embodiments, the rear end cap 23 and the tubular housing 25, as well as any components disposed therein, may be assembled together to define different subassemblies. In alternative embodiments, the housing 12 may be assembled in one piece such that the housing 12 is defined by a single monolithic structure that integrates the rear cap and the tubular housing into a single component. In such one-piece housing embodiments, the housing may include a flexible or compressible portion that acts as a shock absorber.

[0026] The drug storage container 20 is disposed within the interior space of the housing 12 and is configured to contain a drug. The drug storage container 20 may be pre-filled and shipped, for example, by a manufacturer to a location where the drug storage container 20 is combined with the remainder of the drug delivery device 10. For example, the drug 22 may be delivered and / or provided to a patient in more than one use case, such as as a pre-filled syringe or an auto-injector including a pre-filled syringe. By using the same or similar syringe components in each case, at least some of the above steps, such as filling, labeling, packaging, shipping and distribution, may be streamlined or simplified for the two different use cases. As another example, when using some or all of the same syringe components in the multiple use cases, some regulatory pathways for selling and / or distributing the drug may be streamlined and / or simplified for at least one of the multiple use cases.

[0027] The drug storage container 20 may include a rigid wall defining an internal bore, i.e., reservoir. The wall may be made of glass or plastic. The stopper 24 may be movably disposed within the drug storage container 20 such that it may move distally along the longitudinal axis A between the proximal and distal ends of the drug storage container 20. The stopper 24 may be made of rubber or any other suitable material. The stopper 24 may be in slidable and sealing contact with the inner surface 15 of the wall of the drug storage container 20 to prevent or impede leakage of the drug 22 past the stopper 24 while the stopper 24 is moving. Distal movement of the stopper 24 releases the drug 22 from the reservoir of the drug storage container 20 into the delivery member 16. The proximal end of the drug storage container 20 may be open to allow the plunger 26 to extend into the drug storage container 20 and push the stopper 24 distally. In this embodiment, the plunger 26 and the stopper 24 are initially spaced apart by the gap 18. Upon actuation of the drive mechanism 30, the plunger 26 moves distally to close the gap 18 and contact the stopper 24. Subsequent distal movement of the plunger 26 drives the stopper 24 distally to release the drug 22 from the drug reservoir 20. In an alternative embodiment, the stopper 24 and the plunger 26 may initially be in contact with each other or may be coupled to each other, for example via a threaded connection, so that they move together from the beginning of the movement of the plunger 26. Once moved, the stopper 24 may continue to move distally until it contacts a proximally facing portion of the inner surface 15 of the wall of the drug reservoir 20. This position of the stopper 24 may be referred to as an end-of-dosing or end-of-delivery position and may correspond to when delivery of the drug 22 to the patient is complete or substantially complete.

[0028] In some embodiments, the volume of drug 22 contained within the reservoir of drug storage container 20 may be equal to 1 mL, or may be equal to about (e.g., ±10%) 1 mL, or may be equal to 2.5 mL, or may be equal to about (e.g., ±10%) 2.5 mL, or may be equal to 3 mL, or may be equal to about (e.g., ±10%) 3 mL, or may be equal to about (e.g., ±10%) 1 mL or less, or may be equal to about (e.g., ±10%) 2 mL or less, or may be equal to about (e.g., ±10%) 3 mL or less. or may be about (e.g., ±10%) 4 mL or less, or may be about (e.g., ±10%) less than 5 mL, or may be about (e.g., ±10%) 10 mL or less, or may be in the range of about (e.g., ±10%) 1 to 10 mL, or may be in the range of about (e.g., ±10%) 1 to 5 mL, or may be in the range of about (e.g., ±10%) 1 to 4 mL, or may be in the range of about (e.g., ±10%) 1 to 3 mL, or may be in the range of about (e.g., ±10%) 1 to 2.5 mL.

[0029] The delivery member 16 is connected or operable to be connected in fluid communication with a reservoir of the drug storage container 20. The distal end of the delivery member 16 may define an insertion end 28 of the delivery member 16. The insertion end 28 may include a sharp tip of other pointed shape to enable the insertion end 28 to pierce the skin and subcutaneous tissue of the patient during insertion of the delivery member 16. The delivery member 16 may be hollow and may have an internal passageway. One or more openings may be formed in the insertion end 28 to enable the drug to flow out of the delivery member 16 and into the patient.

[0030] In one embodiment, the drug reservoir 20 may be a pre-filled syringe with a fixed hollow metal needle for the delivery member 16. In this case, the needle may be fixed against the wall of the drug reservoir 20 and may be in permanent fluid communication with the reservoir of the drug reservoir 20. In other embodiments, the needle may be coupled to the drug reservoir 20 via a luer lock or other suitable connection. In yet other embodiments, the drug reservoir 20 may be a needleless cartridge and thus may not initially be in fluid communication with the delivery member 16. In such an embodiment, during operation of the drug delivery device 10, the drug reservoir 20 may move toward or away from the proximal end of the delivery member 16 such that the proximal end of the delivery member 16 penetrates a septum covering the opening of the drug reservoir 20, thereby establishing fluid communication between the reservoir of the drug reservoir 20 and the delivery member 16.

[0031] The device may also include a container holder 33 configured to secure the drug storage container 20 relative to the housing 12, such as by preventing distal movement of the drug storage container 20 during actuation of the plunger. The container holder 33 may include a plurality of flanges 33c, each including an arcuate inclined surface 33a that substantially matches the arcuate shape of a shoulder of the drug storage container 20. As a more specific example, when the drug storage container 20 is inserted into the container holder 33, the flanges 33c cooperate to support the shoulder and limit distal movement of the drug storage container 20. The housing 12 may include a plurality of locking slots 12c, each of which receives a respective flange 33c of the container holder 33 to prevent and / or limit relative movement between the respective components 12, 33. As a result, when fully assembled, the storage container 20, the container holder 33, and the housing 12 are all substantially or completely fixed relative to one another.

[0032] The drug delivery device 10 may further include a guard mechanism for preventing contact with the insertion end 28 of the delivery member 16 when the drug delivery device 10 is not being used to administer an injection. The guard mechanism may include a guard member 32 movably disposed at a distal end of the housing 12 adjacent the opening 14. The guard member 32 may have a hollow, generally cylindrical or tubular shape generally centered about the longitudinal axis A and may have a proximal end that is received within the housing 12. The guard member 32 may be configured to move relative to the housing 12 between an extended position in which the distal end of the guard member 32 extends through the opening 14 in the housing 12 and a retracted position in which the distal end of the guard member 32 is fully or partially retracted into the opening 14 in the housing 12. Additionally or alternatively, the guard member 32 may be configured to move from the retracted position to the extended position. When moving from the extended position to the retracted position, the guard member 32 may translate linearly in the proximal direction, and when moving from the retracted position to the extended position, the guard member 32 may translate linearly in the distal direction. At least in the extended position, the guard member 32 may extend beyond and surround the insertion end 28 of the delivery member 16. In embodiments in which the delivery member 16 protrudes from the opening 14 of the housing 12 pre-delivery or in a storage state, moving the guard member 32 from the extended position to the retracted position may result in the insertion end 28 of the delivery member 16 being inserted into the patient's skin, for example, by pressing the distal end of the guard member 32 against the patient's skin at the injection site.

[0033] The guard mechanism may further include a guard biasing member 35 and a guard extension 37. The guard extension 37 may be disposed proximally of the guard member 32, and the guard biasing member 35 may be disposed proximally of the guard extension 37. The guard extension 37 may have a hollow generally cylindrical or tubular shape centered about the longitudinal axis A. Furthermore, the guard extension 37 may be linearly movable along the longitudinal axis A relative to the housing 12. In this embodiment, the guard extension 37 is a separate structure from the guard member 32. However, in an alternative embodiment, the guard extension 37 and the guard member 32 may be integrally formed as one piece to define a single monolithic structure. In such an alternative embodiment, the proximal end of the guard member 32 may correspond to the guard extension 37.

[0034] The guard bias member 35 may be disposed between and in contact with the guard extension 37 and the releaser member 52. The guard bias member 35 may be configured to bias or urge the guard extension 37 in a distal direction and to bias or urge the releaser member 52 in a proximal direction. The guard bias member 35 may initially be in a biased (e.g., compressed) state to apply a biasing force to the guard extension 37 and a biasing force to the releaser member 52 in a pre-delivery state. In some embodiments, the distal end of the guard extension 37 is initially in contact with the proximal end of the guard member 32, as seen in FIG. 2. As a result, the guard extension 37 transmits the biasing force of the guard bias member 35 to the guard member 32 such that the guard bias member 35 biases or urges the guard member 32 toward the extended position. A user may overcome the biasing force by pressing the guard member 32 against the injection site. In doing so, the guard member 32 and the guard extension 37 move together in a proximal direction, for example, until the guard member 32 reaches a retracted position. Once the injection is completed and the drug delivery device 10 is lifted from the injection site, the guard biasing member 35 may press against the guard extension 37, causing the guard extension 37 and the guard member 32 to move together in a distal direction. This action returns the guard member 32 to the extended position, which has the effect of covering the insertion end 28 of the delivery member 16. In some embodiments, the guard biasing member 35 may include a compression spring (e.g., a helical compression spring). Further, in embodiments in which the plunger biasing member 50 also includes a compression spring, the guard biasing member 35 may be disposed around the plunger biasing member 50 and / or may have a larger diameter than the plunger biasing member 50.

[0035] After drug delivery is completed and the guard member 32 is repositioned to the extended position, it may be desirable to lock the guard member 32 in the extended position to prevent subsequent user contact with the insertion end 28 of the delivery member 16 and / or to prevent reuse of the drug delivery device 10. In accordance with these objectives, some embodiments of the drug delivery device 10 may include a locking ring 40 configured to selectively rotate depending on the axial position of the guard member 32 to lock the guard member 32 in the extended position once the guard member 32 has moved from the retracted position to the extended position. In this embodiment, the locking ring 40 is centered and rotates about the longitudinal axis A. As shown in FIG. 3, a proximal end of the locking ring 40 may contact the container holder 33 and a distal end of the locking ring 40 may be at least partially disposed within the guard member 32. A locking ring biasing member 51 may be axially disposed between a distal-facing surface of the locking ring 40 and a proximal-facing surface of the guard member 32. The lock ring biasing member 51 may be initially in a compressed or biased state to bias the lock ring 40 and the guard member 32 away from each other. As such, the lock ring biasing member 51 may apply a biasing force that urges the guard member 32 toward the extended position as well as a biasing force that urges the proximal end of the lock ring 40 against the container holder 33. In some embodiments, the lock ring biasing member 51 may include a compression spring (e.g., a helical compression spring). In some embodiments, rotation of the lock ring 40 may be accomplished by a cam arrangement between the lock ring 40 and the container holder 33.

[0036] The drug delivery device 10 may further include a drive mechanism 30 disposed partially or completely within the housing 12. Generally, the drive mechanism 30 may be configured to store energy and upon or in response to actuation of the drive mechanism 30 by a user, release or output the energy to drive the plunger 26 to release the drug 22 from the drug reservoir 20 through the delivery member 16 and into the patient. In this embodiment, the drive mechanism 30 is configured to store mechanical potential energy, although alternative embodiments of the drive mechanism 30 may be configured in different forms, for example, such that the drive mechanism 30 stores electrical or chemical potential energy. Generally, upon actuation of the drive mechanism 30, the drive mechanism 30 may convert potential energy into kinetic energy for moving the plunger 26.

[0037] In this embodiment, the drive mechanism 30 includes a plunger biasing member 50, a plunger biasing member seat 38, a releaser member 52, and a plunger guide 60. The plunger biasing member 50 may include a compression spring (e.g., a helical compression spring) that is initially held in a biased state. In the biased state, the plunger biasing member 50 may be compressed such that its axial length is shorter than it is in a natural or unbiased state. When released, the plunger biasing member 50 may attempt to expand to its natural axial length, thereby exerting a biasing force to urge the plunger 26 in a distal direction.

[0038] The plunger biasing member 50 may be at least partially disposed within the plunger 26, may have a distal end abutting a proximally-facing inner surface of the plunger 26, and / or may be fixedly attached to the inner surface of the plunger 26. The outer diameter or other dimension of the plunger biasing member 50 may be equal to or smaller than the inner diameter of the ring 45 and / or the inner diameter of the hollow rod 46 such that the plunger biasing member 50 may be received within the plunger 26. In some embodiments, the distal end of the plunger biasing member 50 may abut a proximally-facing inner surface of the base 47 of the plunger 26. Additionally, the proximal end of the plunger biasing member 50 may abut a distal-facing surface of the plunger biasing member seating surface 38. The plunger biasing member seating surface 38 may be fixedly attached to the tubular housing 25 such that the plunger biasing member seating surface 38 provides a stationary surface for the plunger biasing member 50 to be urged aside. So configured, when released from a biased state, the plunger biasing member 50 may expand in length by moving a distal end of the plunger biasing member 50 away from a stationary proximal end of the plunger biasing member 50. This movement may push the plunger 26 distally, which may in turn push the stopper 24 distally, releasing the drug 22 from the drug reservoir 20 into the delivery member 16 and thereafter into the patient.

[0039] The releaser member 52 may have a hollow generally cylindrical or tubular shape and may be centered about the longitudinal axis A. As shown in FIG. 2, the releaser member 52 may be disposed radially between the distal end of the plunger guide 60 and the proximal end of the guard extension 37. Additionally, the releaser member 52 may be disposed radially inward of the guard biasing member 35. In general, the releaser member 52 is configured to operatively couple the guard member 32 and the plunger 26 in an actuation sequence and to generate an audible signal indicating the end of drug delivery. So configured, the releaser member 52 serves two separate functions and is thus utilized to reduce the number of moving parts required by the drug delivery device 10.

[0040] The releaser member 52 may be configured to rotate relative to the housing 12 and / or to translate linearly relative to the housing 12 depending on the stage of operation of the drug delivery device 10. The initial rotation of the releaser member 52 associated with actuation may be powered by the plunger biasing member 50 and / or the guard biasing member 35, while subsequent rotations of the releaser member 52 associated with generating an end-of-dose signal may be powered solely by the guard biasing member 35. Any linear translational movement of the releaser member 52 that does not involve rotation may be powered solely by the guard biasing member 35. In some embodiments, the releaser member 52 may translate linearly only in the proximal direction, although alternative embodiments may allow linear translational movement of the releaser member 52 in both the proximal and distal directions.

[0041] The ability of the releaser member 52 to rotate about the longitudinal axis A may be regulated by the interaction of an outer portion of the annular wall of the releaser member 52 with an inner portion of the guard extension 37. The guard extension 37 may be prevented from rotating about the longitudinal axis A as a result of being coupled to the housing 12. This has the effect of preventing rotation of the releaser member 52 about the longitudinal axis A when an abutment structure (e.g., an outwardly extending projection) included on the outer portion of the releaser member 52 engages a cooperating abutment structure (e.g., an inwardly extending projection) included on the inner portion of the guard extension 37. If the releaser member 52 is unable to rotate, then the outwardly extending projection of the plunger 26, which is received within a recess formed in the inner surface of the releaser member 52, is also unable to rotate. If this projection of the plunger 26 is unable to rotate, then the projection cannot slide into the longitudinal opening of the plunger guide 60. If the projection is unable to move in this manner, then the plunger 26 is also unable to move. If the plunger 26 is unable to move, the plunger biasing member 50 cannot expand to release the bias. Thus, the releaser member 52 holds the plunger biasing member 50 in a biased state until the guard extension 37 is moved to an axial position in which cooperating abutment structures on an outer portion of the releaser member 52 and an inner portion of the guard extension 37 disengage from one another, thereby permitting the releaser member 52 to rotate relative to the guard extension 37.

[0042] As discussed above, the removable cap 19 may have a storage position (FIGS. 1 and 3) in which the removable cap 19 is coupled to the housing 12 and a removal position in which the removable cap 19 is removed from and not coupled to the housing 12. As also discussed above, the device 10 may include a removable sterility barrier 21 that is removed from the delivery member 16 when the removable cap 19 is removed from the housing 12. The removable sterility barrier 21 may have a relatively snug or relatively high friction fit with the drug reservoir 20 to maintain sterility of the delivery member 16 and / or to prevent air from entering the drug reservoir 20. It may be desirable to prevent or reduce the possibility of air entering the drug reservoir and / or delivery member 16, for example, to reduce the possibility of contamination and / or blockage or evaporated drug. Additionally or alternatively, it may be desirable to have a relatively snug or relatively high friction fit between the sterility barrier 21 and the drug reservoir 20 to prevent or reduce the possibility of an inadvertent needle stick. For these or other reasons, or alternatively, it may be desirable to have a relatively snug or relatively high friction fit between the removable cap 19 and the housing 12. The sterility barrier 21 and the removable cap 19 may also be coupled to their respective components (e.g., the drug reservoir 20 and the housing 12) via other suitable features, such as mating tab / slot connections, breakable connections such as pierce seals, threaded connections, or other features that achieve a relatively secure, yet removable connection between the respective components.

[0043] As a result of these binding forces, features, and / or other factors, some device users may experience difficulty or discomfort in removing the removable cap 19. As an example, some device users may have difficulty removing the cap 19 by axial force (along the longitudinal axis A) alone. In other words, some device users may have difficulty pulling / pulling the cap 19 away from the housing 12. The cap 19 shown in FIGS. 1-3 includes a number of ribs 19d to help a user grip a surface of the removable cap 19 when removing it.

[0044] The device 10 shown in Figures 1-3 also includes cam features for translating rotational motion into axial motion such that upon rotational movement of the removable cap 19, the removable cap 19 is biased away from the housing 12, thereby facilitating and / or facilitating removal of the cap 19. For example, the housing 12 includes a housing cam feature 12a and a cap cam feature 19c. As a more specific example, to remove the removable cap 19 from the housing 12 with only axial force / movement (e.g., a "straight pull"), a user may need to apply a force of 45 Newtons or less, about 40-45 Newtons, about 35-40 Newtons, about 30-35 Newtons, about 25-30 Newtons, about 20-25 Newtons, about 15-20 Newtons, about 10-15 Newtons, about 5-10 Newtons, or less than about 5 Newtons. For device 10 shown in Figures 1-3, a straight pull force of approximately 10-15 Newtons is required to remove removable cap 19.

[0045] The cap cam feature 19c shown in Figures 1-3 defines a wave shape, such as an arcuate surface. As a more specific example, the removable cap 19 shown in the figures includes a generally cylindrical body portion 19d and an end wall 19e that is generally perpendicular to the body portion 19d at a distal end of the cap 19. The body portion 19d defines a generally annular leading rim 19f at a proximal end of the cap 19. The leading rim 19f defines a wave-shaped cap cam feature 19c. As a more specific example, the leading rim 19f shown in the figures defines two wave-shaped cam surfaces 19c and two relatively flat surfaces 19c' extending between the wave-shaped cam surfaces 19c. In other words, the two wave-shaped cam surfaces 19c and the two relatively flat surfaces 19c' cooperate to define the leading rim 19f. Alternatively, the leading rim 19f may define a continuous waveform, such as a continuous sine wave or another continuous waveform. For purposes of this application, the term "continuous" should be interpreted to mean that the waveform continues around the entire circumference of the leading edge, rather than alternating between corrugated and flat surfaces.

[0046] 1-2 define a wave shape, such as an arcuate protrusion that extends away from the exterior surface 25 of the housing 12. As a more specific example, the housing cam feature 12a is a protrusion having a shape not unlike a "smile" or "crescent" shape. As an even more specific example, the housing 12 shown in the figures defines two wave-shaped cam features 12a.

[0047] When the removable cap 19 is in the storage position 19a shown in Figures 1-2, the cap cam feature 19c engages or abuts the housing cam feature 12a. In addition, the respective cam features 12a, 19c shown in the figures have matching or mirrored shapes such that the respective surfaces 12a, 19c slide smoothly / easily across one another. For example, when the removable cap 19 is rotated (either clockwise or counterclockwise) relative to the housing 12, the housing cam features 12a, 19c rotate relative to one another and urge the removable cap 19 away from the housing 12 along axis A. In other words, the cam features 12a, 19c convert the rotational motion into an axial motion to remove or aid in the removal of the cap 19. In some embodiments, even a relatively small rotation may promote and / or facilitate removal of the cap 19.

[0048] Having described the general configuration of the drug delivery device 10, a general method of using the drug delivery device 10 to perform an injection will now be described. As a preliminary step, the user may remove the drug delivery device 10 from any secondary packaging, such as a plastic bag and / or a cardboard box. Also as a preliminary step, the user may prepare the injection site, for example by wiping the patient's skin with an alcohol wipe. The user may then pull and remove the removable cap 19 from the housing 12, as described in more detail below. As a result of this movement, the gripper 13 may pull and remove the removable sterility barrier 21 from the drug reservoir 20. This may expose the insertion end 28 of the delivery member 16. Nevertheless, at this stage, the insertion end 28 of the delivery member 16 remains enclosed by the guard member 32, since the guard member 32 is disposed in the extended position. The user may then place the drug delivery device 10 over the injection site and thereafter press the distal end of the guard member 32 against the injection site. The force applied by the user will overcome the biasing force of the guard bias member 35 and the biasing force of the lock ring bias member 51, causing the guard member 32 to move proximally from the extended position to the retracted position and retract into the opening 14. The delivery member 16 remains stationary relative to the housing 12 during the retraction movement of the guard member 32.

[0049] The movement of the guard member 32 from the extended position to the retracted position may result in several actions. Because the delivery member 16 remains stationary relative to the housing 12 during retraction of the guard member 32, the insertion end 28 of the delivery member 16 extends through an opening at the distal end of the guard member 32, thereby piercing the patient's skin at the injection site and penetrating into the patient's subcutaneous tissue. In addition, retraction of the guard member 32 may also actuate the drive mechanism 30 to release the drug 22 from the drug reservoir 20.

[0050] As the guard member 32 moves from the extended position to the retracted position, it may urge the guard extension 37 in a proximal direction. During the proximal movement of the guard extension 37, the cooperating abutment structures on the outer portion of the releaser member 52 and the inner portion of the guard extension 37 may slide past one another until they no longer contact one another. When that occurs, the releaser member 52 may be free to rotate about the longitudinal axis A. Rotation of the releaser member 52 at this stage is caused by the plunger biasing member 50 extending, pushing against a distally facing cam surface included on the plunger 26 and sliding along a proximally facing cam surface on the plunger guide 60. The resulting camming action rotates the plunger 26, which may cause the releaser member 52 to rotate with it.

[0051] The co-rotation of the releaser member 52 and the plunger 26 may continue until a distally facing cam surface included on the plunger 26 reaches the end of a proximally facing cam surface on the plunger guide 60 and moves into a longitudinal slot formed in the plunger guide 60. The longitudinal slot does not impede the linear motion of the plunger 26. As a result, the plunger 26 is driven to linearly translate distally by the expanding plunger biasing member 50. As a result, the plunger 26 contacts the stopper 24 (if it is not already contacting the stopper 24) and thereafter pushes the stopper 24 distally to expel the drug 22 from the drug reservoir 20, through the delivery member 16, out the insertion end 28 and into the patient's tissue. Drug delivery may continue until the stopper 24 reaches an end-of-dosage position, at which point the stopper 24 may abut a proximally facing portion of the inner surface 15 of the wall of the drug reservoir 20. As a result, plunger 26 stops moving distally.

[0052] After drug delivery is completed, the user may lift the drug delivery device 10 from the injection site. With nothing to resist the guard bias member 35, the guard bias member 35 may push the guard member 32 from the retracted position to the extended position to cover the insertion end 28 of the delivery member 16. In some embodiments, this movement of the guard member 32 may rotate the locking ring 40 into a position that prevents further retraction of the guard member 32.

[0053] These and other aspects of exemplary drug delivery devices are discussed in more detail in U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 036,690, filed September 29, 2020, U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 035,851, filed September 29, 2020, U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 035,927, filed September 29, 2020, U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 036,129, filed September 29, 2020, U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 036,217, filed September 29, 2020, and a U.S. provisional patent application entitled "DRUG DELIVERY DEVICE" filed on the same day herewith by the applicant of the present application, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated by reference.

[0054] As mentioned above, it may be advantageous to incorporate one or more shock absorbing features within the rear cap 23. If the drug delivery device 10 is accidentally dropped from a height such that the rear cap contacts the ground at a significant speed, or if the removable cap otherwise impacts or is impacted by an external object at a significant speed, the rear cap may be subjected to a significant impact force. Without the shock absorbing features, such impact force may be transferred to other components within the device 10. Such forces may trigger the actuation of automated or semi-automated features included in the drug delivery device 10 and / or cause damage to the drug delivery device 10. As an example, if the drug delivery device 10 is dropped with the longitudinal axis A parallel or substantially parallel to the direction of gravity and the rear cap 23 facing generally downward, the deceleration associated with the drug delivery device 10 impacting the ground may cause the releaser member 52 to move proximally (towards the rear cap 23, upward in FIG. 2) and / or the guard member 32 to retract into the housing. Either or both of these exemplary movements could potentially trigger the drive mechanism 30, thereby causing an unintended and / or premature injection. Additionally or alternatively, deceleration could cause the locking ring 40 to rotate or otherwise move to a position that prevents subsequent retraction of the guard member 32. This could then prematurely lock out the guard member 32, thereby preventing a user from using the drug delivery device 10 to perform an injection.

[0055] As a more specific example of a potentially undesirable outcome of dropping the drug delivery device 10, if the device 10 is dropped with the rear cap 23 facing downward, most or all of the components of the device 10 will move and accelerate at roughly the same rate, but when the rear cap 23 impacts the ground or other surface, the housing 12 will decelerate before or faster than other internal components, such as the releaser member 52 and / or the guard member 32. In other words, upon impact, the housing will abruptly stop falling and decelerate relatively greatly, while some of the other internal components will still be moving and / or accelerating toward the ground. As a result of the relatively large difference between the deceleration of the housing and the acceleration of the other internal components ("acceleration Δ"), upon or shortly after impact, the releaser member 52 and / or the guard member 32 will move proximally within the housing 12 (towards the rear cap 23, upward in FIG. 2), which may potentially trigger an injection sequence. However, the shock absorbing features described herein may reduce the rate at which the housing decelerates upon impact, thereby reducing the acceleration Δ between respective components, such as the housing 12 on the one hand and the releaser member 52 and / or guard member 32 on the other hand, reducing the likelihood of premature or unintended actuation.

[0056] As another example of a potentially undesirable consequence of dropping the drug delivery device 10, if the drug delivery device 10 has just been removed from cold storage (e.g., at temperatures below 10° C., below 5° C., or below 0° C.) before being dropped, there may be a risk that components of the drug delivery device 10 may break or crack, for example due to the loss of elasticity of certain materials at low temperatures. Such breaks or cracks may impair the proper operation of the drug delivery device 10, and even if not, if they are visible to a user, may cause the user to infer that the drug delivery device 10 is defective, and thus discard the drug delivery device 10, whether or not it is necessary.

[0057] The reaction force described above, when applied to the shock absorber, may cause a conversion of energy from kinetic energy to another form of energy, such as thermal energy (e.g., heat), and may prolong the duration of the shock. This may then reduce the likelihood that the shock event will cause the activation of automated or semi-automated features included in the drug delivery device, including, for example, a drive mechanism for releasing the drug and / or a guard locking mechanism, and / or reduce the likelihood of structural damage to components of the drug delivery device, including, for example, the rear cap. In at least some scenarios, the rear cap during the shock event may function as a spring and damper system and / or a shock absorber.

[0058] Referring now to FIG. 3, an exemplary embodiment of the shock absorber described above will be described. The device 10 includes a shock absorber 61 configured to absorb impact forces and prevent unintended movement of the releaser member 52. In the device shown in FIG. 3, the shock absorber includes the rear cap 23 and the tubular housing 25 operatively coupled to one another, such as to permit relative movement between the rear cap 23 and the tubular housing 25 to absorb impact forces. As a more specific example, the shock absorber 61 includes a snap ring 62 configured to permit relative movement between the rear cap 23 and the tubular housing 25. In the device shown in FIG. 3, the snap ring 62 is an annular ring defined by an inner wall portion of the rear cap 23. Although the snap ring may be concave, convex, or another suitable shape, the snap ring 62 shown in FIG. 3 is generally concave, such as to operatively mate with the annular ridge 63. 3 is defined by an outer wall portion of the plunger guide 60, the annular ridge 63 may be defined by other components, such as the tubular housing 25, another component of the housing 12, or another suitable component. The snap ring 62 and the annular ridge 63 are configured to have a first position 61a (shown in FIG. 3A) when no external impact force is applied or its aftereffects are felt, such as when the device 10 is in its storage state, pre-delivery state, delivery or dispensing state, or post-delivery state. In this first position, the rear cap 23 is spaced from the tubular housing 25 along the longitudinal axis A by a buffer gap 64 that allows the rear cap 23 to move distally (downward in FIG. 3A).

[0059] The rear cap 23 is defined by a generally cylindrical side wall 23a and a generally convex top wall 23b. The side wall 23a shown in Figures 1-3 is sufficiently flexible to allow it to flex radially outward during application of the shock absorber. The side wall 23a of the snap ring 62 is further defined by first and second inclined surfaces 62a and 62b that interact with the annular ridge 63 to maintain the rear cap 23 in the first position 61a in the absence of an external force. As a more specific example, the first inclined surface 62a is a distally facing frustoconical surface configured to permit the rear cap 23 to move distally (downward) upon application of an impact force and then bias the rear cap 23 to move proximally (upward) upon removal of the impact force. During this movement, the side wall 23a flexes radially outward like a spring and / or a shock absorber. The shape and angle of the first angled surface 62a is configured to allow the rear cap 23 to move distally (downward in FIG. 3A ) during an impact event and then urge the rear cap 23 proximally (upward in FIG. 3A ) after the impact and its aftermath. As a more specific example, if the device is dropped or otherwise impacted, the snap ring 62 may be urged to the second position 61b (shown in FIG. 3B ), with the first angled surface 62a urging the rear cap 23 to return to the first position 61a when the impact force and its aftermath dissipates or disappears. As another more specific example, the rear cap 23 is configured to allow movement of the rear cap 23 without plastically deforming the rear cap 23 and / or without fixing the rear cap 23 to the second position 61b. As an even more specific example, rear cap 23 may be configured to prevent or reduce the likelihood that releaser member 52 and / or guard member 32 will move a distance upon an impact sufficient to actuate device 10. The impact force may be similar to or the same as the force produced by a drop from a height of 0.5-0.7 meters, about 0.7-0.9 meters, about 0.9-1.0 meters, about 1.0-1.1 meters, about 1.1-1.2 meters, about 1.2-1.3 meters, about 1.3-1.4 meters, about 1.4-1.5 meters, about 1.5-1.7 meters, about 1.7-2.0 meters, or another suitable height.As another exemplary specification, the device may be actuated upon longitudinal movement of the releaser member 52 of about 7-8 mm, about 6-9 mm, about 5-10 mm, about 4-11 mm, about 3-12 mm, about 2-15 mm, or another suitable distance. As another exemplary specification, the device may be actuated upon longitudinal movement of the guard member 32 of about 10-11 mm, about 9-12 mm, about 8-13 mm, about 7-14 mm, about 6-15 mm, about 5-16 mm, about 3-18 mm, or another suitable distance.

[0060] The rear cap 23 may be configured with side walls 23a that are flexible enough to move upon impact, yet rigid enough to spring back to the first position after the impact and its aftermath, and the second angled surface 62b is a proximally facing frustoconical surface configured to allow the rear cap 23 to slide over the annular ridge 63 during assembly, and then inhibit or prevent removal of the rear cap 23 after assembly.

[0061] The snap ring 62 may have a longitudinal height 62c approximately equal to the longitudinal height of the annular ridge 63 to retain the component in the first position during normal use. The first angled surface 62a may have a longitudinal height 62d approximately equal to the longitudinal height of the buffer cavity 64.

[0062] The sidewall of the rear cap may be a continuous cylindrical shape or may have one or more interruptions that allow or facilitate elastic deformation / deflection upon impact. For example, the sidewall may include one or more slits formed in the sidewall adjacent its distal end. The slits may extend partially or completely through the sidewall and may extend a portion or the entire length of the wall. The slits may extend generally parallel to the longitudinal axis or along another direction / orientation.

[0063] 5, the rear cap 23 is shown complete and alone (not attached to a device). The rear cap 23 includes the side wall 23a, the convex top wall 23b, and the snap ring 62 described above. The rear cap 23 also includes a number of longitudinal ribs 23c that provide a hard stop for the annular ridge 63 shown in the previous figure. For example, the longitudinal ribs inhibit or prevent the rear cap 23 from moving distally beyond the point where the annular ridge abuts the longitudinal ribs 23c. The longitudinal ribs may also provide strength or rigidity to the rear cap 23. The first angled surface 62a forms an angle 23d with respect to the longitudinal axis A, and the angle 23d may be about 20 degrees, about 18-22 degrees, about 16-24 degrees, about 14-26 degrees, about 12-28 degrees, about 10-30 degrees, about 5-35 degrees, about 5-40 degrees, about 5-45 degrees, or another suitable angle.

[0064] As an alternative or additional form of shock absorption, the rear cap 23 may be radially deformable due to interaction of the rear cap 23 with the plunger guide 60. As an example, the rear cap 23 shown in FIG. 5 includes three ribs 23c such that the rear cap 23 may be deformed radially outward in the area near each rib 23c. As a result, the area between the ribs 23c may be deformed radially inward. In other words, the rear cap 23 shown in FIG. 5 may be deformed to become more rounded triangular with the three "points" of the rounded triangle aligned with the ribs 23c. If the rear cap 23 has a different number of ribs, such as two, four, five, six, or any other suitable number, the deformed shape may correspond accordingly.

[0065] Referring now to FIG. 6, another embodiment of the rear cap 123 will be described. Various elements of the rear cap 123 shown in FIG. 6 may be similar or identical in structure, configuration, and / or function to the elements of the rear cap 123 described above in conjunction with FIGS. 1-5. Such elements are assigned the same reference numerals used in FIGS. 1-5, except increased by 100 or multiples thereof. Descriptions of some of these elements have been simplified or omitted for the sake of brevity. The rear cap 123 includes the side wall 123a, the convex top wall 123b, and the snap ring 162, as described above. The rear cap 123 also includes a number of longitudinal ribs 123c that provide hard stops for the annular ridges similar to those shown in the previous figures. For example, the longitudinal ribs inhibit or prevent distal movement of the rear cap 123 beyond where the annular ridges abut the longitudinal ribs 123c. The longitudinal ribs may also provide strength or rigidity to the rear cap 123. First angled surface 162a forms an angle 123d with respect to longitudinal axis A, which may be about 10 degrees, about 8-12 degrees, about 6-14 degrees, about 4-16 degrees, about 3-18 degrees, about 3-20 degrees, about 3-25 degrees, about 3-30 degrees, about 3-35 degrees, or another suitable angle. Rear cap 123 also includes at least one hard stopper, such as a plurality of hard stops 123e that define a maximum distance that rear cap 123 can travel relative to one or more components of the device, such as a plunger guide similar to those shown in the previous figures.

[0066] Referring now to FIG. 7, another embodiment of the rear cap 223 will be described. Various elements of the rear cap 223 shown in FIG. 7 may be similar or identical in structure, configuration, and / or function to elements of the rear caps described above. Such elements are assigned the same reference numerals as used in FIGS. 1-6, except increased by 200 or multiples thereof. Descriptions of some of these elements have been simplified or omitted for the sake of brevity. The rear cap 223 includes the side wall 223a, the convex upper wall 223b, and the snap ring 262, as described above. The rear cap 223 also includes a number of longitudinal ribs 223c that provide hard stops for the annular ridges similar to those shown in the previous figures. For example, the longitudinal ribs inhibit or prevent distal movement of the rear cap 223 beyond where the annular ridges abut the longitudinal ribs 223c. The longitudinal ribs may also provide strength or rigidity to the rear cap 223. The first angled surface 262a forms an angle 223d with respect to the longitudinal axis A, which may be about 20 degrees, about 18-22 degrees, about 16-24 degrees, about 14-26 degrees, about 12-28 degrees, about 10-30 degrees, about 5-35 degrees, about 5-40 degrees, about 5-45 degrees, or another suitable angle. The rear cap 223 also includes at least one hard stop, such as a plurality of hard stops 223e that define a maximum distance that the rear cap 223 can move relative to one or more components of the device, such as a plunger guide similar to those shown in the previous figures. The rear cap's convex top wall 223b defines a thinner wall than the corresponding top wall of Figures 5 and 6. As a more specific example, the thickness of the convex top wall 223b is about 0.5 mm, whereas the thickness of the top wall shown in Figures 5 and 6 is about 0.7 mm. The rear cap 223 also includes flow leaders 223f to improve the injection molding process.

[0067] Referring now to FIG. 8, another embodiment of the rear cap 323 will be described. Various elements of the rear cap 323 shown in FIG. 8 may be similar or identical in structure, configuration, and / or function to elements of the rear caps described above. Such elements are assigned the same reference numerals as used in FIGS. 1-7, except increased by 300 or multiples thereof. Descriptions of some of these elements have been simplified or omitted for the sake of brevity. The rear cap 323 includes the side wall 323a, the convex top wall 323b, and the snap ring 362, as described above. The rear cap 323 also includes a plurality of longitudinal ribs 323c that cooperate to define a first angled surface 362a. As a more specific example, a plurality of longitudinal ribs 323c are radially spaced from one another around the inner surface of sidewall 323a, with each or many of ribs 323c having a similar or same angle 323d relative to longitudinal axis A such that the plurality of ribs define a path for receiving an annular ridge similar to that shown in Figures 1-5. Angle 323d may be about 20 degrees, about 18-22 degrees, about 16-24 degrees, about 14-26 degrees, about 12-28 degrees, about 10-30 degrees, about 5-35 degrees, about 5-40 degrees, about 5-45 degrees, or another suitable angle. Rear cap 323 also includes at least one hard stopper, such as a plurality of hard stops 323e that define a maximum distance that rear cap 323 can travel relative to one or more components of the device, such as a plunger guide similar to that shown in the previous figures. The convex upper wall 323b of the rear cap defines a thinner wall than the corresponding upper wall of Figures 5 and 6. As a more specific example, the thickness of the convex upper wall 323b is about 0.5 mm, compared to the thickness of the upper wall shown in Figures 5 and 6 being about 0.7 mm.

[0068] 9A and 9B, another embodiment of a shock absorber 461 for device 410 is described. Various elements of device 410 shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B may be similar or identical in structure, configuration, and / or function to the elements of the rear cap described above. Such elements are assigned the same reference numerals used in FIGS. 1-8, except increased by 400 or multiples thereof. Descriptions of some of these elements have been simplified or omitted for the sake of brevity. Device 410 includes a housing 412 with a proximal portion (including at least rear cap 423 and tubular housing section 425) that defines a single monolithic structure, and shock absorber 461 includes a flexible and compressible portion that couples tubular housing 425 and rear cap 423. As a more specific example, FIG. 9A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of a housing and plunger guide that may be utilized as part of a shock absorber according to various aspects of a drug delivery device. 9A shows the shock absorber 461 having a first position 461a (as shown in FIG. 9A) when no external shock force or its aftereffects are felt, such as when the device 410 is in its storage, pre-delivery, delivery or dosing, or post-delivery state. In this first position, the rear cap 423 is spaced from the plunger holder 460 along the longitudinal axis A by a buffer gap 464 that allows the rear cap 423 to move distally (downward in FIG. 9A), and the housing is in a first position where the device is not undergoing a shock event or its aftereffects, and in a second position 461b during the shock event or its aftereffects. The shock absorber 461 may act similar to a spring, allowing the housing 412 to compress axially upon impact and then return to a relaxed state (e.g., at the second position 461b). The flexible or compressible portions of the shock absorber 461 may be made of a thermoplastic material, an elastomeric material, a coil spring covered with another material, or any other suitable configuration.

[0069] Any or all of the shock absorbers described above may be utilized in a device having an outer label, such as a plastic film, that contains information or labeling about the drug product and / or drug delivery device. The label may be placed on the shock absorber such that the patient or end user cannot easily see the shock absorber. In such cases, the label may wrinkle temporarily or permanently upon an impact event.

[0070] All features disclosed herein with respect to any of the removable cap embodiments may be combined in any combination, except combinations in which at least some of such features are mutually exclusive.

[0071] As will be appreciated, the devices and methods according to the present disclosure may have one or more advantages over the prior art, any one or more of which may be present in a particular embodiment and in accordance with the features of the present disclosure included in that embodiment. Other advantages not specifically recited herein may be appreciated as well.

[0072] The above description describes various devices, assemblies, components, subsystems, and methods of use related to drug delivery devices. The devices, assemblies, components, subsystems, methods, or drug delivery devices may further include or be used with drugs, including, but not limited to, the drugs identified below and their generic and biosimilar equivalents. As used herein, the term drug may be used interchangeably with other similar terms and may be used to refer to any type of drug or therapeutic material, including traditional and non-traditional drugs, nutraceuticals, supplements, biologics, biologically active agents and compositions, large molecules, biosimilars, biological equivalents, therapeutic antibodies, polypeptides, proteins, small molecules, and generic drugs. Non-therapeutic injectable materials are also included. Drugs may be in liquid form, lyophilized form, or reconstituted from a lyophilized form. The following list of exemplary drugs should not be considered exhaustive or limiting.

[0073] The drug will be contained within a reservoir. In some cases, the reservoir is a primary container that is either filled or pre-filled with the drug for the treatment. The primary container can be a vial, a cartridge, or a pre-filled syringe.

[0074] In some embodiments, the reservoir of the drug delivery device may be loaded with or the device may be used with colony stimulating factors such as granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF). Such G-CSF formulations include, but are not limited to, Neulasta® (pegfilgrastim, PEGylated filgrastim, PEGylated G-CSF, PEGylated hu-Met-G-CSF) and Neupogen® (filgrastim, G-CSF, hu-MetG-CSF), UDENYCA® (pegfilgrastim-cbqv), Ziextenzo® (LA-EP2006; pegfilgrastim-bmez), or FULPHILA (pegfilgrastim-bmez).

[0075] In other embodiments, the drug delivery device may contain or be used with an erythropoietin stimulating agent (ESA), which may be in liquid or lyophilized form. An ESA is any molecule that stimulates erythropoietin. In some embodiments, the ESA is an erythropoietin stimulating protein. As used herein, "erythropoietin stimulating protein" refers to any protein that directly or indirectly causes activation of the erythropoietin receptor, for example, by binding to the receptor and causing receptor dimerization. Erythropoietin stimulating proteins include erythropoietin and its variants, analogs or derivatives that bind to and activate the erythropoietin receptor; antibodies that bind to and activate the erythropoietin receptor; or peptides that bind to and activate the erythropoietin receptor. Erythropoietin stimulating proteins include Epogen® (epoetin alfa), Aranesp® (darbepoetin alfa), Dynepo® (epoetin delta), Mircera® (methoxypolyethylene glycol-epoetin beta), Hematide®, MRK-2578, INS-22, Retacrit® (epoetin zeta), Neorecormon® (epoetin beta), Silapo® (epoetin zeta), Binocrit® (epoetin alfa), Epoetin alfa Hexal, Abseamed® (epoetin alfa), Ratioepo® (epoetin theta), Eporatio® (epoetin theta), Biopoin® (epoetin theta), epoetin alfa, epoetin beta, epoetin iota, epoetin omega, epoetin delta, epoetin zeta, epoetin theta and epoetin delta, PEGylated erythropoietin, carbamylated erythropoietin and molecules or variants or analogs thereof.

[0076] Among the specific exemplary proteins are the specific proteins described below, including fusions, fragments, analogs, variants or derivatives thereof: OPGL-specific antibodies (also referred to as RANKL-specific antibodies, peptibodies, etc.), peptibodies, related proteins, etc., including fully humanized and human OPGL-specific antibodies, particularly fully humanized monoclonal antibodies; myostatin-binding proteins, peptibodies, related proteins, etc., including myostatin-specific peptibodies; and proteins that specifically bind to the receptors for IL-4 and / or IL-13. interleukin 1-receptor 1 ("IL1-R1") specific antibodies, peptibodies, related proteins, etc.; Ang2 specific antibodies, peptibodies, related proteins, etc.; NGF specific antibodies, peptibodies, related proteins, etc.; CD22 specific antibodies, peptibodies, related proteins, etc., particularly the dimerization of human-mouse monoclonal hLL2 gamma chain disulfide bound to human-mouse monoclonal hLL2 kappa chain, which inhibits activity mediated by the binding of human CD22-specific antibodies, including but not limited to humanized and fully human monoclonal antibodies, particularly including but not limited to human CD22-specific IgG antibodies, such as the human CD22-specific fully humanized antibody epratuzumab (CAS Registry No. 501423-23-0); IGF-1 receptor-specific antibodies, peptibodies and related proteins, including but not limited to anti-IGF-1R antibodies; B7RP-specific fully human monoclonal IgG B-7 related protein 1 specific antibodies, peptibodies, related proteins and the like (also referred to as "B7RP-1" and B7H2, ICOSL, B7h and CD275), including but not limited to fully human IgG2 monoclonal antibodies that bind to an epitope in the first immunoglobulin-like domain of B7RP-1, including but not limited to those that inhibit the interaction of B7RP-1 with its natural receptor, ICOS, on activated T cells; IL-15 specific antibodies, peptibodies, related proteins and the like, particularly humanized monoclonal antibodies, such as 145c7, including but not limited to HuMax IL-15 antibodies and related proteins;IFN gamma specific antibodies, peptibodies, related proteins, and the like, including, but not limited to, human IFN gamma specific antibodies, and including, but not limited to, fully human anti-IFN gamma antibodies; TALL-1 specific antibodies, peptibodies, related proteins, and the like, as well as other TALL specific binding proteins; parathyroid hormone ("PTH") specific antibodies, peptibodies, related proteins, and the like; thrombopoietin receptor ("TPO-R") specific antibodies, peptibodies, related proteins, and the like; fully human monoclonal antibodies that neutralize hepatocyte growth factor / scatter factor (HGF / SF) hepatocyte growth factor ("HGF") specific antibodies, peptibodies, related proteins, and the like, including those that target the HGF / SF:cMet axis (HGF / SF:c-Met), such as monoclonal antibodies; TRAIL-R2 specific antibodies, peptibodies, related proteins, and the like; activin A specific antibodies, peptibodies, proteins, and the like; TGF-beta specific antibodies, peptibodies, related proteins, and the like; amyloid-beta protein specific antibodies, peptibodies, related proteins, and the like; and proteins that bind to c-Kit and / or other stem cell factor receptors, including, but not limited to, including, but not limited to, c-Kit specific antibodies, peptibodies, related proteins, etc.; OX40L specific antibodies, peptibodies, related proteins, etc., including, but not limited to, proteins that bind OX40L and / or other ligands of the OX40 receptor; Activase® (alteplase, tPA); Aranesp® (darbepoetin alfa), erythropoietin [30-asparagine, 32-threonine, 87-valine, 88-asparagine, 90-threonine], darbepoetin alfa, a new erythropoiesis stimulating transcription factor (ERT) inhibitor. protein (NESP); Epogen® (epoetin alfa or erythropoietin); GLP-1, Avonex® (interferon beta-1a); Bexxar® (tositumomab, an anti-CD22 monoclonal antibody); Betaseron® (interferon-beta); Campath® (alemtuzumab, an anti-CD52 monoclonal antibody); Dynepo® (epoetin delta); Velcade® (bortezomib); MLN0002 (anti-α4β7 mAb); MLN1202 (anti-CCR2 chemokine receptor mAb);Enbrel® (etanercept, TNF receptor / Fc fusion protein, TNF blocker); Eprex® (epoetin alfa); Erbitux® (cetuximab, anti-EGFR / HER1 / c-ErbB-1); Genotropin® (somatropin, human growth hormone); Herceptin® (trastuzumab, anti-HER2 / neu(erbB2) receptor mAb); Kanjinti™ (trastuzumab-anns) anti-HER2 monoclonal antibody, a biosimilar of Herceptin® or another product containing trastuzumab for the treatment of breast or gastric cancer; Humatrope® (somatropin, human growth hormone); Humira® (adalimumab); Vectibix (registered trademark (panitumumab), Xgeva® (denosumab), Prolia® (denosumab), immunoglobulin G2 human monoclonal antibody against RANK ligand, Enbrel® (etanercept, TNF receptor / Fc fusion protein, TNF blocker), Nplate® (romiplostim), rilotumumab, ganitumab, conatumumab, brodalumab, insulin in solution; Infergen® (interferon alfacon-1); Natrecor® (nesiritide; recombinant human B-type natriuretic peptide (hBNP); Kineret® (anakinra); Leukine® (sargamostim, rhuGM-CSF); LymphoCide® (epratuzumab, anti-CD22 mAb); Benlysta™ (lymphostat B, belimumab, anti-BlyS mAb); Metalyse® (tenecteplase, t-PA analog); Mircera® (methoxypolyethylene glycol-epoetin beta); Mylotarg® (gemtuzumab ozogamicin); Raptiva® (efalizumab); Cimzia® (certolizumab pegol, CDP 870); Soliris™ (eculizumab); pexelizumab (anti-complement C5); Numax® (MEDI-524); Lucentis® (ranibizumab);Panorex® (17-1A, edrecolomab); Trabio® (lerdelimumab); TheraCim hR3 (nimotuzumab); Omnitarg (pertuzumab, 2C4); Osidem® (IDM-1); OvaRex® (B43.13); Nuvion® (vigilizumab); cantuzumab mertansine (huC242-DM1); NeoRecormon® (epoetin beta); Neumega® (oprelvekin, human interleukin-11); Orthoclone OKT3® (muromonab-CD3, anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody); Procrit® (epoetin alpha); Remicade® (infliximab, anti-TNFα monoclonal antibody); Reopro® (abciximab, anti-GP lIb / Ilia receptor monoclonal antibody; Actemra® (anti-IL6 receptor mAb); Avastin® (bevacizumab), HuMax-CD4 (zanolimumab); Mvasi™ (bevacizumab-awwb); Rituxan® (rituximab, anti-CD20 mAb);Tarceva® (erlotinib);Roferon-A®-(interferon alpha-2a);Simulect® (basiliximab);Prexige® (lumiracoxib);Synagis® (palivizumab);145c7-CHO (anti-IL15 antibody, see U.S. Pat. No. 7,153,507);Tysabri® (natalizumab, anti-α4 integrin mAb);Valortim® (MDX-1303, anti-B. anthracis protective antigen mAb);ABthrax®;Xolair® (omalizumab);ETI211 (anti-MRSA mAb);IL-1 trap (Fc portion of human IgG1 and extracellular domain of both IL-1 receptor components (type I receptor and receptor accessory protein));VEGF trap (IgG1 Ig domain of VEGFR1 fused to Fc; Zenapax® (daclizumab); Zenapax® (daclizumab, an anti-IL-2Rα mAb);Zevalin® (ibritumomab tiuxetan); Zetia® (ezetimibe); Orencia® (atacicept, TACI-Ig); anti-CD80 monoclonal antibody (galiximab); anti-CD23 mAb (lumiliximab); BR2-Fc (huBR3 / huFc fusion protein, soluble BAFF antagonist); CNTO 148 (golimumab, anti-TNFα mAb); HGS-ETR1 (mapatuzumab; human anti-TRAIL receptor-1 mAb); HuMax-CD20 (ocrelizumab, anti-CD20 human mAb); HuMax-EGFR (zalutumumab); M200 (volociximab, anti-α5β1 integrin mAb); MDX-010 (ipilimumab, anti-CTLA-4 mAb and VEGFR-1 (IMC-18F1); anti-BR3 mAbs; anti-C. difficile toxin A and toxin BC mAbs MDX-066 (CDA-1) and MDX-1388; anti-CD22 dsFv-PE38 conjugates (CAT-3888 and CAT-8015); anti-CD25 mAb (HuMax-TAC); anti-CD3 mAb (NI-0401); adecatumumab; anti-CD30 mAb (MDX-060); MDX-1333 (anti-IFNAR); anti-CD38 mAb (HuMax CD38); anti-CD40L mAb; anti-Cripto mAb; anti-CTGF idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis stage 1 fibrogen (FG-3019); anti-CTLA4 mAb; anti-eotaxin 1 mAb (CAT-213); anti-FGF8 mAb; anti-ganglioside GD2 mAb;Anti-ganglioside GM2 mAb;Anti-GDF-8 human mAb (MYO-029);Anti-GM-CSF receptor mAb (CAM-3001);Anti-HepC mAb (HuMax HepC);Anti-IFNα mAb (MEDI-545, MDX-198);Anti-IGF1R mAb;Anti-IGF-1R mAb (HuMax-Inflam);Anti-IL12 mAb (ABT-874); anti-IL12 / IL23 mAb (CNTO 1275); anti-IL13 mAb (CAT-354); anti-IL2Ra mAb (HuMax-TAC); anti-IL5 receptor mAb; anti-integrin receptor mAb (MDX-018, CNTO 95);Anti-IP10 ulcerative colitis mAb (MDX-1100);BMS-66513;Anti-mannose receptor / hCGβ mAb (MDX-1307); anti-mesothelin dsFv-PE38 conjugate (CAT-5001); anti-PD1 mAb (MDX-1106 (ONO-4538)); anti-PDGFRα antibody (IMC-3G3); anti-TGFβ mAb (GC-1008); anti-TRAIL receptor-2 human mAb (HGS-ETR2); anti-TWEAK mAb; anti-VEGFR / F; lt-1 mAb; and anti-ZP3 mAb (HuMax-ZP3).

[0077] In some embodiments, the drug delivery device may contain or be used in conjunction with a sclerostin antibody, such as, but not limited to, romosozumab, brosozumab, BPS 804 (Novartis), Evenity™ (romosozumab-aqqg), another product containing romosozumab for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis and / or fracture healing, and in other embodiments, a monoclonal antibody (IgG) that binds to human proprotein convertase subtilisin / kexin type 9 (PCSK9). Such PCSK9-specific antibodies include, but are not limited to, Repatha® (evolocumab) and Praluent® (alirocumab). In other embodiments, the drug delivery device may contain or be used in conjunction with rilotumumab, bixalomer, trebananib, ganitumab, conatumumab, motesanib niphosphate, brodalumab, vidupiprant, or panitumumab. In some embodiments, the reservoir of the drug delivery device may be loaded with, or the device may be used with, IMLYGIC® (talimogene laherparepvec) or another oncolytic HSV for the treatment of melanoma or other cancers, including but not limited to OncoVEXGALV / CD; OrienX010; G207, 1716; NV1020; NV12023; NV1034; and NV1042. In some embodiments, the drug delivery device may contain, or be used with, an endogenous tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP), such as but not limited to TIMP-3. In some embodiments, the drug delivery device may contain, or be used with, Aimovig® (erenumab-aooe), anti-human CGRP-R (calcitonin gene-related peptide type 1 receptor), or another product containing erenumab for the treatment of migraine. Antagonistic antibodies to the human calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor, such as, but not limited to, erenumab, and bispecific antibody molecules targeting the CGRP receptor and other headache targets, may also be delivered using the drug delivery devices of the present disclosure.In addition, bispecific T cell engager (BiTE®) antibodies, such as but not limited to BLINCYTO® (blinatumomab), can be used in or with the drug delivery device of the disclosure. In some embodiments, the drug delivery device may contain or be used with an APJ large molecule agonist, such as but not limited to apelin or an analogue thereof. In some embodiments, a therapeutically effective amount of anti-thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) or a TSLP receptor antibody is used in or with the drug delivery device of the disclosure. In some embodiments, the drug delivery device may contain or be used with Avsola™ (infliximab-axxq), an anti-TNFα monoclonal antibody, a biosimilar of Remicade® (infliximab) (Janssen Biotech, Inc.), or another product containing infliximab for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. In some embodiments, the drug delivery device may contain or be used in conjunction with Kyprolis® (carfilzomib), (2S)-N-((S)-1-((S)-4-methyl-1-((R)-2-methyloxiran-2-yl)-1-oxopentan-2-ylcarbamoyl)-2-phenylethyl)-2-((S)-2-(2-morpholinoacetamido)-4-phenylbutanamido)-4-methylpentanamide, or another product containing carfilzomib for the treatment of multiple myeloma. In some embodiments, the drug delivery device may contain or be used in conjunction with Otezla® (apremilast), N-[2-[(1S)-1-(3-ethoxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-2-(methylsulfonyl)ethyl]-2,3-dihydro-1,3-dioxo-1H-isoindol-4-yl]acetamide, or another product containing apremilast for the treatment of various inflammatory diseases.In some embodiments, the drug delivery device may contain or be used in conjunction with Parsabiv™ (etelcalcetide HCl, KAI-4169) or another product containing etelcalcetide HCl for the treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism (sHPT), such as in patients with chronic kidney disease (KD) undergoing hemodialysis. In some embodiments, the drug delivery device may contain or be used in conjunction with ABP 798 (rituximab), a biosimilar candidate of Rituxan® / MabThera™, or another product containing an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody. In some embodiments, the drug delivery device may contain or be used in conjunction with a VEGF antagonist, such as a non-antibody VEGF antagonist, and / or a VEGF trap, such as aflibercept (Ig domain 2 from VEGFR1 and Ig domain 3 from VEGFR2 fused to the Fc domain of IgG1). In some embodiments, the drug delivery device may contain or be used with ABP 959 (eculizumab), a biosimilar candidate of Soliris®, or another product containing a monoclonal antibody that specifically binds to complement protein C5. In some embodiments, the drug delivery device may contain or be used with rogivafusp alfa (formerly AMG 570), a novel bispecific antibody-peptide conjugate that simultaneously blocks ICOSL and BAFF activity. In some embodiments, the drug delivery device may contain or be used with omecamtiv mecarbil, a small molecule selective cardiac myosin activator, or myotrope, which directly targets the contractile machinery of the heart, or another product containing a small molecule selective cardiac myosin activator. In some embodiments, the drug delivery device may contain or be used with sotorasibe (formerly known as AMG 510), a KRASG12C small molecule inhibitor, or another product containing a KRASG12C small molecule inhibitor.In some embodiments, the drug delivery device may contain or be used with tezepelumab, a human monoclonal antibody that inhibits the action of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), or another product containing a human monoclonal antibody that inhibits the action of TSLP. In some embodiments, the drug delivery device may contain or be used with AMG 714, a human monoclonal antibody that binds to interleukin-15 (IL-15), or another product containing a human monoclonal antibody that binds to interleukin-15 (IL-15). In some embodiments, the drug delivery device may contain or be used with AMG 890, a small interfering RNA (siRNA) that reduces lipoprotein(a), also known as Lp(a), or another product containing a small interfering RNA (siRNA) that reduces lipoprotein(a). In some embodiments, the drug delivery device may contain or be used with ABP 654 (human IgG1 kappa antibody), a biosimilar candidate of Stelara®, or another product that contains a human IgG1 kappa antibody and / or binds to the p40 subunit of the human cytokines interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-23. In some embodiments, the drug delivery device may contain or be used with Amjevita™ or Amgevita™ (formerly ABP501) (monoclonal antibody anti-TNF human IgG1), a biosimilar candidate of Humira®, or another product that includes the human monoclonal antibody anti-TNF human IgG1. In some embodiments, the drug delivery device may contain or be used with AMG 160, or another product that contains a half-life extended (HLE) anti-prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) x anti-CD3 BiTE® (bispecific T cell engager) construct. In some embodiments, the drug delivery device may contain or be used in conjunction with another product containing AMG 119 or delta-like ligand 3 (DLL3) CAR T (chimeric antigen receptor T cell) cell therapy.In some embodiments, the drug delivery device may contain or be used with another product containing AMG 119, or a delta-like ligand 3 (DLL3) CAR T (chimeric antigen receptor T cell) cell therapy. In some embodiments, the drug delivery device may contain or be used with another product containing AMG 133, or a gastric inhibitory polypeptide receptor (GIPR) antagonist and a GLP-1R agonist. In some embodiments, the drug delivery device may contain or be used with another product containing AMG 171, or a growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) analog. In some embodiments, the drug delivery device may contain or be used with another product containing AMG 176, or a small molecule inhibitor of myeloid cell leukemia 1 (MCL-1). In some embodiments, the drug delivery device may contain or be used with another product containing AMG 199, or a half-life extended (HLE) bispecific T cell engager construct (BiTE®). In some embodiments, the drug delivery device may contain or be used with AMG 256, or another product containing an anti-PD-1 x IL21 mutein and / or an IL-21 receptor agonist designed to selectively activate the interleukin 21 (IL-21) pathway in programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) positive cells. In some embodiments, the drug delivery device may contain or be used with AMG 330, or another product containing an anti-CD33 x anti-CD3 BiTE® (bispecific T cell engager) construct. In some embodiments, the drug delivery device may contain or be used with AMG 404, or another product containing a human anti-programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) monoclonal antibody being investigated as a treatment for patients with solid tumors.In some embodiments, the drug delivery device may contain or be used with AMG 427, or another product containing a half-life extended (HLE) anti-fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) x anti-CD3 BiTE® (bispecific T cell engager) construct. In some embodiments, the drug delivery device may contain or be used with AMG 430, or another product containing an anti-Jagged-1 monoclonal antibody. In some embodiments, the drug delivery device may contain or be used with AMG 506, or another product containing a multispecific FAP x 4-1BB targeted DARPin® biologic being investigated as a treatment for solid tumors. In some embodiments, the drug delivery device may contain or be used with AMG 509, or another product containing a bivalent T cell engager and designed using XmAb® 2+1 technology. In some embodiments, the drug delivery device may contain AMG 562, or another product containing a half-life extended (HLE) CD19 x CD3 BiTE®. In some embodiments, the drug delivery device may contain or be used with another product containing an anti-CD33×anti-CD3 BiTE® (bispecific T cell engager) construct. In some embodiments, the drug delivery device may contain or be used with another product containing an ephavalukin alpha (formerly AMG 592) or an IL-2 mutein Fc fusion protein. In some embodiments, the drug delivery device may contain or be used with another product containing an AMG 596 or a CD3×Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor vIII (EGFRvIII) BiTE® (bispecific T cell engager) molecule. In some embodiments, the drug delivery device may contain or be used with another product containing an AMG 673 or a half-life extended (HLE) anti-CD33×anti-CD3 BiTE® (bispecific T cell engager) construct. In some embodiments, the drug delivery device may contain or be used with AMG 701 or another product containing a half-life extended (HLE) anti-B cell maturation antigen (BCMA) x anti-CD3 BiTE® (bispecific T cell engager) construct. In some embodiments, the drug delivery device may contain or be used with AMG 757 or another product containing a half-life extended (HLE) anti-delta-like ligand 3 (DLL3) x anti-CD3 BiTE® (bispecific T cell engager) construct. In some embodiments, the drug delivery device may contain or be used with AMG 910 or another product containing a half-life extended (HLE) epithelial cell tight junction component protein claudin 18.2 x CD3 BiTE® (bispecific T cell engager) construct.

[0078] Although the drug delivery devices, assemblies, components, subsystems, and methods have been described in terms of exemplary embodiments, they are not limited to the exemplary embodiments. The detailed description should be construed as merely exemplary and does not describe all possible embodiments of the present disclosure. Various alternative embodiments can be implemented using either current technology or technology developed after the filing date of this patent, but such embodiments will still fall within the scope of the claims that define the invention disclosed herein.

[0079] Those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications, alterations and combinations may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention disclosed herein, and that such modifications, alterations and combinations are to be construed as falling within the scope of the concept of the present invention.

Claims

1. 1. A drug delivery device comprising: a housing defining a longitudinal axis and having an opening; a drug reservoir including a barrel, a stopper, and a delivery member, the stopper being movably disposed within the barrel, the delivery member being disposed at a distal end of the barrel and having an insertion end configured to extend at least partially through the opening during a delivery state; a plunger movable toward the distal end of the drug reservoir to engage the stopper and release drug from the drug reservoir through the delivery member; a plunger biasing member coupled to the plunger and configured to bias the plunger toward the distal end of the drug reservoir; a releaser member having a first position in which the releaser member prevents the plunger from transitioning to the delivery state and a second position in which the releaser member does not prevent the plunger from transitioning to the delivery state; a shock absorber configured to absorb shock forces to prevent unintended movement of the releaser member; 13. A drug delivery device comprising:

2. The drug delivery device of claim 1 , wherein the housing comprises a tubular housing and a rear cap operably coupled to one another, and the shock absorber comprises the rear cap.

3. The drug delivery device of claim 2 , wherein the rear cap is movable relative to the tubular housing.

4. The drug delivery device of claim 2 or 3, wherein the shock absorber comprises a snap ring configured to allow relative movement between the rear cap and the tubular housing.

5. The drug delivery device of claim 4 , wherein the shock absorber includes an annular ridge configured to be received by the snap ring.

6. 6. The drug delivery device of claim 5, wherein the snap ring includes an inclined surface configured to permit the rear cap to move in a distal direction upon application of the impact force and to bias the rear cap to move in a proximal direction after the impact force is removed.

7. The drug delivery device of claim 6 , wherein the inclined surface is defined by a plurality of longitudinal ribs.

8. The drug delivery device according to any one of claims 2 to 3, further comprising a buffer gap between the rear cap and the tubular housing.

9. The drug delivery device of claim 8 , wherein the buffer gap defines a distance between the rear cap and the tubular housing.

10. The drug delivery device of any one of claims 2 to 3, further comprising a plunger guide configured to operatively couple the tubular housing and the rear cap.

11. 11. The drug delivery device of claim 10, wherein the plunger guide defines the annular ridge that is received by the snap ring of the rear cap, and the plunger guide further defines a second annular ridge configured to be received by a second annular ring.

12. The drug delivery device of claim 4 , further comprising a plunger guide configured to operably couple the tubular housing and the rear cap, the plunger guide defining the annular ridge.

13. The drug delivery device according to any one of claims 2 to 3, wherein the drug delivery device is an autoinjector.

14. The drug delivery device of any one of claims 2 to 3, wherein the tubular housing defines a generally cylindrical shape.

15. The drug delivery device of any one of claims 2 to 3, wherein the tubular housing defines a non-cylindrical shape, such as a generally oval or elliptical shape.

16. The drug delivery device of any one of claims 2 to 3, wherein the tubular housing and the rear cap are defined by a single monolithic structure, and the shock absorber includes a flexible or compressible portion connecting the tubular housing and the rear cap.

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