Drug delivery system, barrier device and pull tab therefor

Abstract

The drug delivery system is for injecting a medication. The drug delivery system includes a housing, a needle having a sharpened tip, and a barrier device. The sharpened tip is configured to move in and out of the housing. The barrier device includes a barrier configured to protectively surround at least the sharpened tip of the needle, and a pull tab. The pull tab includes a connecting portion connected to the barrier, a gripping portion located at least partially external to the housing and away from the connecting portion, and a body portion extending between the connecting portion and the gripping portion. The body portion has a flexible portion for reducing strain on the barrier.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to drug delivery systems for delivering fluid into a patient's body by injection. The present disclosure also relates to barrier apparatuses for drug delivery systems. The present disclosure further relates to pull tabs for barrier apparatuses.

Background Art

[0002] Cross-reference to Related Applications This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 106,204 entitled “Drug Delivery System, and Barrier Apparatus and Pull Tab Therefor”, filed on October 27, 2020, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] Various types of auto-injection devices have been developed to enable drug solutions and other liquid therapeutic formulations to be administered or self-injected by untrained personnel. Generally, these devices comprise a reservoir pre-filled with a liquid therapeutic formulation and some type of automatic needle injection mechanism that can be triggered by a user. When the volume of fluid or drug to be administered is generally less than a certain volume, for example less than 1 mL, an auto-injector is typically used, and this auto-injector usually has an injection time of about 10 to 15 seconds. When the volume of fluid or drug to be administered is larger than 1 mL, the injection time is generally longer, as a result of which it becomes difficult for the patient to maintain contact between the device and the target area of the patient's skin. Furthermore, the larger the volume of drug to be administered, the more desirable it becomes to increase the time period for injection. A conventional method for slowly injecting a drug into a patient is to start an intravenous injection and slowly inject the drug into the patient's body. Such procedures are typically performed in a hospital or outpatient setting.

[0004] Some devices enable self-injection in a home setting, allowing liquid therapeutic formulations to be gradually injected into the patient's skin. In some cases, these devices are small enough (both in height and overall size) to allow the patient to "wear" the device while the liquid therapeutic formulation is being injected into them. These devices typically include a pump or other type of release mechanism to ensure the liquid therapeutic formulation flows out of the reservoir into the injection needle. Such devices also typically include a valve or flow control mechanism to ensure the liquid therapeutic formulation begins flowing at the appropriate time, and a triggering mechanism to initiate the injection. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2013 / 155153 Pamphlet [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2014 / 179774 Brochure [Patent Document 3] International Publication No. 2015 / 081337 Brochure [Overview of the project]

[0006] In one embodiment, a drug delivery system for injecting a drug is provided. The drug delivery system comprises a housing, a needle having a sharp tip, and a barrier device. The sharp tip is configured to move in and out of the housing. The barrier device comprises a barrier configured to protectively enclose at least the sharp tip of the needle, and a pull tab. The pull tab has a connecting portion connected to the barrier, a grip portion located at least partially outside the housing away from the connecting portion, and a body portion extending between the connecting portion and the grip portion. The body portion has a flexible portion for reducing strain on the barrier.

[0007] In another embodiment, a barrier device for the aforementioned drug delivery system is provided. In yet another embodiment, a pull tab for the aforementioned barrier device is provided.

[0008] In yet another embodiment, the flexible portion is more flexible than the connecting portion and the grip portion. The flexible portion may extend from or near the connecting portion to or near the grip portion. Optionally, the flexible portion is a segmented tube. In yet another configuration, the flexible portion is a spiderweb-like section. In yet another configuration, the flexible portion is a coiled section. The flexible portion may also be an expandable and contractible straight segment.

[0009] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the grip portion may have a base having a first diameter, and the connecting portion may have a second diameter smaller than the first diameter. The grip portion may also include a projection and a frustoconical portion extending between the base and the projection.

[0010] In other configurations, the main body may have a third diameter smaller than the first and second diameters. The system may further include a removal component, the grip portion of which is attached to the removal component. The device barrier may comprise a cylindrical surface and an internal ledge extending radially inward from the cylindrical surface, the needle may extend through the internal ledge, and the internal ledge engages with the needle.

[0011] The barrier may comprise an elongated portion and a generally planar portion extending from the elongated portion of the barrier and positioned generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the needle. The system may further comprise a removal component having a serrated portion, the grip portion being attached to the removal component by the serrated portion. In some configurations, the barrier may comprise an elastomer sleeve for maintaining the sterility of the needle.

[0012] According to another aspect of the present invention, a barrier device for a drug delivery system comprises a housing and a needle having a sharp tip, the sharp tip being configured to move in and out of the housing. The barrier device comprises a barrier configured to protectively enclose at least the sharp tip of the needle and a pull tab. The pull tab comprises a connecting portion connected to the barrier, a grip portion located away from the connecting portion and configured to be at least partially outside the housing, and a main body portion extending between the connecting portion and the grip portion. The main body portion has a flexible portion for reducing strain on the barrier.

[0013] In some embodiments, the barrier and pull tab are modular components made from a single piece of material. The connection may be connected to the barrier by a press-fit mechanism. The barrier may be substantially sealed by the connection of the pull tab.

[0014] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a pull tab for a barrier device of a drug delivery system comprises a connecting portion configured to connect to a barrier, a grip portion positioned away from the connecting portion, and a body portion extending between the connecting portion and the grip portion. The body portion has a flexible portion for reducing strain on the barrier. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] The aforementioned and other features and advantages of this disclosure, and the methods by which they are achieved, will become clearer, and the disclosure itself will be better understood, by referring to the subsequent descriptions relating to embodiments of this disclosure, which are to be read together with the accompanying drawings.

[0016] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a drug delivery system, shown without barrier devices and pull tabs, according to one aspect of this concept. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a drug delivery system according to one embodiment of this concept. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a front cross-sectional view of a drug delivery system according to one embodiment of this concept. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a top view of the drug delivery system of FIG. 1 according to one aspect of the present concept, showing the upper portion of the housing removed and the drug delivery system in a pre-use position. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a top cross-sectional view of the drug delivery system of FIG. 1 according to one aspect of the present concept, showing the drug delivery system in a pre-use position. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a front cross-sectional view of the drug delivery system of FIG. 1 according to one aspect of the present concept, showing the drug delivery system in a pre-use position. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a top view of the drug delivery system of FIG. 1 according to one aspect of the present concept, showing the upper portion of the housing removed and the drug delivery system in an initial actuation position. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a top cross-sectional view of the drug delivery system of FIG. 1 according to one aspect of the present concept, showing the drug delivery system in an initial actuation position. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a front cross-sectional view of the drug delivery system of FIG. 1 according to one aspect of the present concept, showing the drug delivery system in an initial actuation position. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a top view of the drug delivery system of FIG. 1 according to one aspect of the present concept, showing the upper portion of the housing removed and the drug delivery system in an in-use position. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a top cross-sectional view of the drug delivery system of FIG. 1 according to one aspect of the present concept, showing the drug delivery system in an in-use position. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a front cross-sectional view of the drug delivery system of FIG. 1 according to one aspect of the present concept, showing the drug delivery system in an in-use position. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a top view of the drug delivery system of FIG. 1 according to one aspect of the present concept, showing the upper portion of the housing removed and the drug delivery system in a post-use position. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a top cross-sectional view of the drug delivery system of FIG. 1 according to one aspect of the present concept, showing the drug delivery system in a post-use position. [Figure 15A]FIG. 1 is a front cross-sectional view of the drug delivery system of FIG. 1 according to one aspect of the present concept, showing the drug delivery system in a post-use position. [Figure 15B] FIG. 1 is a front cross-sectional view of the drug delivery system of FIG. 1 according to one aspect of the present concept, showing the pad when the drug delivery system is in a pre-use position. [Figure 15C] It is a perspective cross-sectional view of the drug delivery system of FIG. 1 according to one aspect of the present concept, showing the pad when the drug delivery system is in a pre-use position. [Figure 15D] It is a perspective cross-sectional view of the drug delivery system of FIG. 1 according to one aspect of the present concept, showing the pad when the drug delivery system is in a pre-use position. [Figure 16] It is a partial cross-sectional view of the drug delivery system of FIG. 1 according to one aspect of the present concept, showing the valve assembly. [Figure 17] It is a partial cross-sectional view of the drug delivery system of FIG. 3, showing a barrier device according to a non-limiting embodiment of the disclosed concept. [Figure 18] It is an isometric view of the barrier device of FIG. 17. [Figure 19] It is a partial front view of a portion of the barrier device of FIG. 18. [Figure 20] It is a partial front view of a portion of a barrier device according to an alternative non-limiting embodiment of the disclosed concept. [Figure 21] It is a partial front view of a portion of a barrier device according to an alternative non-limiting embodiment of the disclosed concept. [Figure 22] It is a partial front view of a portion of a barrier device according to an alternative non-limiting embodiment of the disclosed concept. [Figure 23] It is a partial front view of a housing and a barrier device according to another non-limiting embodiment of the disclosed concept. [Figure 24] It is a partial front view of a barrier device according to another non-limiting embodiment of the disclosed concept. [Figure 25] It is a partial front view of a barrier device and a needle according to another non-limiting embodiment of the disclosed concept. [Figure 26]Figure 1 is a partial front view of the drug delivery system, illustrating the movement of the barrier device according to a non-limiting embodiment of the disclosed concept. [Figure 27] Figure 1 is a partial front view of the drug delivery system, illustrating the removal of a barrier device according to a non-limiting embodiment of the disclosed concept.

[0017] Throughout the figures, corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts. The examples detailed herein illustrate exemplary aspects of the disclosure, and such examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure in any way. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0018] The following description is provided to enable those skilled in the art to create and use embodiments intended and described for carrying out the present concept. However, various modifications, equivalents, variations, and substitutions will still be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Any and all such modifications, variations, equivalents, and substitutions are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the present concept.

[0019] In the following description, the terms “upward,” “downward,” “right,” “left,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “up,” “down,” “short side,” “long side,” and their derivatives are used in relation to the concept as oriented in the drawings. However, it should be understood that the concept may be subject to various alternative variations unless explicitly stated otherwise. It should also be understood that the specific devices shown in the accompanying drawings and described in the subsequent specification are merely illustrative embodiments of the concept. Therefore, the specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein should not be considered limiting.

[0020] Referring to Figures 1-16, a drug delivery system 10 according to one aspect of this concept comprises a drive assembly 12, a container 14, a valve assembly 16, and a needle actuator assembly 18. The drive assembly 12, container 14, valve assembly 16, and needle actuator assembly 18 are at least partially positioned within a housing 20. The housing 20 comprises an upper part 22 and a lower part 24, although other suitable mechanisms for the housing 20 may be utilized. In one aspect, the drug delivery system 10 is a syringe device configured to be worn by or attached to a user, and configured to deliver a predetermined dose of a drug provided in the container 14 to the user via injection. The system 10 may be used to deliver a “bolus injection” in which the drug is delivered within a set time period. The drug may be delivered over a time period of up to 45 minutes, but other suitable injection doses and durations may be utilized. Bolus administration or delivery may be performed with rate control, or without specific rate control. The system 10 may deliver the drug to the user at a fixed pressure with a variable rate. The general operation of System 10 will be described later with reference to Figures 1-16.

[0021] Referring again to Figures 1-16, the system 10 is configured to operate through the user's engagement of an activation button 26, as a result of the needle 28 of the needle assembly 18 penetrating the user's skin, the drive assembly 12 acting to put the needle 28 into fluid communication with the container 14, to discharge fluid or drug from the container 14, and the needle 28 being withdrawn after the completion of drug injection. The general operation of the drug delivery system is illustrated and described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. The housing 20 of the system 10 includes an indicator window 30 for viewing an indicator mechanism 32 configured to provide the user with an indication of the status of the system 10, and a container window 31 for viewing the container 14. The indicator window 30 may have a magnifying lens to allow the indicator mechanism 32 to be clearly seen. The indicator mechanism 32 moves with the needle actuator assembly 18 during use of the system 10 to indicate the pre-use status, use status, and post-use status of the system 10. The indicator mechanism 32 provides a visual indicator of the status, but other appropriate indicators, such as auditory or tactile ones, may be provided as alternative or additional indicators.

[0022] Referring to Figures 4-6, during the pre-use position of the system 10, the container 14 is separated from the drive assembly 12 and the valve assembly 16, and the needle 28 is in the retracted position. During the initial operation of the system 10, as shown in Figures 7-9, the drive assembly 12 engages with the container 14 and moves the container 14 toward the valve assembly 16. The valve assembly 16 penetrates the closure 36 of the container 14 and is configured to fluidly communicate the drug inside the container 14 with the needle 28 via a tube (not shown) or other suitable mechanism. The drive assembly 12 is configured to engage with the stopper 34 of the container 14, which initially moves the entire container 14 due to the incompressibility of the fluid or drug inside the container 14, causing it to engage with the valve assembly 16. The initial operation of the system 10 is triggered by the user engaging the actuation button 26, which releases the needle actuator assembly 18 and the drive assembly 12, as will be discussed in more detail below. During initial operation, needle 28 is still in the retracted position and is in the process of moving to the extended position in order to inject into the user of system 10.

[0023] During the use of the system 10, as shown in Figures 10-12, the needle 28 is in an extended position at least partially outside the housing 20, and the drive assembly 12 moves the stopper 34 in the container 14 to deliver the drug from the container 14 to the user through the needle 28. In the use position, the valve assembly 16 has already penetrated the closure 36 of the container 14, creating fluid communication between the container 14 and the needle 28, and this also allows fluid to be dispensed from the container 14, so that the drive assembly 12 can move the stopper 34 relative to the container 14. In the post-use position of the system 10, shown in Figures 13-15A, the needle 28 is in a retracted position and engaged with the pad 38, thereby sealing the needle 28 and preventing any residual fluid or drug from flowing out of the container 14. The container 14 and valve assembly 16 may be the container 14 and valve assembly 16 illustrated and described in Patent Document 3, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0024] Referring to Figures 15A-15D, as the needle actuator body 96 moves from the operating position to the post-operation position, the pad 38 is biased toward the pad. In particular, the pad 38 is supported by a pad arm 122 having a cam surface 124 that cooperates with a cam track 126 on the lower part 24 of the housing 20. The pad arm 122 is connected to the needle actuator body 96 via a torsion bar 128. The cam surface 124 engages with the cam track 126 to deflect the pad arm 122 downward, thereby allowing the pad 38 to pass under the needle 28 before being biased upward toward the needle 28. The torsion bar 128 allows the pad arm 122 to twist around the pivot axis of the needle actuator body 96. The pad 38 may be press-fitted into the opening of the pad arm 122, but other suitable mechanisms for securing the pad 38 may be utilized.

[0025] Referring to Figures 17 and 18, a barrier device 200 according to one non-limiting embodiment of the disclosed concept comprises a barrier 202 and a pull tab 210, each of which may be made of any suitable material in the art. As discussed below, the barrier 202 and the pull tab 210 may each be separate unit components made from a single material piece (e.g., an injection-molded piece), or together they may be a single unit component made from a single material piece. In one exemplary embodiment, the barrier 202 is an elastomer sleeve for maintaining the sterility of the needle 28. To achieve this function, and as depicted in Figure 17, the barrier 202 is configured to protectively surround at least the sharp end 29 of the needle 28, and the needle 28 is configured to move in and out of the housing as discussed above. Before use, it will be understood that the barrier 202 is removed from the needle 28, for example, via the pull tab 210, so that the needle 28 can perform its intended function.

[0026] More specifically, the pull tab 210 comprises a connector 212, a grip portion 222, and a body portion 232 extending between the connector 212 and the grip portion 222. The connector 212 is connected to the barrier 202. According to the disclosed concept, the connector 212 is either directly connected to the barrier 202 (e.g., in which case the pull tab 210 and the barrier 202 engage with each other) or integral with the barrier 202 (e.g., in which case the pull tab 210 and the barrier 202 are formed from a single piece of material as a unit component (e.g., an injection-molded piece)). As will be discussed below, this is advantageous compared to known barrier and pull tab mechanisms (not shown) in which the pull tab is indirectly connected to the barrier (e.g., via one or more intermediate parts or components). The barrier 202 may be substantially enclosed by the connector 212. In one exemplary embodiment, the connector 212 is connected to the barrier 202 by a press-fit mechanism. Therefore, the barrier 202 may be configured to be located within the cavity of the connection portion 212 and to engage with the cavity of the connection portion 212.

[0027] Referring to Figures 17 and 18, the grip portion 222 is located away from the connection portion 212. The grip portion 222 is also located at least partially outside the housing 20 of the drug delivery system 10, as shown in Figure 17. As shown in Figure 17, the grip portion 222 is attached to a removal component 214 which is located at least partially outside the housing 20. The removal component 214 is configured to be grasped and pulled away from the housing 20 in order to remove the barrier device 200 from the system 10 immediately before use of the system 10 to expose the sharp portion 29 of the needle 28. Although the grip portion 222 is attached to the removal component 214, the grip portion 222 may be grasped directly to remove the barrier device 200, or the grip portion 222 may be formed integrally with the removal component 214. Referring again to Figure 18, the grip portion 222 has a base portion 223, a projection 225, and a frustoconical portion 227 extending between the base portion 223 and the projection 225. In the embodiments of Figures 17 and 18, a frustoconical geometry is employed to transition between a relatively wide base portion 223 and a relatively narrow projection 225, but it will be understood that suitable alternative geometries are contemplated herein without departing from the scope of the disclosed concepts. While the barrier device 200 is assembled into the system 10, according to one non-limiting embodiment, first the barrier 202 of the barrier device 200 is connected to the system 10 so that the barrier 202 encloses the sharp portion 29 of the needle 28, and the projection 225 is configured to be grasped and pulled to pass the grip portion 222 through the housing 20 and the removal component 214, thereby engaging and securing the grip portion 222 to the removal component 214. The projection 225 may subsequently be removed after assembly. As shown in Figure 17, in order to attach the grip portion 222 to the removal component 214, the grip portion 222 is compressed or contained between two parts of the removal component 214, although other suitable mounting mechanisms may be used.

[0028] Continuing with the examples in Figures 17 and 18, it will be understood that the geometry of the pull tab 210 is advantageous in that it helps to keep the pull tab 210 connected to the barrier 202 within the housing 20 of the drug delivery system 10 before use. More specifically, as shown in Figure 18, the base 223, the connector 212, and the body 232 have first, second, and third diameters 224, 213, and 233, respectively. The second diameter 213 is smaller than the first diameter 224, and the third diameter 233 is smaller than the first and second diameters 224 and 213. As shown in Figure 17, the relatively wide base 223 is maintained within the removal component 214.

[0029] According to one non-limiting embodiment of the disclosed concept, the main body 232 has a flexible portion 234 for reducing strain on the barrier 202. In this way, undesirable movement of the barrier 202 can be advantageously minimized. As a result, undesirable movement of the needle 28 can also be significantly minimized, thereby maintaining its maintainability for subsequent use by the user. Furthermore, known pull tabs for barriers (not shown) generally have arms that close around the barrier when removed, and these generally connect the pull tab to the barrier indirectly, relying on complex mechanical interactions and friction, which may not allow for reliable removal of the barrier. According to the disclosed concept, such mechanical interactions are simplified through a direct or integral connection between the connector 212 and the barrier 202, thereby resulting in more reliable removal of the barrier 202 when the barrier device 200 is disconnected from the system 10.

[0030] The flexible portion 234 is preferably more flexible than the connecting portion 212 and the grip portion 222. More specifically, in response to the same magnitude of force being applied to the flexible portion 234, the connecting portion 212, and the grip portion 222, and at an angle perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pull tab, the flexible portion 234 is configured to deflect a greater distance from its original position than both the connecting portion and the grip portions 212 and 222. Furthermore, in one exemplary embodiment, the flexible portion 234 extends from or near the connecting portion 212 to or near the grip portion 222 (for example, substantially constituting the entire body portion 232). In addition, the body portion 232 in one exemplary embodiment is elongated to allow for a deeper placement of the barrier 202, and thus further minimizes disturbances to the barrier 202.

[0031] Referring to Figures 17-19, the flexible portion 234 is in the shape of a spiderweb. In particular, the flexible portion 234 may have surface notches or other configurations to enhance the flexibility of the flexible portion 234. However, other suitable configurations are intended by the disclosed concept. For example, in yet other non-limiting embodiments, Figures 20-22 show the flexible portions 334, 434, and 534 of the pull tabs 310, 410, and 510, which are in the shape of a coiled portion, a segmented tube (e.g., having various diameters along the central axis), and a relatively expandable straight segment, respectively. Thus, it will be understood that strain reduction by the disclosed concept can take many forms, as long as the flexible portion reduces strain or movement of the barrier 202.

[0032] Referring to Figure 23, instead of compressing the grip portion 222 between the portions of the removal component 214 as shown in Figure 17, portion 710 of the barrier device 200 is compressed between the serrated edges 622 of the removal component 620, and the projection 722 extends from the removal component 620 and operates in the same manner as the projection 225 discussed above and shown in Figure 17.

[0033] Referring to Figure 24, the barrier 802 according to an alternative, non-limiting embodiment has a cylindrical surface 803 and an internal ledge 804 extending radially inward from the cylindrical surface 803. Before use, the needle 828 extends through the internal ledge 804, and the internal ledge 804 engages with the needle 828. Furthermore, as shown, it is intended that the pointed portion 829 of the needle 828 does not need to be substantially engaged with the barrier 802 on all sides.

[0034] Referring to Figure 25, the barrier 902 according to an alternative, non-limiting embodiment has an elongated portion 903 and a generally planar portion 904, the generally planar portion 904 extending from the elongated portion 903 and positioned generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 930 of the needle 928.

[0035] Referring to Figures 26 and 27, the flexible portion 234 of the barrier device 200 prevents motion of the barrier 202 when the grip portion 222 and the removal component 214 are moved in the short direction. Such motion could impair the sterility of the needle 28 and could also cause undesirable contact between the needle 28 and the barrier 202. The flexible portion 234 of the barrier device 200 is also configured to allow the barrier device 200 to be removed from the system 10 in all directions while ensuring reliable removal of the barrier 202 and without compromising the maintainability of the system 10.

[0036] Elements of one disclosed embodiment can be combined with elements of one or more other disclosed embodiments to form various combinations, all of which are considered to fall within the scope of this concept.

[0037] Although this disclosure is described as having exemplary designs, it is possible to further modify it within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Accordingly, this application is intended to cover any variation, use, or adaptation of this disclosure using its general principles. Furthermore, this application is intended to cover any deviation from this disclosure that falls within known or conventional practices in the art to which this disclosure relates and which are included in the limitations of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A drug delivery system for injecting drugs, The casing and A needle having a sharp tip, wherein the sharp tip is configured to move in and out of the housing, A barrier device, A barrier configured to protectively surround at least the sharp tip of the needle, It's a pull tab, The barrier-connected connection part, A grip portion, which is located at least partially outside the housing away from the aforementioned connection portion, The barrier device includes a pull tab, which includes a main body portion extending between the connecting portion and the grip portion, The main body has a flexible portion for reducing strain on the barrier so as to reduce the movement of the barrier when the grip portion is moved laterally, and the flexible portion extends from the connecting portion or its vicinity to the grip portion or its vicinity. The flexible portion is more flexible than the connecting portion and the grip portion, A drug delivery system in which the flexible portion is one of the following: a segmented tube, a spiderweb-like portion, a web-like portion, a coil-like portion, or an expandable linear segment.

2. A drug delivery system for injecting a drug, The casing and A needle having a sharp tip, wherein the sharp tip is configured to move in and out of the housing, A barrier device, A barrier configured to protectively surround at least the sharp tip of the needle, It's a pull tab, The barrier-connected connection part, A grip portion, which is located at least partially outside the housing away from the aforementioned connection portion, The barrier device includes a pull tab, which includes a main body portion extending between the connecting portion and the grip portion, The main body portion has a flexible portion for reducing strain on the barrier, The grip portion has a base having a first diameter, and the connecting portion has a second diameter smaller than the first diameter, and The drug delivery system further comprises a projection and a frustoconical portion extending between the base and the projection of the grip portion.

3. A drug delivery system for injecting a drug, The casing and A needle having a sharp tip, wherein the sharp tip is configured to move in and out of the housing, A barrier device, A barrier configured to protectively surround at least the sharp tip of the needle, It's a pull tab, The barrier-connected connection part, A grip portion, which is located at least partially outside the housing away from the aforementioned connection portion, The barrier device includes a pull tab, which includes a main body portion extending between the connecting portion and the grip portion, The main body portion has a flexible portion for reducing strain on the barrier, The grip portion has a base having a first diameter, and the connecting portion has a second diameter smaller than the first diameter, and A drug delivery system wherein the main body has a third diameter smaller than the first and second diameters.

4. The drug delivery system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a removal component, wherein the grip portion is attached to the removal component.

5. The drug delivery system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the barrier comprises a cylindrical surface and an internal ledge extending radially inward from the cylindrical surface, the needle extending through the internal ledge, and the internal ledge engaging with the needle.

6. The drug delivery system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the barrier comprises an elongated portion and a generally planar portion extending from the elongated portion of the barrier and positioned generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the needle.

7. A drug delivery system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a removal component having a serrated portion, wherein the grip portion is attached to the removal component by the serrated portion.

8. The drug delivery system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the barrier comprises an elastomer sleeve for maintaining the sterility of the needle.

9. A barrier device for a drug delivery system, wherein the drug delivery system comprises a housing and a needle having a sharp tip, the sharp tip being configured to move in and out of the housing, and the barrier device is A barrier configured to protectively surround at least the sharp tip of the needle, It's a pull tab, A connecting portion connected to the barrier, wherein the barrier is located within the cavity of the connecting portion and engages with the connecting portion, A grip portion, which is positioned away from the aforementioned connection portion and configured to be at least partially outside the housing, and A pull tab and a main body extending between the connecting portion and the grip portion. Includes, The barrier device wherein the main body portion has a flexible portion for reducing strain on the barrier so as to reduce the movement of the barrier when the grip portion is moved laterally.

10. The barrier device according to claim 9, wherein the barrier and the pull tab are unit components made from a single piece of material.

11. The barrier device according to claim 9, wherein the connecting portion is fixed within the cavity of the barrier by press fitting.

12. The barrier device according to claim 9, wherein the barrier is substantially sealed by the connecting portion of the pull tab.

13. A pull tab for a barrier device in a drug delivery system, The barrier device comprises a barrier configured to protectively surround at least the sharp tip of a needle, wherein the sharp tip is configured to move in and out of the housing of the drug delivery system, The aforementioned pull tab is A connecting portion configured to be connected to the barrier, wherein the barrier is located within a cavity of the connecting portion and engages with the connecting portion, A grip portion positioned away from the aforementioned connection portion, The main body portion extends between the connecting portion and the grip portion. Includes, The main body portion is a pull tab having a flexible portion for reducing strain on the barrier so as to reduce the movement of the barrier when the grip portion is moved laterally.

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