Automatic injection devices having overmolded gripping surfaces

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DESCRIPTION

Automatic injection devices with overmolded grip surfaces

Related Requests

Background

Automatic injection devices offer an alternative to manually operated syringes to administer therapeutic agents to patient bodies and to allow patients to self-administer therapeutic agents. Automatic injection devices can be used to administer medications in emergency conditions, for example, to administer epinephrine to counteract the effects of a severe allergic reaction. Automatic injection devices have also been described for use in the administration of anti-arrhythmic medications and selective thrombolytic agents during a heart attack. See, for example, US Patent Nos. 3,910,260; 4,004,577; 4,689,042; 4,755,169; and 4,795,433. Various types of automatic injection devices are also described, for example, in US Pat. No. 3,941,130; 4,261,358; 5,085,642; 5,092,843; 5,102,393; 5,267,963; 6,149,626; 6,270,479; and 6,371,939; and in international patent publication No. WO / 2008/005315.

Conventionally, an automatic injection device houses a syringe and, when operated, causes the syringe to move forward and a needle is projected from the housing, so that a therapeutic agent contained in the syringe is ejected into the body of a patient. WO 98/55168, WO 2005/097238 A2 or WO 03/099358 A2 are examples of the prior art of automatic injection devices with grip characteristics.

Summary

The invention is defined in claim 1. Preferred embodiments are further defined in the dependent claims. An exemplary housing of an automatic injection device is overmoulded with one or more grip surfaces to facilitate the grip and manipulation of the automatic injection device by a user when an injection is given. In an exemplary embodiment, an overmolded left grip surface may extend along a right side of the housing opposite the left side.

According to an exemplary embodiment, an automatic injection device is provided with a housing that includes a cavity to accommodate a container. A first overmoulded grip surface is provided that extends longitudinally along a portion of the housing on a first exterior surface of the housing. A second overmoulded grip surface is provided that extends longitudinally along a portion of the housing on a second outer surface of the housing opposite the first outer surface.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first and second overmolded grip surfaces on the housing are formed of a first material that has a first perception of touch, and surfaces that do not grip on the housing are formed of a second material that has a Second touch perception. In an exemplary embodiment, the first and second overmolded grip surfaces on the housing are formed of a first material that has a first hardness, and the surfaces that do not grip on the housing are formed of a second material that has a second highest hardness.

In an exemplary embodiment, the automatic injection device includes a removable distal cap to cover for protection an injection needle attachable to the container, including an outer surface of the distal cap an overmolded grip surface to facilitate grip and removal of the distal lid In an exemplary embodiment, the automatic injection device includes a trigger button that projects from an opening in the housing and that includes an overmolded contact surface to facilitate actuation of the trigger button by a user. In an exemplary embodiment, the automatic injection device includes a proximal end end to cover a proximal end of the automatic injection device, the proximal end end having an overmolded outer surface. In an exemplary embodiment, an upper surface of the proximal end end includes a recessed surface to direct and facilitate the accommodation of a user's hand or finger to grip the automatic injection device.

According to the invention, there is provided a method for mounting an automatic injection device. The method includes providing a housing that includes a cavity to accommodate a container. The method includes overmolding, on a housing, a first gripping surface that extends longitudinally along a portion of the housing on a first outer surface of the housing. The method also includes overmolding, on the housing, a second gripping surface that extends longitudinally along a portion of the housing on a second outer surface of the housing opposite the first outer surface.

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In an exemplary embodiment, the first and second grip surfaces on the housing are formed of a first material that has a first touch perception, and the surfaces that do not grip on the housing are formed of a second material that has a Second touch perception. In an exemplary embodiment, the first and second grip surfaces on the housing are formed of a first material that has a first hardness, and the surfaces that do not grip on the housing are formed of a second material that has a second hardness highest.

In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes overmolding a gripping surface on an outer surface of a distal lid to facilitate grip and removal of the distal lid and the coupling of the distal lid to a distal end of the housing for cover for protection an injection needle. In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes overmolding a grip surface on a firing button to facilitate activation of the firing button, and providing the firing button within the cavity, so that part of the firing button is projected from an opening in the housing.

In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes overmolding a grip surface on an outer surface of a proximal end end and coupling the proximal end end to a proximal end of the housing. In an exemplary embodiment, an upper surface of the proximal end end includes a recessed surface for directing a user's hand or finger to grip the automatic injection device.

In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, an automatic injection device is provided that includes a housing that includes a cavity for housing a container. The housing includes a first overmolded grip region, a second overmolded grip region and a recessed region that abuts abutment in the first and second overmolded grip regions.

In an exemplary embodiment, the recessed region is disposed between the first and second overmolded grip regions. In an exemplary embodiment, a width of the housing in the recessed region is less than a width of the housing in the first overmolded grip region and a width of the housing in the second overmolded grip region. In an exemplary embodiment, the recessed region lacks a grip surface.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first overmolded grip region is formed by a proximal end end of the housing that has an outer surface that is overmolded with a grip surface. In an exemplary embodiment, the second overmolded grip region of the housing has a conical tubular structure.

Brief description of the drawings

The foregoing and other objects, aspects, features and advantages of exemplary embodiments will be more apparent and can be better understood with reference to the following description taken in combination with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the left side illustrating an exemplary automatic injection device, in which a detachable distal cap is removed and shown separately from the device housing.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the right side illustrating the exemplary automatic injection device of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the left side of the exemplary automatic injection device of Figures 1 and 2.

Figure 4 is a front view of the exemplary automatic injection device of Figures 1-3.

Figure 5 is a view of the left side of the exemplary automatic injection device of Figures 1-3, the view of the right side being a mirror image of the view of the left side.

Figure 6A is a foreground front view of an exemplary left grip surface provided on a first portion of the body of the device of Figures 1-3.

Figure 6B is a view of the left foreground side of the exemplary left grip surface of Figure 6A.

Figure 7 is a bottom view of an exemplary removable distal cap of the exemplary automatic injection device of Figures 1-3.

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Figure 8 is a top view of an exemplary proximal terminal end of the exemplary automatic injection device of Figure 1-3.

Figure 9 is a flow chart of an exemplary method for forming an exemplary automatic injection device.

Detailed description

Exemplary embodiments provide injection devices that have housings that are designed and configured particularly for reliable, safe, ergonomic and convenient handling by users. Exemplary embodiments also provide methods for manufacturing exemplary housings for automatic injection devices and automatic injection devices that include exemplary housings.

In an exemplary embodiment, one or more overmolded grip surfaces may be provided on an outer surface of an exemplary automatic injection device housing to allow the device to be grasped and handled in an easy, convenient and reliable manner by a Username. Exemplary overmolded grip surfaces are configured and positioned particularly on the housing to prevent sliding from the user's hands and thus to avoid injury to the user or others in the vicinity. In addition, exemplary overmolded grip surfaces are configured and positioned particularly to be ergonomic and comfortable to use, particularly by physically weak users, for example elderly users, user suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and the like.

In user trials conducted using exemplary automatic injection devices, trial participants appreciated exemplary overmolded grip surfaces on the sides of the devices and the relatively large size and ergonomic shape of the device. Participants in the trials provided high scores for handling and gripping of exemplary devices, in which overmolded grip surfaces were the main factor in the high scores of participants in the trials of handling and grip configurations, compared with devices without overmolded grip surfaces. For several useful factors, there was a significant positive correlation between Cochin scores and exemplary device configurations, indicating that the exemplary devices were very suitable for use by users with manual dysfunction.

An exemplary automatic injection device may contain and may be used to administer a dose of a TNFa inhibitor. In an exemplary embodiment, the TNFa inhibitor can be a human TNFa antibody or antigen binding portion thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the human TNFa antibody or antigen binding portion thereof can be adalimumab (HUMIRA®) or golimumab.

I. Definitions

Certain terms are defined in this section to facilitate the understanding of exemplary embodiments.

The terms "automatic injection device" and "auto-injector", as used herein, refer to a device that allows a patient to self-administer a therapeutically effective dose of a therapeutic agent, in which the device differs from a conventional syringe. by the inclusion of a mechanism to automatically deliver the therapeutic agent to the patient by injection when the mechanism is coupled.

The terms "container" and "container", when used herein, refer to a syringe or cartridge that can be used in an exemplary automatic injection device to contain a dose of a therapeutic agent.

The terms "syringe" or "cartridge", when used herein, refer to a portion of a sterile cylinder, which is filled with a dose of a therapeutic agent before distribution or sale of the device to a patient or other non-professional. doctor for administration of the therapeutic agent to a patient. In an exemplary embodiment, a distal end of the cylinder portion of a syringe can be coupled to a sterile hypodermic injection needle. In an exemplary embodiment, a distal end of the cylinder portion of a cartridge may not be coupled to an injection needle. That is, in exemplary embodiments, it can be a cartridge with a pre-fixed injection needle attached to its cylinder portion.

Exemplary embodiments described herein with reference to a syringe assembly can also be implemented using a cartridge assembly. Similarly, exemplary embodiments described herein with reference to a cartridge assembly can be implemented using a syringe assembly.

The term "prefilled syringe", when used herein, refers to a syringe that is filled with a therapeutic agent immediately before the administration of the therapeutic agent to a patient, and a syringe that is

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filled with a therapeutic agent and stored in this pre-filled form for a period of time before the administration of the therapeutic agent to a patient.

The terms "injection needle" and "needle", when used herein, refer to a needle in an automatic injection device that is inserted into a patient's body to deliver a dose of a therapeutic agent to the patient's body. In an exemplary embodiment, the injection needle may be directly coupled or may otherwise be in contact with a syringe assembly or cartridge assembly containing a dose of the therapeutic agent. In another exemplary embodiment, the injection needle can be indirectly coupled to the syringe or cartridge assembly, for example through a syringe needle and / or a transfer mechanism that provides fluid communication between the syringe or syringe assembly. cartridge and injection needle.

The term "pre-injection state", when used herein, refers to a state of an automatic injection device before device activation, that is, before the start of delivery of a therapeutic agent contained in the device.

The term "injection state", when used herein, refers to one or more states of an automatic injection device during the delivery of a therapeutic agent contained in the device.

The term "post-injection state", when used herein, refers to the termination of the delivery of a therapeutically effective dose of a therapeutic agent contained in the device, or the withdrawal of the device from the patients before the termination of the supply. of a therapeutically effective dose of the therapeutic agent.

An automatic injection device provided in accordance with exemplary embodiments may include a "therapeutically effective amount" or a "prophylactically effective amount" of an antibody or antibody portion of the invention. A "therapeutically effective amount", when used herein, refers to an effective amount, in doses and for periods of time necessary to achieve the desired therapeutic result. A therapeutically effective amount of the antibody, antibody portion or other TNFa inhibitor may vary according to factors such as the disease status, age, sex, and weight of the patient, and the ability of the antibody, antibody portion or other inhibitor. of TNFa to elicit a desired response in the patient. The therapeutically effective amount is also one in which any toxic or harmful effect of the antibody, antibody portion or other TNFa inhibitor is overcome by the therapeutically beneficial effects. A "prophylactically effective amount", when used herein, refers to an effective amount, in doses and for periods of time necessary to achieve the desired prophylactic result. Typically, since the prophylactic dose is used in patients before or in the early stage of the disease, the prophylactically effective amount will be less than the therapeutically effective amount.

The terms "substance" and "therapeutic agent", as used herein, refer to any type of drug, biologically active agent, biological substance, chemical substance or biochemical substance, which is apt to be administered in a therapeutically effective amount to a drug. patient using exemplary automatic injection devices. Exemplary therapeutic agents usable in automatic injection devices may include, but are not limited to agents in a liquid state. Such agents may include, but are not limited to adalimumab (HUMIRA®) and proteins that are in a liquid solution, for example proteins and fusion enzymes. Examples of proteins in solution include, but are not limited to Pulmozyme (Dornase alfa), Regranex (Becaplermin), Activase (Alteplase), Aldurazyme (Laronidase), Amevive (Alefacept), Aranesp (Darbepoetin alfa), Becaplermin Concentrate, Betaseron (Interferon beta-Ib), BOTOX (Botulinum Toxin Type A), Elitek (Rasburicase), Elspar (Asparaginase), Epogen (Epoetin alfa), Enbrel (Etanercept), Fabrazyme (Agalsidase beta), Infergen (Interferon alfacon-1), Intron A (Interferon alfa-2a), Kineret (Anakinra), MYOBLOC (Botulinum Toxin Type B), Neulasta (Pegfilgrastim), Neumega (Oprelvekin), Neupogen (Filgrastim), Ontak (Denileukin diftitox), PEGASYS (Peginterferon alfa-2a), Proleukin (Aldeslezyme) alpha), Rebif (Interferon beta-Ia), Regranex (Becaplermin), Retavase (Reteplasa), Roferon-A (Interferon alfa-2), TN-Kase (Tenecteplase), and Xigris (Drotrecogina alfa), Arcalyst (Rilonacept), N-Plate (Romiplostim), marcera (methoxpolyethylene glycol-epoetin beta), Cinryze (C1 esterase inhibitor), Elaprase (idursulfase), Myozyma (alpha alglucosidase), Orencia (abatacept), Naglazyme (galsulfass), Kepivance (palifermin) and Actimmune (interferon gamma-1b).

The term "dose" or "dosage", when used herein, refers to an amount of a therapeutic agent, such as a TNFa inhibitor, which is preferably administered to a patient using an automatic portable injection device of the invention. . In one embodiment, the dose comprises an effective amount, but example, which includes, but is not limited to 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg, 50 mg, 60 mg, 70 mg, 80 mg, 90 mg, 100 mg 110 mg, 120 mg, 130 mg, 140 mg, 150 mg, and 160 mg of the TNFa inhibitor adalimumab.

The term "dosage", when used herein, refers to the administration of a therapeutic agent (for example an anti-TNFa antibody) to achieve a therapeutic objective (eg, treatment of rheumatoid arthritis).

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The term "dosage regimen", when used herein refers to a treatment program for a therapeutic agent, such as a TNFa inhibitor, for example a treatment program for a prolonged period of time and / or through the course of treatment, for example by administering a first dose of a TNFa inhibitor at week 0 followed by a second dose of a TNFa inhibitor in a biweekly dosage regimen.

The term "treatment", when used herein, refers to therapeutic treatment, as well as prophylactic or suppressive measures, for the treatment of a disorder, such as a disorder, in which TNFa is harmful, for example rheumatoid arthritis.

The term "patient" or "user", when used herein, refers to any type of animal, human or non-human, to which a therapeutic agent can be administered using exemplary automatic injection devices.

The term "proximal" refers to a portion or end or component of an exemplary automatic injection device that is furthest from an injection site in a patient's body, when the device is held against the patient for an injection or to Imitate an injection.

The term "distance" refers to a portion or end or component of an exemplary automatic injection device that is closest to an injection site in a patient's body when the device is held against the patient for an injection or to mimic an injection.

The term "flat" is used here, in a broad sense, to mean exactly flat or approximately flat with some tolerance for exactly flat.

The term "concave" is used here, in a broad sense, to mean exactly concave or approximately concave with some tolerance for exactly concave.

The term "concave" is used here, in a broad sense, to mean exactly convex or approximately convex with some tolerance for exactly convex.

The term "elliptical" is used here, in a broad sense, to mean exactly elliptical or approximately elliptical with some tolerance for exactly elliptical.

The term "oval" is used here, in a broad sense, to mean exactly oval or approximately oval with a certain tolerance for exactly oval.

The term "rectangular" is used here, in a broad sense, to mean exactly rectangular or approximately rectangular with some tolerance for exactly rectangular.

The term "parallel" is used here, in a broad sense, to mean exactly parallel or approximately parallel with some tolerance for exactly parallel.

The term "straight" is used here, in a broad sense, to mean exactly straight or approximately straight with some tolerance for exactly straight.

The term "equal" is used here, in a broad sense, to mean exactly the same or approximately equal with a certain tolerance.

The term "adjacent" is used here, in a broad sense, to mean immediately adjacent or approximately adjacent with some tolerance.

The term "supported" is used here, in a broad sense, to mean immediately supported or roughly supported with some tolerance.

The term "transverse axis" is used herein to refer to an axis that is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis.

II. Exemplary embodiments

Exemplary embodiments are described below with reference to certain illustrative embodiments. Although exemplary embodiments are described with respect to the use of an automatic injection device to provide an injection of a dose of a therapeutic agent, a person skilled in the art will recognize that exemplary embodiments are not limited to the forms of illustrative embodiment and that exemplary automatic injection devices can be used to inject any agent

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therapeutic appropriate to a patient. In addition, the components of exemplary automatic injection devices and methods are not limited to the exemplary embodiments described below.

Figures 1 to 8 illustrate an exemplary automatic injection device 100 having one or more overmolded grip surfaces to facilitate grip and manipulation of the device. The figures indicate a longitudinal axis L that extends substantially along the length of the device 100, a first transverse axis H that extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the device, and a second transverse axis V that extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L and the first transverse axis H.

In some exemplary embodiments, an exemplary length of the device 100 may be approximately 10.2, 11.4, 12.2, 12.7, 14.0, 15.2, 16.5, 16.8, 17.0, 17.3, 17.5, 17.8, 19.1, 20.3, 21.6, 22.9, 24.1, 25.4 cm (4, 4.5, 4.8, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10 inches), but is not limited to these exemplary lengths. In some exemplary embodiments, an exemplary width of the device 100 (at its widest location) may be approximately 1.3, 1.5, 1.8, 2.0, 2.3, 2.5, 2.8, 3.0, 3.3, 3.6, 3.8, 4.1, 4.3, 4.6 ,

4.8, 5.1, 5.6, 5.8, 6.1, 6.4, 6.6, 6.9, 7.1, 7.4, 7.6 cm (0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8 ,

1.9, 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3.0 inches), but is not limited to these exemplary widths. In some exemplary embodiments, an exemplary thickness of the device 100 (in its thickest location) may be approximately 0.3, 0.5, 0.8, 1.0, 1.3, 1.5, 1.8, 2.0, 2.3, 2.5, 2.8, 2.9, 3.0, 3.3, 3.6, 3.8, 4.1, 4.3, 4.6, 4.8, 5.1.5.3, 5.6, 5.8, 6.1, 6.4, 6.6, 6.9, 7.1, 7.4, 7.6 cm (0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7 , 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.11, 1.12, 1.13, 1.14, 1.15, 1.16, 1.17, 1.18, 1.19, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 17, 1.8, 1.9, 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 , 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3.0 inches), but not limited to these exemplary thicknesses. In an exemplary embodiment, the device

100 it can have an exemplary length of approximately 17.0 cm (6.69 inches), an exemplary width of approximately 3.7 cm (1.46 inches) in the widest position, and an exemplary thickness of approximately 2.9 cm (1.15 inches) in the thickest portion. In another exemplary embodiment, the device 100 may have an exemplary length of approximately 12.2 cm (4.8 inches), an exemplary width of approximately 0.8 inches in the widest portion, and an exemplary thickness of 1.5 cm (0.6 inches) in the thickest portion. The exemplary dimensions of the aforementioned exemplary devices allow the device to be retained comfortably and ergonomically when grasped with the hand of a user. This allows a user to reliably and comfortably grip and manipulate the device for injection.

The automatic injection device 100 may include an outer shell 101 to accommodate a container, such as a syringe or cartridge. The container may be pre-filled with a dose of a therapeutic agent to be injected into a patient's body. The housing 101 of the device, in its assembled form, may have any size and shape suitable for storing and dispensing the dose of the therapeutic agent. The assembled housing 101 may have a shape that is designed and configured to fit a user's hand and so that the user can conveniently and reliably retain the device 100 during an injection. In an exemplary embodiment, the assembled housing 101 may have an elongated structure, such that its length taken along the longitudinal axis L is much greater than its width taken along the first transverse axis H and its thickness taken to along a second transverse axis V. An exemplary relationship between the length and width (in the widest location) of the device may be, but is not limited to 2: 1, 3: 1, 4: 1, 5: 1, 6: 1, 7: 1, 8: 1, 9: 1, 10: 1, all intermediate relationships, and the like. An exemplary relationship between length and thickness (in the thickest location) of the device may be, but is not limited to 2: 1, 3: 1, 4: 1, 5: 1, 6: 1, 7: 1, 8: 1, 9: 1, 10: 1, all intermediate relationships, and the like.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the left side illustrating an exemplary automatic injection device 100 having an outer shell 101. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the right side of the exemplary automatic injection device 100 of Figure 1. In an exemplary embodiment, the housing

101 of the device 100 may have a conical tubular structure with a substantially elliptical or oval cross section. In the conical tubular structure, the width of the shell 101 may be greater in a proximal portion 106 of the shell 101 than in a distal portion 104 of the shell 101. The conical tubular shape of the exemplary shell allows the device to be simplified and can be be retained and handled in a comfortable and ergonomic manner by the hand of a user.

The housing 101 of the device 100 may be formed of a plurality of body components that are assembled together. In an exemplary embodiment, the housing 101 may be formed of a first body portion 116 and a second body portion 118 which, when coupled in cooperation with each other along its peripheral edges, enclose and provide a cavity between they. The first and second body portions can be cooperatively coupled to each other using any suitable technique that includes, but is not limited to adhesion, gluing, ultrasonic welding, friction adjustment, elastic adjustment, interference adjustment, screws, fixation between projections and recesses. corresponding, and the like. A person skilled in the art will recognize that, in other exemplary embodiments, the device cavity may be included in a single body component or in three or more body components when assembled together.

A fire button 120 can be extended from a surface of the first portion of the body 116. The power button

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Trigger 120, when activated by a user, can cause an injection to be made by the device 100. In an exemplary embodiment, a recessed or concave portion 126 may be provided on the first portion of the body 116 that abuts. with trigger button 120 to facilitate activation of trigger button 120. The recessed portion 126 may surround the trigger button 120 in an exemplary embodiment to accommodate a user's finger when the user presses on the trigger button 120.

A transparent inspection window 128 may be provided on a surface of the first portion of the body 116 to allow a user to view the contents of the device 100. The transparent inspection window 128 may allow a user to see a therapeutic agent contained in the device 100, for example to ensure clarity of the agent, and to see an end of injection indicator that materializes at the end of a successful injection. An exemplary inspection window 128 may be substantially elongated in the form, for example an elongated rectangle (with vivid or rounded edges), an elongated elliptical shape, and the like, although other shapes are possible. In the elongated inspection window 128, the length that extends along the longitudinal axis L can be substantially greater than the width that extends along the first transverse axis H. In exemplary embodiments, a relationship between the length and width of the inspection window may include, but is not limited to 1.5: 1, 2.0: 1,2,5: 1, 3,0: 1 , 3.5: 1, 4.0: 1, 4.5: 1, 5: 1, all intermediate relationships and the like.

A proximal end end 172 of the device housing may be provided to cover the proximal end of the device 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the proximal end end 172 may be coupled to the proximal end of the first and second assembled body portions. The proximal end end 172 can take any size and shape. In an exemplary embodiment, the proximal end end 172 may have a substantially tubular configuration with a substantially oval or elliptical shape. In an exemplary embodiment, at least part of the outer surface of the proximal end end 172 may be overmolded with one or more grip surfaces 173 to facilitate grip of the proximal portion of the device. In an exemplary embodiment, the entire outer surface of the proximal end end 172 may be covered by an overmolded grip surface 173. Corresponding recesses may be provided on the outer surface of the proximal end end 172 to accommodate the grip surfaces.

A removable distal cap 164 may be coupled to the distal end of the first and second body portions assembled to cover the distal end of the device 100 to prevent exposure of the injection needle before an injection. Distal cap 164 protects against accidental and / or unwanted contact of a user with the injection needle. The distal cap 164 also protects against damage and contamination of the injection needle when the device is not in use. The distal lid 164 can take any size and shape. In an exemplary embodiment, the distal cap 164 may have a substantially tubular configuration with a substantially oval or elliptical shape. In an exemplary embodiment, a front surface of the distal lid 164 may have a concave recessed portion 168 to accommodate part of the inspection window 128.

In an exemplary embodiment, the outer surface of the distal lid 164 may lack overmolded grip surfaces. In other exemplary embodiments, the outer surface of the distal cap 164 may be overmoulded with one or more grip surfaces 165 to facilitate grip and removal of the distal cap 164 outside the device. In an exemplary embodiment, the entire outer surface of the distal lid 164 may be covered by an overmolded grip surface 165. Corresponding recesses may be provided on the outer surface of the distal lid 164 to accommodate the grip surfaces.

In an exemplary embodiment, one or more flanges (which project from the outer surface) and / or one or more notches or incisions (which are lowered on the outer surface) may be provided on the grip surfaces 165 on the cover distal 164 to facilitate the grip and manipulation of the device. The shapes and locations of the flanges and / or notches can be altered as desired, and any number of flanges and / or notches can be provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the flanges and / or notches can extend substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the device. In an exemplary embodiment, the grip surfaces 165 may include textured surfaces to improve the tactile sensation and further facilitate the firm grip of the device. In an exemplary embodiment, the distal cap 164 may include one or more projections 170a, 170b (shown in Figure 5) that extend outwardly from the front surface and the back surface of the distal cap 164 to further facilitate grip. of cover 164.

In an exemplary embodiment, the distal lid 164 can be frictionally coupled with a recessed or stepped portion of the housing in order to retain it in position on the housing when the device is not in use. In an exemplary embodiment, the distal cap 164 may include a projection to block and / or attach the cap to the housing until the user is ready to perform an injection. Any suitable matching mechanism can be used in accordance with the teachings of exemplary embodiments.

When the proximal end end 172, the first body portion 116 and the second body portion 118 are assembled together, they form a conical tubular structure. The lateral surfaces of the body portions 116, 118 that rest abruptly on the grip surfaces 173 on the proximal end end 172 may include one or more recessed or concave portions 122, 124. In an exemplary embodiment, Two

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recessed portions 122, 124 may be provided on opposite sides of the device that rest on the trigger button 120. The recessed portions allow the user's hand to be accommodated in a comfortable position when the trigger button 120 is pressed.

A portion of the body portions 116, 118 that are fully supported on the recessed portions 122, 124 can be overmoulded with one or more grip surfaces 154, 156 to facilitate retention and manipulation of the device. In an exemplary embodiment, two grip surfaces 154, 156 can be provided on opposite side surfaces of the device. A first grip surface 154 may abutly rest on a first recessed portion 122, and a second grip surface 156 may abutment rest on a second recessed portion 124. Corresponding recesses may be provided on the outer surface of the first portion of the body 116 to accommodate grip surfaces.

In an exemplary housing for an automatic injection device, a first overmolded grip region, a second overmolded grip region and a recessed region that abuts abutment in the first and second overmolded grip regions can be provided. The first overmolded grip region, the second overmolded grip region and the recessed region can cooperatively provide an ergonomic and comfortable grip area, in which a user can grasp the automatic injection device to perform an injection.

In this exemplary embodiment, the first overmoulded grip region may be formed by the proximal end end 172 having an overmolded or covered outer surface. The second overmolded grip region may be part of the assembly of the first body portion 116 and the second body portion 118 having one or more overmolded grip surfaces, for example grip surfaces 154, 156). In this exemplary embodiment, the second overmolded grip region may have a substantially conical tubular structure to provide an ergonomic fit with the hand of a user. The recessed region that rests on the first and second overmolded grip regions may be formed by a portion of the assembly of the first body portion 116 and the second portion of the body 118 that is narrower in width than the first overmolded grip region and the second overmolded grip region. In an exemplary embodiment, the recessed region may be provided between the first and second overmolded grip regions. In an exemplary embodiment, the recessed region may lack any overmolded grip surface.

Figure 3 illustrates an exploded view of the exemplary automatic injection device 100 of Figures 1 and 2. In an exemplary embodiment, the first body portion 116 may include a substantially flat front surface (which extends substantially along of the LH plane) and left and right side surfaces (which extend substantially along the LV plane). The front surface of the first portion of the body 116 may transit contiguously and integrally to the left and right surfaces of the first portion of the body 116. The edges at which the front surface transits to the lateral surfaces may be live, or smooth. or rounded to maintain an aerodynamic shape of the device and for ergonomic handling of the device. The front and / or side surfaces of the first body portion 116 may be substantially smooth or slightly convex, so that the assembled housing fits ergonomically within a user's hand. The front surface may be wider in the proximal portion 106 of the device than in the distal portion 104. A person skilled in the art will recognize that other exemplary forms are possible for the first portion of the body 116 of the device.

In an exemplary embodiment, the second portion of the body 118 may include a substantially flat front surface (which extends substantially along the plane LH) and left and right side surfaces (which extend substantially along the plane LV) . The front surface of the second body portion 118 may transit contiguously and integrally to the left and right side surfaces of the second portion of the hill 118. The edges at which the front surface travels to the side surfaces can be vivid or smooth or rounded to maintain an aerodynamic shape of the device and for ergonomic manipulation of the device. The front and / or side surfaces of the second body portion 118 may be substantially smooth or slightly convex so that the assembled housing fits ergonomically within a user's hand. The front surface may be wider in the proximal portion 106 of the device than in the distal portion 104. A person skilled in the art will recognize that other exemplary forms are possible for the second portion of the body 118 of the device.

As illustrated in Figure 3, the first body portion 116 and the second body portion 118 can be cooperatively coupled along their peripheral edges to enclose and provide a cavity 102 between them. The upper and second portions of the body can be cooperatively coupled to each other using any suitable technique, including, but not limited to adhesion, gluing, ultrasonic welding, friction adjustment, elastic adjustment, interference adjustment, screws, fixation between projections and corresponding recesses. , and the like. An ordinary person skilled in the art will recognize that, in other embodiments, the cavity 102 of the device may be included in an individual body component or in three or more body components.

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when they join together.

An exemplary container 160 is preferably positioned slidably in the cavity 102 and is coupled to an injection needle (not shown) at a distal end. The injection needle may be covered by a needle protection 162, for example, a soft needle protection and / or a rigid needle protection. A container advance mechanism may be provided within the housing to mechanically advance the container 160 within and in relation to the housing and to eject the therapeutic agent from the container 160 to give an injection. The container advance mechanism may include one or more actuators (for example, one or more deflection members) that move the container from a sheathed position to a projection position. When the device is in a pre-injection state, the container 160 may be in a sheathed position, that is, retracted into the housing. When the device is activated, the container advance mechanism can advance the container 160 to a projection position, so that the injection needle projects from a distal end of the housing to allow ejection of the therapeutic agent into the body of a patient. The distal end of the housing may include an opening through which the needle can be projected.

The cavity 102 inside the housing can also accommodate a trigger coupling mechanism, for example the trigger button 120. The trigger button 120, when activated by pressing, activates the advance mechanism of the container which, in turn, advance container 160 towards the injection site, actuate the injection needle inside the injection site and supply the therapeutic agent within the injection site. In an exemplary embodiment, at least a portion of the outer surface of the trigger button 120 may be overmolded with one or more rubber grip surfaces to facilitate the pressing of the trigger button by a user's finger or hand. In an exemplary embodiment, the entire outer surface of the trigger button may be covered by an overmolded grip surface. In an exemplary embodiment, the grip surfaces on the trigger button may be colored different from the surfaces that do not grip to provide a visual indication to indicate which area of ​​the device should be grasped. For example, one or more grip surfaces on the trigger button 120 may be seen, while all other surfaces on the device may be one or more colors that are not green.

Figure 3 shows that a front surface of the first portion of the body 116 may include a first opening 119 through which the trigger button 120 can project out of the front surface. An exemplary opening 119 may be circular to accommodate the trigger button 120 with a circular cross section, although other shapes are possible. The front surface of the first body portion 116 may include a second opening 127 to accommodate the transparent inspection window 128.

As illustrated in Figure 3, in an exemplary embodiment, the removable distal lid 164 can be frictionally coupled with a recessed or stepped portion 166 of the housing in order to retain it in position in the housing when the device is not in use.

Figure 4 illustrates a front surface of the first body portion 116 of the exemplary automatic injection device 100. Figure 5 illustrates a left side view of the first body portion 116 and the second body portion 118 when mounted on the device 100.

As illustrated in Figure 4, an exemplary automatic injection device 100 may have a conical tubular shape with an elongated, substantially elongated cross section. The proximal end end 172 of the device may have a narrower end end (width w1) that widens slightly and gradually to a greater width (width w2) at the distal end of the proximal end end 172. The proximal end of the first portion of the body 116 that rests on the proximal end end 172 may include one or more recessed portions 122, 124 on the sides. The recessed portions 122, 124 may create a narrow neck portion (width w3) that is narrower than the adjacent width (width w2) of the proximal end end 172. At the distal end of the recessed portions 122, 124, the first portion of the body 116 can be widened to the maximum width of the device (width W) and gradually conically narrowed to a narrower width (width w4) near the middle portion of the device. In the distal portion 104 of the device, the first portion of the body 116 may have a substantially uniform narrow width (width w4). The second body portion 118 may have a shape and configuration substantially similar to the first body portion 116. As illustrated in Figure 5, in an exemplary embodiment, the removable distal cap 164 may include one or more projections 170a, 170b (shown in Figure 5) extending outwardly from the front surface and the back surface of the distal lid 164 to further facilitate the grip of the distal lid.

An ordinary person skilled in the art will recognize that other forms of exemplary automatic injection device 100 are possible.

As illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, in an exemplary embodiment, a left grip surface 130

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it may be provided to partially cover and extend through the left lateral surface of the first portion of the body 116, and a right grip surface 132 may be provided to partially cover and extend through the right lateral surface of the first portion of the body 116. In an exemplary embodiment, each grip surface 130, 132 may be disposed between the power button 120 and the inspection window 128. An ordinary technician will recognize that other locations of the gripping surfaces 130, 132 are possible. Similarly, in an exemplary embodiment, a left grip surface 152 may be provided to partially cover and extend over the left lateral surface of the second portion of the body 118, and a right grip surface 153 may be provided to cover partially and extend through the right lateral surface of the second body portion 118. When the first and second body portions are mounted, the left grip surfaces 130, 152 may form an adjacent left grip surface 154 on the housing, and the right grip surfaces 132, 153 may form an adjacent right grip surface 156 on the housing. The adjacent left and right grip surfaces 154, 156 facilitate reliable and comfortable grip and handling by the hand of a user, which significantly and surprisingly improves the experience of physically weak users, for example, elderly users and suffering users of rheumatoid arthritis.

In user trials conducted using exemplary automatic injection devices, trial participants liked the overmolded grip surfaces on the sides of the device, the flanges on the pre-molded grip surfaces, and the relatively large and ergonomic shape. Most of the participants in the trials (58%) strongly preferred the handling and gripping of an exemplary automatic injection device of the present invention. Overall, the exemplary device configuration received a high average score of 8.1 out of 10.0. Overmolded grip surfaces were the main factor in the high scores of the participants of the exemplary device for handling and gripping. For several utility factors there was a significant positive correlation between Cochin scores and the exemplary device of the present invention with the overmolded grip surfaces, which indicates that the exemplary device of the present invention is well adapted for those who have manual dysfunction.

An ordinary person skilled in the art will recognize that the left and right grip surfaces may have different sizes, shapes and configurations than the exemplary sizes, shapes and configurations shown in Figures 1-8. A person skilled in the art will recognize that more or less grip surfaces can be provided on exemplary automatic injection devices than the exemplary left and right grip surfaces shown in Figures 1-8. An ordinary person skilled in the art will also recognize that one or more gripping surfaces can be positioned on the exemplary automatic injection devices in other positions than the exemplary positions shown in Figures 1-8. In addition, an ordinary person skilled in the art will recognize that the contour of each grip surface may have a smooth, rounded, aerodynamic configuration in some embodiments.

The overmolded grip surfaces provided in exemplary embodiments of can be formed of any suitable material that provides a first perception of high friction soft touch to a user, compared to portions of the device that lack an overmolded grip surface that provide a second perception of hard touch and low friction. The difference in sensory perceptions provides tactile functionality to a user, which indicates that the device must be gripped in regions provided with the overmolded grip surfaces.

In an exemplary embodiment, the overmolded grip surfaces may be formed of a first type of material that has a soft touch, high friction perception to a user, while portions of the device lacking overmolded grip surfaces are They can form a second type of material that has a harder, lower friction perception for a user. In an exemplary embodiment, the overmolded grip surfaces may be formed of a first material with a lower hardness, while surfaces that do not grip may be formed of a second material with a higher hardness.

For example, surfaces that do not grip can be formed of any rigid thermoplastic material or rigid substrate suitable for use in a medical device application and suitable to provide a hard touch perception of low friction to the user. Rigid thermoplastics may include materials such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), high impact polystyrene (HIPS), polycarbonate (PC), acrinitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), poly (styrene terephthalate) ( PET), polyamide (PA), PC / ABS mixtures and PPO / PS mixtures.

Exemplary overmolded grip surfaces may be formed of materials that have any grade and hardness of suitable material to provide a soft touch perception of high friction to the user. Exemplary overmolded grip surface materials may include, but are not limited to rubber (for example, having a durometer of 50A in one embodiment), thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs), thermoplastic vulcanized (TPV) and the like. Exemplary thermoplastic elastomers that can be used for

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forming exemplary overmolded grip surfaces include, but are not limited to KRAIBURG TPEs, PolyOne Dynaflex ™ TPE, PolyOne Versaflex ™ TpE, PolyOne Versollan ™ TPE, Polyone OnFlex ™ TPE, and the like. Exemplary thermoplastic vulcanizates that can be used to form exemplary overmolded grip surfaces include, but are not limited to ExxonMobil's Santoprene ™ thermoplastic and the like.

In an exemplary embodiment, the overmolded grip surfaces may be colored different from the surfaces that do not grip to provide a visual indication to indicate which area of ​​the device should be grasped. For example, overmolded grip surfaces may be maroon, while surfaces that do not grip on the housing may be gray.

As illustrated in Figure 5, in an exemplary embodiment, one or more flanges (projecting from the outer surface) and / or one or more notches or incisions (which are lowered into the outer surface 158a, 158b, 158c (as illustrated in Figures 5 and 5B) they may be provided on the left overmolded grip surface 154 and / or the right overmolded grip surface 156 to further facilitate the grip and handling of the device. The shapes and locations of the flanges and / or notches can be altered as desired, and any number of flanges and / or notches can be provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the flanges and / or notches can extend substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the device. In an exemplary embodiment, the overmolded grip surfaces may include textured surfaces to improve the tactile sensation and further facilitate the firm grip of the device.

Figure 6A is a foreground front view of a left overmolded grip surface 130 provided on a first portion of the body 116 of the device 100 of Figure 1. Figure 6B is a left foreground side view of the grip surface exemplary left overmold 130 of Figure 6A. The first right overmolded grip surface 132 of the first portion of the body 116, the left overmolded grip surface 152 of the second portion of the body 118, and the right overmolded grip surface 153 of the second portion of the body 118 may be similar in structure and configuration.

With reference to Figures 6A and 6B, the left overmolded grip surface 130 may have a first longitudinal side 134 that extends over the front surface of the first portion of the body 116 substantially along the longitudinal axis L. In a form of Exemplary embodiment, the first longitudinal side 134 of the left overmolded grip surface 130 may be substantially linear, the first longitudinal side 134 may be slightly concave or convex. A first end 136 of the first longitudinal side 138 can be extended to and connected with an end 138 of a first longitudinal side 140 of the left overmoulded grip surface 130. The first horizontal side 140 can extend through the left side surface of the first portion of the body 116 substantially along the second transverse axis V, ending at the peripheral edge of the first portion of the body 116.

In an exemplary embodiment, a connecting side 142 extending between ends 136, 138 can connect the first longitudinal side 134 to the first horizontal side 140. In an exemplary embodiment, the first horizontal side 140 may include a beveled edge extending to the first longitudinal edge 134 at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis L and the first transverse axis H.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first longitudinal side 134 of the left overmolded grip surface 130 may be substantially longer than the first horizontal side 140. An exemplary relationship of the length of the first longitudinal side 134 with respect to the length of the first Horizontal side 140 may include, but is not limited to 2: 1, 2.5: 1, 3: 1, 3.5: 1, 4: 1, 4.5: 1, 5: 1, all intermediate ratios and Similar.

A distal end 144 of the first longitudinal side 134 can be extended towards and connected with an end 146 of a second longitudinal side 148 of the left overmolded grip surface 130. In an exemplary embodiment, a connecting side 150, which extends between the ends 144, 146 you can connect the first longitudinal side 134 to the second longitudinal side 148. In an exemplary embodiment, the connection side 150 may be longer than the connection side 142. In exemplary embodiments, a relationship of the length of the connection side 150 with respect to the length of the connection side 142 may include, but is not limited to 1.5: 1, 1.75: 1, 2: 1, 2.25: 1, 2.5: 1, 2.75: 1, 3: 1, 3.25: 1, 3,5: 1, 3,75: 1, 4: 1, all intermediate and similar relationships, but not limited to these exemplary relationships. The second longitudinal side 148 can extend through the left lateral surface of the first body portion 116 substantially along the second transverse axis V, ending at the peripheral edge of the first body portion 116.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first longitudinal side 134 may be substantially longer than the first horizontal side 140 or the second horizontal side 148. An exemplary relationship of the length of the first longitudinal side 134 with respect to the length of any horizontal side It can be, but not limited to 2: 1, 2.5: 1, 3: 1, 3.5: 1, 4: 1, 4.5: 1, 5: 1, 5.5: 1, 6: 1, 6.5: 1, 7: 1, all intermediate and similar relationships.

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Figure 7 is a bottom view of an exemplary removable distal cap 164 showing the overmolded grip surface 165. The overmolded grip surfaces 165 may be formed of any suitable material that first provides a soft touch perception and high friction to the user, compared to portions of the device that lack an overmolded grip surface that provide a perception of hard touch and low friction to a user. The difference in sensory perceptions provides a tactile indication to a user, which indicates that the device must be gripped in regions provided with the overmolded grip surfaces.

In an exemplary embodiment, exemplary overmolded grip surfaces may be formed of a first type of material that has a high friction soft touch perception, while those that do not grip are formed of a second type of material, which It has a perception of lower friction hard block. Exemplary overmolded grip surfaces 165 may be formed of suitable grade and hardness of material to provide a soft touch perception of high friction to the user. Exemplary overmolded grip surface materials may include, but are not limited to rubber (for example, having a durometer of 50A in one embodiment), thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs), thermoplastic vulcanized (TPV) and the like. Exemplary thermoplastic elastomers that can be used to form exemplary overmolded grip surfaces include, but are not limited to KRAIBURG TPEs, PolyOne Dynaflex ™ TPE, PolyOne Versaflex ™ TPE, PolyOne Versollan ™ TPE, OnFlex ™ TPE of PolyOne, and the like. Exemplary thermoplastic vulcanizates that can be used to form exemplary overmolded grip surfaces include, but are not limited to ExxonMobil's Santoprene ™ thermoplastic and the like. In an exemplary embodiment, overmolded grip surfaces 165 may be colored differently from surfaces that are not gripped to provide a visual indication to indicate which area of ​​the device should be grasped. For example, one or more overmolded grip surfaces 165 on the distal lid 164 may be garnet, while surfaces that are not gripped on the housing may be gray.

Figure 8 is a top view of an exemplary proximal end end 172 to cover the proximal end of the housing. In an exemplary embodiment, the outer surface of the proximal end end 172 may lack any overmolded grip surface. In other exemplary embodiments, at least part of the outer surface of the proximal end end 172 may be overmolded with one or more grip surfaces 173 to facilitate the grip of the proximal portion of the device. In an exemplary embodiment, the entire outer surface of the proximal end end 172 may be covered by an overmolded grip surface 173.

Overmolded grip surfaces 173 may be formed of any suitable material that provides a first soft touch and high friction perception to a user, compared to portions of the device that lack an overmolded grip surface that provides a second feel perception. Soft and low friction to a user. The difference in sensory perceptions provides a tactile indication to a user, which indicates that the device must be gripped in regions provided with the overmolded grip surfaces.

In an exemplary embodiment, the overmolded grip surfaces 173 may be formed of a first type of material that has a soft touch perception of high friction, while not gripping are formed of a second type of material, which has a harder taco perception of lower friction. Exemplary overmolded grip surfaces 173 may be formed of materials having any suitable grade and hardness of material to provide a soft touch perception of high friction to the user. Exemplary overmolded grip surface materials may include, but are not limited to rubber (for example, having a durometer of 50A in one embodiment), thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs), thermoplastic vulcanized (TPV) and the like. Exemplary thermoplastic elastomers that can be used to form exemplary overmolded grip surfaces include, but are not limited to KRAIBURG TPEs, PolyOne Dynaflex ™ TPE, PolyOne Versaflex ™ TpE, PolyOne Versollan ™ TPE, OnFlex ™ TPE of PolyOne, and the like. Exemplary thermoplastic vulcanizates that can be used to form exemplary overmolded grip surfaces include, but are not limited to ExxonMobil's Santoprene ™ thermoplastic and the like. In an exemplary embodiment, overmolded grip surfaces 173 may be colored differently from surfaces that are not gripped to provide a visual indication to indicate which area of ​​the device should be gripped. For example, one or more overmolded grip surfaces 173 on the proximal end end 172 may be maroon, while surfaces that are not gripped on the housing may be gray.

In an exemplary embodiment, one or more flanges (which project from the outer surface) and / or one or more notches or incisions (which are lowered on the outer surface) may be provided on the outer surface of the proximal end end 172 to facilitate the grip of the next portion of the device. The shapes and locations of the flanges and / or notches can be altered as desired, and can be provided

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any desired number of flanges and / or notches. In an exemplary embodiment, the overmolded grip surfaces 173 may include textured surfaces to improve the tactile sensation and further facilitate the firm grip of the device. In an exemplary embodiment, a surrounding notch 174 may be provided around the circumference of the proximal end end 172 and a concave or recessed surface 176 may be provided at the top of the proximal end end 172 in order to orient and guide a user's hand and fingers towards the device. For example, the concave or recessed surface 176 can accommodate a finger on the surface 176, while the user makes an injection using the device.

In some embodiments, the housing 101, the removable distal cap 164 and / or the proximal end end 172 of the device 100 may further include graphics, symbols and / or numbers to facilitate the use of the automatic injection device. For example, the distal cap 164 may include an illustration of an arrow on an outer surface pointing towards the distal end of the device to indicate how the device should be retained relative to the patient (i.e., with the distal end adjacent to the injection side ). An ordinary person skilled in the art will recognize that the automatic injection device may have any graph, symbol and / or number to facilitate patient instruction, or the automatic injection device may omit such graphics, symbols and / or numbers.

Figure 9 is a flow chart of an exemplary method of mounting an exemplary automatic injection device. In an exemplary embodiment, a housing of an exemplary automatic injection device may be provided in two or more separate components of the housing (for example, first and second body portions) that can be coupled together during assembly of the device.

In step 902, a first portion of the housing body is provided or formed. In step 904, one or more grip surfaces are overmolded onto corresponding recesses on an outer surface of the first body portion to facilitate grip and manipulation of the device during an injection.

In the attachment 906, a second body portion of the housing is provided or formed. In step 906, one or more grip surfaces are overmolded onto corresponding recesses on the outer surface of the second body portion to facilitate the grip and manipulation of the device during an injection.

In step 910, a proximal end of the housing is provided or formed. In step 912, one or more grip surfaces are overmolded on corresponding recesses on the outer surface of the proximal end end to facilitate grip and manipulation of the device.

In step 914, a detachable distal housing cover is provided or formed. In step 916, one or more grip surfaces are overmolded on corresponding recesses on the outer surface of the distal cap to facilitate removal of the distal cap before performing the injection.

In step 918, a housing trigger button is provided or formed. In step 920, one or more grip surfaces are overmolded on the outer surface of the trigger button to facilitate activation of the trigger button to perform an injection.

In step 922, one or more internal components of the automatic injection device may be positioned in a defined cavity between the upper portion and the second body portion. Exemplary components of the device may include, but are not limited to a container (for example, a syringe) pre-filled with a therapeutic agent for injection to a patient, an injection needle coupled to a distal end of the container, a feed mechanism of the container to advance the container in and in relation to the housing towards the injection site and to inject the therapeutic agent from the container during an injection, a trigger button to activate the advance mechanism of the container, and the like.

In step 924, the upper portion and the second body portion can be coupled cooperatively to form a body assembly that includes and contains the internal components within the cavity. In an exemplary embodiment, the body portions can be coupled at their peripheral edges. Any suitable coupling or joint can be used in step 924 including, but not limited to adhesion, gluing, ultrasonic welding, friction adjustment, elastic adjustment, interference adjustment, screws, projections and corresponding recesses and the like.

In step 926, the removable distal cap can be detachably engaged at a distal end of the body assembly to cover an injection needle or a needle shield which, in turn, covers the injection needle.

In step 928, the proximal end end may be coupled at a proximal end of the body assembly.

Any suitable manufacturing technique can be used to form any of the device components, including, but not limited to injection molding. Device components can be formed

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of any suitable material including, but not limited to plastics, thermoplastics, polycarbonates, metals and the like.

It should be noted that the order of the stages described herein can be altered as desired and that other manufacturing steps / techniques are possible and are considered within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Testing of the automatic injection device in users

Forty-four test participants were recruited to test both exemplary automatic injection devices with overmolded grip surfaces of the present invention and four alternative automatic injection devices without such grip surfaces. A majority of participants fry rheumatoid arthritis (RA) at the time of the trial. Participants were diagnosed with RA ages 1 to 40 years, with a mean age of diagnosis of 9 years. Four participants suffered from Crohn's disease at the time of the trial.

Test procedure

Each trial participant tested the different configurations of the exemplary automatic injection device. In particular, at a stage of use of the exemplary device, each trial participant performed a simulated injection (i.e., an injection with cut needles and no medication) using the devices. After performing a simulated injection, each participant in the trial was asked a series of questions designed to assess the participant's approval of the form and function of the devices. These issues included, for example, questions about size, shape, ease of handling, retention comfort, general user experience, and the like.

Handling and grip of the device

After simulating injections using the different configurations of the device, participants were invited to make comments and comparative scores on handling and grip, general ease of use and comfort in performing the injection caps. All device configurations were scored on a scale of 1 (very negative) to 10 (very positive).

Most of the participants in the trials (58%) strongly preferred the manipulation and grip of an exemplary automatic injection device of the present invention, compared to four alternative configurations of the device that did not include overmolded grip surfaces. Participants in the trials liked the overmolded rubber grips on the side of the exemplary device and its relatively large size, which made the exemplary device easy and convenient to retain. Overmolded rubber grips was the main factor in the high scores of the participants of the configuration of the exemplary device for handling and gripping as taught here.

In addition, a correlation analysis on hand dysfunction was performed using a Cochin hand disability scale with the scores provided for certain utility values: handling and grip, ease of use, ease of starting and performing the injection, comfort of performing the injection, acceptance and general preference. For several useful factors, there was a certain significant positive correlation between Cochin scores and the configuration of the exemplary device of the present invention, which indicates that this configuration of the exemplary device is well adapted for those suffering from hand dysfunction.

Convenience of retention and use of the device

After performing simulated injections in the use phase of the exemplary device, the participants in the trials were asked to evaluate the retention comfort of the exemplary device configuration of the present invention and four alternative device configurations that did not include gripping surfaces overmolded. The participants in the trials rated each device configuration on a scale of 1 (very low confidence) to 7 (very high confidence). Most of the participants in the trials preferred the configuration of the exemplary device of the present invention for convenience in performing the injection stages, 45% gave the highest score.

Ease of use and manipulation of the device

After initial exposure to the exemplary device and before receipt of instructions or a demonstration of use, participants were asked about the perceived ease of use of the configuration of the exemplary device of the present invention and four alternative configurations of the device that they did not include overmolded grip surfaces. The participants in the trials scored each device configuration on a scale of 1 (very difficult) to 7 (very easy). All device settings received high scores for

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its perceived ease of use.

After performing the simulated injections in the actual use phase of the device, the trial participants were asked to rate the ease of handling of each device configuration. The participants in the trials rated each device configuration on a scale of 1 (very low confidence) to 7 (very high confidence). In addition, after performing simulated injections using the device configuration in the third phase of actual use of the device, trial participants were also asked to rate the settings on their general ease of use on a scale of 1 (very difficult) to 10 (very easy).

Most of the participants in the trials (42%) found the configuration of the exemplary device of the present invention the easiest to use compared to four alternate configurations of the device that did not include overmolded grip surfaces. In general, the configuration of the exemplary device of the present invention received a high average score of 7.97 out of 10.0.

Device size

After performing the simulated injections in the use phase of the exemplary device, participants were asked to evaluate the overall size of the exemplary device configuration of the present invention and four alternative device configurations that did not include overmolded grip surfaces in one scale from 1 (very low confidence) to 7 (very high confidence). All device configurations received, in general. Positive scores for your overall form. In general, trial participants who had difficulty squeezing preferred first larger devices. The configuration of the exemplary device of the present invention received, in general, the highest scores.

Device shape

After performing simulated injections in the actual use phase of the device, participants were asked to rate the general form of the exemplary device configuration and four alternative device configurations that did not include overmolded grip surfaces on a scale of 1 ( very low confidence) to 7 (very high confidence).

All device configurations received, in general. Positive scores for your overall size. In general, trial participants who had difficulty squeezing preferred first larger devices. With respect to the configuration of the exemplary device of the present invention, many participants found that the form fit their hand.

III. Equivalent

When describing exemplary embodiments, specific terminology is used for clarity. For descriptive purposes, each specific term is intended to include at least all technical and functional equivalents that operate in a similar manner to achieve a similar purpose. Additionally, in some cases where a particular exemplary embodiment includes a plurality of elements of a system or stages of a method, those elements or stages may be replaced by an individual element or stage. Similarly, an individual element or stage may be replaced by a plurality of elements or stages that meet the same purpose. Also, when presently, for exemplary embodiments, parameters for various properties are specified, those parameters can be adjusted up or down in 1/20, 1/10, 1/5, 1/3, 1/2 and the like, or by rounding their approximations, unless otherwise specified. On the other hand, although exemplary embodiments have been shown and described with reference to their particular embodiments, those who are skilled in the art will understand that various substitutions and alterations in form and details can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. . In addition, other aspects, functions and advantages are also within the scope of the invention.

Exemplary flowcharts are provided herein for illustrative purposes and are non-limiting examples of the methods. Someone skilled in the art will recognize that exemplary methods may include more or less stages than those illustrated in exemplary flowcharts, and that the stages in exemplary flowcharts may be carried out in a different order than shown.

Aspects of the present invention are set forth in the following sections:

Section 1. An automatic injection device, comprising:

a housing, which includes a cavity to accommodate a container;

a first overmoulded grip surface that extends longitudinally along a portion of the

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housing on a first outer surface of the housing; Y

a second overmoulded grip surface that extends longitudinally along a portion of the housing on a second outer surface of the housing opposite the first outer surface.

Section 2. The automatic injection device of section 1, wherein the first and second overmolded grip surfaces on the housing include one or more notches and / or flanges to facilitate the grip and handling of the automatic injection device.

section 3. The automatic injection device of section 1, in which the first and second overmolded grip surfaces on the housing are formed of a first material having a first touch perception, and the surfaces that do not grip on the housing They are formed of a second material that has a second perception of touch.

Section 4. The automatic injection device of section 1, in which the first and second overmolded grip surfaces on the housing are formed of a first material having a first hardness, and the surfaces that do not grip on the housing are formed of a second material that has a higher second hardness.

Section 5. The automatic injection device of section 1, in which the first and second overmolded grip surfaces on the housing have a different color than the surfaces that do not grip on the housing.

Section 6. The automatic injection device in section 1, which also includes:

a detachable distal cap to cover for protection an injection hole that can be coupled with the container, including an outer surface of the distal cap an overmolded grip surface to facilitate the grip and removal of the distal cap.

Section 7. The automatic injection device of section 6, wherein the outer surface of the distal cap includes one or more notches and / or flanges to facilitate grip and removal of the distal cap.

Section 8. The automatic injection device in section 1, which also includes:

a trigger button that projects from an opening in the housing and that includes an overmolded contact surface to facilitate actuation of the trigger button by a user.

Section 9. The automatic injection device of section 8, wherein the trigger button is positioned along a transverse axis perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the device.

Section 10. The automatic injection device in section 9, which also includes:

a planned recessed surface adjacent to the trigger button.

Section 11. The automatic injection device of section 10, in which the recessed surface is provided surrounding the trigger button.

Section 12. The automatic injection device in section 1, which also includes:

a proximal end end to cover a proximal end of the automatic injection device, the proximal end end having an overmolded outer surface.

Section 13. The automatic injection device of section 12, wherein an upper surface of the proximal end end includes a recessed surface to direct and facilitate the grip of the automatic injection device.

Section 14. The automatic injection device in section 1, which also includes:

a transparent inspection window arranged in the housing to allow inspection of the contents of the container.

Section 15. The automatic injection device in section 14, in which, at the end of an injection, the inspection window is filled with a visual indicator.

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section 16. The automatic injection device of section 1, in which a nearby portion of the device, configured to be grasped by a user's hand, has an irregular tubular shape, in which a front face and an opposite rear face are flat and in which a first and second side faces are convex, for an ergonomic and reliable grip of the next portion by the hand of a user.

Section 17. The automatic injection device of section 16, wherein the first and second overmolded grip surfaces are arranged in the proximal portion of the device and extend through portions of the first and second side faces.

Section 18. The automatic injection device of section 1, wherein the housing comprises a plurality of housing components coupled in cooperation to define the cavity therein.

Section 19. The automatic injection device of section 1, wherein the container contains a dose of a TNF inhibitor.

Section 20. The automatic injection device of section 19, wherein the TNF inhibitor is adalimumab. Section 21. A method for mounting an automatic injection device, the method comprising: providing a housing, which includes a cavity for housing a container;

overmolding, on the housing, a first gripping surface that extends longitudinally along a portion of the housing on a first outer surface of the housing; Y

overmold, on the housing, a second gripping surface that extends longitudinally along a portion of the housing on a second outer surface of the housing opposite the first outer surface.

section 22. The method of section 21, wherein the first and second gripping surfaces on the housing include one or more notches and / or flanges to facilitate the grip and manipulation of the automatic injection device.

section 23. The method of section 21, wherein the first and second grip surfaces on the housing are formed of a first material that has a first touch perception, and the surfaces that do not grip on the housing are formed of a second material that has a second perception of touch.

section 24. The method of section 21, wherein the first and second gripping surfaces on the housing are formed of a first material having a first hardness, and the surfaces that do not grip on the housing are formed of a second material which has a second higher hardness.

Section 25. The method of Section 21, which also includes:

overmold a grip surface on an outer surface of a distal lid to facilitate grip and removal of the distal cap; Y

Attach the distal cap to a distal end of the housing to protect an injection needle as protection.

Section 26. The method of section 25, wherein the outer surface of the distal cap includes one or more notches and / or flanges to facilitate grip and removal of the distal cap.

section 27. The method of section 21, which also includes:

overmold a grip surface on a fire button to facilitate activation of the fire button; Y

provide the firing button inside the cavity, so that part of the firing button is projected from an opening in the housing.

section 28. The method of section 27, wherein the trigger button is positioned along a transverse axis perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the device.

section 29. The method of section 27, which also includes:

form a recessed surface that is fully supported by the fire button.

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Section 30. The method of Section 29, in which the recessed surface is provided surrounding the trigger button. section 31. The method of section 21, which also includes:

overmold a grip surface on an outer surface of a proximal end end; and attach the terminal end close to a proximal end of the housing.

section 32. The method of section 31, wherein an upper surface of the proximal end end includes a recessed surface to facilitate the grip of the automatic injection device.

Section 33. An automatic injection device, comprising:

a housing that includes a cavity to accommodate a container, the housing comprising:

a first overmolded grip region,

a second overmolded grip region, and

a recessed region that abuts the first and second overmolded grip regions.

section 34. The automatic injection device of section 33, wherein the recessed region of the housing is disposed between the first and second overmolded grip regions of the housing.

section 35. The automatic injection device of section 33, in which a width of the housing in the recessed region is less than a width of the housing in the first overmolded grip region, and that a width of the housing in the second overmolded grip region.

section 36. The automatic injection device of section 33, in which the recessed region of the housing lacks a grip surface.

section 37. The automatic injection device of section 33, wherein the first overmolded grip region is formed by a proximal end end of the housing, which has an outer surface that is overmolded with a grip surface.

Section 38. The automatic injection device of section 33, wherein the second overmolded grip region of the housing has a conical tubular structure.