That’s what Toronto-based Duoject has come up with, relying on its in-house experience with injection-molding systems and with the resins that can be used on such systems.
Called the Inter-Vial, this medical device-drug package hybrid lets a health professional reconstitute a lyophilized (freeze-dried) drug by mixing it with a liquid diluent. This drug is then injected using the same device. Greater convenience, controlled and accurate dosing, and improved drug freshness are among the key benefits of the Inter-Vial compared to other delivery systems available.
The Inter-Vial consists of several intricately molded plastic pieces that have to be snapped or screwed together. This made resin selection a crucial part of the overall design and production process, says Daniel McDonald, director of engineering services at Duoject. High melt flow, clarity, and gloss were all important. The material also had to permit injection molding with close tolerances for secure fits between parts. Polycarbonate was the early choice, only to be edged out by K-Resin®SBC from Chevron Phillips.
“Polycarbonate couldn’t provide the flexibility needed to adequately mold specific undercuts, snap fits, latches, and grooves, whereas the K-Resin did,” says McDonald. It also stands up nicely under gamma sterilization, he adds.
The two parts of the Inter-Vial made from K-Resin BK15 SBC are the syringe socket, which houses a glass cartridge, and the vial socket, into which the lyophilized drug vial is snapped. These two sockets have to be screwed together during the drug reconstitution process. Extremely fine threads and fittings are absolutely critical, and the BK15 grade of K-resin provides just that.
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