Nugen files patent for needle-free injection nozzle

Executive Summary

• Nugen Medical Devices Inc. has filed a new patent application for a ready-to-fill COP/COC needle-free injection nozzle, advancing its prefilled nozzle technology for pharmaceutical applications.
• The technology enables scalable manufacturing of needle-free, prefilled drug delivery systems using established aseptic fill-finish processes, eliminating the need for traditional needles and manual drug transfer steps.
• The company is collaborating with Gerresheimer Medical Plastics to leverage automated production lines, with key milestones including prototype development for complex biologics and preclinical testing scheduled for late 2026.

Key Details

• Patent Filing: A new patent application has been filed covering a ready-to-fill COP/COC injection nozzle designed for pharmaceutical needle-free applications.
• Technology Architecture: The nozzle is optimized for high-pressure jet injection, combining dimensional stability, material consistency, and compatibility with pharmaceutical requirements.
• System Integration: The patent underpins an integrated drug-device system combining a prefilled nozzle with a reusable autoinjector. The nozzle serves as the primary drug container after aseptic filling.
• Autoinjector Specifications: The reusable autoinjector accommodates multiple prefilled nozzle formats, specifically 0.5-millilitre and 1.0-millilitre-long nozzles. It features autodosing capability, adapting automatically to nozzle configuration to deliver the full prefilled dose in a single activation.
• Manufacturing Partnership: Nugen is collaborating with Gerresheimer Medical Plastics, utilizing their fully automated production lines and Ready-to-Fill (RTF) expertise. The development uses a nesting configuration aligned with existing prefilled syringe formats to minimize changes to aseptic filling processes.
• Target Therapeutics: The prefilled nozzle prototype targets complex biologics, including GLP-1s, growth hormones, biosimilars, and monoclonal antibodies.
• Key Benefits for Partners:
  • Achieves ESG targets via reusable autoinjector design.
  • Reduces drug waste and improves dosing accuracy through low dead volume.
  • Enables fast injection times, even for high-viscosity formulations.
  • Reduces chemical interaction risks due to the absence of a needle lumen.
  • Enhances safety by eliminating needle stick injury risks.
• Future Milestones:
  • Samples to be qualified for preclinical testing by the end of 2026.
  • Introduction of a fixed-dose autoinjector supporting 0.5-mL and 1.0-mL RTF nozzles with automatic dosing across the 0-1 mL volume range in 2027.

Notable Quotes

• "According to Business Wire, the global prefilled syringe market is experiencing rapid growth, with most industry analyses projecting between 9 per cent and 12 per cent over the next several years, driven by self-administration and biologic therapies," said Nicky Canton, chief operating officer of Nugen. "With this development, Nugen is extending its needle-free technology creating new opportunities for patient-centric differentiation."
• "This patent reinforces our momentum and positions Nugen for the next phase of growth as we continue to scale our technology and global distribution footprint," said Liang Lin, chief executive officer of Nugen.