Patients with rheumatoid arthritis and other debilitative hand conditions, are occasionally prescribed medications that have to be injected, either intramuscularly or intravenously. Because their joints can suffer from severe pain or movement restrictions, it is often difficult for patients to do their own injections. UCB, the Belgian pharmaceutical firm, must have noticed the big market for OXO rubber gripped kitchen tools among patients with arthritis, and worked together with OXO to develop a new syringe. Having just received FDA approval for Cimzia (certolizumab pegol) to treat rheumatoid arthritis, UCB is now making the drug available in the new prefilled syringes.
Features of the new syringe:
Easy to grip wide flange (finger grips) – soft, non-slip grip allows patients to hold the syringe steady using various grip positions. Easy to remove needle cover – rounded finger loop for easy removal of needle cover; flared needle cap designed to reduce needle pricks due to recoil. Easy to push syringe plunger – large and soft thumb pad for patients to push the plunger. Easy to read syringe barrel – magnified barrel helps ensure patients receive entire dose as they can see the medicine inside and know when they have injected all of it. Easy to grip elliptical barrel – elliptical barrel for patients to grip and helps prevent slippage during patient handling. Easy to open packaging – the cover with a rounded corner uses Velcro® for easy opening and resealing; large, easy-to-read directions and clear visuals instruct patients how to use the pack and administer/inject Cimzia®; and lastly, the plastic housing inside with a large finger recess allows patients to easily remove the syringe.
Press release: Partnership unites UCB with consumer product innovator OXO
Product page…
(hat tip: Core77)