What is the problem? 40bn hypodermic devices are sold annually. After use and before safe
disposal millions of people throughout the world suffer needle-stick injuries (NI) from used
devices. The main risk posed by NI’s is exposure to blood-borne viruses.
There are numerous offerings of “safe” devices to address this problem and legislation is in
place in USA and pending in Europe to enforce their use. Uptake globally is very low as they
are costly compared to standard devices and their operation is different and is unpopular with
medical practitioners.
What is our solution? We have some patents and concept drawings for a range of retractable
hypodermic devices. In order to penetrate this highly mature market we will need to address
more than just the safety aspects. The main benefits/features of our concepts are:-
A safe product that can substantially reduce the incidents of NI.
Cost competitive with current devices.
An environmentally friendly product that will produce a lower carbon footprint in the
manufacturing and disposal processes.
Ability to use existing standard needle and needle carriers with normal slip and lock luer
(unique)
Needle is not an integral part of the device (unique) a significant inventory cost reduction and
practitioner flexibility benefit.
Device is “automatically” rendered safe in normal operation.
Little change to current medical procedure.
Can be used single handedly in all the same circumstances as current hypodermics.
Next Steps needed to move into the next phase we need to build sample assemblies to enable
us to demonstrate to stakeholders that we have a product with ranges available.
We estimate that to get to this stage we need funding of £183k that covers, development of all
concepts and detailed design, key risk reduction & proof of concept for plunger seal,
prototype manufacture and testing, freedom to operate search, new patent description &
filings.