News | October 13, 2008

West Announces Availability Of The ConfiDose® Auto-Injector System

Source: West Analytical Services
West Analytical Servicese world's premier manufacturer of components and systems for injectable drug delivery, recently announced the availability of the ConfiDose disposable auto-injector system. The ConfiDose system eliminates preparation steps and automates the injection of drugs, providing patients with a sterile, single-use disposable system that can be easily used at home.

The ConfiDose auto-injector system incorporates a 1 mL long, affixed needle prefilled syringe format that can be used with either a glass or Daikyo Crystal Zenith syringe. Additionally, the ConfiDose system has a clear viewing window for full visibility of the drug content and quick dose inspection before and after use. With the press of a button, a needle automatically extends to deliver a precise dose of medication before retracting. After use, the needle is permanently and completely shielded within the system, averting the risk of needle stick injury and making the system safe for disposal. The needle remains hidden, helping to reduce anxiety among patients who fear needles. There are multiple visual, audible and tactile cues to aid the user, which make the using the system easy and intuitive.

West's dedicated design facility in Athens, TX designed the ConfiDose auto-injector with input into design for manufacturability from engineers at The Tech Group, a West company based in Scottsdale, Ariz. The Tech Group will be responsible for manufacturing and assembly of commercial quantities of the ConfiDose auto-injector system.

"Patients suffering from chronic diseases are increasingly involved in the process of determining the most appropriate treatment option. Delivery methods often play an important role in the decision-making process," said Glenn Thorpe, Vice President and General Manager, West Advanced Injection Systems. "An auto-injector system that eliminates preparation steps, easing the administration process of treatments for home-based care, is beneficial for patients and can help pharmaceutical and biotech companies increase product adoption. For many drugs and biologics, auto-injectors have become the preferred delivery method and will soon be the standard of care."

The ConfiDose auto-injector system is assembled by the pharmaceutical manufacturer with individual doses of medication in prefilled syringes, and is ideal for chronic treatments that are administered routinely. Regularly scheduled self-injections are common for chronic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and anemia. Many of these afflictions cause patients to have dexterity issues, impacting their ability to self-administer a drug treatment with a traditional syringe.

About West
West is the world's premier manufacturer of components and systems for improving the safety and effectiveness of therapeutic and diagnostic health care delivery systems. This includes ready-to-sterilize and ready-to-use stoppers and seals for vials, plungers and other prefillable syringe components and an assortment of safety, reconstitution and delivery system capabilities and services. The Company also provides products with application to the personal care, food and beverage markets. West's customers include the world's leading pharmaceutical, biotechnology, generic drug and medical device producers. Headquartered in Lionville, Pennsylvania, West supports its partners and customers from 50 locations throughout North America, South America, Europe, Mexico, Japan, Asia and Australia. For more information, visit West at westpharma.com.

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