Bioject hopes to achieve annual sales of around $250-$300,000 from the contract, which is for a drug that is already on the market.
The needle-free drug vial adapter is an approved, non-sharp plastic device that replaces a fill needle for accessing medication vials making syringe filling completely needle-free. It is a complement to the company's needle-free injectors and is aimed at providing injection systems that use no needles at all, removing the risk of needlestick injuries.
The vial adapter is designed to fit all standard syringes and fits on a drug vial with a 13mm neck, and is 'a convenient method for the withdrawal of medication and the transfer of diluents for reconstitution without the use of a needle', according to Bioject.
In the US alone, health care workers suffer between 600,000 and 1 million injuries from conventional needles and sharps annually. These exposures can lead to hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV infections. At least 1,000 HCWs are estimated to contract serious infections annually from needlestick and sharps injuries, according to the American Nurses Association.