PharmaJet inked a partnership with vaccine manufacturer Serum Institute of India to commercialize needle-free delivery of the MMR vaccine using the Stratis 0.5mL injection system.
PharmaJet’s device is designed to administer medication intramuscularly or subcutaneously, without the use of needles. The Chicago-based company touts the technology as a way to prevent cross-contamination between needles and enhance patient compliance.
The company completed a Phase IV clinical trial, funded by the Gates Foundation, which evaluated the needle-free system in more than 300 children aged 15-18 months over 1 year. The data showed non-inferiority performance and safety comparable to a traditional needle and syringe. The needle-free MMR vaccine will be available early this year, according to PharmaJet.
In India, it is estimated that 500 children die every day because of the measles.
“The PharmaJet device offers a safe, fast and easy alternative to traditional needle and syringe. Making needle-free an available alternative for the MMR vaccine has the potential to increase immunization rates and save lives,” chairman & CEO Ron Lowy said in prepared remarks.
In February, PharmaJet said that a trivalent and quadrivalent influenza vaccine is available with its Stratis needle-free injector for this year’s flu season.
In October last year, the company inked a collaborative deal with Vaccibody to provide needle-free injection tech for the development of a human papillomavirus vaccine.
HPV is the cause of virtually all cervical cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute, and just 2 types of HPV, 16 and 18, are responsible for about 70% of all cases.
PharmaJet landed a multi-year partnership with the World Health Organization in August last year as part of the group’s effort to eradicate polio using the company’s needle-free tech.
