Transforming Medication Administration with Subcutaneous Devices

When ill, we take pills, swallow syrups, or even go through the pain of the dreaded needle for an intramuscular injection. But what if it was possible to receive pharmaceutical drugs and medications with minimal fuss? The healthcare sector is undergoing a silent revolution, one that delivers medication in a way that’s convenient and hassle-free. It’s the rise of subcutaneous drug delivery devices, and it is transforming the way health professionals and patients seek medications.

This blog takes you to the realm of subcutaneous drug delivery, detailing the different types of subcutaneous drug delivery devices and the benefits of using them. Also, we shed light on the latest developments that are driving innovation and demand for subcutaneous drug delivery devices. Stick with us!

Introduction to Subcutaneous Drug Delivery

Subcutaneous drug delivery is the administration of pharmaceutical dosage in the form of injection or implantation into the fatty tissues below the skin. Injecting drugs beneath the skin is the standard route of drug delivery in health ailments such as rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes. Subcutaneous (SQ) drugs are suitable for self-injection, improving patient compliance and reducing the cost. Besides, the time needed to administer medications using subcutaneous drug delivery devices is comparatively shorter than intravenous (IV) infusion solutions.

Types of Subcutaneous Drug Delivery Devices

 The commonly used drug delivery devices for the administration of subcutaneous drugs are given below:

Autoinjectors: Autoinjectors are medical devices designed for the self-injection of a premeasured dose of a pharmaceutical drug. They have an easy-to-use design and carry disposable, spring-loaded syringes. For autoinjectors, the site of the injection depends on the specific drug.

Pen Injectors: Pen injectors, also known as injection pens, are devices used for injecting medication under the skin. They are usually used by patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes to administer individualized drug doses. Pen injectors facilitate the accurate self-administration of SQ drugs.

Prefilled Syringes: Prefilled syringes are commonly used subcutaneous drug delivery services. They come with a disposable syringe already supplied with the pharmaceutical drug to be injected. Prefilled syringes enhance product safety by reducing the potential for contamination of the liquid.

Needle-Free Injectors: Needle-free injectors are devices that deliver drugs without a needle. They use a high-pressure stream of liquid to puncture the skin and deliver drugs or vaccines. Needle-free injectors are fast, easy to use and deliver precise doses and depths.

Sites for Subcutaneous Drug Administration

The exact location for the administration of subcutaneous drugs is based on where the individual has some subcutaneous fat. Also, it depends on the pain sensitivity of the individual. A few commonly chosen locations are:

• The sides or back of the arms
• The front of the thighs
• The fatty part of the stomach
• Areas of the buttocks having more fat than muscle

Benefits of Subcutaneous Delivery of Drugs

The subcutaneous delivery of drugs works to balance the comfort and convenience of patients while offering therapeutic relief. The benefits of subcutaneous drug delivery include:

Fast Absorption: Unlike conventional drugs, subcutaneous drugs bypass the body’s digestive system. As such, it’s possible for these drugs to get absorbed rapidly into the bloodstream, making them apt for treatments needing quick effects for emergency treatments.

Improved Bioavailability: The degradation of drugs in the digestive tract or liver may lead to poor oral bioavailability. Subcutaneous drug delivery devices enhance bioavailability by releasing the drug directly into the body’s circulation system.

Reduced Absorption Variability: Food intake and other gastrointestinal factors may impact oral medications. Subcutaneous drug delivery offers more consistent and reliable administration of drugs, providing highly consistent results.

Versatility: Subcutaneous delivery is apt for many people as it’s typically less painful. Also, this method of drug delivery provides a larger range of possible injection sites as compared to other injection methods.

Medications Used in Subcutaneous Drug Delivery Devices

Subcutaneous drug delivery devices can be used to administer several types of medications for various medical conditions. The fatty layer of the connective tissue under the skin has fewer blood vessels as compared to the muscle tissue. The presence of fewer blood vessels means the subcutaneous drug gets absorbed more slowly by the body. This makes them an apt way to deliver medications that the body must use slowly over time, such as insulin for treating diabetes.

Some medications given using subcutaneous drug delivery include:

• Blood thinners like heparin
• Fertility drugs
• Insulin for diabetes
• Some drugs for autoimmune diseases

Several drugs that need to be taken daily or can be injected at home are designed for subcutaneous drug delivery.

Latest Advancements in Subcutaneous Drug Delivery

The subcutaneous drug delivery devices market is highly competitive. Key industry participants such as Ypsomed AG and Gerresheimer AG hold significant positions in the market. Besides, other market players such as Novo Nordisk, Elcam Medical Group, Becton, Dickinson and Company, and Insulet Corporation are undertaking several organic and inorganic growth strategies to drive revenue growth.

Here are some of the latest advancements in subcutaneous drug delivery:

• In August 2024, clinical-stage specialty pharmaceutical firm Fitabeo Therapeutics and the University of Strathclyde received a new patent for drug delivery technology SpherionexT. SpherionexT is an advanced controlled-release film technology designed to improve patient compliance and safety.
• In April 2024, Ypsomed joined forces with ten23 Health to commercialize the YpsoDose patch injector. The new partnership aims at improving the manufacturing, development and distribution of YpsoDose patch injectors, offering an innovative solution for subcutaneous drug delivery.

Enhancing Patient Experience

Subcutaneous drug delivery devices are a significant advancement in medicine, providing both patients and healthcare providers enhanced convenience and efficiency. They bridge the gap between conventional therapies and innovative drug delivery solutions by facilitating precise and patient-friendly administration of medications. As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see the introduction of sophisticated subcutaneous drug delivery devices in the upcoming years.