EU researchers develop needle-less injection device
CrossJect used Eurostars programme to secure funding
European Union (EU) research network Eureka has hailed a research and development project using its services to create a new needle-free injection device as a success.
The Zeneo, developed CrossJect of France, is a pre-filled, single-use injection device that adapts to different injection depths (intradermal, subcutaneous, intramuscular). It uses calibrated gas pressure to force pharmaceuticals through the skin to appropriate depths.
Paris-based CrossJect used Eureka’s ‘Eurostars’ programmes to help secure funding and partners. Eureka said €3.58m had been invested, with €2.5m coming from venture capital firm Gemmes Ventures.
The Eurostars programme also helped CrossJect find an industrial-scale manufacturer, Hirtenberger, of Austria.
First sales are planned for 2014, when projections suggest 150 million units could be purchased.
Patrick Alexandre, CrossJect chief technical officer, claimed the new technology was practical, novel and simple.
‘We did not try to reinvent the wheel with this project, nor did we come up with a new high-tech process,’ he said.
