Phillips-Medisize Launches Aria Intelligent Automated Injection Platform

Phillips-Medisize launches Aria intelligent automatic injection platform

Designed to drive innovation and reusability of digital drug delivery devices

            •Small, easy-to-use injection device to support medication administration

            •Environmentally friendly auto-injectors reduce waste by up to 50% while also reducing medication storage requirements during dispensing and administration

            •Built-in Bluetooth for connecting to smartphones, tablets and apps

            •Modular drug delivery platform supports multiple drug formulations and drug viscosities

Hudson, Wisconsin, USA - May 27, 2021 - Phillips-Medisize, a Molex company, today launched the Aria smart autoinjector, bringing a new level of innovation, differentiation and reusability to the digital drug delivery device market. This latest achievement introduces a small and simple smart injection device with a reusable electronic drive unit and disposable cartridge, which can improve the care experience for patients while reducing the impact on the environment.

“The Aria smart autoinjector is a game-changing platform that we are using to disrupt the drug delivery market by bringing a product to market at the right time with the right form factor and functionality,” said Kevin Deane, vice president of innovation at Phillips-Medisize. “Our goal was to develop an injector that patients would love, a reusable electronic device that offers the simplicity of current disposable syringes, but with superior performance, reusability and connected functionality.”

The digital drug delivery market is expanding, according to a survey commissioned by Molex and Phillips-Medisize in April 2021 on "Digital Health and the Future of Pharma." More than half of pharmaceutical professionals surveyed expect digital drug delivery devices to improve the efficacy of multiple medications. However, nearly everyone cited usage challenges, with the most common challenge cited by companies currently marketing one or more therapies being ease of use and reusability of drug delivery devices.

Improve patient experience and device usability

Phillips-Medisize developed the Aria smart auto-injector based on the compact size and “look and feel” of existing disposable auto-injectors. Visual and audible signals indicate progress and completion of dosing, making operation straightforward. Simple cannula-triggered activation and needle safety features are also provided.

Phillips-Medisize enhanced the Aria’s ease of use based on key findings from a recent user study, where all experienced and novice users successfully completed self-injections without training. Additionally, no user removed the device prematurely during an injection, and all users agreed that reusability was important.

Reduce environmental impact

Auto-injectors meet the growing demand for reusability. Early life cycle assessments conducted by Phillips-Medisize indicate that adopting a more environmentally friendly approach could significantly reduce the amount of medication storage required and the waste generated by disposable auto-injectors. The Aria reusable driver and disposable cartridges help pharmaceutical companies meet the growing demand for reusability in the market while meeting patient preferences for greener, more environmentally friendly drug delivery devices.

Connect to real-time patient data

Built-in Bluetooth and optional RFID connectivity enable smartphones, tablets and mobile apps to share time-stamped dosage logs. The result is enhanced patient engagement, improved medication adherence and disease management. Aria easily integrates with the Phillips-Medisize companion mobile app and other third-party apps.

Customization and differentiated performance at an attractive cost

Aria enables pharmaceutical companies to accelerate the introduction of more reusable, convenient and affordable smart auto-injectors for more drug therapies. The auto-injector can accommodate 1 ml and 2.25 ml syringes in a common medicine box. In addition, the platform can inject drugs of various viscosities. Compared with drug delivery devices using springs, Aria can ensure smooth engagement of the syringe/stopper. By adjusting the delivery force to keep the injection speed constant throughout the injection process, this method reduces the risk of syringe damage while allowing injection to be optimized for drugs with various characteristics. The Aria drive device has a service life of 3 years, and the cost per injection is equivalent to the cost of each disposable drug delivery device currently.

Phillips-Medisize offers a basic model of the Aria auto-injector platform, which has a simple user interface for standard injection steps; Phillips-Medisize also offers an advanced model of the injector platform, which has a graphical user interface (GUI) that provides more interaction for complex injections. Phillips-Medisize is working with pharmaceutical company customers to conduct user comparison studies and feasibility assessments and develop a complete development plan for combination products. The device can support the innovative company's drug product portfolio and can be used for the administration of biosimilars and generic drugs. In these products, how to reduce the cost per injection is a key consideration.

Phillips-Medisize and Molex

Phillips-Medisize, a Molex company, brings decades of innovation to leading healthcare and life sciences companies, developing breakthrough solutions to help people live healthier and more efficient lives. The company commercializes an average of 50 new products for customers each year, including the first drug delivery device with a connected health system registered with the FDA. Molex has decades of experience in advanced electronics, connectivity and sensor technologies to help the pharmaceutical industry provide transformational solutions.