Needle-free injection devices have received a boost as PATH, the World Health Organization (WHO), and Bioject Medical Technologies Inc.—developer of needle-free injection therapy systems—advance clinical research of intradermal delivery of vaccines in developing-country immunization programs. The three organizations are collaborating to support PATH’s work to evaluate intradermal delivery of vaccines using disposable-syringe jet injectors (DSJI), a technology that reduces risks associated with needle reuse and needlestick injuries.
Bioject will provide its Intradermal (ID) Pen, a unique DSJI for intradermal delivery. The ID Pen is intended to improve the safety and ease of intradermal delivery of vaccines and could enable immunization programs to stretch their vaccine supplies across a larger number of beneficiaries.
About the project
PATH is working to expand access to vaccines for those who need them most. This work will help advance the class of needle-free injection technologies for developing-country immunization programs and contribute to a body of work that improves vaccine delivery safety. PATH is conducting a cost-modeling analysis to see how costs to immunization programs for using DSJIs compare with the costs for using traditional needles and syringes. We are also comparing general acceptability of these alternative devices with typical administration practices and testing effectiveness for delivery of certain vaccines, including measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, inactivated poliovirus (IPV) vaccine, and Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG)—a vaccine that fights against tuberculosis.