Abstract: A needleless syringe having a membrane (28) which is ruptured by gas pressure to generate a supersonic gas flow in which particles containing a therapeutic agent are injected.

Abstract: A needleless syringe particle delivery system is provided. The needleless syringe has an elongate nozzle that is connected at its upstream end to a sealed chamber. The sealed chamber contains gas at super-atmospheric pressure and particles of a therapeutic agent. Upon release of the gas from the sealed chamber, a flow is formed which entrains the particles and allows the particles to pass through the nozzle at supersonic speed for subsequent delivery to a target surface.

Abstract: A syringe, for use in the delivery of a dose of a therapeutic agent entrained within a pressurized fluid flow, includes an upstream portion, an intermediate portion, a downstream portion, and an actuator mechanism for initiating a flow of the fluid through the syringe. The upstream portion is interfaced with a source of fluid under pressure. The intermediate portion, which is interposed between the upstream and downstream portions, includes first and second members that are coupled together to provide a closed pocket for containing the dose. One of the first and second members is moveable relative to the other within the syringe to provide an open configuration in which the pocket is opened to expose the dose for entrainment by the fluid as it flows through the intermediate portion and to and through the nozzle. Also provided is a capsule formed from the first and second members.

Abstract: A needleless syringe particle delivery system is provided. The needleless syringe comprises an elongate nozzle which is connected at its upstream end to an open ended capsule chamber. The capsule chamber is configured to house and intimately enclose a nonrigid capsule containing particles of a therapeutic agent. An opening means is provided at the upstream end of the capsule chamber, and is used to pierce the upstream end of a capsule in the chamber. After the capsule is opened, an energizing means connected to the upstream end of the capsule chamber applies a gaseous pressure sufficient to force the particles out of the capsule and the open downstream end of the capsule chamber and thus to create through the nozzle a supersonic gas flow in which the particles are entrained.

Abstract: A needleless syringe capable of accelerating particles comprising a therapeutic agent across skin or mucosal tissue of a vertebrate subject is provided. The syringe comprises an elongate tubular nozzle having a bend along its length and is connected to or capable of connection to a suitable energizing means for producing in the nozzle a supersonic condition sufficient to cause delivery of the particles to a target surface. A method for delivering particles comprising a therapeutic agent from the needleless syringe is also provided.

Abstract: A needleless syringe, in which particles of a therapeutic agent are entrained in a high pressure gas flow, has a nozzle surrounded by a shroud silencer through which gas reflected from the target surface may be vented to atmosphere while retaining any particles reflected in the gas.