Abstract: The connecting end of this storage container for at least one hypodermic needle has connectors complementary to the connectors on the tip of an injection instrument, one of the connectors having radial elasticity and devices for converting an axial force exerted between the needle and the injection instrument into at least one radial component which can deform the elastic connectors. The container has a housing fore the needle designed to hold this needle in a given position and an opening giving access to the housing. The shape and dimensions of the exterior wall bounding the housing are selected to create with the needle an ergonomic positioning and/or handling interface so as to facilitate the connection of the complementary connectors of the needle and the tip, respectively.

Abstract: The invention provides an injection device comprising an open cavity, an injection needle projecting from the bottom of this cavity, a first leakproof compartment delimited by a first section of a mobile barrier, first devices for displacing the said first section of a mobile barrier to vary the volume of the compartment, at least one passage communicating between the said first leakproof compartment and the said cavity, a second leakproof compartment for a product to be injected, delimited by a second section of a mobile barrier, and second devices for displacing the said second section of a mobile barrier to vary the volume of the compartment. The said first and second leakproof compartments extend longitudinally within a tubular body. The cavity is located at one end of this tubular body, while the said first and second devices for displacing the said first and second sections of a mobile barrier are accessible at the other end of the said tubular body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a cytokine-1, preferably from the IL-1 family more preferably IL-1F7b, or an isoform, mutein, fused protein, functional derivative or fragment thereof, capable of binding to IL-18BP or a mutein, fused protein, functional derivative or fragment thereof and capable of inhibiting a receptor of a cytokine-2, cytokine-2 being a member of the IL-1 family, preferably IL-18, in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment or prevention of a disease which is caused or aggravated by inducing said receptor of cytokine-2.

Abstract: An injection device has a barrel (1) for housing and guiding a syringe (13) as it is urged forward to project its needle (14), while the dose is ejected, and as a return spring (22) retracts it. A firing mechanism (6) is connectable to the rear end of the barrel and is re-usable, whereas the barrel (1) with its spent syringe (13) is disposable. The connection (4) has limited freedom of axial movement so that, once made, forward pressure on the firing mechanism (6) moves the syringe (13) up to a ready position. A number of barrels (1) with syringes (13) can be housed in a common box (31) with a single firing mechanism (6), the forward end of each barrel (1) being screwed to a locator (32) on the base of the box.

Abstract: An injection device is disposable, and is designed to have a reusable firing mechanism fitted to its rear end. A syringe carrier within the barrel of the device is initially locked in a position with the needle of the syringe retracted by a locking element inserted laterally through the barrel. This element also holds an axially movable connector to which the firing mechanism connects. The device is made operable by removal of the locking element, and after use a return spring ensures that neither the syringe carrier nor the connector assume positions where the locking element can be reinserted. An adaptor may be provided to facilitate preparing a syringe with a two-component dose, and for disposal after use the adaptor with an empty vial still attached can be fitted to the rear end of the injection device in place of the firing mechanism.