Abstract: Present proposals for liquid-medium carriers for glass particles comprising pharmaceutical compositions have had problems associated with aggregation of the glass particles. This has been previously solved by matching the density of the particles and a liquid in which they are suspended. However, though this greatly constrains the choice of liquid carrier that can be used. An alternative solution to this problem has been found. By adding just a small amount of liquid (2) to the particles (1), a flowable mixture is formed of a creamy or paste-like consistency. Providing too much liquid (2) is not present, the particles (1) do not separate out and so the choice of liquid carriers available for use in compositions of this type is greatly increased.

Abstract: Biological materials such as vaccines can be stabilised in certain glassy materials, soluble in water. It has been proposed to form these glassy materials as a powder suspended in a non-aqueous liquid for injection into a patient. There is a problem in maintaining the suspension because the particles tend to sink to the bottom. The problem is solved by adding a blowing agent into a solution for which the glass is formed. The blowing agent decomposes as the solution evaporates thereby forming cavities in the resulting glass structure, reducing its density to match that of the liquid in which it is to be suspended. Other uses for the invention are in compositions intended for inhalation and for rapid dissolution in aqueous solutions immediately before use.

Abstract: Biological materials such as vaccines can be stabilised in certain glassy materials soluble in water. It has been proposed to form these glassy materials as a powder suspended in a non-aqueous liquid for injection into a patient. This method is complicated by the need to find suitable compatible liquids and to stop the glassy particles from congregating in liquid. These problems have been obviated by supporting the glassy material on a porous membrane remote from the eluant. When the biological material requires administration, the eluant can be passed across the membrane dissolving the glass and causing the substance to be carried by the liquid into the patient.

Abstract: Present proposals to use perfluorocarbons as a medium to suspend glass particles presents the problem of aggregation of the particles within the suspending medium. Overcoming this problem requires careful particle sizing and density matching techniques. An additional disadvantage of the large scale use of perfluorocarbons is their contribution to global warming. The inventor has realised that by replacing perfluorocarbons with the more environmentally friendly fluorinated ethers such as hydrofluoroethers or hydrofluoropolyethers a long lasting suspension of glass particles can be achieved without the need for such rigorous particle sizing or density matching processes.

Abstract: The present invention is a modified single use hand-operated injector device consisting of a plunger, a base, a snap means for resisting plunger movement and an injection means for injecting parenteral medication through a skin surface of a patient. The improvement comprises a check valve seated in a cannula and a widened receptacle area within a high pressure barrel through which the cannula passes. When the check-valve plug expels upon increase in pressure, into the widened receptacle area the parenteral medication efficiently flows around the plug and into the subcutaneous tissue of the patient.

Abstract: The present invention is a single use injector device for injecting parenteral medications which operates by hand force. The injector device has a plunger section and a base. As hand force is applied to a moving portion of the plunger section, break tabs or a snap ring resist its motion toward the patient's skin surface. The break tabs or snap ring release abruptly as the hand force reaches a snap point. The motion of the moving portion then drives the medication through the skin surface and into the body of the patient. If the medication is in liquid form, the actual injection may be carried out through a hollow needle attached to the plunger section. Alternatively, the suddenly increased pressure of the medication at the snap point may be used to form a liquid jet for needleless injection. Part or all of the medication may be contained in a glass needle which dissolves in the body after injection. The injector device requires little training to use, reduces perceived pain, and improves injection safety.