Abstract: A drug delivery device includes a container for storing a drug having a longitudinal axis. A plunger rod aligned with the longitudinal axis of the container has a first end and a second end, where the second end is disposed within the container. A stopper is disposed in and movable relative to the container for expelling the drug, and a drive mechanism is operatively coupled to the first end of the plunger rod. The drive mechanism is configured to deliver a drive force to move the plunger rod along the longitudinal axis and through the container. A chamber disposed between a plunger rod and the stopper is adapted to oppose the drive force of the drive mechanism.

Abstract: A testing assembly for a drug delivery device is disclosed. The testing assembly can include a pressure vessel having a sealed pressure chamber that is configured to be pressurized to a predetermined pressure. The pressure vessel further defines an injection opening extending from an exterior thereof to the pressure chamber. A pierceable barrier extends over and seals the injection opening. The testing assembly further includes a measurement device disposed within the pressure chamber and a container aligned with the injection opening, such that the container is configured to collect a dose of a drug delivered via a drug delivery device through the pierceable barrier and the measurement device is configured to measure the dose of the drug.

Abstract: A drug delivery device includes a container for storing a drug having a longitudinal axis. A plunger rod aligned with the longitudinal axis of the container has a first end and a second end, where the second end is disposed within the container. A stopper is disposed in and movable relative to the container for expelling the drug, and a drive mechanism is operatively coupled to the first end of the plunger rod. The drive mechanism is configured to deliver a drive force to move the plunger rod along the longitudinal axis and through the container. A chamber disposed between a plunger rod and the stopper is adapted to oppose the drive force of the drive mechanism.

Abstract: A testing assembly for a drug delivery device is disclosed. The testing assembly can include a pressure vessel having a sealed pressure chamber that is configured to be pressurized to a predetermined pressure. The pressure vessel further defines an injection opening extending from an exterior thereof to the pressure chamber. A pierceable barrier extends over and seals the injection opening. The testing assembly further includes a measurement device disposed within the pressure chamber and a container aligned with the injection opening, such that the container is configured to collect a dose of a drug delivered via a drug delivery device through the pierceable barrier and the measurement device is configured to measure the dose of the drug.

Abstract: A method is provided that allows a subject to be diagnosed as having one of a variety of hypertensive states, including pre-eclampsia, based on the measurement of a plurality of factors including the level of soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt-1), an obesity factor and optionally one or more additional factors, which may be physiological parameters or biomarkers. The method can be used to determine hypertensive states associated with pregnancy, or associated with anti-angiogenic drug therapy. The method is thus useful for diagnosing the hypertensive status of pregnant women, as well as patients undergoing anti-angiogenic treatment (e.g., chemotherapy).