Terumo Corp. has launched a new active safety needle designed to support automated processes used to combine injection needles with drug products and syringes. The K-Pack Embrace™ active safety needle is housed in a rigid cap and case intended to protect the device during co-packing, storage and transportation before it reaches the point of use. Terumo said the design addresses the handling and protection requirements associated with automated packaging operations while helping maintain needle sterility and performance throughout the product’s shelf life.

Co-packing pre-selected needles with injectable medicines and syringes is increasingly important to pharmaceutical manufacturers seeking to streamline drug delivery and improve convenience for healthcare professionals. The approach can also reduce potential risks for patients by ensuring that the intended needle is supplied with the drug product.

According to Terumo, the K-Pack Embrace was developed specifically for automated co-packing environments. Its compact hard-shell case is designed to make the needle easier to handle during automated processing while providing additional physical protection. The needle is intended for subcutaneous, intramuscular and intravenous applications. It incorporates Terumo’s T-Sharp™ technology and an integrated needle-shield safety mechanism. The product is offered in 25 mm (1 inch) and 16 mm (5/8 inch) lengths, with the 25-gauge version compatible with ISO 80369-7 male connectors.

The packaging also incorporates a color-coded, tamper-evident label and a 2D barcode serving as a unique device identification (UDI) carrier. Terumo said the labeling is designed to support automated in-line visual inspection during manufacturing and packaging. Safety is another central feature of the device. Its hinged needle shield can be activated with one hand and provides audible, visual and tactile indications when it has been engaged. The mechanism is intended to reduce the potential for accidental needlestick injuries among healthcare professionals.

“The K-Pack Embrace™ active safety needle is a great example of applying our Deviceutical™ approach that brings devices and pharmaceuticals together for uniquely integrated injectable drug delivery solutions,” says Nicolas Eon, Global Product Manager for Injection and Infusion Platforms within Terumo’s Pharmaceutical Solutions Division.

Marco Chiado Piat, President of Terumo’s Pharmaceutical Solutions Division, says the product was designed to address the needs of healthcare professionals, patients and pharmaceutical manufacturers simultaneously. “The K-Pack Embrace™ design simultaneously protects the healthcare professional, patient and product, all while making the efficiencies of automated co-packing available to our pharmaceutical customers.”

Terumo said the launch reflects its broader focus on combining pharmaceutical products with delivery devices to develop integrated injectable drug delivery systems. The company expects the new needle’s packaging and safety features to support pharmaceutical manufacturers using automated co-packing processes while maintaining protection through the product lifecycle.

For more information, contact www.terumopharmaceuticalsolutions.com.