A new ultra-low-friction grade of acetal, DuPont™ Delrin® (Special Control) SC699, has been specified by Ypsomed AG, Burgdorf, Switzerland, a leading independent developer and manufacturer of drug injection systems, for a key component of its UnoPen™ disposable variable-dose injector pen for insulin and other drug therapies.
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The ultra-low-friction material, which extends the range of DuPont high-performance polymers for use in medical devices, is used to mold the pen's dose dial sleeve. Its low-friction behavior facilitates use of the pen by diabetes patients who are required to administer daily injections of insulin. |
The UnoPen™ from Ypsomed AG is a state-of-the-art disposable pen designed for the manual injection and delivery of insulin or other drugs from a pre-filled glass cartridge. A principal feature of the device is its ease-of-use based on a well-proven 'dial and inject' handling concept. The dose dial sleeve, molded from Delrin® SC699 and located between the housing and the piston rod, is used by the patient to set the required dose of insulin. It interacts mechanically with the piston rod, which dispenses the required, accurate dosage.
“The friction properties of Delrin® SC699 used for the dose dial sleeve are fundamental to the pen's ease of use,” explained Stefan Burren, manager of product development at Ypsomed. “The importance of less friction between the parts of the pen means that the patient uses less force to dose or inject the drug.”
The company tested many competitive polymers on the market for the component, but none fulfilled the requirements as well as the DuPont Performance Polymers material.
Delrin® SC699 has been modified for exceptional low-friction performance and is suitable for high-volume manufacture. It has been specifically developed for parts requiring high-precision molding in the healthcare industry and is supplied with the relevant regulatory compliance (food agency compliance, production according to GMP standards, testing against USP Class VI and ISO 10993-5 and -11). Other key attributes of the new grade include its compatibility with laser marking, by use of an appropriate masterbatch, for indication of the dose settings. Similar to other grades in the Delrin® family, the material exhibits outstanding strength and stiffness, permitting the snap-fit assembly of the component, as well as ensuring reliable and durable mechanical performance in use.
The range of high-performance polymers available from DuPont for use in medical devices is the focal point of the company’s exhibit at MD&M West in Anaheim, Calif., on Feb. 14-16, 2012, at Booth #1933.
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DuPont offers one of the broadest portfolios of engineering plastics and thermoplastic elastomers for medical devices, surgical devices and for diagnostic or pharmaceutical manufacturing equipment. These materials offer benefits including structural properties with lower density and ease of forming geometrically complicated parts. In addition, minimal finishing operations, rapid production cycles and longer life with enhanced durability all contribute to cost savings. The DuPont healthcare product offering provides food agency compliance as well as ISO 10993-5 and -11 and USP Class VI compliance. Specialty healthcare products are manufactured following GMP. Beyond material supply, DuPont actively supports customers with assistance in material selection, tool design, and molding optimization. For more information, click on http://www.healthcare.plastics.dupont.com.
DuPont (NYSE: DD) has been bringing world-class science and engineering to the global marketplace in the form of innovative products, materials, and services since 1802. The company believes that by collaborating with customers, governments, NGOs, and thought leaders we can help find solutions to such global challenges as providing enough healthy food for people everywhere, decreasing dependence on fossil fuels, and protecting life and the environment. For additional information about DuPont and its commitment to inclusive innovation, please visit http://www.dupont.com.
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UnoPen™ is a trademark from Ypsomed AG.
