While the technology continues to garner interest from drug developers and healthcare decision makers, the companies making and marketing needle-free injectors are evolving as they search for a strategy that will achieve commercial success. To increase the commercial prospects for NFIs, companies have invested in new device models that incorporate design enhancements and improved human engineering. The new generation of devices are lighter, have a sleek profile and employ warm colors, increasing their acceptance with end-users. The business approach of needle-free injection companies is also evolving. The historical model of the NFI developer as a device company licensing its technology to pharmaceutical firms is being challenged by newer companies that own NFI technology and use it to develop combination drug-device products in-house. Beyond mainstream injectable drug delivery are several niche markets such as animal health that are being pursued by specialty NFI device companies. Another group of companies continues to work with NGOs such as the World Health Organization (WHO) on improved devices for mass immunization in underdeveloped countries.

Publication Date: June 2008