CARTRIDGE-BASED DRUG DELIVERY DEVICE

摘要

A liquid drug delivery device (40) is adapted to be adhered to the skin of a subject by a base member (49) defining a skin-contacting surface (50) having an adhesive coating. A columnar cartridge (48) serves as reservoir for the drug and is incorporated in a housing which is connected to the base member (49) such that in use the longitudinal axis of the cartridge (48) is disposed substantially parallel to the skin-contacting surface (50). A delivery needle communicating in use with the interior of the cartridge (48) penetrates the skin of the subject when the housing snaps downward relative to the base member (49). This action also causes the actuation of a citric acid (42)/sodium bicarbonate (43) gas generator which generates a gas to move a piston (41) within the cartridge (48), compressing the drug compartment. This compression causes a stopper to be penetrated by a conduit in communication with the delivery needle, allowing the drug to be ejected from the compartment through the needle and into the subcutaneous tissue of the subject.