PharmaJet gets first FDA approval to use needle-free injection technology for flu shots

By: InnovatioNews Tuesday August 19, 2014 Tags: Afluria vaccine, FDA, Golden, influenza, PharmaJet, PharmaJet Stratis, Ron Lowy

 

GOLDEN - PharmaJet, developer of a needle-free injection technology for administering medications and vaccines, has received approval from the FDA for its Stratis 0.5mL Needle-Free Jet Injector to deliver AFLURIA influenza vaccine in people from 18 to 64 years.

It is the first needle-free delivery systems approved by the FDA for the administration of an inactivated influenza vaccine, PharmaJet said.

AFLURIA is produced by King of Prussia, Penn.-based bioCSL Inc.

"Health care providers now have the option of delivering AFLURIA without a needle," said Ron Lowy, PharmaJet CEO and co-chairman. "The PharmaJet injection technology is an especially important innovation for the millions of individuals who suffer from fear of needles and who consequently forego their annual flu vaccination.

"We believe this is a significant step forward in the effort to improve public health through broader immunization coverage, as well as improved safety of caregivers."

The PharmaJet injector delivers vaccine by a narrow, precise fluid stream that penetrates the skin in about one-tenth of a second.