SYRINGE SYSTEMS FOR LYOPHILIZED DRUGS AND METHODS FOR MAKING THE SAME - Patent Pending

(12) Patent Application: (11) CA 2410468
ABSTRACT:
A syringe system requires a decreased vertical travel for sealing during a lyophilization process and therefore provides for increased utilization of space in a lyophilization chamber. The syringe system is provided with a sterility maintenance sleeve including a stopper affixed thereto for sealingly engaging the syringe barrel to define a drug chamber. The sterility maintenance sleeve is provided with a venting passage to permit egress of vapor from the drug chamber during lyophilization. A plug cap cooperating with the sterility maintenance sleeve includes an occluding tip whigh is adapted to occupy the venting passage and seal the drug chamber after lyophilization. The plug cap is provided with a support structure in the form of flexible fins for supporting the plug cap in a venting position in which the occluding tip is removed from the venting passage to permit egress of drug solution vapor from the drug chamber during lyophilization. After lyophilization, the plug cap is moved into a sealing position in which the drug chamber is sealed against contamination.
(72) Inventors (Country): FARMER, RANDALL M. (United States)
GRABENKORT, RICHARD W. (United States)
(73) Owners (Country): HOSPIRA, INC. (United States)
(71) Applicants (Country): ABBOTT LABORATORIES (United States)
(74) Agent: OGILVY RENAULT
(45) Issued:
(86) PCT Filing Date: May 23, 2001
(87) PCT Publication Date: Dec. 6 , 2001
(51) International Class (IPC): A61M 5/31
A61M 5/315
Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT): Yes (85) National Entry: Nov. 26, 2002
(86) PCT Filing number: PCT/US2001/016803
(87) International publication number: WO2001/091836
(30) Application priority data: Application No. Country Date
09/584,307 United States May 31, 2000
Availability of licence: N/A
Language of filing: English