{"id":5174,"date":"2014-09-22T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2014-09-22T06:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/2014\/09\/22\/fda-approves-pharmajet-needle-free-device-for-flu-vaccine-delivery\/"},"modified":"2021-11-02T10:32:01","modified_gmt":"2021-11-02T16:32:01","slug":"fda-approves-pharmajet-needle-free-device-for-flu-vaccine-delivery","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/fda-approves-pharmajet-needle-free-device-for-flu-vaccine-delivery\/","title":{"rendered":"FDA approves PharmaJet needle-free device for flu vaccine delivery"},"content":{"rendered":"
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LOVELAND, Colo.\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 One of the latest advancements in flu prevention stems from a research study conducted by Medical Center of the Rockies researchers.<\/p>\n

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently approved the first needle-free delivery system for the administration of an inactivated influenza vaccine. The device<\/a> — the PharmaJet Stratis 0.5 mL Needle-Free Jet Injector — delivers the vaccine by means of a narrow, precise fluid stream that penetrates the skin in about one-tenth of a second.<\/p>\n

It was the focus of a five-month-long research study conducted at UCHealth facilities in northern Colorado in 2012 and 2013. The device was approved for delivery of AFLURIA\u00ae \u00a0influenza vaccine in people aged 18 to 64 years in August, according to Adam Jaskowiak, the director of clinical research at Medical Center of the Rockies in Loveland.<\/p>\n

About 1,250 people \u2013 many of\u00a0whom were UCHealth employees \u2013 took part in the study, Jaskowiak said. Researchers followed the participants for 30 days, measuring and comparing their immune response between the standard needle and syringe method versus the Pharmajet needle-free injection.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis technology gives our community, and the world, a needle-free alternative for flu prevention,\u201d said Dr. Gary Luckasen, medical director of research at MCR. \u201cIt is quicker, more efficient, and it reduces the amount of waste from traditional needles.\u201d<\/p>\n

The needle-free injection technology also is an especially important innovation for the millions of individuals who suffer from fear of needles and who consequently forego their annual flu vaccination, said Ron Lowy, the chief executive officer and co-chairman of Golden-based PharmaJet. \u201cWe 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,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

Needlestick injuries pose a serious risk to health care workers who administer vaccinations and manage sharps disposal. Among retail pharmacists alone, a National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health study reveals that the incidence of needlestick injury is up to 3.62 per 100,000 vaccinations administered. PharmaJet\u2019s needle-free injection technology eliminates needlestick injuries, needle re-use and potential cross-contamination. It also reduces sharps waste management and disposal costs.<\/p>\n

This is just one of approximately 40 studies conducted through the growing research department at MCR last year. The research has ranged in focus from cardiovascular trials to neurology studies, Jaskowiak said.<\/p>\n

\u201cUCHealth is on the forefront of many medical advancements. At MCR, we actively seek partnerships with local biotech companies to help develop their technologies. Not only does this give our community first access to some of the latest developments in medicine, but it also supports the biotech companies that are investing in the community and helps us to improve patient care in our own back yard,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

WHAT IS THE PHARMAJET STRATIS?<\/strong><\/h2>\n