Injection of bright ideas wins top Medical Award

A unique needle-free drug delivery system has just won national recognition by winning the overall Best Business award at the prestigious 2007 Medical Futures Innovation Awards. The Glide Solid Dose Injector (SDI™) system, from Oxford based Glide Pharma, works by inserting a tiny rod of solid medication into the skin using a hand-held, reusable device. In trials the Glide SDI has been praised by GPs and patients for its simplicity and ease of use making it ideal for self-administration. The Glide SDI system’s impressive advantages are attracting attention from pharmaceutical companies worldwide. These include: potential for slow drug release, elimination of needle stick injuries and disposal problems linked to syringes, plus improved drug stability without the need for refrigeration. The system was developed in collaboration with two medical device specialists – product designers Brightworks and manufacturer Bespak. Brightworks’ input concentrated on ease of use and innovative technical concepts for the device, the single use cassette and its sterile packaging. Bespak’s involvement included development for manufacture and making parts for use in the first new drug clinical trials scheduled for autumn 2007. Dr Charles Potter, Glide Pharma CEO said: “We are honoured to receive the award and recognise the input from the whole development team which has resulted in us being able to develop such a simple and easy to use system”. The Medical Futures Awards are widely regarded as the healthcare industry’s Oscars and this year’s competition attracted over 500 entries. The world-class panel of Judges were looking for ideas that “have the potential to change peoples' lives”. Brightworks MD, Graeme Paterson said: “It is fantastic for Glide to win this award and to hear that our involvement is so much appreciated. It is a real tribute to our ability to quickly understand user needs and to rapidly convert this into innovative and practical solutions”.

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