K-Pack Surshield™ is an innovative hypodermic needle with an integrated passive sharps protection feature for use with (pre)-filled syringes. Developed for subcutaneous and intra-muscular injections, Terumo's K-Pack Surshield™ hypodermic needle is equipped with passive sharps protection to prevent accidental needle stick injuries.
The Pharmapack Awards, created in 1997, are presented to companies which have demonstrated significant innovation in the fields of medical device development, safety and compliance. Companies may enter products for the packaging of drugs, medical devices, health care products and veterinary drug products which were launched during the previous year.
The European Commission estimates that 1,200,000 needle stick injuries occur in Europe each year (1). It is recognized that healthcare workers, caregivers and patients frequently risk infection due to injuries caused by needles. The consequences may be very severe, possibly leading to serious diseases such as viral hepatitis or AIDS.
In order to reduce the risk to people administering injections, Terumo has made significant investments in the development of medical devices incorporating safety-engineered protection features. K-Pack Surshield™'s encapsulating protection feature is integrated into the needle, whereby the needle is never exposed and the protection mechanism is 'armed' during insertion to prevent accidental needle stick injuries.
"We are very proud to have received this kind of recognition from Pharmapack as the ultimate goal of all Terumo technologies is to contribute to the health and safety of both health care professionals and patients," said Shogo Ninomiya, President & CEO, Terumo Europe, N.V.
K-Pack Surshield™ was created with the specific needs of the pharmaceutical industry in mind. The device geometry is designed to allow for automated manipulations during packaging processes, which makes it ideal for bundling and inclusion into the secondary packaging of parenteral medication. The needle fits to any Luer syringe and as the protection feature is integrated into the needle, the system does not affect the performance of the syringe.
The prize was awarded at the Pharmapack trade show and conference which took place February 15-16, 2012 at the Grande Halle de la Villette in Paris.
For more information, contact William Dierick, Terumo Europe Global Pharmaceutical Solutions, +32 1638 1450.
Reference
(1) Commission of the European Communities, Proposal for a Council Directive: Implementing the Framework Agreement on prevention from sharp injuries in the hospital and healthcare sector concluded by HOSPEEM and EPSU (October 2009). http://eur-lex.europa.eu
About Terumo
Tokyo-based Terumo Corporation is one of the world's leading medical device manufacturers with $4 billion in sales and operations in more than 160 nations. Founded in 1921, the company develops, manufactures, and distributes world-class medical devices including products for use in cardiothoracic surgery, interventional procedures, and transfusion medicine. The company also has significant expertise and core competences in parenteral drug delivery and injection technology.
Terumo contributes to society by providing valued products and services to the healthcare market and by responding to the needs of healthcare providers and the people they serve. Terumo Corporation's shares are listed on the first section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange and the company is a component of the Nikkei, Japan's leading stock index.
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