In Vitro Simulation of Tissue Back-Pressure for Pen Injectors and Auto-Injectors

The aim of this project was to show that tissue back-pressure can be measured in vitro using a simple pneumatic model. A thorough literature study revealed four relevant papers all describing in vivo studies. One of these studies where the subcutaneous tissue back-pressure was determined in 11 patients was used as a reference for the present work.

A pneumatic model capable of simulating the back-pressure and the diffusion of drug during subcutaneous injection was developed. The in vitro model was tested using the same type of pen injector as used in the reference study. Comparison of the results revealed that the measured pressure in the in vitro experiments were similar to the subcutaneous tissue back-pressure measured in vivo.

G30 0.3 x 8.0 mm and G32 0.23/0.25 x 4.0 mm needles were used for the in vitro experiments, whereas a G31 0.25 x 6.0 mm needle was used for the in vivo experiments. This is one possible explanation of approximately 30 μL/s higher flow rates for the in vitro experiments compared to the in vivo experiment.

The low-complexity model allows repeated measurements, and provides a stable data output paving the way for measuring subcutaneous back-pressure in vitro.