Here is finally the first injection without needle

Needles could soon be a thing of the past, according to an American company. It has just announced the funding, and the upcoming launch, of its needle-free injection system, which could eventually be used for vaccines or the treatment of diseases such as diabetes.

Until recently, the idea of ​​needleless injections was science fiction. One of the best-known examples is the hypospray of Star Trekinvented not to stick to an idea of ​​the future, but because they could not show hypodermic syringes on the channel NBC. The idea has inspired many researchers, and the first needle-free device is described from 2012but this one was the size of a fridge.

However, this futuristic device seems to be becoming reality. NovaXS has just announced that it has received funding of up to $1.5 million for its needle-free injection system Telosis. The startup, from the University of California at Berkeley, has managed to create a device that fits in the hand and looks like a gun.

One injection in 0.3 seconds

Telosis uses the electromagnetic force to put the liquid under pression and thus perform the injection in 0.3 seconds. The device also uses a technique called electroporation. By stimulating the cellular membrane with an electric pulse, it improves theabsorption of the drug. The company plans to first use its system for fertilization in vitro and the Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). However, she also hopes to tackle other conditions that require frequent injections at home, such as diabetes or the deficit in hormone growth in children.

NovaXS intends to use its funding to improve the security and stability of its system before obtaining authorization from the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) for commercialization in the United States, scheduled for summer 2023.