Which of these drug-delivery devices are award winning?

Each year, the Medical Design Excellence Awards competition receives entries on the latest innovations in the medical industry. One category—Drug-Delivery and Combination Products—focuses on the packaging side of the development. For 2019, five drug-delivery devices are in the running for an award. Here's a look at this year's finalists, courtesy of Omar Ford, managing editor of MD+DI, a sister publication of Packaging Digest.

Winners of the Medical Design Excellence Awards will be announced June 11, in a special ceremony at MD&M East, colocated with EastPack 2019. You can vote for your selection for the 2019 Readers' Choice winner by clicking here.

1. The Arisure Closed System Transfer Device

The Arisure Closed System Transfer Device is designed for the safe compounding, transport, and delivery of hazardous drugs to protect healthcare professionals and their patients. The system is microbiologically closed, mechanically trapping any contaminants from entering the vial or environment. Additionally, the system prevents accidental spills during the transfer of drugs.

Manufacturer: Yukon Medical

Supply and Design Credits: Industrie BORLA S.p.A

2. BYDUREON BCise

Bydureon BCise is a fixed-dose autoinjector for convenient dose preparation (re-suspension) and self-injection by patients with Type 2 diabetes. It is the first cartridge-based autoinjector. Needle and cartridge form a fluid path only immediately before administration. The users were fundamental in determining the appropriate device activation mechanism, the form factors and device feedback.

Manufacturer: AstraZeneca

Supply and Design Credits: SHL Medical AG

3. clEARdropper ear drug delivery device

clEARdropper is the first OTC ear drug delivery device, solving the problems of accurate ear drug dosing, waste and self-administration. The value added clEARdropper solves these challenges with an simple, waste-eliminating, cost-reducing design that addresses the delivery challenges and unique anatomy of the ear.

Manufacturer: AJB LLC

Supply and Design Credits: Rubber Industries Inc.

4. Eluvia Drug-Eluting Vascular Stent System

The Eluvia Drug-Eluting Vascular Stent System is the first and only drug-eluting technology designed to sustain drug release beyond a year to deliver drug therapy when restenosis is most likely to occur in the Superficial Femoral Artery (SFA).

Manufacturer: Boston Scientific Corp.

5. QVAR RediHaler metered-dose aerosol inhaler

QVAR RediHaler (beclomethasone dipropionate HFA) Inhalation Aerosol is a breath­-actuated, metered-dose aerosol inhaler. It is indicated for the maintenance treatment of asthma in people 4 years of age and older and is available in 80 mcg and 40 mcg dosage strengths.

Manufacturer: Teva Pharmaceutical Industries

Supply and Design Credits: Nypro Waterford