WO2026002577A1

WO2026002577A1 - Carrier for medicament container, medicament delivery device and related assemblies

Info

Publication number: WO2026002577A1
Application number: PCT/EP2025/065595
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gunnar ELMÉN
Original assignee: SHL Medical AG
Current assignee: SHL Medical AG
Priority date: 2024-06-24
Filing date: 2025-06-05
Publication date: 2026-01-02
Anticipated expiration: 2026-12-24

Abstract

A carrier (4) for assembly with a medicament container subassembly (3) comprises a carrier body (41), a protective cover (42) and a biasing member (43) configured to bias the protective cover (42) in the proximal direction relative to the carrier body (41). The carrier body (41) and the protective cover (42) form a releasable connection (44) that, in an initial state, is engaged to block a movement of the protective cover (42) relative to the carrier body (41) in a proximal direction. When the releasable connection (44) is disengaged, it causes the biasing member (43) to move the protective cover (42) relative to the carrier body (41) in the proximal direction into a final state. A stop surface (41d) of the carrier body (41) and a stop surface (42d) of the protective cover (42) limit, in the final state, a movement towards distally of the protective cover (42) relative to the carrier body (41).

Description

TITLE

Carrier for Medicament Container, Medicament Delivery Device and Related Assemblies

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to injection of medicaments and in particular to medicament delivery devices and medicament delivery assemblies to be used for injecting a medicament, more particularly for autoinjection of a medicament. It relates to devices and assemblies according to the opening clauses of the claims.

BACKGROUND

Medicament delivery devices for injection and in particular for autoinjection of a medicament are known in the art. They enable a user, e.g., a patient in self-administration, to accomplish the delivery of a dose of a medicament in a safe and simple way. For example, a medicament delivery device can be used multiple times, each time with another replaceable medicament container subassembly comprising a medicament container such as a syringe, containing the medicament.

The medicament container subassembly can be received in the medicament delivery device. After a dose delivery emptying the medicament container, the medicament container subassembly can be removed from the medicament delivery device, and before another dose shall be delivered, a new medicament container subassembly can be received in, e.g., inserted in, the medicament delivery device.

SUMMARY

The carrier is a carrier for assembly with a medicament container subassembly. The carrier comprises a carrier body; a protective cover having a proximal end; and a biasing member configured to bias the protective cover in a proximal direction relative to the carrier body.

The carrier body and the protective cover furthermore form a releasable connection, e.g., a snap fit connection, which, in an initial state of the carrier, is engaged to block a movement of the protective cover relative to the carrier body in the proximal direction and which, when disengaged, causes the biasing member to move the protective cover relative to the carrier body in the proximal direction into a final state. A first stop surface of the carrier body and a first stop surface of the protective cover limit, in the final state, a movement towards distally of the protective cover relative to the carrier body by abutting one another.

For clarification, in the final state, the first stop surfaces can abut, but do not necessarily abut. In the final state, a distal movement of the protective cover relative to the carrier body, from the position where they abut, can be possible.

The protective cover can comprise, e.g., what is sometimes referred to as a needle cover.

The medicament container subassembly more specifically can comprise a medicament container comprising a delivery member, such as a needle, a container body containing a medicament, and a plunger arranged inside the container body for expelling the medicament from the container body through the delivery member by moving the plunger (relative to the container body) in the proximal direction.

The medicament container can be, e.g., a syringe or a vial with a plunger.

In some embodiments, the medicament container subassembly comprises a needle shield, in particular a rigid needle shield, removable from the medicament container. In some embodiments, in the final state, a movement of the protective cover in the proximal direction is limited by a second stop surface of the carrier body abutting a second stop surface of the protective cover.

Accordingly, this way, the distal movement of the protective cover relative to the carrier body mentioned above can be limited.

Again for clarification, in the final state, the second stop surfaces can abut but do not necessarily abut. In the final state, a proximal movement of the protective cover relative to the carrier body, from the position where they abut, can be possible.

In some embodiments, the carrier body is generally tube-shaped.

In some embodiments, the protective cover is generally tube-shaped.

In some embodiments, the carrier body and the protective cover are axially aligned to one another.

In some embodiments, the biasing member is a helical compression spring.

In some embodiments, the carrier body and the protective cover and the biasing member are axially aligned to one another.

In some embodiments, the protective cover is, in part, arranged inside of the carrier body, in particular in the initial state and in the final state.

The initial state and the final state can be, in particular, related to a relative position of the carrier body and the protective cover.

In some embodiments, the releasable connection comprises a snap fit connection of a resilient section of the protective cover cooperating with a snap fit edge of the carrier body. However, also other releasable connections are possible, such as threaded connections.

In some embodiments, the resilient section comprises a snap hook having a free distal end. In some embodiments, the first stop surface of the protective cover is comprised in the resilient section. In particular, the first stop surface of the protective cover can be formed at a distal end of the resilient section, such as at the free distal end of the snap hook.

In some embodiments, the second stop surface of the protective cover is comprised in the resilient section, in particular at a proximal end thereof.

In some embodiments, the protective cover is arranged to be slidable relative to the carrier body in an axial direction, in particular from the initial state into the final state.

In some embodiments, in the final state, a proximal end of the protective cover projects from the carrier body. As will become clear further below, this can effect that a delivery member of the medicament container is covered by the protective cover in the final state.

In some embodiments, the carrier body comprises a holder for holding, in an assembled state in which a medicament container subassembly is assembled with the carrier, a container body of the medicament container subassembly in a fixed position relative to the carrier body. More particularly, the holder can comprise a fixing portion for cooperating, in the assembled state, with a flange of the container body by abutting the flange to hold the flange in a fixed position relative to the carrier body; and a resilient portion to form a snap fit connection with the flange, configured to resiliently deform by cooperating with the flange when axially, more particularly: proximally, moving the container body relative to the carrier body to enter the fixed position.

The carrier assembly comprises a carrier as herein disclosed and a medicament container subassembly assembled with the carrier. The medicament container subassembly can be a medicament container subassembly as herein disclosed. In some embodiments, the carrier assembly is a disposable part. More particularly, when a medicament contained in the medicament container subassembly, such as contained in a container body thereof, has been expelled, the carrier assembly can be discarded.

In some embodiments, the carrier assembly is a replaceable part. More particularly, a new carrier assembly can be inserted into a medicament delivery device, such as into a herein disclosed medicament delivery device, after another carrier assembly, such as a used one from which the medicament already has been expelled, has been removed from the medicament delivery device.

In some embodiments, the medicament container subassembly and the protective cover are configured so that in the final sotate, the proximal end of the protective cover is arranged further proximal than the proximal end of the delivery member, in particular wherein the delivery member is covered by the protective cover, more particularly the protective cover circumferentially encompassing the delivery member.

In some embodiments, the medicament container subassembly and the protective cover are configured so that in the initial state, a proximal end of the delivery member is arranged further proximal than the proximal end of the protective cover.

In some embodiments, the container body is affixed to the carrier body, for example by means of the holder as described above. However, various ways of affixing the container body to the carrier body are possible. For example, they could be glued to one another.

The medicament delivery device is a medicament delivery device for receiving a carrier assembly as herein disclosed. The medicament delivery device can more particularly be a medicament delivery device for expelling a dose of the medicament from the container body of a medicament container of the medicament container subassembly. In some embodiments, the medicament delivery device is an autoinjector. However, in other embodiments, the medicament delivery device is not an autoinjector, and the user himself / herself has to apply the force for expelling the medicament.

The medicament delivery assembly comprises a medicament delivery device as herein disclosed and further comprises, received in the medicament delivery device, a carrier assembly as herein disclosed.

In some embodiments, the medicament delivery assembly comprises a plunger rod. In some embodiments, the plunger rod is comprised in the carrier assembly, more particularly in the medicament container subassembly, still more particularly in the medicament container. However, this is not necessarily the case. E.g., in some embodiments, the plunger rod is comprised in the medicament delivery device.

In some embodiments, the medicament delivery assembly comprises a plunger rod, and the medicament delivery device comprises

- a plunger rod driver which is couplable to the plunger rod and which is axially movable between a distal end position and a proximal end position;

- a drive member for biasing the plunger rod driver in a proximal direction to force the plunger rod driver to carry out an expelling movement which is a movement in the proximal direction from the distal end position to the proximal end position; and

- an actuator, operable by a user, for blocking, in the distal end position, the expelling movement, and for releasing the blocking when operating the actuator.

In particular, the plunger rod driver can be couplable to a distal end of the plunger rod. Furthermore, the plunger rod driver can comprise an actuation section configured to disengage the releasable connection by cooperating with the protective cover during a final phase of the expelling movement.

Accordingly, the releasable connection can be operated by the plunger rod driver. Thus, a change of the carrier from the initial state to the final state can be effected by the plunger rod driver during the final phase of the expelling movement.

In some embodiments, the drive member comprises a helical compression spring, but in other embodiments it comprises some other stressed element or spring, or a hydraulic piston.

In some embodiments, the releasable connection comprises a snap fit connection of a resilient section of the protective cover cooperating with a snap fit edge of the carrier body. More particularly, the resilient section can be arranged at a distal end of the protective cover.

In some embodiments, the actuation section comprises a tapered surface and, to disengage the snap fit connection, is configured to bend, in particular to bend inwardly, a distal end of the resilient section during the final phase of the expelling movement. And this can, in particular, be accomplished by the distal end of the resilient section abutting and sliding along the tapered surface during the final phase of the expelling movement.

In some embodiments, the actuation section is arranged at a proximal end of the plunger rod driver.

In some embodiments, the medicament container is a syringe comprising the plunger rod.

Further embodiments, objects and various advantages emerge from the description and embodiments below.

In the present disclosure, when the terms “distal direction” or “distally” are used, they refer to a direction pointing away from a dose delivery site during use of the medicament delivery device. When the term “distal” is used, it refers to a location away from the dose delivery site in use. For example, a “distal” part or end of the medicament delivery device, or a “distal” part or end of a component of the medicament delivery device, is a part or end that is located furthest away from the dose delivery site in use. Correspondingly, when the terms “proximal direction” or “proximally” are used, they refer to a direction pointing towards the dose delivery site during use of the medicament delivery device. When the term “proximal” is used it refers to a location closest to the dose delivery site in use. For example, a “proximal” part or end of the medicament delivery device, or a “proximal” part or end of a component of the medicament delivery device, is a part or end that is located closest to the dose delivery site in use.

The terms “longitudinal”, “axial”, “longitudinally” and “axially” refer to a direction extending from a proximal end to a distal end, typically along the device or a component thereof in the direction of the longest extension of the device and/or component.

The terms “transverse”, “transversal” and “transversally” refer to a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

The terms “circumference”, “circumferential”, or “circumferentially” refer to a circumference or a circumferential direction relative to an axis, typically a central axis extending in the direction of the longest extension of the device and/or component. The terms “radial” or “radially” refer to a direction extending radially relative to the axis, and “rotation”, “rotational” and “rotationally” refer to rotation relative to the axis.

Generally, all terms used in the claims are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the technical field, unless explicitly defined otherwise herein. All references to a/an/the element, apparatus, member, component, means, etc. are to be interpreted openly as referring to at least one instance of the element, apparatus, member component, means, etc., unless explicitly stated otherwise. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the following accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 a perspective view of a carrier in an initial state;

Figure 2 a perspective view onto a cross-section through a carrier body of the carrier of Fig. 1;

Figure 3 a perspective view of a cross-section through a protective cover of the carrier of Fig. 1;

Figure 4 a cross-section through the carrier of Fig. 1 in the initial state;

Figure 5 a cross-section through the carrier of Fig. 1 in a final state;

Figure 6 a perspective view of a medicament container subassembly;

Figure 7 a perspective view of the medicament container of the medicament container subassembly of Fig. 6;

Figure 8 a cross-section through a carrier assembly comprising the medicament container subassembly of Fig. 6 assembled with the carrier of Fig. 1 in the initial state

Figure 9 the carrier assembly of Fig. 8 with the carrier in the final state and the medicament container in a final state, illustrated in a transparent fashion;

Figure 10 a cross-section through the carrier assembly of Fig. 8 with the carrier in the final state and the medicament container in the final state;

Figure 11 a perspective view of a medicament delivery device;

Figure 12 a perspective view of a proximal part of the medicament delivery device of Fig. 11;

Figure 13 a perspective view of a distal part of the medicament delivery device of Fig. 11; Figures 14A to 14F cross-sections of a medicament delivery assembly comprising the medicament delivery device of Fig. 11 assembled with the carrier assembly of Fig. 8 in different states of its use;

Figure 15 a perspective onto a cross-section through the medicament delivery assembly of Figs. 14A to 14F, in the same state as Fig. 14D;

Figure 16 the release member of the medicament delivery device of Fig. 11 in a perspective view;

Figure 17 the plunger rod driver of the medicament delivery device of Fig. 11 in a perspective view;

Figure 18 the plunger rod driver of Fig. 17 in another perspective view;

Figure 19 the auxiliary structure of the medicament delivery device of Fig. 11 in a perspective view;

Figures 20A to 20D details showing various components of the distal part of the medicament delivery device of Fig. 11, in different perspective views.

The described embodiments are meant as examples or for clarifying the invention and shall not limit the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Fig. 1 shows in a perspective view a carrier 4. It comprises a carrier body 41 and a protective cover 42 and a biasing member 43. Fig. 2 shows a perspective view onto a cross-section through carrier body 41, and Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of protective cover 42.

Fig. 1 shows carrier 4 in a initial state, as does Fig. 4 showing a cross-section through carrier 4, whereas Fig. 5 shows a cross-section through carrier 4 in a final state. The carrier 4 is a carrier for assembly with a medicament container subassembly 3. Such a medicament container subassembly 3 comprises a medicament container 30.

Fig. 6 shows in a perspective view a medicament container subassembly 3. Fig. 7 shows the medicament container 30 of Fig. 6. Fig. 8 shows a crosssection through a carrier assembly 5 comprising the medicament container subassembly 3 assembled with the carrier 4, wherein carrier 4 is in an initial state, and also the medicament container subassembly 3 is in an initial state (before medicament expelling).

Figs. 9 and 10 show the carrier assembly 5, with carrier 4 being in the final state, with also the medicament container 30 being in a final state (after medicament expelling). In Fig. 9, the carrier assembly 5 is illustrated in a transparent fashion; in Fig. 10, a cross-section through the carrier assembly 5 is shown.

Medicament container 30 comprises a delivery member 31 and a container body 36 containing a medicament 6 to be expelled through the delivery member 31. The medicament 6 is not explicitly drawn in the figures.

In the illustrated embodiment, the delivery member 31 is embodied as a needle.

An interior of container body 36 is closed at its distal end by a plunger 33 movable within container body 36 to expel a portion of the medicament 6 through delivery member 31 when moving in a proximal direction. Medicament container 30 comprises, in the illustrated embodiment, a plunger rod 34 connected to the plunger 33 to proximally move the plunger 33 by proximally moving the plunger rod 34.

In the illustrated embodiment, the medicament container 30 is a syringe, however in other embodiments, other medicament containers can be used, such as vials closed by a plunger and without a plunger rod.

Container body 36 comprises, at its distal end, a flange 37. In addition to medicament container 30, medicament container subassembly 3 comprises a needle shield 32, such as a rigid needle shield. The needle shield 32 may additionally or alternatively comprise a flexible needle shield, e.g., inside the rigid needle shield.

Biasing member 43 is in the illustrated embodiment a helical compression spring, but could in other embodiments be some other stressed element.

Carrier body 41 is a generally tube-shaped part which in the illustrated embodiment comprises a proximal part 411 fixedly attached to a distal part 412, but in other embodiments it is a unitary part or comprises one or more further parts.

At its distal end, carrier body 41 comprises a holder 49 for holding the container body 36 of a medicament container subassembly 3 to be assembled with the carrier 4. Holder 49 comprises, in the illustrated embodiment, a fixing portion 49b and a resilient portion 49a to form a snap fit connection with the flange 37 of the medicament container subassembly 3, more particularly with the flange 37 of the container body 36.

However, in other embodiments, the carrier 4 and the medicament container subassembly 3 of the carrier assembly 5 can be fixed to one another in a different way, such as by other types of connection. For example, a rat ch-type or a screw-type connection can be used, or the parts can be glued to one another, e.g., the container body 36 being glued to the carrier body 41.

The carrier body 41 and the protective cover 42 form a releasable connection 44 which, in the initial state of the carrier 4 (cf. Figs. 1, 4, 8), is engaged to block a movement of the protective cover 42 relative to the carrier body 41 in the proximal direction.

In the illustrated embodiment, the releasable connection 44 is embodied as a snap fit connection. But in other embodiments, other types of releasable connections can be implemented, such as a screw-type connection. For the snap fit connection, protective cover 42 comprises a resilient section 42r such a snap hook or arm which is prestressed to bend radially outwardly and which cooperates with a snap fit edge 41s of carrier body 41. More particularly, resilient section 42r can comprise a stop surface 42s which in the initial state abuts snap fit edge 41s.

Biasing member 43, at its proximal end, abuts an abutting surface 42b of protective cover 42 and, at its distal end, an abutting surface 41b of carrier body 41. Accordingly, in the initial state of the carrier 4, biasing member 43 biases protective cover 42 to move in a proximal direction relative to carrier body 41. But due to the releasable connection 44, this movement is blocked, and biasing member 43 is in a cocked state.

Releasing the releasable connection 44, however, enables said movement: Biasing member 43 forces protective cover 42 to move in the proximal direction relative to carrier body 41 to reach a final state (cf. Figs. 5, 9, 10), and biasing member 43 reaches an extended state (cf. Figs. 5, 9, 10).

The releasing can be accomplished by bending resilient section 42r radially inwardly, as symbolized in Fig. 1 by the open arrows, so that abutting surfaces 41b, 42b discontinue abutting.

In the final state, a further movement in the proximal direction of the protective cover 42 relative to the carrier body 41 and also a movement in the distal direction of the protective cover 42 relative to the carrier body 41 is limited. The further movement towards proximally is limited by a second stop surface 4ip of the carrier body 41 abutting the second stop surface 42p of the protective cover 42, cf. Fig. 10. This corresponds to a proximal position of the protective cover 42 within the final state. And the movement towards distally is limited by a first stop surface 4id of the carrier body 41 abutting a first stop surface 42b of the protective cover 42, cf. Fig. 9. This corresponds to a distal position of the protective cover 42 within the final state.

In the final state, biasing member 43 forces protective cover 42 into the proximal position. However, a user, counteracting the force of biasing member 43, can push the protective cover 42 inwardly and thus towards and into the distal position, but not further towards distally than said distal position within the final state.

Furthermore, in the final state (with the protective cover 42 in the proximal position or in the distal position or in between), a proximal end of the delivery member 31, such as the needle tip, is covered by protective cover 42. This can reduce the risk of injuries involving the delivery member. And it can make delivery member 31 largely non-visible to a user.

In the illustrated embodiment, it is stop surface 42s which in the initial state abuts the snap fit edge 41s, and it is second stop surface 42p which in the final state limits the further movement towards proximally of the carrier body 41 by abutting the second stop surface 4ip of carrier body 41 (in the proximal position of protective cover 42). However, in other embodiments, this does not need to be the case: In other embodiments, one and the same stop surface of the protective cover 42 can be provided for these different purposes.

In the illustrated embodiment, biasing member 43 is arranged inside carrier body 41. But in other embodiments, it can be arranged outside of carrier body 41. E.g., it can abut an abutting surface of carrier body 41 which is arranged at an outside of carrier body 41 and an abutting surface of protective cover 42 which is arranged at an outside of protective cover 42.

In the illustrated embodiment, protective cover 42 is arranged a least partially inside carrier body 41. In other embodiments, this does not need to be the case. E.g., it could be vice versa; and carrier body 41 can be arranged a least partially inside protective cover 42.

In the illustrated embodiment, protective cover 42 is arranged to be slidable relative to carrier body 41 by outside surface portions of protective cover 42 cooperating with inside surface portions of carrier body 41. But in other embodiments, such as in the before-mentioned one, this can be vice versa. The carrier assembly 5 can be a disposable and/or replaceable item for use with a medicament delivery device.

The carrier assembly 5 can be received in a re-usable medicament delivery device, in particular for autoinjection. After a medicament delivery (from container body 36 through delivery member 31), the carrier assembly 5 can be removed from the medicament delivery device, and before another dose shall be delivered, a new carrier assembly 5 can be received in, e.g., inserted in, the medicament delivery device.

The carrier assembly 5 can be delivered to users in an assembled fashion: the medicament container subassembly 3 assembled with the carrier 4, e.g., like described above. As delivered, carrier 4 is in the initial state as is medicament container subassembly 3. The needle shield 32 can be included and already applied to the medicament container 30 at that stage, so that the delivery member 31 is non-visible to the user at that stage.

Fig. 11 shows such a medicament delivery device 2 in a perspective view. It comprises a proximal part 21 and a distal part 22 illustrated in Figs. 12 and 13, respectively, which are be connectable to one another, e.g., by a twisting coupling. With proximal part 21 and distal part 22 separated from one another, a carrier assembly 5, such as the one described above, can be inserted.

Figs. 14A to 14F show, in cross-sectional views, a medicament delivery assembly 1 comprising the medicament delivery device 2 and, received therein, the carrier assembly 5 during different states of its use. Fig. 15 shows the medicament delivery assembly 1 in a perspective view onto a crosssection through the medicament delivery assembly 1.

Fig. 14A shows the medicament delivery assembly 1 in a loaded state in which the carrier assembly 5 has just been inserted into the medicament delivery device 2, the carrier 4 being in its initial state. Fig. 14B shows the medicament delivery assembly 1 in a triggered state, before medicament delivery starts.

Figs. 14C, 14D show the medicament delivery assembly 1 in a state close to the end of medicament delivery, more particularly in final phase of an expelling movement, during which the releasable connection 44 is operated. In Fig. 14C, the carrier 4 is still in its initial state; in Fig. 14D, the carrier 4 is about to leave its initial state.

Fig. 14E shows the medicament delivery assembly 1 in a state at the end of medicament delivery, in which the carrier 4 is about to enter its final state.

Fig. 14F shows the medicament delivery assembly 1 in a state at the end of medicament delivery, in which the carrier 4 is in its final state, the protective cover 42 close to its distal position.

Fig. 15 shows the medicament delivery assembly 1 in the same state as Fig. 14D.

Distal part 22 comprises a drive mechanism 108. The drive mechanism 108 comprises a plunger rod driver 18 arranged axially moveable within distal part 22 between a distal end position (cf. Figs. 14A, 14B) and a proximal end position (cf. Figs. 14D, 14E, 14F).

Fig. 17 shows the plunger rod driver 18 in a perspective view. Fig. 18 shows the plunger rod driver 18 in another perspective view.

The proximal end position of the plunger rod driver 18 corresponds to a position where the plunger rod 34 and the plunger 33 of the replaceable carrier assembly 5 have been pressed to the end of its stroke; thus, the medicament container 30 has been emptied. And the distal end position of the plunger rod driver 18 corresponds to a position where the plunger rod 34 and the plunger 33 of the of the replaceable carrier assembly 5 have not yet been moved; accordingly, the container body 36 is full. The drive mechanism 108 further comprises a drive member 12, which biases the plunger rod driver 18 into a proximal direction, towards its proximal end position. In the illustrated embodiment, the drive member 12 is a helical coil spring, but in other embodiments, it could be some other stressed element or spring, or a hydraulic piston.

Drive member 12 biases plunger rod driver 18 force the plunger rod driver 18 to carry out an expelling movement. This is a movement of plunger rod driver 18 in the proximal direction from a distal end position to a proximal end position.

A release member 103 for releasing the plunger rod driver 18 of the drive mechanism 108 from its cocked (or distal) position to its extended (or proximal) position, is arranged at an upper surface of the distal part 22.

Fig. 16 shows the release member in a perspective view.

The release member 103 is pivotable around a pivoting axle 106 (the dashed bent arrow in Fig. 14A pointing approximately at its center) between an extended position (cf. Fig. 14A) and a depressed position (cf. Fig. 14B) and comprises a trigger button 104 and a first abutment member 105a and a second abutment member 105b which abut and cooperate with plunger rod driver 18. In Figs. 14D, 14E, 14F, the release member 103 has been depressed, and the plunger rod driver 18 has adopted its proximal end position. In this position, the first abutment member 105a abuts an upper surface 18a of plunger rod driver 18 and prevents the release member 103 from pivoting back around pivot axle 6. The design of the details ensure that as long as the plunger rod driver 18 is not in its distal end position, the release member 103 cannot assume its extended position but is instead locked in the depressed position. A resilient member (not shown in the figures) is provided for biasing the trigger button 104 towards its extended position. Only if the interaction between the plunger rod driver 18 and the release member 103 allow for it, more particularly when the first abutment member 105a of the release member 103 reaches a first recess 109a in the plunger rod driver 18, the release member 103 assumes its extended position (cf. Fig. 14A).

The distal part 22 can comprise a housing 22h which is made up of two halves which are secured to one another by means of locking pins 88 in corresponding openings 89 in the two halves; alternatively, e.g., projections provided at one of the halves and corresponding openings in the other half could be provided. Obviously, other solutions can be applied in other embodiments, such as tongue and groove solutions; snap catch elements; or even permanent securing with welding or gluing.

The proximal part 21 can comprise a housing 2ih which is made up of a unitary part. However, it can also be made up of two halves, analogously to housing 22h of distal part 22.

Guide structures no on an outer surface of plunger rod driver 18, e.g., protrusions, and an auxiliary structure 111 within housing 22h (more particularly guide beams nob of auxiliary structure 111) are provided and configured to interact for guiding the plunger rod driver 18 during its movement within the housing 22h, in particular during the expelling movement.

Fig. 19 shows auxiliary structure 111 in a perspective view.

Auxiliary structure 111 further has an abutting section 110a to interact with the trigger button 104, for blocking the same in the extended position when the auxiliary structure 111 is in a proximal position, and to enable returning into the depressed position when the auxiliary structure 111 is in a distal position. Auxiliary structure 111 therefore can also be referred to as a button blocker in regard of this function.

Another biasing member 11 forces auxiliary structure 111 into a proximal direction (relative to housing 22h).

In Figs. 11, 12, 14A, medicament delivery device 2 is provided with a needle shield remover 199 arranged at a proximal end of proximal part 21 and grasping the needle shield 32 which encompasses delivery member 31 of medicament container 30. Needle shield remover 199 has, at its distal end, connecting structures, such as inside ridges, interacting with connecting structures 32a on the outside of needle shield 32. Inserting medicament container 30 into proximal part 21 by moving medicament container 30 in a proximal direction, needle shield 32 is inserted into the distal end of needle shield remover 199, and the respective connecting structures engage. Removing needle shield remover 199 from the medicament delivery device 2 afterwards by moving it in a proximal direction thus also removes needle shield 32 from medicament container 30.

A needle hider front 16 of medicament delivery device 2 is provided at a proximal end of proximal part 21 and is connected to a needle hider body 17. Needle hider front 16 is mounted on needle hider body 17 more specifically by means of a threaded connection. The needle shield remover 199 comprises a proximal end and the distal end, wherein the distal end is arranged at the proximal end of proximal part 21 through the needle hider front 16. The threaded connection enables a user to adjust a penetration depth of the delivery member 31 during use. Needle hider body 17 extends inside an interior of proximal part 21 and encompasses a portion of medicament container 30 including most of container body 36. A purpose of the needle hider body 17 and the needle hider front 16 is to hide the delivery member 31 from the user, both during and between uses of the medicament delivery device 2.

Distal part 21 comprises, arranged within and guided by needle hider body 17, a sleeve member 24 for axially guiding carrier body 41. A first biasing member 19, also referred to as needle hider biasing member, is arranged between sleeve member 24 and needle hider body 17 and biases sleeve member 24 towards its distal end position and needle hider body 17 towards its proximal end position. First biasing member 19 ensures that delivery member 31 is out of sight to a user at times before positioning the medicament delivery assembly 1 on an injection site and it also ensures that as soon as the medicament delivery device 2 is removed from an injection site, the needle hider body 17, and thus also the needle hider front 16, automatically travel outwards (towards proximally) again, keeping delivery member 31 out of sight to a user at that time.

Adjusting the penetration depth of delivery device 31 is accomplished as follows. Needle shield remover 199 has axially running protrusions on its outside which mate corresponding recesses inside needle hider front 16. Accordingly, while needle shield remover 199 can be inserted axially into needle hider front 16, a relative rotational movement between the two is prevented. By using the needle shield remover 199 as a grip element, a user can adjust the axial position of the needle hider front 16 relative to the needle hider body 17 by turning it, thus setting the penetration depth of delivery member 31. A number of pre-set positions can be provided which snap into place when the needle hider front 16 is turned. The needle hider front 16 is provided with digits 26 indicating a set penetration depth at which an indicator 2ii of housing 2ih of proximal part 21 is pointing. The penetration depth can be adjusted back and forth until a desired value has been set.

After an injection has been carried out and the medicament 6 has been delivered, the drive mechanism 108 of the medicament delivery device 2 can be reloaded as follows. The proximal part 21 with the needle shield remover 199 attached at its front end is removed from the distal part 22, which in the illustrated embodiment, is accomplished by twisting the two parts 21, 22 relative to one another. Then, the proximal end of the needle shield remover 199, is positioned to abut the drive mechanism 108, more particularly plunger rod driver 18, which is arranged in distal part 22, situated in its proximal end position (extended). Then, proximal part 21 together with needle shield remover 199 is used to force drive mechanism 108 into a distal direction, thus towards its distal end position where it will snap into its cocked position, ready to be used for another medicament delivery. A more detailed explanation thereof is provided below.

Fig. 14A shows the medicament delivery device 2 loaded with a fresh medicament container subassembly 3, the drive member 12 being completely compressed, such that the drive mechanism 108 is loaded; but release member 103 is prevented from releasing the plunger rod driver 18. This is realized by auxiliary structure 111 which reaches from a proximal end of distal part 22 to a distal end of distal part 22, where it prevents the trigger button 104 from being depressed as described above and thus from releasing the drive mechanism 108. The proximal position and the distal position of auxiliary structure 111 is defined by auxiliary structure 111 abutting respective structures in housing 22h of distal part 22.

In this loaded state, the second abutment member 105b of the release mechanism 103 reaches into a second recess 109b of the plunger rod driver 18 and thereby prevents it from moving forward (into the proximal direction) towards its proximal end position. The needle shield remover 199 is still in place grasping needle shield 32 and it can be used to set a desirable penetration depth.

In Fig. 14B, the needle shield remover 199 has been pulled out, together with needle shield 32; and medicament delivery assembly 1 is pressed by the user against the intended injection site, thus moving the needle hider front 16 and therefore also needle hider body 17 in the distal direction. This way, needle hider body 17 abuts a proximal end of auxiliary structure 111 and moves auxiliary structure 111 into its distal position, against the force of biasing member 11. This movement of auxiliary structure 111 allows the release member 103 to be pressed (activated), because this it not blocked anymore by abutting section 110a. The medicament delivery device 2 is then ready to start the injection.

In Fig. 14B, furthermore the trigger button 104 is shown to have been depressed, which enables plunger rod driver 18 to move in a proximal direction. The expelling movement thus can start.

This way, as shown in Fig. 14C, plunger rod driver 18 is forced forwards (in a proximal direction) by drive member 12, thereby moving the carrier assembly 5 towards its proximal end position which is defined by sleeve member 24 abutting with its proximal end against an abutting surface of needle hider body 17. The open arrow in Fig. 14C points at the place of this abutting. This way, delivery device 31 is moved in a proximal direction, so that it protrudes from the needle hider front 16 and penetrates the injection site (by the set depth).

It is noted that when inserting a carrier assembly 5 into the medicament delivery device 2, more particularly into its proximal part 21, the position of carrier assembly 5 to be reached is defined by a flange 4if of carrier body 41 abutting a distal end of sleeve member 24. The open arrow in Fig. 14B points at the place of this abutting.

The movement of plunger rod driver 18 in the proximal direction furthermore effects a movement of plunger rod 34 (the expelling movement) and thus also of plunger 33 in the proximal direction. Accordingly, a portion the medicament 6 is expelled from the container body 36 and injected into the injection site.

The force of drive member 12 by far exceeds the force of first first biasing member 19 which therefore is compressed when the drive mechanism 108 is released.

Plunger rod driver 18 has, at its proximal end, an actuation section 18s which is embodied as a rotationally symmetric tapered inside surface of plunger rod driver 18. Actuation section 18s in this final phase of the expelling movement of plunger rod driver 18 cooperates with the protective cover 42, more particularly with its resilient section 42r, still more particularly with the distal end thereof. A distal end of resilient section 42r abuts the tapered inside surface.

In the state illustrated in Fig. 14C, the envisaged dose is not yet fully expelled, plunger 33 is not yet moved fully into its proximal end position. This state is close to the end of medicament delivery. Carrier 4 is still in its initial state, but actuation section 18s already abuts resilient section 42r. In Fig. 14D, plunger rod driver 18 has moved further in the proximal direction during its expelling movement, effecting that medicament delivery is completed and that the distal end of resilient section 42r slides along actuation section 18s, thus effecting that resilient section 42r is bent inwardly. This way, the releasable connection 44 (snap fit connection) between carrier body 41 and protective cover 42 is released (disengaged). Thus, releasable connection 44 does not anymore block a movement of protective cover 42 relative to the carrier body 41 in the proximal direction. Accordingly, in Fig. 14D, carrier 4 is about to leave its initial state.

In the state illustrated in Fig. 14E, biasing member 43 has moved protective cover 42 in the proximal direction. Carrier 4 is about to enter its final state. The distal end of resilient section 42r still slides along an inner surface of carrier body 41.

In Fig. 14F, member 43 has moved protective cover 42 further in the proximal direction; carrier 4 has reached the final state. As described above, distal (and also proximal) movements of protective cover 42 are limited, by first stop surface 4id (and second stop surface 4ip) interacting with carrier body 41, and delivery member 31 is effectively covered by protective cover 42.

And also when, after use, the user removes the carrier assembly 5 from the medicament delivery device 2, delivery member 31 is still covered by protective cover 42.

The disclosed medicament delivery device 2 can also comprise an end-of- dose alert. It can produce a signal indicating that the end of the medicament delivery is reached. The signal can be perceived by a user both, haptically and audibly.

Figs. 20A to 20D illustrate the corresponding mechanism, showing details of various components of distal part 22 in different perspective views. Plunger rod driver 18 comprises a signalling member 7 comprising an arm part 71 and a head part 72 (cf. Figs. 17, 18), the signalling member 7 cooperates with a deflection structure 27 comprised in distal part 22.

At its proximal end, arm part 71 is affixed to the remaining portion of plunger rod driver 18, and head part 72 is affixed to the distal end of arm part 71 and extends laterally therefrom. Arm part 71 is resilient and can be repeatedly deflected. It comprises a knocking end 73.

Fig. 20A shows, in a perspective view, a detail of an inside of one of the halves of housing 22I1 of distal part 22. Deflection structure 27 has a proximal end 27P and a distal end 2 d. It comprises an axially elongated ridge structure protruding towards the interior of distal part 22.

Fig. 20B illustrates the state also shown in Fig. 14B. Knocking end 73 abuts deflection structure 27 at its distal end 2 d.

When then plunger rod driver 18 moves in the proximal direction, head part 72 is firstly moved laterally due to the structuring of deflection structure 27 at its distal end 2^r d, and then its knocking end 73 slides axially along deflection structure 27. Due to the resilience of arm part 71, the lateral deflection produces a corresponding tension in arm part 71.

Fig. 20C illustrates the state also shown in Fig. 14C. Now, head part 72 has moved much further towards proximally, and it is, at its knocking end 73, abutting proximal end 27P of deflection structure 27. Proximal end 27P has a stepped structure (cf. Fig. 20 A) with two steps. In Fig. 14C, head part 72 has moved laterally taking the first step, due to the tension in arm part 71. This produces a first end-of dose signal, as, taking the first step, knocking end 73 hits the first step and thus the housing 22h.

Briefly afterwards, plunger rod device 18, having moved still a little further to reach its proximal end position, head part 72 has, accordingly, also moved a little further towards proximally, and it is, at its knocking end 73, abutting proximal end 27P of deflections structure 27 at the second step, due to the remaining tension in arm part 71. This produces a second end-of dose signal, as, taking the step, knocking end 73 hits the second step and thus the housing 22h. The lateral tension built up in the beginning is removed.

When reloading the drive mechanism 108 moving plunger rod driver 18 in a distal direction as described above, arm part 71 is bent, as head part 72 is moved towards device axis A (cf. Fig. 14B), because head part 72 is moved onto deflection structure 27, sliding thereon back into the initial position, cf. Fig. 20B, where the bending is reduced again due to the resilience of arm part 71. Head part 72 is chamfered to facilitate moving it towards device axis A.

The disclosed device has a completely mechanical design, making it particularly reliable as it is independent of batteries or the like.

The delivery devices described herein can be used for the treatment and/ or prophylaxis of one or more of many different types of disorders.

Exemplary disorders include, but are not limited to: rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel diseases (e.g. Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis), hypercholesterolaemia and/or dyslipidemia, cardiovascular disease, diabetes (e.g. type 1 or 2 diabetes), psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, spondyloarthritis, hi dradenitis suppurativa, Sjogren's syndrome, migraine, cluster headache, multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, anaemia, thalassemia, paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, hemolytic anaemia, hereditary angioedema, systemic lupus erythematosus, lupus nephritis, myasthenia gravis, Behqet's disease, hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, atopic dermatitis, retinal diseases (e.g., age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema), uveitis, infectious diseases, bone diseases (e.g., osteoporosis, osteopenia), asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, thyroid eye disease, nasal polyps, transplant, acute hypoglycaemia, obesity, anaphylaxis, allergies, sickle cell disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, systemic infusion reactions, immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated hypersensitivity reactions, cytokine release syndrome, immune deficiencies (e.g., primary immunodeficiency, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy), enzyme deficiencies (e.g., Pompe disease, Fabry disease, Gaucher disease), growth factor deficiencies, hormone deficiencies, coagulation disorders (e.g., hemophilia, von Willebrand disease, Factor V Leiden), and cancer.

Exemplary types of drugs that could be included in the delivery devices described herein include, but are not limited to, small molecules, hormones, cytokines, blood products, enzymes, vaccines, anticoagulants, immunosuppressants, antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates, neutralizing antibodies, reversal agents, radioligand therapies, radioisotopes and/or nuclear medicines, diagnostic agents, bispecific antibodies, proteins, fusion proteins, peptibodies, polypeptides, pegylated proteins, protein fragments, nucleotides, protein analogues, protein variants, protein precursors, protein derivatives, chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapies, cell or gene therapies, oncolytic viruses, or immunotherapies.

Exemplary drugs that could be included in the delivery devices described herein include, but are not limited to, immuno-oncology or bio-oncology medications such as immune checkpoints, cytokines, chemokines, clusters of differentiation, interleukins, integrins, growth factors, coagulation factors, enzymes, enzyme inhibitors, retinoids, steroids, signaling proteins, pro- apoptotic proteins, anti-apoptotic proteins, T-cell receptors, B-cell receptors, or costimulatory proteins.

Exemplary drugs that could be included in the delivery devices described herein include, but are not limited to, those exhibiting a proposed mechanism of action, such as human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2) receptor modulators, interleukin (IL) modulators, interferon (IFN) modulators, complement modulators, glucagon-like peptide-i (GLP-i) modulators, glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) modulators, cluster of differentiation 38 (CD38) modulators, cluster of differentiation 22 (CD22) modulators, Ci esterase modulators, bradykinin modulators, C-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CCR4) modulators, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) modulators, B-cell activating factor (BAFF), P-selectin modulators, neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) modulators, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) modulators, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) modulators, cluster of differentiation 79B (CD79B) modulators, tumor- associated calcium signal transducer 2 (Trop-2) modulators, cluster of differentiation 52 (CD52) modulators, B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) modulators, enzyme modulators, platelet-derived growth factor receptor A (PDGFRA) modulators, cluster of differentiation 319 (CD319 or SLAMF7) modulators, programmed cell death protein 1 and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) inhibitors/modulators, B-lymphocyte antigen cluster of differentiation 19 (CD19) inhibitors, B-lymphocyte antigen cluster of differentiation 20 (CD20) modulators, cluster of differentiation 3 (CD3) modulators, cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) inhibitors, T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain containing-3 (TIM-3) modulators, T cell immunoreceptor with Ig and ITIM domains (TIGIT) modulators, V-domain Ig suppressor of T cell activation (VISTA) modulators, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO or INDO) modulators, poliovirus receptor-related immunoglobulin domain-containing protein (PVRIG) modulators, lymphocyte-activation gene 3 (LAG3; also known as cluster of differentiation 223 or CD223) antagonists, cluster of differentiation 276 (CD276 or B7-H3) antigen modulators, cluster of differentiation 47 (CD47) antagonists, cluster of differentiation 30 (CD30) modulators, cluster of differentiation 73 (CD73) modulators, cluster of differentiation 66 (CD66) modulators, cluster of differentiation W137 (CDW137) agonists, cluster of differentiation 158 (CD158) modulators, cluster of differentiation 27 (CD27) modulators, cluster of differentiation 58 (CD58) modulators, cluster of differentiation 80 (CD80) modulators, cluster of differentiation 33 (CD33) modulators, cluster of differentiation 159 (CD159 or NKG2) modulators, glucocorticoid-induced TNFR-related (GITR) protein modulators, Killer Ig- like receptor (KIR) modulators, growth arrest-specific protein 6 (GAS6)/AXL pathway modulators, A proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) receptor modulators, human leukocyte antigen (HLA) modulators, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) modulators, B-lymphocyte cell adhesion molecule modulators, cluster of differentiation W123 (CDW123) modulators, Erbb2 tyrosine kinase receptor modulators, endoglin modulators, mucin modulators, mesothelin modulators, hepatitis A virus cellular receptor 2 (HAVCR2) antagonists, cancer-testis antigen (CTA) modulators, tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily, member 4 (TNFRSF4 or 0X40) modulators, adenosine receptor modulators, inducible T cell co-stimulator (ICOS) modulators, cluster of differentiation 40 (CD40) modulators, tumorinfiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) therapies, or T-cell receptor (TCR) therapies.

Exemplary drugs that could be included in the delivery devices described herein include, but are not limited to: etanercept, abatacept, adalimumab, evolocumab, exenatide, secukinumab, erenumab, galcanezumab, fremanezumab-vfrm, alirocumab, methotrexate (amethopterin), tocilizumab, interferon beta-ia, interferon beta-ib, peginterferon beta-ia, sumatriptan, darbepoetin alfa, belimumab, sarilumab, semaglutide, dupilumab, reslizumab, omalizumab, glucagon, epinephrine, naloxone, insulin, amylin, vedolizumab, eculizumab, ravulizumab, crizanlizumab-tmca, certolizumab pegol, satralizumab, denosumab, romosozumab, benralizumab, emicizumab, tildrakizumab, ocrelizumab, ofatumumab, natalizumab, mepolizumab, risankizumab-rzaa, ixekizumab, and immune globulins.

Exemplary drugs that could be included in the delivery devices described herein may also include, but are not limited to, oncology treatments such as ipilimumab, nivolumab, pembrolizumab, atezolizumab, durvalumab, avelumab, cemiplimab, rituximab, trastuzumab, ado-trastuzumab emtansine, fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki, pertuzumab, transtuzumab-pertuzumab, alemtuzumab, belantamab mafodotin-blmf, bevacizumab, blinatumomab, brentuximab vedotin, cetuximab, daratumumab, elotuzumab, gemtuzumab ozogamicin, 90-Yttrium-ibritumomab tiuxetan, isatuximab, mogamulizumab, moxetumomab pasudotox, obinutuzumab, ofatumumab, olaratumab, panitumumab, polatuzumab vedotin, ramucirumab, sacituzumab govitecan, tafasitamab, or margetuximab. Exemplary drugs that could be included in the delivery devices described herein include “generic” or biosimilar equivalents of any of the foregoing, and the foregoing molecular names should not be construed as limiting to the “innovator” or “branded” version of each, as in the non-limiting example of innovator medicament adalimumab and biosimilars such as adalimumab- afzb, adalimumab-atto, adalimumab-adbm, and adalimumab-adaz.

Exemplary drugs that could be included in the delivery devices described herein also include, but are not limited to, those used for adjuvant or neoadjuvant chemotherapy, such as an alkylating agent, plant alkaloid, antitumor antibiotic, antimetabolite, or topoisomerase inhibitor, enzyme, retinoid, or corticosteroid. Exemplary chemotherapy drugs include, by way of example but not limitation, 5-fluorouracil, cisplatin, carboplatin, oxaliplatin, doxorubicin, daunorubicin, idarubicin, epirubicin, paclitaxel, docetaxel, cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide, azacitidine, decitabine, bendamustine, bleomycin, bortezomib, busulfan, cabazitaxel, carmustine, cladribine, cytarabine, dacarbazine, etoposide, fludarabine, gemcitabine, irinotecan, leucovorin, melphalan, methotrexate, pemetrexed, mitomycin, mitoxantrone, temsirolimus, topotecan, valrubicin, vincristine, vinblastine, or vinorelbine.

Exemplary drugs that could be included in the delivery devices described herein also include, but are not limited to, analgesics (e.g., acetaminophen), antipyretics, corticosteroids (e.g. hydrocortisone, dexamethasone, or methylprednisolone), antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine or famotidine), antiemetics (e.g., ondansetron), antibiotics, antiseptics, anticoagulants, fibrinolytics (e.g., recombinant tissue plasminogen activator [r-TPA]), antithrombolytics, or diluents such as sterile water for injection (SWFI), 0.9% Normal Saline, 0.45% normal saline, 5% dextrose in water, 5% dextrose in 0.45% normal saline, Lactated Ringer’s solution, Heparin Lock Flush solution, 100 U/mL Heparin Lock Flush Solution, or 5000 U/mL Heparin Lock Flush Solution.

Pharmaceutical formulations including, but not limited to, any drug described herein are also contemplated for use in the delivery devices described herein, for example pharmaceutical formulations comprising a drug as listed herein (or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the drug) and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Such formulations may include one or more other active ingredients (e.g., as a combination of one or more active drugs), or may be the only active ingredient present, and may also include separately administered or co-formulated dispersion enhancers (e.g. an animal-derived, human-derived, or recombinant hyaluronidase enzyme), concentration modifiers or enhancers, stabilizers, buffers, or other excipients.

Exemplary drugs that could be included in the delivery devices described herein include, but are not limited to, a multi-medication treatment regimen such as AC, Dose-Dense AC, TCH, GT, EC, TAC, TC, TCHP, CMF, FOLFOX, mFOLFOX6, mFOLFOXy, FOLFCIS, CapeOx, FLOT, DCF, FOLFIRI, FOLFIRINOX, FOLFOXIRI, IROX, CHOP, R-CHOP, RCHOP-21, Mini- CHOP, Maxi-CHOP, VR-CAP, Dose-Dense CHOP, EPOCH, Dose-Adjusted EPOCH, R-EPOCH, CODOX-M, IVAC, HyperCVAD, R-HyperCVAD, SC- EPOCH-RR, DHAP, ESHAP, GDP, ICE, MINE, CEPP, CDOP, GemOx, CEOP, CEPP, CHOEP, CHP, GCVP, DHAX, CALGB 8811, HIDAC, MOpAD, 7 + 3, 5 +2, 7 + 4, MEC, CVP, RBAC500, DHA-Cis, DHA-Ca, DHA-Ox, RCVP, RCEPP, RCEOP, CMV, DDMVAC, GemFLP, ITP, VIDE, VDC, VAI, VDC-IE, MAP, PCV, FCR, FR, PCR, HDMP, OFAR, EMA/CO, EMA/EP, EP/EMA, TP/TE, BEP, TIP, VIP, TPEx, ABVD, BEACOPP, AVD, Mini-BEAM, IGEV, C- MOPP, GCD, GEMOX, CAV, DT-PACE, VTD-PACE, DCEP, ATG, VAC, VelP, OFF, GTX, CAV, AD, MAID, AIM, VAC-IE, ADOC, or PE.

Claims

1. A carrier (4) for assembly with a medicament container subassembly (3) comprising a medicament container (30), the medicament container (30) comprising a delivery member (31), a container body (36) containing a medicament (6), and a plunger (33) arranged inside the container body (36) for expelling the medicament (6) from the container body (36) through the delivery member (31) by moving the plunger (33) in a proximal direction, the carrier (4) comprising a carrier body (41); a protective cover (42) having a proximal end (42e); and a biasing member (43) configured to bias the protective cover (42) in the proximal direction relative to the carrier body (41); the carrier body (41) and the protective cover (42) forming a releasable connection (44) which, in an initial state of the carrier (4), is engaged to block a movement of the protective cover (42) relative to the carrier body (41) in the proximal direction and which, when disengaged, causes the biasing member (43) to move the protective cover (42) relative to the carrier body (41) in the proximal direction into a final state, a first stop surface (4id) of the carrier body (41) and a first stop surface (42d) of the protective cover (42) limiting, in the final state, a movement towards distally of the protective cover (42) relative to the carrier body (41) by abutting one another.

2. The carrier (4) according to claim 1, wherein in the final state, a movement of the protective cover (42) in the proximal direction is limited by a second stop surface (4ip) of the carrier body (41) abutting a second stop surface (42p) of the protective cover (42).

3. The carrier (4) according to claim 1 or claim 2, the releasable connection (44) comprising a snap fit connection of a resilient section (42r) of the protective cover (42) cooperating with a snap fit edge (41s) of the carrier body (41).

4. The carrier (4) according to claim 3, wherein the first stop surface (42d) of the protective cover (42) is comprised in the resilient section (42r), in particular wherein the first stop surface (42d) of the protective cover (42) is formed at a distal end of the resilient section (42r).

5. The carrier (4) according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the second stop surface (42p) of the protective cover (42) is comprised in the resilient section (42r), in particular at a proximal end thereof.

6. The carrier (4) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the protective cover (42) is arranged to be slidable relative to the carrier body (41) in an axial direction, a proximal end of the protective cover (42), in the final state, projecting from the carrier body (41).

7. The carrier (4) according to one of claims 1 to 6, the carrier body (41) comprising a holder (49) for holding, in an assembled state in which a medicament container subassembly (3) is assembled with the carrier (4), a container body (36) of the medicament container subassembly (3) in a fixed position relative to the carrier body (41), the holder (49) comprising a fixing portion (49b) for cooperating, in the assembled state, with a flange (37) of the container body (36) by abutting the flange (37) to hold the flange (37) in a fixed position relative to the carrier body (41); and a resilient portion (49a) to form a snap fit connection with the flange (37), configured to resiliently deform by cooperating with the flange (37) when axially moving the container body (36) relative to the carrier body to enter the fixed position.

8. A carrier assembly (5) comprising a carrier (4) according to one of claims 1 to 7 and the medicament container subassembly (3) assembled with the carrier (4).

9. The carrier assembly (5) according to claim 8, wherein the medicament container subassembly (3) and the protective cover (42) are configured so that in the initial state, a proximal end of the delivery member (31) is arranged further proximal than the proximal end (42 c) of the protective cover (42); and that in the final state, the proximal end (42e) of the protective cover (42) is arranged further proximal than the proximal end of the delivery member (31), in particular wherein the delivery member (31) is covered by the protective cover (42), more particularly the protective cover (42) circumferentially encompassing the delivery member (31).

10. The carrier assembly (5) according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the container body (36) is affixed to the carrier body (41).

11. A medicament delivery device (2) for receiving a carrier assembly (5) according to one of claims 8 to 10, and for expelling a dose of the medicament (6) from the container body (36), in particular wherein the medicament delivery device (2) is an autoinjector.

12. A medicament delivery assembly (1), comprising the medicament delivery device (2) according to claim 11, further comprising the carrier assembly (5) received in the medicament delivery device (2).

13. The medicament delivery assembly (1) according to claim 12, comprising a plunger rod (34), and wherein the medicament delivery device (2) comprises

- a plunger rod driver (18) which is couplable to the plunger rod (34), in particular to a distal end of the plunger rod (34), and which is axially movable between a distal end position and a proximal end position;

- a drive member (12) for biasing the plunger rod driver (18) in a proximal direction to force the plunger rod driver (18) to carry out an expelling movement which is a movement in the proximal direction from the distal end position to the proximal end position; and an actuator (103), operable by a user, for blocking, in the distal end position, the expelling movement, and for releasing the blocking when operating the actuator (103); wherein the plunger rod driver (18) comprises an actuation section (18s) configured to disengage the releasable connection (44) by cooperating with the protective cover (42) during a final phase of the expelling movement.

14. The medicament delivery assembly (1) according to claim 13, wherein the releasable connection (44) comprises a snap fit connection of a resilient section (42r) of the protective cover (42) cooperating with a snap fit edge (41s) of the carrier body (41), the resilient section (42r) being arranged at a distal end of the protective cover (42), and wherein the actuation section (18s) comprises a tapered surface and, to disengage the snap fit connection, is configured to bend a distal end of the resilient section (42r) during the final phase of the expelling movement by the distal end of the resilient section (42r) abutting and sliding along the tapered surface during the final phase of the expelling movement.

15. The medicament delivery assembly (1) according to claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the medicament container (30) is a syringe comprising the plunger rod (34).