Patent ID: 6440101
Filing Date: 2002-08-27
Classification: A61M,F26B

Abstract:
A syringe system for containing lyophilized drug, the syringe system comprising:a syringe barrel including an open end and an opposite dispensing end; a sterility maintenance sleeve cooperatively associated with the syringe barrel and including a sleeve barrel having an interior-space, the sterility maintenance sleeve including a stopper affixed thereto for sealingly engaging the syringe barrel to define a drug chamber for containing drug solution; a venting passage in the sterility maintenance sleeve for permitting egress of drug solution vapor from the drug chamber to the interior space when the syringe system is subjected to a lyophilization process; and a plug cap cooperatively associated with the sterility maintenance sleeve and movable from a venting position, in which egress of vapor from the drug chamber to the interior space is permitted, to a sealing position, in which fluid communication between the drug chamber and the interior space is prevented, thereby sealing the drug chamber.