Patent Description:
<CIT> describes an injection aid for use with an injection device, such as a safety syringe, for example. The injection aid employs a flexible clip-based design to compensate for manufacturing tolerances associated with the injection device. The injection aid includes a body and a lever mounted to the body, the lever being configured to rotate about the body. The injection aid may further include gears rotate with rotation of the lever, and which function to remove a needle shield from the injection device. The body positions the injection device so as to ensure consistent injection depth.

Needle safety devices are commonly used in combination with syringes when performing injections, in order to reduce the risk of accidental needle sticks which can result in transmission of blood borne pathogens. These needle safety devices are typically required to protect Health Care Providers (HCPs), such as nurses, who frequently use syringes to administer injections to patients. Needle safety devices typically can be categorised as one of two types: (<NUM>) passive devices that automatically cover the needle after the injection, without requiring additional steps from the user in order to activate the device; and (<NUM>) devices that require an additional step by the user in order to activate the needle safety feature.

Passive needle safety devices generally are considered to be superior in their ability to protect the user from accidental needle sticks, because, for various reasons, users may fail to take the additional actions required to activate non-passive devices. Health authorities and health care systems often require the use of needle safety devices in settings where HCPs perform injections. Furthermore, needle safety devices are desirable for self-administered and caregiver-administered injections to mitigate the risk of injury, infection, and the spread of blood borne pathogens to patients, family members, caregivers and anyone who might come in contact with the injection devices in the process of performing the injection and disposing of used syringes.

A commonly used example of needle safety devices is the UltraSafe (TM) family of devices, manufactured by Becton Dickinson. The UltraSafe (TM) consists of two plastic components and a spring that are assembled to the syringe, along with a custom plunger rod. Upon completion of the injection, the plunger rod engages latches on the UltraSafe (TM) housing components, activating the device and causing the spring to extend one of the housing components over the needle and lock into place, into a locked-out position. An example of an UltraSafe (TM) device is shown in <FIG> and <FIG>.

<FIG> shows the device in a ready state before an injection takes place, or in a pre-injection position. <FIG> shows the device in a safe, used state, after an injection has been completed, or in a locked-out position.

<FIG> show the typical instructions for using the UltraSafe (TM) device. As can be seen, the steps for using the UltraSafe (TM) are essentially the same as for performing an injection with a bare syringe. Pinching the skin and injecting at a <NUM> degree angle are essential to limit the depth of injection and ensure that the injection is given subcutaneously and not into the muscle (too deep) or intradermally (into the skin). Injecting too shallow or too deep can impact the pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) for drugs that are intended for subcutaneous injection.

As shown in <FIG>, the steps for proper use of a syringe to achieve a subcutaneous injection are complex, and variation from user to user can result in differences in the depth of injection, which can impact the efficacy of the drug. HCPs such as nurses are quite familiar and practiced with the procedure for performing injections with syringes. However, technique does vary from nurse to nurse, which can impact PK and PD. Moreover, the typical injection technique requires the use of two hands, one to pinch and one to inject, making it difficult for nurses to perform the injection on difficult patients such as pediatrics who may move during the injection. Furthermore, even though the nurse is comfortable using a syringe, patients are often scared of the syringe and needle, and the injection often results in an unpleasant patient experience.

Syringes, including the UltraSafe (TM), are especially difficult for patients and caregivers to use, not only because of the complexity of the use steps, but also because syringes with exposed needles tend to cause anxiety for the patient. Thus, there is a need to develop an accessory that allows a needle safety device, for example such as the UltraSafe (TM), to be operated more easily.

In one aspect of the invention, there is provided an accessory, according to the appended claims, for an injection device having a needle cap.

In this way, the injection device can be loaded into the accessory without the grip interfering with the needle cap. Then, when the cover is closed the grip closes on the needle cap in order to remove the needle cap automatically. Also, after the cover is removed, the grip opens again to release the cover so it can be separated from the accessory.

In another aspect of the disclosure, there is provided an accessory for an injection device having a needle cap, the accessory comprising: a body portion comprising a recess adapted to receive the injection device; a cover coupled to the body portion, the cover pivotally moveable between an open position in which the recess is exposed to receive the injection device, and a closed position in which the cover at least partially closes the recess to hold the injection device in the body portion; and a cap remover comprising a grip adapted to hold the needle cap, the cap remover being moveable with respect to the body portion, wherein the cover comprises: a proximal end adapted to be moved by a user to move the cover from the open position to the closed position; and a distal end being adapted to move the grip towards an end of the accessory when the cover is moved from the open position to the closed position to at least partially remove the needle cap from the injection device.

In this way, it is possible for the needle cap to be removed automatically when the cover is closed. This is achieved by the cover acting as a lever in order to move the cap remover which causes the needle cap to be removed. This provides a simple and reliable mechanism for removing the needle cover in such a way that users with limited dexterity would find easy. In addition, the cover provides mechanical advantage for moving the cap remover in order to reduce the amount of force required to be provided by the user.

In another aspect of the disclosure, there is provided an accessory for an injection device having a safety shield and at least one flange adapted to allow a user to grip the injection device and a syringe sheath moveable relative to the at least one flange from a pre-injection position to a locked-out position, the accessory comprising: a body portion comprising a recess adapted to receive the safety shield of the injection device and a slot adapted to receive the at least one flange of the injection device; and a cover coupled to the body portion, the cover pivotally moveable between an open position in which the recess and the slot are exposed to receive the safety shield and the flange of the injection device respectively, and a closed position in which the cover at least partially closes the recess and the slot to hold the injection device in the body portion; wherein the slot is shaped both to resist the at least one flange from moving distally and proximally relative to the body portion and to allow the syringe sheath to move proximally relative to the body portion from the pre-injection position to the locked-out position.

In this way, the cover can be opened in order to allow the recess and the slot to be accessed more easily. Then, when the cover is closed, the slot holds the flange in place, but allows the syringe sheath to move thus not impeding the function of the injection device.

In another aspect of the disclosure, there is provided an accessory for an injection device having a needle cap, the accessory comprising: a body portion comprising a recess adapted to receive the injection device; a cover coupled to the body portion, the cover pivotally moveable between an open position in which the recess is exposed to receive the injection device, and a closed position in which the cover at least partially closes the recess to hold the injection device in the body portion; and a cap remover comprising a grip adapted to hold the needle cap, the cap remover being moveable axially with respect to the body portion from an initial position to an advanced position to remove the needle cap from the injection device, wherein the body portion comprises a track within which the cap remover is arranged to move axially with respect to the body portion, and wherein the track is adapted such that when the injection device is located in the body portion, the cap remover is held against the track by the injection device.

In this way, the injection device performs the function of holding the needle cap remover inside the track. This avoids the need for additional components which simplifies the design and manufacturing.

The needle cap (equivalently often referred to as a "needle boot" or "needle shield") may be a rigid needle cap or a non-rigid needle cap. The rigid needle cap may be formed of at least two components, for example it may comprise a rigid outer shell and an inner body which surrounds the needle on the syringe when in place. The inner body may be a pliable, resilient or flexible inner body. This inner body may be a rubber inner body. Alternatively, a non-rigid needle cap may be utilised, in which case the needle cap may be a single pliable, resilient or flexible body, for example a rubberised needle boot.

Embodiments of the invention will be described, by way of example, with reference to the following drawings. <FIG> illustrate embodiments of the invention. Other figures are useful for highlighting specific aspects of the invention.

<FIG> show a manual injection device <NUM> that is suitable for use with an accessory of the present disclosure. The injection device <NUM> comprises a syringe <NUM>, which extends from a proximal end comprising a needle <NUM>, to an open distal end. The open distal end of the syringe is sealed by a bung <NUM>. A removable needle cap <NUM> is provided to sheath the needle <NUM>.

The syringe <NUM> is secured within a syringe sheath <NUM> by a syringe locking element <NUM>. The syringe locking element <NUM> may comprise diametrically opposed abutment surfaces between which the flange of a standard syringe is confined. The confinement of the flanges between abutment surfaces prevents movement of the syringe <NUM> relative to the syringe sheath <NUM>.

The syringe sheath <NUM> comprises an open distal end, into which the syringe <NUM> can be inserted, and an open proximal end, from which the needle <NUM> extends when the syringe <NUM> is secured within the sheath <NUM>. A safety shield <NUM> is movably mounted with respect to the syringe sheath <NUM>. The safety shield <NUM> is movable between a retracted position (shown in <FIG>), in which the needle <NUM> extends beyond the proximal end of the safety shield, and an extended position (shown in <FIG>), in which the safety shield extends beyond the proximal end of the needle <NUM>. In the second position shown in <FIG>, the needle <NUM> is covered by the safety shield <NUM>, thereby shielding the user from the needle and preventing accidental needle-stick injuries.

To allow the user to grip the injection device <NUM> with a conventional dart grip (as shown in <FIG>), the safety shield <NUM> comprises flanges <NUM> at or towards its distal end. The flanges <NUM> shown in <FIG> extend from the safety shield <NUM>.

The safety shield <NUM> is biased into its extended position relative to the syringe sheath <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) by a biasing element <NUM>. The biasing element <NUM> shown in <FIG> takes the form of a coil spring arranged between the syringe sheath <NUM> and the safety shield <NUM> such that the safety shield <NUM> is biased proximally relative to the syringe sheath <NUM> into its extended position.

A releasable locking mechanism <NUM> retains the safety shield <NUM> in its retracted position relative to the syringe sheath <NUM>. The locking mechanism <NUM> is movable between a locked position, in which the locking mechanism <NUM> prevents the safety shield <NUM> moving relative to the syringe sheath <NUM> (<FIG>), and an unlocked position in which the locking mechanism <NUM> no longer prevents movement of the safety shield <NUM> relative to the syringe sheath <NUM>. Once the locking mechanism is moved to its unlocked position, the safety shield <NUM> moves to its extended position under the influence of the coil spring <NUM> (<FIG>).

In the device shown in <FIG>, the locking mechanism <NUM> between the safety shield <NUM> and the syringe sheath <NUM> takes the form of a pair of flexible latch arms <NUM> provided on the safety shield <NUM>, which engage opposing latching surfaces <NUM> on the syringe sheath <NUM>. The flexible latch arms <NUM> are biased into a first position in which they engage their respective latching surfaces <NUM>, thus preventing proximal movement of the safety shield <NUM> relative to the syringe sheath <NUM>. When the flexible latch arms <NUM> are moved against this bias, the latch arms <NUM> disengage their respective latching surfaces <NUM>, thus permitting proximal movement of the safety shield <NUM> relative to the syringe sheath <NUM>.

The latch arms <NUM> are configured to be moved from the first position to the second position by a plunger rod <NUM>. The plunger rod <NUM> comprises an elongate member, configured at its proximal end to engage the bung <NUM> and move the bung <NUM> proximally along the longitudinal axis of the syringe body to deliver a dose of medicament through the needle <NUM>. At or towards its distal end, the plunger rod <NUM> is provided with an actuation surface <NUM> on which the user can place a thumb or finger to drive the plunger rod <NUM> proximally to deliver the injection. As the plunger rod <NUM> nears or reaches the end of its travel within the syringe body, the actuation surface <NUM> of the plunger rod <NUM> deflects the flexible latch arms <NUM> outwardly, to a position in which they no longer engage the latching surfaces <NUM> on the syringe sheath <NUM>. The locking mechanism is thus released at the end of the injection and the safety shield <NUM> moves to its extended position.

Although not visible in the accompanying drawings, the manual injection device of <FIG> can additionally comprise a safety lock for locking the safety shield <NUM> in its extended position after the injection has been completed.

Referring to <FIG>, there is an accessory <NUM> for use with the injection device <NUM>, such as the UltraSafe (TM) device. The accessory <NUM> is described herein using the UltraSafe (TM) as a specific example of the injection device <NUM>. However, the accessory <NUM> could be used with other injection devices besides the UltraSafe (TM) device. For instance, the accessory could be used with the UltraSafe Plus (TM) device. The structure of the accessory <NUM> could be modified to conform with the form factor of any suitable injection device.

The accessory <NUM> comprises a body portion <NUM> and a cover <NUM>. The accessory <NUM> has a distal end <NUM> for positioning towards, or on, an injection site when administering an injection, and a proximal end <NUM> opposite the distal end <NUM>. The accessory <NUM> comprises a window <NUM> in the cover <NUM>. There is also another window in the body <NUM> on the opposite face of the accessory <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the cover <NUM> is coupled to the body portion <NUM>. Specifically, the cover <NUM> is pivotably coupled to the body portion <NUM> about a pair of pivots <NUM>. Each one of the pivots <NUM> is provided towards a respective side of the accessory <NUM>. Each pivot <NUM> comprises an aperture <NUM> in the body portion <NUM> through which a protrusion <NUM> in the cover <NUM> passes. Alternatively, the protrusion <NUM> could be positioned on the body portion <NUM> with the apertures <NUM> provided in the cover <NUM>. The protrusion <NUM> is shown in greater detail in <FIG> and <FIG>. The protrusion <NUM> is rotatable within the aperture <NUM> which allows the cover <NUM> to rotate relative to the body portion <NUM>. In this way, the cover <NUM> is moveable between an open position, which is the position illustrated in <FIG>, and a closed position, which is the position illustrated in <FIG>.

The aperture <NUM> of each pivot <NUM> is provided on a resilient attachment member <NUM> coupled the body portion <NUM>. In this example, the resilient attachment member <NUM> is integrally formed with the body portion <NUM>. The resilient attachment member <NUM> is arranged to bend with respect to the body portion <NUM>, so that cover <NUM> can be inserted between the pivots <NUM>. This simplifies the assembly process. In addition, each protrusion <NUM> on the cover <NUM> has a longitudinal surface and a lateral surface. The lateral surface is slanted with respect to the longitudinal surface. In other words, the lateral surface is not perpendicular to the longitudinal surface. In this way, the protrusions assist in bending the resilient attachment members <NUM> as the cover <NUM> is mounted on the body portion <NUM>.

The body portion <NUM> comprises a recess <NUM> for receiving the injection device <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates the injection device <NUM> positioned within the recess <NUM> with the length of the safety shield <NUM> positioned longitudinally within the recess <NUM>. Referring back to <FIG>, the body portion <NUM> also comprises a slot <NUM>. The length of the slot <NUM> is arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the accessory <NUM>. The slot <NUM> is adapted to receive the flanges <NUM> of the injection device <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>.

When the cover <NUM> is in the open position, the recess <NUM> and slot <NUM> are exposed in order to receive the injection device <NUM>. Specifically, the recess <NUM> receives the safety shield <NUM>, and the slot <NUM> receives the flanges <NUM>. Once the injection device <NUM> has been positioned in the recess <NUM> and the slot <NUM>, the cover <NUM> is moved from the open position to the closed position, as illustrated in <FIG>. The injection device <NUM> and accessory <NUM> are now ready for an injection to be administered. The user is able to place the accessory <NUM> containing the injection device on an injection site, for instance on the skin, and actuate the actuation surface <NUM> with one hand in order to administer the injection in a safe, simple and reliable manner.

When the cover <NUM> is in the closed position, the cover <NUM> closes the recess <NUM> and the slot <NUM> in order to hold the injection device <NUM> in the body portion <NUM>. When the injection device <NUM> is held within the accessory <NUM> by the cover <NUM> and the body portion <NUM>, the injection device <NUM> is visible through each window <NUM> provided on each face of the accessory <NUM>. This allows the user to inspect the contents of the syringe prior to administering an injection.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the slot <NUM> is shaped to resist the flanges <NUM> from moving towards the distal end <NUM> of the accessory <NUM>, or in other words the slot <NUM> is shaped to stop the flanges <NUM> moving distally. The slot <NUM> is also shaped to resist the flanges <NUM> from moving towards the proximal end <NUM> of the accessory <NUM>, or in other words the slot <NUM> is shaped to stop the flanges <NUM> moving proximally. However, the slot <NUM> is shaped to allow the syringe sheath <NUM> of the injection device <NUM> to move proximally relative to the body portion <NUM>. This allows the injection device <NUM> to move from the pre-injection position to the locked-out position, as described above. In this specific example, there is a cavity formed in the body portion <NUM> and the cover <NUM> through which the syringe sheath is allowed to move. However, the width of this cavity is sized such that the flanges <NUM> cannot move through the cavity, and thus the flanges <NUM> are retained in the slot <NUM> while the cover <NUM> is in the closed position.

Referring back to <FIG>, the body portion <NUM> and the cover <NUM> are coupled together in order to form a pair of opposing sides. The right side <NUM> is illustrated in <FIG>; the opposing left side is not shown but is a mirror image of the right side <NUM>. The accessory <NUM> comprises a pair of opposing faces. The front face <NUM> is illustrated in <FIG>; the opposing back face is not shown. The opposing faces each have a similar surface area and each have a larger surface area then each opposing side. The cover <NUM> forms part of the front face <NUM>, and the body portion <NUM> forms the back face. The faces and the sides connect the distal end <NUM> of the accessory <NUM> with the proximal end <NUM> of the accessory <NUM>.

The injection device <NUM> is positioned in the recess <NUM> by lowering the injection device <NUM> into the recess <NUM> at an angle. The direction in which the injection device <NUM> is moved towards the accessory <NUM> in order for the injection device <NUM> to be positioned in the recess <NUM> has a component in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the accessory <NUM> and a component in a direction parallel with the longitudinal axis of the accessory <NUM>. This direction extends towards the back face of the body portion <NUM>. Specifically, the slot <NUM> and the recess <NUM> each have an open face that is parallel with the faces of the accessory <NUM> into which the injection device <NUM> is lowered. Since the faces of the accessory <NUM> have a larger surface area than the sides, this presents a wider area for a user to aim for when positioning the injection device <NUM> in the accessory <NUM>. This allows a user to position the injection device <NUM> more easily, particularly for users with dexterity issues.

Referring to <FIG>, the slot <NUM> comprises a pair of distal abutment portions <NUM> on each side of the body portion <NUM>. The distal abutment portions <NUM> are fixed to the body portion <NUM>, and each one of the distal abutment portions <NUM> resists a respective one of the flanges <NUM> from moving distally. The distal abutment portions <NUM> are each integrally formed with the body portion <NUM> which provides a secure connection that is simple to manufacture. However, the body portion <NUM> may be a modular part where the distal abutment portions <NUM> are removable from the body portion <NUM>. Each distal abutment portion <NUM> has a flat upper surface which extends into a curved lower surface. This reflects the shape of the outside surface of the lower part of the flange, which assists in firmly securing the injection device <NUM> in the body portion <NUM>.

The slot <NUM> also comprises a pair of proximal abutment portions <NUM>. The proximal abutment portions <NUM> are fixed to the body portion <NUM>, and each one of the proximal abutment portions <NUM> resists a respective one of the flanges <NUM> from moving proximally. The proximal abutment portions <NUM> are each integrally formed with the body portion <NUM> which provides a secure connection that is simple to manufacture. However, the body portion <NUM> may be a modular part where the proximal abutment portions <NUM> are removable from the body portion <NUM>. Each proximal abutment portion <NUM> has a flat lower surface for interacting with an upper surface of a respective one of the flanges <NUM>. The proximal abutment portions <NUM> are spaced apart from one another in order to form the cavity through which the syringe sheath <NUM> is allowed to travel.

Referring to <FIG>, there is a cover slot <NUM> in the cover <NUM>. The cover slot <NUM> is arranged to hold the flanges <NUM> when the cover <NUM> is moved from the open position illustrated in <FIG> to the closed position illustrated in <FIG>. The cover slot <NUM> is shaped in order to resist the flanges <NUM> from moving towards the distal end <NUM> of the accessory <NUM> when the cover <NUM> is in the closed position, or in other words the cover slot <NUM> is shaped to stop the flanges <NUM> moving distally. The cover slot <NUM> is also shaped to resist the flanges <NUM> from moving towards the proximal end <NUM> of the accessory <NUM>, or in other words the cover slot <NUM> is shaped to stop the flanges <NUM> moving proximally. However, the cover slot <NUM> is shaped to allow the syringe sheath <NUM> of the injection device <NUM> to move proximally relative to the body portion <NUM>. This allows the injection device <NUM> to move from the pre-injection position to the locked-out position, as described above. In this specific example, the cover slot <NUM> co-operates with the slot <NUM> in the body portion <NUM> to form the cavity through which the syringe sheath <NUM> is allowed to move. However, the width of the cavity is sized such that the flanges <NUM> cannot move through the cavity, and thus the flanges <NUM> are retained in the cover slot <NUM> while the cover <NUM> is in the closed position.

The cover slot <NUM> also comprises a pair of distal abutment portions <NUM> on each side of the cover <NUM>. The distal abutment portions <NUM> are fixed to the cover <NUM>, and each one of the distal abutment portions <NUM> resists a respective one of the flanges <NUM> from moving distally. The distal abutment portions <NUM> are each integrally formed with the cover <NUM> which provides a secure connection that is simple to manufacture. However, the cover <NUM> may be a modular part where the distal abutment portions <NUM> are removable from the cover <NUM>. As shown in the <FIG>, each distal abutment portion <NUM> comprises a rib that extended along the length of the cover <NUM>, thus providing structural support to the cover <NUM>.

The cover slot <NUM> also comprises a pair of proximal abutment portions <NUM>. The proximal abutment portions <NUM> are fixed to the cover <NUM>, and each one of the proximal abutment portions <NUM> resists a respective one of the flanges <NUM> from moving proximally. The proximal abutment portions <NUM> are each integrally formed with the cover <NUM> which provides a secure connection that is simple to manufacture. However, the cover <NUM> may be a modular part where the proximal abutment portions <NUM> are removable from the cover <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, and in accordance with the present invention, the accessory <NUM> comprises a cap remover <NUM> for removing the needle cap <NUM> from the injection device <NUM>. The cap remover <NUM> comprises a grip which, in this example, comprises a pair of moveable elements <NUM> each having a gripping end for interacting with the needle cap <NUM>. Each one the gripping ends is shaped to correspond with the outside surface of the needle cap <NUM>. Each gripping end has a concave end for interfacing with the cylindrical outer shape of the needle cap <NUM>. In this example, the moveable elements <NUM> are integrally formed with the cap remover <NUM>. However, the moveable element <NUM> may be provided as separate components that bend, or rotate, relative to the cap remover <NUM>. For instance, each moveable element <NUM> may be mounted on the cap remover <NUM> about a pivot. The needle cap <NUM> may be a rigid needle cap or a non-rigid needle cap. The rigid needle cap may be formed of at least two components, for example it may comprise a rigid outer shell and an inner body which surrounds the needle <NUM> on the syringe <NUM> when in place. The inner body may be a pliable, resilient or flexible inner body. This inner body may be a rubber inner body. Alternatively, a non-rigid needle cap may be utilised, in which case the needle cap may be a single pliable, resilient or flexible body, for example it may be a rubberised needle boot. In the case of the non-rigid needle cap, the cap remover <NUM> is adapted to grip the non-rigid needle cap resiliently during cap removal, for example between the pair of moveable elements <NUM>. Since the cap is non rigid, it deforms within the cap remover <NUM>, particularly within the grip so that the grip is snug and tight, and thus cap removal is achieved reliably.

In this example, the cap remover <NUM> has an expanded configuration (as illustrated in <FIG>), and a constricted configuration (not shown). In the expanded configuration, the cap remover <NUM> does not interact with the needle cap <NUM>. In particular, the needle cap <NUM> can pass through, or by, the moveable element <NUM> when the cap remover <NUM> is in the expanded configuration, such as when the injection device <NUM> is inserted into the recess <NUM>. In the constricted configuration, the cap remover <NUM> holds the needle cap <NUM> so that the cap remover <NUM> can remove the needle cap <NUM> from the injection device <NUM>. In particular, the moveable elements <NUM> move towards one another in order for the cap remover <NUM> to assume the constricted configuration to grip the needle cap <NUM> via the gripping ends. When the cover <NUM> is in the open position, the cap remover <NUM> is in the expanded position. Closing the cover <NUM> causes the cap remover <NUM> to assume the constricted configuration as it slides forward to remove the needle cap <NUM>. However, when the cover <NUM> is fully closed (as illustrated in <FIG>) the cap remover <NUM> again assumes the expanded configuration in order to release the needle cap <NUM>.

In this specific example, the grip has two configurations: the expanded configuration and the constricted configuration. However, in another example the grip may assume the constricted configuration by default. In this case, the grip holds the needle cap <NUM> when the injection device <NUM> is placed in the accessory <NUM> without having to be moved from the expanded configuration to the constricted configuration. This alternative may be simpler to manufacture. However, the grip with the expanded configuration allows the injection device <NUM> to be inserted into the accessory <NUM> without resistance from the grip. In another, the grip may comprise only one moveable element that pushes the needle cap towards a non-moveable element.

The cap remover <NUM> comprises a pair of guides <NUM> each arranged to sit within a track in the body portion <NUM>. The cap remover <NUM> is arranged to slide within the tracks in the body portion <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the cap remover <NUM> comprises a pair of cap remover slots <NUM> each provided on one side of the cap remover <NUM>. The cover <NUM> comprises a proximal end <NUM> that can be moved by a user in order to move the cover <NUM> from the open position to the closed position. The cover <NUM> also comprises a distal end <NUM> that is operably coupled to the cap remover <NUM> in order to move the cap remover <NUM> and the grip including the moveable elements <NUM> distally.

In this example, there are a pair of distal ends <NUM> of the cover <NUM> each comprising a cover cam <NUM> that sits within one of the cap remover slots <NUM>. In this way, each distal end <NUM> interacts with a respective one of the cap remover slots <NUM> in order to translate the cap remover <NUM> distally, as the cover <NUM> is pivoted from the open position to the closed position. <FIG> illustrates the cover <NUM> in the closed position where the cap remover <NUM> has been moved distally.

Referring to <FIG>, the cover <NUM> comprises a pair of distal extensions each extending distally away from each pivot <NUM>. The distal end <NUM> and the cover cam <NUM> are provided on the distal extension. There is a pair of proximal extensions each corresponding to one of the distal extensions. Each proximal extension extends proximally away from each pivot <NUM>, thus forming the two sides of the proximal end <NUM> of the cover <NUM>.

Each proximal extension is longer than each distal extension. This assists in providing mechanical advantage about the pivot <NUM> so that the cover <NUM> can be closed more easily. This is particularly important as this motion also moves the cap remover <NUM> distally in order to remove the needle cap <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, each one of the moveable elements <NUM> of the grip is made of a flexible, resilient material. This allows the grip to move between the expanded configuration in which the needle cap <NUM> can pass between, or past, the grip and the constricted configuration in which the grip holds the needle cap <NUM> for removing the needle cap <NUM> from the injection device <NUM>. There is a cap remover cam <NUM> on the outside surface of each one of the moveable elements <NUM>. Each cap remover cam <NUM> interfaces with a cap remover cam surface <NUM> on the body portion <NUM>, when the cap remover <NUM> is moved distally by the cover <NUM>. The cap remover cam surfaces <NUM> are illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. The cap remover <NUM> also comprises a pair of receiver slots each adapted to receive at least a portion of the cover <NUM> when the cover <NUM> is in the closed position.

The cap remover cams <NUM> are forced into the cap remover cam surfaces <NUM> with the cap remover <NUM> advancing distally. This pushes the moveable elements <NUM> towards one another in order to move the grip from the expanded configuration into the constricted configuration. Thus, when the injection device <NUM> is within the recess <NUM>, the moveable elements <NUM> grip the needle cap <NUM>, and at the same time the cap remover <NUM> is moved distally, thus pulling the needle cap <NUM> distally and away from the injection device <NUM>. This removes the needle cap <NUM> from the injection device <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, each one of the cap remover cam surfaces <NUM> is shaped such that the grip moves from the expanded configuration, to the constricted configuration and back the expanded configuration as the cover <NUM> moves from the open position to the fully closed position. In this example, each one of the cap remover cam surfaces <NUM> has a proximal end <NUM> and a distal end <NUM> that do not interact with a respective one of the cap remover cams <NUM>, and an intermediate section <NUM> that is positioned to interact with a respective one of the cap remover cams <NUM> in order to move the moveable element <NUM> as the cap remover <NUM> moves distally.

<FIG> illustrates the cover <NUM> in the fully open position in which the cam remover <NUM> is in the expanded configuration. <FIG> illustrates the cover <NUM> in the fully closed position in which the cam remover has reverted back to the expanded configuration from the constricted configuration, as the cover <NUM> is moved from the fully open to the fully closed position.

Referring to <FIG>, the body portion <NUM> comprises a pair of tracks <NUM> for receiving a respective guide <NUM> of the cap remover <NUM>. Each track <NUM> is adapted such that when the injection device <NUM> is located in the body portion <NUM>, the cap remover <NUM> is prevented from moving out of the track. This is illustrated in <FIG>. Specifically, the injection device <NUM> holds the cap remover <NUM> in each track <NUM> when the injection device <NUM> is in the recess <NUM>.

Each track <NUM> is configured such that when the injection device <NUM> is not located in the body portion <NUM>, the cap remover <NUM> is allowed to move in a direction having a component perpendicular to the axial direction (i.e. the longitudinal direction that extends from the proximal end <NUM> to the distal end <NUM> of the accessory <NUM>). However, when the injection device <NUM> is located in the body portion <NUM>, the cap remover <NUM> is held against each track <NUM> by the injection device <NUM> such that the cap remover <NUM> can only slide axially with respect to the body portion <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, each track exposes at least a portion of the cap remover <NUM> so that the injection device <NUM> at least partially holds the cap remover <NUM> within the tracks <NUM> when the injection device <NUM> is positioned in the recess <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the tracks <NUM> expose the cap remover <NUM> in that each track <NUM> does not comprise means adapted to contact an upper surface of the cap remover <NUM>. In other words, the body portion <NUM> does not have a lip or other such retention means for holding the cap remover <NUM> in the body portion <NUM>. Instead, the injection device <NUM> holds the cap remover <NUM> in the tracks <NUM>. In particular, the cap remover <NUM> directly contacts the injection device <NUM> when the injection device <NUM> is positioned within the recess <NUM>. This simplifies the design of the accessory <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, each track <NUM> comprises a base <NUM> and a pair of side walls <NUM>, <NUM> adapted to guide respective side surfaces of the cap remover <NUM>. In this example, the pair of side walls <NUM>, <NUM> are integrally formed with the body portion <NUM>. However, in another example one or both of side walls <NUM>, <NUM> are separate components to the body portion <NUM>. A first one of side walls <NUM> of each track <NUM> defines a wall of a window <NUM> through which the injection device <NUM> is visible when the injection device <NUM> is within the accessory <NUM>. A second one of the side walls <NUM> of each track <NUM> defines an external side wall of the accessory <NUM>. The base <NUM> and/or the side walls <NUM>, <NUM> of each track <NUM> are integrally formed with the body portion <NUM>.

The features of the accessory <NUM> described above provide an accessory <NUM> that is inexpensive, simple and easy to use. In addition, it is possible to operate the accessory <NUM> with one hand in order to administer an injection with the injection device <NUM>.

In use, the injection device as described above might be used to contain and deliver substances such as: antibodies (such as monoclonal antibodies, ustekinumab, golimumab, infliximab, guselkumab, sirukumab, adalimumab, rituximab, tocilizumab, certolizumab, certolizumab pegol, sarilumab, secukinumab, ixekizumab or biosimilar versions thereof), etanercept, abatacept, anakinra, epoetin alfa, darbepoetin alfa, epoetin beta-methoxy polyethylene glycol, peginesatide, hormones, antitoxins, substances for the control of pain, substances for the control of thrombosis, substances for the control or elimination of infection, peptides, proteins, human insulin or a human insulin analogue or derivative, polysaccharide, DNA, RNA, enzymes, oligonucleotides, antiallergics, antihistamines, anti-inflammatories, corticosteroids, disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, erythropoietin, or vaccines, for use in the treatment or prevention of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, ulcerative colitis, hormone deficiency, toxicity, pain, thrombosis, infection, diabetes mellitus, diabetic retinopathy, acute coronary syndrome, angina, myocardial infarction, atherosclerosis, cancer, macular degeneration, allergy, hay fever, inflammation, anaemia, or myelodysplasia, or in the expression of protective immunity. In addition to these substances, any medicament contained within the injection device may also include other substances, such as inactive ingredients, as a skilled person would appreciate. It will of course be understood by the person skilled in the art that particular substances are efficacious for use in the treatment or prevention of particular conditions, as is well known in the art. For instance, it is known that antiallergics are efficacious for use in the treatment or prevention of allergies; antihistamines are efficacious for use in the treatment or prevention of hay fever; anti- inflammatories are efficacious for use in the treatment or prevention of inflammation; and so on. Accordingly, any selection of one or more substances listed herein or in the claims for use in the treatment or prevention of one or more conditions for which those substance(s) are known to be efficacious is envisaged. In a particular example, however, golimumab is known to be efficacious for use in the treatment or prevention of one or more of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis or ulcerative colitis, or any combination of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and ulcerative colitis, or all of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and ulcerative colitis.

Golimumab may optionally be used in combination with one or more inactive ingredients such as any or all of L-histidine, L-histidine monohydrochloride monohydrate, sorbitol, polysorbate <NUM>, and water. Golimumab may be present in a composition in which golimumab is the only active ingredient. For example, golimumab may be administered as SIMPONI®.

The term "comprising" encompasses "including" as well as "consisting" e.g. a composition "comprising" X may consist exclusively of X or may include something additional e.g. X + Y. Unless otherwise indicated each embodiment as described herein may be combined with another embodiment as described herein. In the specific examples described above, pairs of certain components are provided in order to achieve certain functions. However, it is possible to achieve these functions using at least one of these components.

Any reference to 'an' item refers to one or more of those items.

Claim 1:
An accessory (<NUM>) for an injection device (<NUM>) having a needle cap (<NUM>), the accessory comprising:
a body portion (<NUM>) comprising a recess (<NUM>) adapted to receive the injection device;
at least one cap remover cam surface (<NUM>) coupled to, or provided on, the body portion;
a cover (<NUM>) coupled to the body portion, the cover pivotally moveable between an open position in which the recess is exposed to receive the injection device, and a closed position in which the cover at least partially closes the recess to hold the injection device in the body portion; and
a cap remover (<NUM>) comprising:
a grip (<NUM>), the cap remover having an expanded configuration in which the needle cap can pass between the grip, and a constricted configuration in which the grip holds the needle cap to at least partially remove the needle cap from the injection device, wherein the grip comprises at least one moveable element (<NUM>) adapted to hold the needle cap when the cap remover is in the constricted configuration and being offset from the needle cap when the cap remover is in the expanded configuration, and
at least one cap remover cam (<NUM>) coupled to, or provided on, the at least one moveable element; wherein the cover and the cap remover are operably coupled to one another so that when the cover is moved from the open position towards the closed position the cap remover is translated distally and the cap remover moves from the expanded configuration to the constricted configuration in order to remove the needle cap:
wherein the at least one cap remover cam is arranged to interact with the at least one cap remover cam surface as the cap remover is translated distally, so as to move the cap remover from the expanded configuration to the constricted configuration.