NuGen Medical Devices Inc. (TSXV: NGMD) announced on August 21, 2025, the research and development of a breakthrough needle-free injection system that integrates sterile internal insulin cartridges directly into the company's proprietary autoinjector platform. This innovation, protected under international patent WO2021206553 (granted in the EU and China; pending in Canada and the US), represents a significant advancement in subcutaneous drug delivery technology.
Revolutionary Cartridge Integration Technology
The new system addresses key limitations of existing needle-free injection devices by embedding prefilled cartridges directly into NuGen's needle-free platform. Unlike current systems such as InsuJet, which require external connectors to manually draw insulin into a temporary reservoir, this design eliminates that step entirely.
"This innovation is anticipated to be most welcomed for patients who rely on daily injections," said Liang Lin, CEO of NuGen Medical Devices. "By embedding a prefilled cartridge directly into our needle-free platform, this will become a solution that rivals the convenience of pen-based injectors, without the needle."
The innovation was conceived by Nicky Canton, the inventor behind the patent, and focuses on creating a safer, more intuitive experience for patients while reducing the risk of dosing errors and contamination.
Technical Advancements and Safety Features
The new injection system incorporates several key technical improvements:
Internal Cartridge Integration removes the need for external adaptors and manual filling, streamlining the injection process for patients and caregivers.
Backflow Control Mechanism specifically addresses high-pressure backflow challenges unique to jet injection technology, ensuring precise and safe insulin delivery.
Improved Usability simplifies operation, reducing training time requirements and improving patient compliance with treatment regimens.
Development Timeline and Clinical Strategy
NuGen has outlined an ambitious development timeline with specific milestones. The company aims to produce working prototypes within six months to showcase the technology and conduct usability studies. Full tooling investment is expected to commence in early 2026, paving the way for scaled manufacturing and commercialization.
For clinical validation, NuGen plans to begin clinical investigations using its currently approved needle-free platform. Since the efficacy of needle-free injections is not affected by this design change, this approach allows parallel development of the new cartridge-based system while generating clinical data for new drug indications.
Company Expansion and Market Position
Under Liang Lin's leadership, NuGen has expanded its internal research and development, quality, and clinical teams to support this development, with a focus on regulatory compliance and clinical validation. The company's flagship InsuJet™ system is already approved in 42 countries and is designed to improve the lives of millions of people with diabetes worldwide.
The new cartridge-based system represents NuGen's commitment to advancing needle-free solutions that emphasize patient comfort, safety, and usability, potentially redefining how medications are delivered across therapeutic areas. The technology aims to provide the convenience of pen-based injectors without requiring needles, addressing a significant unmet need for patients who require daily injections.
