Ease of use
The Glide technology is extremely quick and easy to use. When the actuator triggers, the injection is completed almost instantaneously.
During focus group discussions, patients have commented on how simple the Glide technology is to use.
Accurate dosing
The Glide system ensures that all of the formulation is injected into the patient which provides the assurance of safety and efficacy.
Low sensation
In a Phase I clinical trial, the sensation felt during a Glide administration was found to be equivalent to the sensation felt during an injection with a 27-gauge needle and syringe (a standard needle size commonly used for injection). The prick of a needle and syringe injection is followed by the sensation of the fluid being pushed in and the needle being withdrawn, whereas the Glide injection is over almost instantly. The volunteers in the study overwhelmingly preferred an injection with the Glide SDI®.
Easy self administration
With a simple to use technology patients can easily learn how to inject themselves and use the technology at home, work, or wherever needed, thus reducing healthcare costs.
There are few concerns about disposal and it is expected that the used drug cassette can be disposed of in normal household waste.
Minimal skin response
The device pushes the drug in a solid dosage form into the skin very rapidly, resulting in a prick mark on the skin similar to that seen following a needle and syringe injection. However, the Glide technology does not cause bleeding or bruising, which is often experienced with a needle and syringe injection.
Safety
The Glide technology avoids needle-stick injuries which carry potential infection hazards. The World Health Report 2002 reported that about 3 million healthcare workers worldwide receive percutaneous exposures to blood borne pathogens each year. The Glide technology poses very little risk of transmission of blood borne diseases compared to a conventional needle and syringe.
The disposable drug cassette is inherently safe from reuse as it cannot be refilled in the field unlike a conventional needle and syringe.
Convenient device size
The Glide actuator is the size of a large felt pen, making it smaller and easier to use than most autoinjectors.
Addressing needle phobia
The prevalence of injection phobia, generally defined in terms of ability to receive an injection, has been estimated to be between 7% and 22% in the general population and poses a serious challenge for healthcare providers. The Glide technology overcomes the problem of needle phobia and reduces patient distress (Bienvenu and Eaton: Psychological Medicine 1998; 28,1129-1136).
Patient compliance
It is anticipated that the numerous patient benefits, ease of use and convenience would lead to a significant improvement in patient compliance, especially for therapies that require frequent injections.
