EP2155143A1 - A device for providing fluid to a receptacle - Google Patents

A device for providing fluid to a receptacle

Info

Publication number
EP2155143A1
EP2155143A1 EP07748576A EP07748576A EP2155143A1 EP 2155143 A1 EP2155143 A1 EP 2155143A1 EP 07748576 A EP07748576 A EP 07748576A EP 07748576 A EP07748576 A EP 07748576A EP 2155143 A1 EP2155143 A1 EP 2155143A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
container
receptacle
connector
fluid
volume
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP07748576A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2155143A4 (en
EP2155143B1 (en
Inventor
Elisabet Helmerson
Fredrik BÄCKSTRÖM
Anna ELLSTRÖM
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Carmel Pharma AB
Original Assignee
Carmel Pharma AB
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Carmel Pharma AB filed Critical Carmel Pharma AB
Priority to EP14175968.8A priority Critical patent/EP2789329B1/en
Priority to EP17170133.7A priority patent/EP3222265B1/en
Priority to EP15198205.5A priority patent/EP3009121B1/en
Publication of EP2155143A1 publication Critical patent/EP2155143A1/en
Publication of EP2155143A4 publication Critical patent/EP2155143A4/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2155143B1 publication Critical patent/EP2155143B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61JCONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
    • A61J1/00Containers specially adapted for medical or pharmaceutical purposes
    • A61J1/14Details; Accessories therefor
    • A61J1/20Arrangements for transferring or mixing fluids, e.g. from vial to syringe
    • A61J1/2096Combination of a vial and a syringe for transferring or mixing their contents
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61JCONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
    • A61J1/00Containers specially adapted for medical or pharmaceutical purposes
    • A61J1/14Details; Accessories therefor
    • A61J1/20Arrangements for transferring or mixing fluids, e.g. from vial to syringe
    • A61J1/2003Accessories used in combination with means for transfer or mixing of fluids, e.g. for activating fluid flow, separating fluids, filtering fluid or venting
    • A61J1/2006Piercing means
    • A61J1/201Piercing means having one piercing end
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61JCONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
    • A61J1/00Containers specially adapted for medical or pharmaceutical purposes
    • A61J1/14Details; Accessories therefor
    • A61J1/20Arrangements for transferring or mixing fluids, e.g. from vial to syringe
    • A61J1/2003Accessories used in combination with means for transfer or mixing of fluids, e.g. for activating fluid flow, separating fluids, filtering fluid or venting
    • A61J1/2048Connecting means
    • A61J1/2055Connecting means having gripping means
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61JCONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
    • A61J1/00Containers specially adapted for medical or pharmaceutical purposes
    • A61J1/14Details; Accessories therefor
    • A61J1/20Arrangements for transferring or mixing fluids, e.g. from vial to syringe
    • A61J1/2003Accessories used in combination with means for transfer or mixing of fluids, e.g. for activating fluid flow, separating fluids, filtering fluid or venting
    • A61J1/2068Venting means
    • A61J1/2075Venting means for external venting
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61JCONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
    • A61J1/00Containers specially adapted for medical or pharmaceutical purposes
    • A61J1/14Details; Accessories therefor
    • A61J1/20Arrangements for transferring or mixing fluids, e.g. from vial to syringe
    • A61J1/2003Accessories used in combination with means for transfer or mixing of fluids, e.g. for activating fluid flow, separating fluids, filtering fluid or venting
    • A61J1/2079Filtering means
    • A61J1/2082Filtering means for gas filtration

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a device for providing cleaned fluid i.e. gas and/or liquid to a receptacle according to the preamble of claim 1 , and a device for providing cleaned fluid to a receptacle according to the preamble of claim 10.
  • the invention can be implemented in aseptic preparation of drugs, for example for providing sterilized/cleaned air to a medical receptacle, such as a bottle or vial, with the purpose of drawing a solution or another liquid used in medicine applications out from the medical receptacle.
  • a medical receptacle such as a bottle or vial
  • a known problem associated with the preparation of drug solutions is the fact that medical bottles or vials normally are made of a non-compressible material, such as glass or plastic. To enable the vial to be drained off, air has to flow into the vial so as to avoid negative pressure in the vial which negative pressure would otherwise counteract or prevent further transportation of liquid from the vial to another receptacle such as syringe.
  • a system for providing sterilized gas is disclosed in WO 00/35517.
  • a flexible bag containing sterilised gas is provided.
  • the bag has an opening covered by a gas and liquid-impervious membrane which can be punctured by a needle in order to draw the sterilised gas out from the bag for further transportation of the gas to a bottle.
  • a bottle connector is arranged on the current bottle and the bottle connector has a pressure compensation means for receiving gas.
  • WO 02/1 1794 a system for providing cleaned gas is described. This system works with an injection syringe and an air filter to be attached to a connection nozzle of the syringe.
  • the container of the syringe is charged with air which has been forced through the filter so as to clean the air. Thereafter the air filter is removed and the syringe is connected to a coupling means (injector device) which in turn is connected to a capping means (bottle connector) arranged on a bottle.
  • the capping means has a pressure-equalisation chamber whose volume can vary.
  • the cleaned gas in the syringe is transferred from the syringe to the bottle and to the pressure-equalisation chamber arranged on the capping means. Thereafter the substance in the bottle can be drawn out from the bottle by means of the syringe and the coupling means, while the cleaned gas flows from the pressure- equalisation chamber into the bottle.
  • the prior art system described in WO 02/1 1794 has drawbacks.
  • the system requires an adapter provided with an air filter being connected to and removed from a syringe in order to fill the pressure-equalisation chamber before the medical substance can be drawn from the bottle.
  • the air filter is fixedly attached to a syringe.
  • a conventional syringe can not be used.
  • the cleaned gas has to be drawn from the environment and subsequently transferred to the bottle and the pressure-equalisation chamber before the medical substance can be drawn from the bottle.
  • An object of the invention is to provide a device for providing cleaned and/or sterilized fluid of the kind referred to in the introduction where at least one problem of such prior art devices discussed above is reduced to a substantial extent.
  • the invention aims to indicate how to provide sterilized/cleaned fluid in a rational and safe way during preparation of drugs.
  • the invention is based on the insight that sterilized/cleaned air is advantageously provided by a connector system itself, rather than utilising additional equipments to fill an expansion container comprised in a connector system during drug preparation.
  • a container has to be filled with the fluid either during manufacturing of the device or by the user, and these two options result in two aspects of the invention.
  • the object is achieved by a device according to claim 1.
  • a connector and a container which form an integrated unit, wherein the connector is provided with a first means for connection to a receptacle, and the container is pre-filled or adapted to be pre-filled with a sterilized or cleaned fluid to be transferred from the container to a receptacle interconnected with the connector during conveyance of a substance out of the receptacle, no additional flexible bag filled with sterilized/cleaned fluid is needed.
  • the handling is simplified since no syringe provided with a needle is to be used for transferring sterilized/cleaned fluid into for example a vial before conveyance of a substance out of the vial.
  • the pre-filled container replaces both the additional flexible bag and the pressure compensation means needed in the prior art devices. Conveyance of a substance out from the receptacle can be accomplished as soon as the connector is arranged on the receptacle.
  • the object is achieved by a device according to claim 10.
  • a connector and a container which form an integrated unit, wherein the connector is provided with a first means for connection to a receptacle, and the integrated unit is provided with a filter for cleaning fluid passing the filter during filling the container with fluid, for example before connection of the connector to a receptacle, no syringe provided with an air filter adapter or an air filter fixedly attached to the syringe is needed for transferring cleaned fluid into for example a vial before conveyance of a substance out of the vial. Instead a conventional syringe can be used for conveyance of a substance out from the receptacle as soon as the connector is arranged on the receptacle.
  • the device according to the first aspect does not exhibit any filter which saves costs as to the production of the device. Furthermore, the degree of purity which can be obtained during manufacturing of the device, for example by sterilization, is very high and in most cases very important. On the other hand the device according to the second aspect can have a decreased volume which could result in smaller package and save shipment costs. In many applications a cleaned fluid suitable for aseptic preparation of drugs can be achieved by filtering the fluid .
  • Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a device according to a first aspect of the invention
  • FIG. 2 is a view corresponding to figure 1 illustrating the device in another condition
  • Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the device according to figure 1 connected to a vial
  • Fig. 4 is an exploded view corresponding to figure 3
  • Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a device according to a second aspect of the invention.
  • Fig. 5b is an alternative embodiment of the device illustrated in figure 5,
  • Fig. 6 is a view corresponding to figure 5 illustrating the device in another condition
  • Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the device according to figure 5 connected to a vial
  • Fig. 8 is an exploded view corresponding to figure 7.
  • the device 1 can be used for providing cleaned and/or sterilized gas, for example air, to a receptacle and thereby facilitate conveyance of a substance out of the receptacle.
  • a substance can be various solutions and liquids constituting drugs, for example cytotoxic drugs and antibiotics, for use in the field of medicine.
  • the device comprises a connector 2 and a container 3 which form an integrated unit 4.
  • the connector 2 is provided with a first means 5 for connection to a receptacle or in other words a first connector portion 5 for connection to a receptacle.
  • the container 3 is pre-filled or adapted to be pre-filled with a cleaned and/or sterilized gas to be transferred from the container 3 to a receptacle, which is connectable with the connector 2, during conveyance of a substance out of the receptacle.
  • a medicine receptacle such as a bottle or vial 6, and the exploded view in figure 4.
  • pre-filled is meant the container being already filled with gas before it is used for providing gas to a receptacle.
  • the device is suitably already filled when delivered to the user, and preferably the container is filled during or after manufacture of the device for example just before or at the moment when the device is enclosed by a package or packing.
  • cleaned gas is meant that the gas has been filtered by a filter to remove particles and/or viable micro-organisms to such an extent that the gas is classified to be aseptic and accepted by the relevant authority and/or any standards.
  • the degree of purity can be expressed in the largest particles allowed to pass the filter for a given flow rate of gas. In some cases no or very few particles having a size exceeding 5 ⁇ m are allowed to be present in the cleaned gas. However, the allowed particle size is determined by the requirements in the current application. Some drug treatments require that substantially all particles having a size exceeding 0.15 ⁇ m are removed from the gas by the particulate air filter. As an example, a filter with the mesh size 0.2 ⁇ m can be used to remove substantially all particles and micro organisms of that size or larger.
  • sterilized gas By the expression “sterilized” gas is meant that the gas has been subjected to a sterilization method to remove viable micro-organisms, which method is accepted for the current product by the relevant authority.
  • Current regulations in Europe for medical devices to be designated “STERILE” may be found in the European standard EN 556-1. Other regulations may exist in other countries.
  • the sterilization can be ethylene oxide sterilization, sterilisation by irradiation, or (moist) heat sterilization or any other accepted method.
  • the European standard requirements imply that the theoretical probability of there being a viable micro-organism present on/in the sterilized device shall be equal to or less than 1x10 "6 .
  • the gas is sterilized, it is not always necessary to clean the gas according to the cleaning process as described above, although such cleaning and the sterilization can be combined. However, other methods can be used to remove particles etc. from the gas if required or the sterilization process itself may be sufficient to bring the gas into a state where the gas is to be considered as both cleaned and sterilized.
  • the first connection means 5 can be designed for connection to a receptacle, such as the neck of a vial.
  • the first connection means 5 is constituted by a ring-shaped portion 7 for enclosing the neck 8 of the vial 6.
  • the ring- shaped portion 7 has slits 9 so as to form flanges 10 which protrude downwardly.
  • the flanges 10 can be provided with hooks 1 1 or barbs for gripping around the neck 8 of the vial 6.
  • the connector 2 is suitably provided with a second means 12 for connection to a transfer member 13 (see figures 3 and 4), such as an injector device to be interconnected with the connector, for conveyance of a substance out of the receptacle 6.
  • the connector 2 is suitably provided with a second connector portion 12.
  • the second connection means 12 can comprise a luer lock coupling or bayonet coupling to enable an injector device to be connected to the connector.
  • both the injector device and the connector are provided with a membrane so as to create a double membrane coupling between the injector and the current device.
  • the amount of gas, preferably air, provided by the pre-filled container should be adapted to the volume of the receptacle which is to be drained off.
  • the volume of the gas when being in the receptacle should preferably correspond to the volume of the receptacle so as to enable the receptacle to be completely drained off. This implies that the volume of the cleaned or sterilized gas in the pre-filled container is preferably approximately equal to or larger than the volume of the receptacle provided that the pressure of the gas is substantially the same in the receptacle as in the container.
  • the volume of the gas should be in the interval 1-100 cm 3 at atmospheric pressure.
  • the connector 2 is preferably provided with a piercing member, such as a hollow needle 14 (as illustrated) for penetration of a closing (not illustrated) made of rubber for instance, which closing covers the opening of a receptacle 6, such as a vial.
  • a piercing member such as a hollow needle 14 (as illustrated) for penetration of a closing (not illustrated) made of rubber for instance, which closing covers the opening of a receptacle 6, such as a vial.
  • the expression “needle” is meant to comprise spikes and similar components for penetration of such a closing in order to create a channel between the container 3 and the receptacle 6 to which the connector 2 is connected.
  • gas contained in the container 3 can be transferred from the container to the receptacle 6, i.e. gas can flow from the container 3 to the receptacle 6.
  • the connector 2 and the container 3 form an integrated unit 4. This implies that the connector and the container are made in one piece or the connector 2 and the container 3 can be coupled to each other so as to form an integral unit 4. Different types of coupling means known from prior art can be used as long as an airtight, or at least a substantially airtight connection can be obtained between the current components 2, 3.
  • the volume of the container 3 can be variable so as to allow the gas to flow from the container 3 to a receptacle 6.
  • the container 3 is suitably made of a compressible material to make the volume of the container variable.
  • the container can comprise a first portion 17 made by a relatively rigid material which first portion 17 is coupled to the connector 2, and a second portion 18 made by a relatively flexible material attached to the first portion 17.
  • the container 3 can be designed to have a flexible portion, such as a bellow which is compressible and extendable.
  • the container or the flexible portion of the container, comprises a displaceable spring-loaded element, such as an axial spring-loaded element, that is arranged to allow fluid to flow into the container/ flexible portion of the container.
  • the displaceable spring-loaded element is for example constrained between two flanged ends of the flexible portion.
  • the spring(s) of the spring-loaded element is/are highly compressed.
  • the spring(s) may be arranged on the inside or outside of the flexible portion or they may be integrally formed with the flexible portion.
  • the displaceable spring-loaded element may be arranged to be disconnected from the container/flexible portion of the container once the container/flexible portion of the container has been filled to the desired amount.
  • the flexible portion of the container may be arranged to be detachable from the remaining part of the container, whereby the flexible portion may be filled with fluid before and/or after it has been attached to the remaining part of the container.
  • the volume of the container 3 can be increased and decreased, respectively.
  • the device illustrated in figure 1 comprises a compressible container
  • the container can have a cylinder and a piston arranged therein so as to enable the volume of the container to be changed.
  • the container comprises locking means to prevent fluid from flowing into the container, during the transportation of the device, for example, or at any other time when the device is not in use.
  • the container 3 can be pressurized by cleaned or sterilized gas to cause an overpressure in the container.
  • An overpressure allows gas to flow from the container 3 to a receptacle 6 connected to the connector and the container.
  • the container 3 does not necessarily need to be collapsible.
  • the overpressure is suitably adapted to the size of the receptacle to which the connector is to be connected to ensure the receptacle can be completely drained off in a subsequent step.
  • the pressure in the filled container can be for example in the interval from 1atm to 2atm.
  • the device comprises any means, such as a valve, for allowing the gas to flow from the container after the device has been connected to the receptacle and during conveyance of a substance out of the receptacle.
  • a device V according to the second aspect of the invention is illustrated.
  • the device can be used for providing cleaned gas to a receptacle and thereby facilitate conveyance of a substance out of the receptacle.
  • a substance can be various solutions and liquids constituting drugs, for example cytotoxic drugs or antibiotics, for use in the field of medicine.
  • the device comprises a connector 2' and a container 3' which form an integrated unit 4'.
  • the connector 2' is provided with a first means 5' for connection to a receptacle 6' or in other words a first connector portion 5'. See also figure 7 illustrating the device connected to a medicine bottle or vial 6', and the exploded view in figure 8.
  • the first connection means 5' can be designed for connection to a bottle, such as the neck of a vial.
  • the first connection means 5' is constituted by a ring-shaped portion T for enclosing the neck 8' of the vial 6'.
  • the ring- shaped portion T has slits 9' so as to form flanges 10' which protrude downwardly.
  • the flanges 10' can be provided with hooks 11 ' or barbs for gripping around the neck 8' of the vial 6'.
  • the connector 2' is suitably provided with a second means 12' for connection to a transfer member 13', such as an injector device to be interconnected with the connector, for conveyance of a substance out of the receptacle 6'.
  • a transfer member 13' such as an injector device to be interconnected with the connector, for conveyance of a substance out of the receptacle 6'.
  • the connector 2' is suitably provided with a second connector portion 12'.
  • the second connection means 12' can comprise a luer lock coupling or bayonet coupling to enable an injection device to be connected.
  • both the injector device and the connector are suitably provided with a membrane so as to create a double membrane coupling between the injector and the current device.
  • the connector 2' is preferably provided with a piercing member, such as a hollow needle 14' (as illustrated) for penetration of a closing (not illustrated) made of rubber for instance, which closing covers the opening of a receptacle 6, such as a vial.
  • a piercing member such as a hollow needle 14' (as illustrated) for penetration of a closing (not illustrated) made of rubber for instance, which closing covers the opening of a receptacle 6, such as a vial.
  • the expression “needle” is meant to comprise spikes and similar components for penetration of such a closing in order to create a channel between the container 3' and the receptacle 6' to which the connector 2' is connected.
  • a channel or passage 15' in the needle 14' gas contained in the container 3' can be transferred from the container to the receptacle 6', i.e. gas can flow from the container 3' to the receptacle 6'.
  • the connector 2' and the container 3' form an integrated unit 4'.
  • Different types of coupling means 16' known from prior art can be used as long as an airtight or at least a substantially airtight connection can be obtained between the current components 2', 3'.
  • the container 3' has to be filled with gas before connection of the connector 2' to a receptacle 6'.
  • the volume of the container 3' is preferably variable.
  • the container can comprise a first portion 17' made by a relatively rigid material which first portion is coupled to the connector 2', and a second portion 18' made by a relatively flexible material attached to the first portion 17'.
  • the second portion 18' can be extensible by manipulation of for example a handle 20' arranged at the end of the container 3'.
  • the volume of the container 3' can be increased and decreased, respectively.
  • the container 3' can be designed to have a flexible portion, such as a bellow which is compressible and extendable by affecting the container manually.
  • the container 3' is preferably provided with said handle 20' for regulating the volume of the container 3'.
  • the volume of the container is preferably variable as illustrated, there may be other ways to fill the container while at the same time ensuring the gas passes a filter 21 '.
  • the gas container could be constituted by a sealed vacuum-packed flexible bag whose seal can be broken to allow gas to flow into the bag.
  • the gas container is rigid or semi-rigid and pressurized gas is used to fill the container.
  • the amount of gas, preferably air, provided by the pre-filled container should be adapted to the volume of the receptacle which is to be drained off.
  • the volume of the gas when being in the receptacle should preferably correspond to the volume of the receptacle so as to enable the receptacle to be completely drained off. This implies that the volume of the cleaned or sterilized gas in the pre-filled container is preferably approximately equal to or larger than the volume of the receptacle provided that the pressure of the gas is substantially the same in the receptacle as in the container.
  • the volume of the gas should be in the interval 1-100 cm 3 at atmospheric pressure.
  • the integrated unit 4' is provided with the filter 21 ', such as a particulate air filter for cleaning gas passing the filter 21 ' during filling the container 3' with gas, preferably by increasing the volume of the container 3', before connection of the connector 2' to a receptacle 6'.
  • the filter hereinafter called particulate air filter 21 '
  • the filter hereinafter called particulate air filter 21 ' can be arranged in different ways, according to the embodiment illustrated in figure 5 and 6 the particulate air filter 21 ' is arranged on the connector 2'.
  • the particulate air filter 21 ' is arranged to be removed from the integrated unit 4' after the container 3' has been filled with cleaned gas. Subsequently to filling the container 3' the particulate air filter 21 ' is removed and the connector 2' is to be connected to the receptacle 6'.
  • cleaned gas is meant that the gas has been filtered by a filter to remove particles and/or viable micro-organisms to such an extent that the gas is classified to be aseptic and accepted by the relevant authority and/or any standards.
  • the degree of purity can be expressed in the largest particles allowed to pass the filter for a given flow rate. In some cases no or very few particles having a size exceeding 5 ⁇ m are allowed to be present in the cleaned gas.
  • the allowed particle size is determined by the requirements in the current application. Some drug treatments require that substantially all particles having a size exceeding 0.15 ⁇ m are removed from the gas by the particulate air filter.
  • a filter with the mesh size 0.2 ⁇ m can be used to remove substantially all particles and micro organisms of that size or larger.
  • the particulate air filter 21 ' is preferably designed as a needle shield 22' for the tip of needle 14'.
  • the filter can be arranged to at least partially cover or surround the tip of the needle 14'. This implies that the particulate air filter 21 ' cleans the gas and at the same time the particulate air filter 21 ' functions as a protection during handling of the device 1 '.
  • a needle tip shield 22' protects the sterile package enclosing the device during transport and storage of the device.
  • any contamination particles removed from the gas and collected in the particulate air filter 21 ' are removed from the integrated unit 4'.
  • one and the same channel can be used for both filling the container 3' with cleaned gas and transferring the cleaned gas from the container 3' to a receptacle 6'.
  • the particulate air filter 21 ' has to be arranged so as to avoid contamination during transportation of the gas from the container 3' to the receptacle 6'.
  • the integrated unit 4' can be provided with a first channel 23' for filling the container 3' with cleaned gas and a second channel 15' for transferring the cleaned gas to a receptacle. Otherwise, i.e.
  • the particulate air filter if the particulate air filter is to be left, and one and the same channel is used for transportation of gas in both directions; the particles collected in the particulate air filter could possibly release from the particulate air filter and be unintentionally brought into the receptacle 6' by the gas flow.
  • Such a contamination can be prevented by providing a removable air filter or by providing different openings/channels for transportation of gas into and out of the container 3', respectively.
  • a lid 26' can be arranged on the integrated unit 4' for covering the particulate air filter 21 ' so as to prevent further communication between the interior of the integrated unit 4' and the environment via the particulate air filter 21 ' after filling the container 3'.
  • the container 3' is filled with the cleaned gas and thereafter the lid 26' is mounted on the integrated unit 4' to cover the particulate air filter 21 ' and prevent further gas transportation through the air particle filter 21 '.
  • the integrated unit 4' and the receptacle 6' are to be interconnected and the subsequent manipulations can be safely executed.
  • the lid 26' has the function of preventing transportation of liquid, gas or any vapour in the direction from the integrated unit 4' to the environment so as to counteract that any undesired substance in the receptacle 6' escapes to the environment.

Abstract

A device (1) for providing sterilized or cleaned fluid to a receptacle (6) and thereby facilitate conveyance of a substance out of the receptacle, comprising a connector (2) and a container (3) which form an integrated unit (4). The connector (2) is provided with a first means (5) for connection to a receptacle (6). Sterilized or cleaned fluid is transferred from the container (3) to the receptacle (6).

Description

A DEVICE FOR PROVIDING FLUID TO A RECEPTACLE
TECHNICAL FIELD
The invention relates to a device for providing cleaned fluid i.e. gas and/or liquid to a receptacle according to the preamble of claim 1 , and a device for providing cleaned fluid to a receptacle according to the preamble of claim 10.
The invention can be implemented in aseptic preparation of drugs, for example for providing sterilized/cleaned air to a medical receptacle, such as a bottle or vial, with the purpose of drawing a solution or another liquid used in medicine applications out from the medical receptacle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In the field of drug preparation for injection or infusion generally two basic problems have to be considered. Firstly, certain demands are made on aseptic conditions so as to avoid contamination of the drug, and, secondly, the drug has to be handled in such a way that drug leakage to the environment is prevented or minimized. By a sterile or aseptic handling of the drug, the risk for transferring bacteria or any other undesired substance to the patient is reduced. By preventing drug leakage to the environment, the exposure of medical and pharmacological staff to hazardous drugs is decreased.
In order to achieve aseptic conditions special safety boxes, cabinets or isolators are being used where the air is filtered through HEPA filters to prevent contamination during preparation of drugs. Ventilated cabinets are also used to reduce uncontrolled leakage to the environment and prevent occupational exposure to possibly hazardous drugs. Such facilities, however, require a lot of space and are associated with relatively high costs. Furthermore, the offered protection can be insufficient and working environment problems due to accidental exposure to drugs, for example cytotoxins, have been reported.
Another solution of the problems mentioned above is to create a so called "closed" or "non-vented" system for handling the drugs during preparation. Such systems exist and enable the preparation to be accomplished without the use of special safety boxes, cabinets or isolators. In such a closed system the drugs are handled isolated from the environment during every single step so as to avoid contamination of the drug and undesired drug leakage to the environment.
A known problem associated with the preparation of drug solutions is the fact that medical bottles or vials normally are made of a non-compressible material, such as glass or plastic. To enable the vial to be drained off, air has to flow into the vial so as to avoid negative pressure in the vial which negative pressure would otherwise counteract or prevent further transportation of liquid from the vial to another receptacle such as syringe.
A system for providing sterilized gas is disclosed in WO 00/35517. A flexible bag containing sterilised gas is provided. The bag has an opening covered by a gas and liquid-impervious membrane which can be punctured by a needle in order to draw the sterilised gas out from the bag for further transportation of the gas to a bottle. A bottle connector is arranged on the current bottle and the bottle connector has a pressure compensation means for receiving gas. By use of a syringe and an injector device provided with a needle the sterilised gas is transferred from the flexible bag to the bottle and to the pressure compensation means arranged on the bottle connector. Thereafter the substance in the bottle can be drawn out from the bottle by means of the injector device while the sterilised gas flows from the pressure compensation means into the bottle.
However, the prior art system described in WO 00/35517 has drawbacks. The system comprises several components to be handled and further the sterilised gas has to be drawn from the flexible bag by means of an injector device provided with a needle, and subsequently transferred to the bottle and the pressure compensation means. Consequently, several manipulations have to be accomplished before the medical substance can be drawn from the bottle.
In WO 02/1 1794 a system for providing cleaned gas is described. This system works with an injection syringe and an air filter to be attached to a connection nozzle of the syringe.
The container of the syringe is charged with air which has been forced through the filter so as to clean the air. Thereafter the air filter is removed and the syringe is connected to a coupling means (injector device) which in turn is connected to a capping means (bottle connector) arranged on a bottle. The capping means has a pressure-equalisation chamber whose volume can vary. The cleaned gas in the syringe is transferred from the syringe to the bottle and to the pressure-equalisation chamber arranged on the capping means. Thereafter the substance in the bottle can be drawn out from the bottle by means of the syringe and the coupling means, while the cleaned gas flows from the pressure- equalisation chamber into the bottle.
Also the prior art system described in WO 02/1 1794 has drawbacks. The system requires an adapter provided with an air filter being connected to and removed from a syringe in order to fill the pressure-equalisation chamber before the medical substance can be drawn from the bottle. In an alternative embodiment the air filter is fixedly attached to a syringe. However, in such a case a conventional syringe can not be used. In both cases, the cleaned gas has to be drawn from the environment and subsequently transferred to the bottle and the pressure-equalisation chamber before the medical substance can be drawn from the bottle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the invention is to provide a device for providing cleaned and/or sterilized fluid of the kind referred to in the introduction where at least one problem of such prior art devices discussed above is reduced to a substantial extent. In particular, the invention aims to indicate how to provide sterilized/cleaned fluid in a rational and safe way during preparation of drugs.
The invention is based on the insight that sterilized/cleaned air is advantageously provided by a connector system itself, rather than utilising additional equipments to fill an expansion container comprised in a connector system during drug preparation. However, a container has to be filled with the fluid either during manufacturing of the device or by the user, and these two options result in two aspects of the invention.
According to a first aspect of the invention the object is achieved by a device according to claim 1.
By the provision of a connector and a container which form an integrated unit, wherein the connector is provided with a first means for connection to a receptacle, and the container is pre-filled or adapted to be pre-filled with a sterilized or cleaned fluid to be transferred from the container to a receptacle interconnected with the connector during conveyance of a substance out of the receptacle, no additional flexible bag filled with sterilized/cleaned fluid is needed. The handling is simplified since no syringe provided with a needle is to be used for transferring sterilized/cleaned fluid into for example a vial before conveyance of a substance out of the vial. The pre-filled container replaces both the additional flexible bag and the pressure compensation means needed in the prior art devices. Conveyance of a substance out from the receptacle can be accomplished as soon as the connector is arranged on the receptacle.
According to a second aspect of the invention the object is achieved by a device according to claim 10.
By the provision of a connector and a container which form an integrated unit, wherein the connector is provided with a first means for connection to a receptacle, and the integrated unit is provided with a filter for cleaning fluid passing the filter during filling the container with fluid, for example before connection of the connector to a receptacle, no syringe provided with an air filter adapter or an air filter fixedly attached to the syringe is needed for transferring cleaned fluid into for example a vial before conveyance of a substance out of the vial. Instead a conventional syringe can be used for conveyance of a substance out from the receptacle as soon as the connector is arranged on the receptacle.
On comparison the two aspects of the invention it can be established that the device according to the first aspect does not exhibit any filter which saves costs as to the production of the device. Furthermore, the degree of purity which can be obtained during manufacturing of the device, for example by sterilization, is very high and in most cases very important. On the other hand the device according to the second aspect can have a decreased volume which could result in smaller package and save shipment costs. In many applications a cleaned fluid suitable for aseptic preparation of drugs can be achieved by filtering the fluid .
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
With reference to the appended drawings, below follows a more detailed description of embodiments of the invention cited as examples.
In the drawings: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a device according to a first aspect of the invention,
Fig. 2 is a view corresponding to figure 1 illustrating the device in another condition,
Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the device according to figure 1 connected to a vial,
Fig. 4 is an exploded view corresponding to figure 3,
Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a device according to a second aspect of the invention,
Fig. 5b is an alternative embodiment of the device illustrated in figure 5,
Fig. 6 is a view corresponding to figure 5 illustrating the device in another condition,
Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the device according to figure 5 connected to a vial, and
Fig. 8 is an exploded view corresponding to figure 7.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
In figures 1 and 2 a device 1 according to the first aspect of the invention is illustrated. The device 1 can be used for providing cleaned and/or sterilized gas, for example air, to a receptacle and thereby facilitate conveyance of a substance out of the receptacle. Such a substance can be various solutions and liquids constituting drugs, for example cytotoxic drugs and antibiotics, for use in the field of medicine. The device comprises a connector 2 and a container 3 which form an integrated unit 4. The connector 2 is provided with a first means 5 for connection to a receptacle or in other words a first connector portion 5 for connection to a receptacle. The container 3 is pre-filled or adapted to be pre-filled with a cleaned and/or sterilized gas to be transferred from the container 3 to a receptacle, which is connectable with the connector 2, during conveyance of a substance out of the receptacle. Se also figure 3 illustrating the device 1 connected to a medicine receptacle such as a bottle or vial 6, and the exploded view in figure 4. By the expression "pre-filled" is meant the container being already filled with gas before it is used for providing gas to a receptacle. The device is suitably already filled when delivered to the user, and preferably the container is filled during or after manufacture of the device for example just before or at the moment when the device is enclosed by a package or packing.
By the expression "cleaned" gas is meant that the gas has been filtered by a filter to remove particles and/or viable micro-organisms to such an extent that the gas is classified to be aseptic and accepted by the relevant authority and/or any standards. The degree of purity can be expressed in the largest particles allowed to pass the filter for a given flow rate of gas. In some cases no or very few particles having a size exceeding 5μm are allowed to be present in the cleaned gas. However, the allowed particle size is determined by the requirements in the current application. Some drug treatments require that substantially all particles having a size exceeding 0.15μm are removed from the gas by the particulate air filter. As an example, a filter with the mesh size 0.2μm can be used to remove substantially all particles and micro organisms of that size or larger.
By the expression "sterilized" gas is meant that the gas has been subjected to a sterilization method to remove viable micro-organisms, which method is accepted for the current product by the relevant authority. Current regulations in Europe for medical devices to be designated "STERILE" may be found in the European standard EN 556-1. Other regulations may exist in other countries. The sterilization can be ethylene oxide sterilization, sterilisation by irradiation, or (moist) heat sterilization or any other accepted method. The European standard requirements imply that the theoretical probability of there being a viable micro-organism present on/in the sterilized device shall be equal to or less than 1x10"6.
In the case the gas is sterilized, it is not always necessary to clean the gas according to the cleaning process as described above, although such cleaning and the sterilization can be combined. However, other methods can be used to remove particles etc. from the gas if required or the sterilization process itself may be sufficient to bring the gas into a state where the gas is to be considered as both cleaned and sterilized.
The first connection means 5 can be designed for connection to a receptacle, such as the neck of a vial. In the embodiment illustrated in figures 1-4, the first connection means 5 is constituted by a ring-shaped portion 7 for enclosing the neck 8 of the vial 6. The ring- shaped portion 7 has slits 9 so as to form flanges 10 which protrude downwardly. The flanges 10 can be provided with hooks 1 1 or barbs for gripping around the neck 8 of the vial 6. The connector 2 is suitably provided with a second means 12 for connection to a transfer member 13 (see figures 3 and 4), such as an injector device to be interconnected with the connector, for conveyance of a substance out of the receptacle 6. In other words; the connector 2 is suitably provided with a second connector portion 12.
In another embodiment (not shown) of the invention the second connection means 12 can comprise a luer lock coupling or bayonet coupling to enable an injector device to be connected to the connector. Suitably, both the injector device and the connector are provided with a membrane so as to create a double membrane coupling between the injector and the current device.
The amount of gas, preferably air, provided by the pre-filled container, should be adapted to the volume of the receptacle which is to be drained off. The volume of the gas when being in the receptacle should preferably correspond to the volume of the receptacle so as to enable the receptacle to be completely drained off. This implies that the volume of the cleaned or sterilized gas in the pre-filled container is preferably approximately equal to or larger than the volume of the receptacle provided that the pressure of the gas is substantially the same in the receptacle as in the container. For most medicine receptacles the volume of the gas should be in the interval 1-100 cm3 at atmospheric pressure.
The connector 2 is preferably provided with a piercing member, such as a hollow needle 14 (as illustrated) for penetration of a closing (not illustrated) made of rubber for instance, which closing covers the opening of a receptacle 6, such as a vial. In addition to injection needles or cannulae, the expression "needle" is meant to comprise spikes and similar components for penetration of such a closing in order to create a channel between the container 3 and the receptacle 6 to which the connector 2 is connected. By a channel or passage 15 inside the needle 14, gas contained in the container 3 can be transferred from the container to the receptacle 6, i.e. gas can flow from the container 3 to the receptacle 6.
The connector 2 and the container 3 form an integrated unit 4. This implies that the connector and the container are made in one piece or the connector 2 and the container 3 can be coupled to each other so as to form an integral unit 4. Different types of coupling means known from prior art can be used as long as an airtight, or at least a substantially airtight connection can be obtained between the current components 2, 3.
The volume of the container 3 can be variable so as to allow the gas to flow from the container 3 to a receptacle 6. The container 3 is suitably made of a compressible material to make the volume of the container variable. To obtain a container 3 having a variable volume the container can comprise a first portion 17 made by a relatively rigid material which first portion 17 is coupled to the connector 2, and a second portion 18 made by a relatively flexible material attached to the first portion 17. For example, the container 3 can be designed to have a flexible portion, such as a bellow which is compressible and extendable. According to an embodiment of the invention, the container, or the flexible portion of the container, comprises a displaceable spring-loaded element, such as an axial spring-loaded element, that is arranged to allow fluid to flow into the container/ flexible portion of the container. The displaceable spring-loaded element is for example constrained between two flanged ends of the flexible portion. When the flexible portion is empty the spring(s) of the spring-loaded element is/are highly compressed. As the flexible portion is filled with fluid the spring(s) of the spring-loaded element become(s) less compressed. The spring(s) may be arranged on the inside or outside of the flexible portion or they may be integrally formed with the flexible portion. The displaceable spring-loaded element may be arranged to be disconnected from the container/flexible portion of the container once the container/flexible portion of the container has been filled to the desired amount.
According to an embodiment the flexible portion of the container may be arranged to be detachable from the remaining part of the container, whereby the flexible portion may be filled with fluid before and/or after it has been attached to the remaining part of the container. Hereby the volume of the container 3 can be increased and decreased, respectively. Although the device illustrated in figure 1 comprises a compressible container, in another embodiment the container can have a cylinder and a piston arranged therein so as to enable the volume of the container to be changed.
According to an embodiment of the invention the container comprises locking means to prevent fluid from flowing into the container, during the transportation of the device, for example, or at any other time when the device is not in use. Alternatively to a collapsible container, or in combination with a collapsible container, the container 3 can be pressurized by cleaned or sterilized gas to cause an overpressure in the container. An overpressure allows gas to flow from the container 3 to a receptacle 6 connected to the connector and the container. In such a case the container 3 does not necessarily need to be collapsible. The overpressure is suitably adapted to the size of the receptacle to which the connector is to be connected to ensure the receptacle can be completely drained off in a subsequent step. The pressure in the filled container can be for example in the interval from 1atm to 2atm. Preferably, the device comprises any means, such as a valve, for allowing the gas to flow from the container after the device has been connected to the receptacle and during conveyance of a substance out of the receptacle.
In figures 5, 5b and 6 a device V according to the second aspect of the invention is illustrated. The device can be used for providing cleaned gas to a receptacle and thereby facilitate conveyance of a substance out of the receptacle. Such a substance can be various solutions and liquids constituting drugs, for example cytotoxic drugs or antibiotics, for use in the field of medicine. The device comprises a connector 2' and a container 3' which form an integrated unit 4'. The connector 2' is provided with a first means 5' for connection to a receptacle 6' or in other words a first connector portion 5'. See also figure 7 illustrating the device connected to a medicine bottle or vial 6', and the exploded view in figure 8.
The first connection means 5' can be designed for connection to a bottle, such as the neck of a vial. In the embodiment illustrated in figures 5-8, the first connection means 5' is constituted by a ring-shaped portion T for enclosing the neck 8' of the vial 6'. The ring- shaped portion T has slits 9' so as to form flanges 10' which protrude downwardly. The flanges 10' can be provided with hooks 11 ' or barbs for gripping around the neck 8' of the vial 6'. The connector 2' is suitably provided with a second means 12' for connection to a transfer member 13', such as an injector device to be interconnected with the connector, for conveyance of a substance out of the receptacle 6'. In other words; the connector 2' is suitably provided with a second connector portion 12'.
In another embodiment (not shown) of the invention the second connection means 12' can comprise a luer lock coupling or bayonet coupling to enable an injection device to be connected. As already described for the device according to the first aspect of the invention, both the injector device and the connector are suitably provided with a membrane so as to create a double membrane coupling between the injector and the current device.
The connector 2' is preferably provided with a piercing member, such as a hollow needle 14' (as illustrated) for penetration of a closing (not illustrated) made of rubber for instance, which closing covers the opening of a receptacle 6, such as a vial. In addition to injection needles or cannulae, the expression "needle" is meant to comprise spikes and similar components for penetration of such a closing in order to create a channel between the container 3' and the receptacle 6' to which the connector 2' is connected. By a channel or passage 15' in the needle 14', gas contained in the container 3' can be transferred from the container to the receptacle 6', i.e. gas can flow from the container 3' to the receptacle 6'.
The connector 2' and the container 3' form an integrated unit 4'. This implies that the connector and the container are made in one piece or the connector 2' and the container 3' can be coupled to each other so as to form an integral unit. Different types of coupling means 16' known from prior art can be used as long as an airtight or at least a substantially airtight connection can be obtained between the current components 2', 3'.
The container 3' has to be filled with gas before connection of the connector 2' to a receptacle 6'. The volume of the container 3' is preferably variable. To obtain a container 3' having a variable volume the container can comprise a first portion 17' made by a relatively rigid material which first portion is coupled to the connector 2', and a second portion 18' made by a relatively flexible material attached to the first portion 17'. The second portion 18' can be extensible by manipulation of for example a handle 20' arranged at the end of the container 3'. Hereby the volume of the container 3' can be increased and decreased, respectively. For example, the container 3' can be designed to have a flexible portion, such as a bellow which is compressible and extendable by affecting the container manually. The container 3' is preferably provided with said handle 20' for regulating the volume of the container 3'. Although the volume of the container is preferably variable as illustrated, there may be other ways to fill the container while at the same time ensuring the gas passes a filter 21 '. For example, the gas container could be constituted by a sealed vacuum-packed flexible bag whose seal can be broken to allow gas to flow into the bag. Alternatively, the gas container is rigid or semi-rigid and pressurized gas is used to fill the container.
The amount of gas, preferably air, provided by the pre-filled container, should be adapted to the volume of the receptacle which is to be drained off. The volume of the gas when being in the receptacle should preferably correspond to the volume of the receptacle so as to enable the receptacle to be completely drained off. This implies that the volume of the cleaned or sterilized gas in the pre-filled container is preferably approximately equal to or larger than the volume of the receptacle provided that the pressure of the gas is substantially the same in the receptacle as in the container. For most medicine bottles or vials, the volume of the gas should be in the interval 1-100 cm3 at atmospheric pressure.
Thus, the integrated unit 4' is provided with the filter 21 ', such as a particulate air filter for cleaning gas passing the filter 21 ' during filling the container 3' with gas, preferably by increasing the volume of the container 3', before connection of the connector 2' to a receptacle 6'. Although the filter, hereinafter called particulate air filter 21 ' can be arranged in different ways, according to the embodiment illustrated in figure 5 and 6 the particulate air filter 21 ' is arranged on the connector 2'. By covering the opening of the needle 14' by means of the particulate air filter 21 ', it is ensured that the gas which is brought into the container 3' has to pass the particulate air filter 21 '. The particulate air filter 21 ' is arranged to be removed from the integrated unit 4' after the container 3' has been filled with cleaned gas. Subsequently to filling the container 3' the particulate air filter 21 ' is removed and the connector 2' is to be connected to the receptacle 6'. By the expression "cleaned" gas is meant that the gas has been filtered by a filter to remove particles and/or viable micro-organisms to such an extent that the gas is classified to be aseptic and accepted by the relevant authority and/or any standards. The degree of purity can be expressed in the largest particles allowed to pass the filter for a given flow rate. In some cases no or very few particles having a size exceeding 5μm are allowed to be present in the cleaned gas. However, the allowed particle size is determined by the requirements in the current application. Some drug treatments require that substantially all particles having a size exceeding 0.15μm are removed from the gas by the particulate air filter. As an example, a filter with the mesh size 0.2μm can be used to remove substantially all particles and micro organisms of that size or larger. The particulate air filter 21 ' is preferably designed as a needle shield 22' for the tip of needle 14'. The filter can be arranged to at least partially cover or surround the tip of the needle 14'. This implies that the particulate air filter 21 ' cleans the gas and at the same time the particulate air filter 21 ' functions as a protection during handling of the device 1 '. Furthermore, such a needle tip shield 22' protects the sterile package enclosing the device during transport and storage of the device.
By removing the particulate air filter 21 ', after the container 3' has been filled with the gas and prior to interconnection of the connector 2' and the receptacle 6' to each other, any contamination particles removed from the gas and collected in the particulate air filter 21 ' are removed from the integrated unit 4'. Thus, one and the same channel can be used for both filling the container 3' with cleaned gas and transferring the cleaned gas from the container 3' to a receptacle 6'.
In the embodiment illustrated in figure 5b where the particulate air filter 21 ' is not to be removed before interconnection of the connector 2' and the receptacle 6' to each other, the particulate air filter 21 ' has to be arranged so as to avoid contamination during transportation of the gas from the container 3' to the receptacle 6'. The integrated unit 4' can be provided with a first channel 23' for filling the container 3' with cleaned gas and a second channel 15' for transferring the cleaned gas to a receptacle. Otherwise, i.e. if the particulate air filter is to be left, and one and the same channel is used for transportation of gas in both directions; the particles collected in the particulate air filter could possibly release from the particulate air filter and be unintentionally brought into the receptacle 6' by the gas flow. Such a contamination can be prevented by providing a removable air filter or by providing different openings/channels for transportation of gas into and out of the container 3', respectively.
A lid 26' can be arranged on the integrated unit 4' for covering the particulate air filter 21 ' so as to prevent further communication between the interior of the integrated unit 4' and the environment via the particulate air filter 21 ' after filling the container 3'. Firstly, the container 3' is filled with the cleaned gas and thereafter the lid 26' is mounted on the integrated unit 4' to cover the particulate air filter 21 ' and prevent further gas transportation through the air particle filter 21 '. Thereafter, the integrated unit 4' and the receptacle 6' are to be interconnected and the subsequent manipulations can be safely executed. The lid 26' has the function of preventing transportation of liquid, gas or any vapour in the direction from the integrated unit 4' to the environment so as to counteract that any undesired substance in the receptacle 6' escapes to the environment.
It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and illustrated in the drawings; rather, the skilled person will recognize that many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the appended claims. For example, the invention can be applied to other medical applications and there may be additional purposes for providing cleaned or sterilized gas to a receptacle.

Claims

1. A device (1 ) for providing cleaned fluid i.e. gas and/or liquid to a receptacle (6) and thereby facilitate conveyance of a substance out of the receptacle, comprising a connector (2) and a container (3) which form an integrated unit (4), the connector (2) being provided with a first means (5) for connection to a receptacle
(6), characterized in that the container (3) is pre-filled or adapted to be pre-filled with a cleaned fluid to be transferred from the container to a receptacle, which receptacle is connectable to the connector (2), during conveyance of a substance out of the receptacle (6).
2. A device according to claim 1 , characterized in that the fluid is sterilized.
3. A device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the volume of the container (3) is variable.
4. A device according to claim 3, characterized in that the container (3) is made of a compressible material to make the volume of the container variable.
5. A device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the container (3) is designed to have a flexible portion, such as a bellow which is collapsible.
6. A device according to claim 5, wherein said container or said flexible portion comprises a displaceable spring-loaded element that is arranged to allow fluid to flow into said container/flexible portion.
7. A device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the container (3) comprises locking means to prevent fluid from flowing into the container (3).
8. A device according to claim 1 , characterized in that the container (3) is pressurized by cleaned or sterilized fluid to cause an overpressure in the container which overpressure is adapted to the size of the receptacle to which the connector is to be connected.
9. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the connector (2) is provided with a second means (12) for connection to a transfer member (13) for conveyance of a substance out of a receptacle (6).
10. A device (1 ') for providing cleaned fluid to a receptacle (6') and thereby facilitate conveyance of a substance out of the receptacle, comprising a connector (2') and a container (3') which form an integrated unit (4'), the connector (2') being provided with a first means (5') for connection to a receptacle (6'), characterized in that said integrated unit (4') is provided with a filter (21 ') for cleaning fluid passing the filter (21 ') during filling the container (3') with fluid by increasing the volume of the container.
1 1. A device according to claim 10, characterized in that the said integrated unit (4') is provided with a filter (21 ') for cleaning fluid passing the filter (21 ') during filling the container (3') with fluid by increasing the volume of the container before connection of the connector (2') to a receptacle (6').
12. A device according to claim 11 , characterized in that the integrated unit (4') is provided with a first channel (23') for filling the container (3') with cleaned fluid and a second channel (15') for transferring the cleaned fluid to a receptacle (6').
13. A device according to claim 1 1 , characterized in that the filter (21 ') is arranged to be removed from the said integrated unit (4') after filling the container (3') and before connection of the connector (2') to a receptacle (6').
14. A device according to claim 13, characterized in that the integrated unit (4') is provided with one and the same channel (15') for both filling the container (3') with cleaned fluid and transferring the cleaned fluid from the container (3') to a receptacle (6').
15. A device according to any of claims 10-14, characterized in that the integrated unit (4') has a needle (14') for penetration of a closing arranged on a receptacle (6').
16. A device according to claim 15, characterized in that the filter (21 ') is arranged as a needle shield to said needle (14').
17. A device according to claim 10, characterized in that the device comprises a lid (26') for covering the filter (21 ') so as to prevent further communication between the interior of the integrated unit (4') and the environment via the filter (21 ') subsequently to the container (3') has been filled.
18. A device according to any of claims 10-17, characterized in that the volume of the container (3') is variable such that the volume of the container is increased during filling the container (3') with fluid .
19. A device according to claim 18, characterized in that the container (3') is made of a compressible material to make the volume of the container variable.
20. A device according to any of claims 18 or 19, characterized in that the container (3') is designed to have a flexible portion, such as a bellow which is compressible and extendable.
21. A device according to claim 20, characterized in that the flexible portion is compressible and extendable by affecting the container manually.
22. A device according to claim 21 , characterized in that the container (3') is provided with a handle (20') for regulating the volume of the container.
23. A device according to any of claims 10-22, characterized in that the connector (2') is provided with a second means (12') for connection to a transfer member (13') for conveyance of a substance out of a receptacle (6').
24. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the first connection means (5') is designed for connection to a receptacle (6').
25. A device according to claim 24, characterized in that the first connection means
(5') is designed for connection to the neck (8') of a receptacle, such as a vial (6').
EP07748576.1A 2007-06-13 2007-06-13 A device for providing fluid to a receptacle Active EP2155143B1 (en)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP14175968.8A EP2789329B1 (en) 2007-06-13 2007-06-13 A device for providing fluid to a receptacle
EP17170133.7A EP3222265B1 (en) 2007-06-13 2007-06-13 A device for providing fluid to a receptacle
EP15198205.5A EP3009121B1 (en) 2007-06-13 2007-06-13 A device for providing fluid to a receptacle

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/SE2007/050416 WO2008153460A1 (en) 2007-06-13 2007-06-13 A device for providing fluid to a receptacle

Related Child Applications (4)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP17170133.7A Division EP3222265B1 (en) 2007-06-13 2007-06-13 A device for providing fluid to a receptacle
EP14175968.8A Division EP2789329B1 (en) 2007-06-13 2007-06-13 A device for providing fluid to a receptacle
EP14175968.8A Division-Into EP2789329B1 (en) 2007-06-13 2007-06-13 A device for providing fluid to a receptacle
EP15198205.5A Division EP3009121B1 (en) 2007-06-13 2007-06-13 A device for providing fluid to a receptacle

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2155143A1 true EP2155143A1 (en) 2010-02-24
EP2155143A4 EP2155143A4 (en) 2013-08-14
EP2155143B1 EP2155143B1 (en) 2015-08-19

Family

ID=40129933

Family Applications (4)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP15198205.5A Active EP3009121B1 (en) 2007-06-13 2007-06-13 A device for providing fluid to a receptacle
EP14175968.8A Active EP2789329B1 (en) 2007-06-13 2007-06-13 A device for providing fluid to a receptacle
EP07748576.1A Active EP2155143B1 (en) 2007-06-13 2007-06-13 A device for providing fluid to a receptacle
EP17170133.7A Active EP3222265B1 (en) 2007-06-13 2007-06-13 A device for providing fluid to a receptacle

Family Applications Before (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP15198205.5A Active EP3009121B1 (en) 2007-06-13 2007-06-13 A device for providing fluid to a receptacle
EP14175968.8A Active EP2789329B1 (en) 2007-06-13 2007-06-13 A device for providing fluid to a receptacle

Family Applications After (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP17170133.7A Active EP3222265B1 (en) 2007-06-13 2007-06-13 A device for providing fluid to a receptacle

Country Status (5)

Country Link
EP (4) EP3009121B1 (en)
JP (1) JP5091313B2 (en)
CA (2) CA2924477C (en)
ES (4) ES2550675T3 (en)
WO (1) WO2008153460A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (25)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7547300B2 (en) 2006-04-12 2009-06-16 Icu Medical, Inc. Vial adaptor for regulating pressure
EP4119121A1 (en) 2011-08-18 2023-01-18 ICU Medical, Inc. Pressure-regulating vial adaptors
BR112014004530A2 (en) 2011-09-02 2017-03-28 Unitract Syringe Pty Ltd drive mechanism for integrated state indication drug delivery pumps
US9707335B2 (en) 2011-09-02 2017-07-18 Unitract Syringe Pty Ltd Drive mechanism for drug delivery pumps with integrated status indication
US9814832B2 (en) 2011-09-02 2017-11-14 Unl Holdings Llc Drive mechanism for drug delivery pumps with integrated status indication
US11173244B2 (en) 2011-09-02 2021-11-16 Unl Holdings Llc Drive mechanism for drug delivery pumps with integrated status indication
CA2845379C (en) 2011-09-02 2019-08-06 Unitract Syringe Pty Ltd Insertion mechanism for a drug delivery pump
JP2014528791A (en) 2011-09-13 2014-10-30 ユニトラクト シリンジ プロプライエタリイ リミテッドUnitract Syringe Pty Ltd Sterile fluid path connection to a drug container for a drug delivery pump
AU2013204180B2 (en) 2012-03-22 2016-07-21 Icu Medical, Inc. Pressure-regulating vial adaptors
WO2013150579A1 (en) 2012-04-02 2013-10-10 株式会社メディカルクリエーション Drug delivery device
US9579258B2 (en) 2012-04-02 2017-02-28 Kobayashi & Co., Ltd. Drug delivery device
WO2014036285A2 (en) 2012-08-29 2014-03-06 Unitract Syringe Pty Ltd Variable rate controlled delivery drive mechanisms for drug delivery pumps
US9089475B2 (en) 2013-01-23 2015-07-28 Icu Medical, Inc. Pressure-regulating vial adaptors
AU2014209594B2 (en) * 2013-01-23 2018-09-13 Icu Medical, Inc. Pressure-regulating vial adaptors
USD723157S1 (en) 2013-03-12 2015-02-24 Unitract Syringe Pty Ltd Drug delivery pump
JP6273655B2 (en) 2013-01-25 2018-02-07 ユーエヌエル ホールディングス エルエルシーUNL Holdings LLC Integrated fluid pathway connection and drug container
CN105722493B (en) 2013-07-19 2019-10-11 伊库医学有限公司 Pressure adjusts fluid delivery system and method
AU2015277135B2 (en) 2014-06-20 2020-02-20 Icu Medical, Inc. Pressure-regulating vial adaptors
AU2015323994A1 (en) 2014-09-29 2017-05-18 Unl Holdings Llc Rigid needle insertion mechanism for a drug delivery pump
CN112245287A (en) 2015-03-26 2021-01-22 因内博注射剂公司 Pressurized gas driven drug transfer and resuspension apparatus and method
DK3397231T3 (en) 2016-01-29 2022-05-16 Icu Medical Inc Pressure regulating vial adapters
IL264404B (en) 2016-08-08 2022-07-01 Unitract Syringe Pty Ltd Drug delivery device and method for connecting a fluid flowpath
EP3518860A4 (en) 2016-09-30 2020-06-10 ICU Medical, Inc. Pressure-regulating vial access devices and methods
US11224555B2 (en) 2018-04-23 2022-01-18 Hospira, Inc. Access and vapor containment system for a drug vial and method of making and using same
CN114615964A (en) * 2019-10-31 2022-06-10 纳卡特尔国际进出口股份责任有限公司 Safety assembly for reconstituting, extracting and infusing medical fluids

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5017186A (en) * 1989-07-11 1991-05-21 Arnold Victor A Device and method for maintaining sterility of multi-dose medicament vials
WO2007120641A2 (en) * 2006-04-12 2007-10-25 Icu Medical, Inc. Vial adaptors and vials for regulating pressure

Family Cites Families (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS5841966Y2 (en) * 1979-04-27 1983-09-22 株式会社 ミドリ十字 Medical transfer equipment
SE434700B (en) * 1983-05-20 1984-08-13 Bengt Gustavsson DEVICE FOR AIRED TRANSFER OF SUBSTANCE FROM A KERLE TO ANOTHER
JPH0829793B2 (en) * 1987-11-07 1996-03-27 大阪エヤゾール工業株式会社 Extrusion container
SE513225C2 (en) 1998-12-03 2000-08-07 Carmel Pharma Ab Arrangement, procedure and gas container for sterile or aseptic handling
SE517084C2 (en) 2000-08-10 2002-04-09 Carmel Pharma Ab Procedures and devices for aseptic preparation
JP2002238979A (en) * 2001-02-16 2002-08-27 Jms Co Ltd Double-ended needle
US6715520B2 (en) * 2001-10-11 2004-04-06 Carmel Pharma Ab Method and assembly for fluid transfer
US7743799B2 (en) * 2005-11-07 2010-06-29 Industrie Borta S.p.A. Vented safe handling vial adapter

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5017186A (en) * 1989-07-11 1991-05-21 Arnold Victor A Device and method for maintaining sterility of multi-dose medicament vials
WO2007120641A2 (en) * 2006-04-12 2007-10-25 Icu Medical, Inc. Vial adaptors and vials for regulating pressure

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See also references of WO2008153460A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JP2010528810A (en) 2010-08-26
EP2789329B1 (en) 2016-08-03
EP3009121B1 (en) 2017-05-10
ES2772838T3 (en) 2020-07-08
CA2707342A1 (en) 2008-12-18
EP2155143A4 (en) 2013-08-14
EP3222265A1 (en) 2017-09-27
CA2924477A1 (en) 2008-12-18
ES2550675T3 (en) 2015-11-11
WO2008153460A1 (en) 2008-12-18
EP3009121A1 (en) 2016-04-20
ES2600952T3 (en) 2017-02-13
CA2707342C (en) 2016-06-07
ES2627304T3 (en) 2017-07-27
EP3222265B1 (en) 2020-01-08
JP5091313B2 (en) 2012-12-05
EP2789329A1 (en) 2014-10-15
CA2924477C (en) 2019-05-14
EP2155143B1 (en) 2015-08-19

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US9309020B2 (en) Device for providing fluid to a receptacle
CA2707342C (en) A device for providing fluid to a receptacle
US8622985B2 (en) Arrangement for use with a medical device
US11690788B2 (en) System for closed transfer of fluids
US10619752B2 (en) Pressure equalizing device and receptacle
EP2155142B1 (en) Pressure equalizing device, receptacle and method
EP2155141B1 (en) An arrangement for use with a medical device
US20200130873A1 (en) Methods for preparing autologous blood eye drops
CN112770710A (en) Connecting device designed to connect a container to a vial

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20091203

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MT NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: AL BA HR MK RS

RIN1 Information on inventor provided before grant (corrected)

Inventor name: HELMERSON, ELISABET

Inventor name: BAECKSTROEM, FREDRIK

Inventor name: ELLSTROEM, ANNA

DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
A4 Supplementary search report drawn up and despatched

Effective date: 20130717

RIC1 Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant

Ipc: A61J 1/20 20060101AFI20130711BHEP

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20140327

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20150330

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MT NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 743266

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20150915

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602007042670

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: SE

Ref legal event code: TRGR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FG2A

Ref document number: 2550675

Country of ref document: ES

Kind code of ref document: T3

Effective date: 20151111

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK05

Ref document number: 743266

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20150819

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MP

Effective date: 20150819

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150819

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20151120

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150819

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150819

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150819

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20151221

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150819

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20151219

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150819

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150819

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150819

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150819

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150819

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 602007042670

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 10

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150819

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20160520

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150819

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150819

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150819

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20160630

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20160630

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 11

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 12

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO

Effective date: 20070613

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150819

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150819

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20160613

Ref country code: MT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20160630

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150819

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20230523

Year of fee payment: 17

Ref country code: IE

Payment date: 20230525

Year of fee payment: 17

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20230523

Year of fee payment: 17

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20230523

Year of fee payment: 17

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Payment date: 20230523

Year of fee payment: 17

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20230523

Year of fee payment: 17

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 20230703

Year of fee payment: 17