PowderJect

PowderJect was a British biopharmaceutical company that developed a needle-free injection system for delivering vaccines and other therapeutic agents. The company's technology utilized a high-pressure stream of inert gas to propel a powdered formulation of the drug through the skin. This method aimed to reduce pain and anxiety associated with traditional needle injections, and also offered potential benefits in terms of vaccine stability and ease of administration.

Founded in the early 1990s, PowderJect focused on developing its proprietary needle-free delivery device. The system was designed to be versatile, capable of delivering various types of molecules, including proteins, peptides, and nucleic acids. The company conducted research and development for several potential applications, including influenza vaccines and allergy treatments.

Despite the innovative nature of its technology, PowderJect faced significant challenges in bringing its products to market. The development process proved lengthy and complex, and the company encountered regulatory hurdles. In the early 2000s, PowderJect was acquired by Chiron Corporation, a larger biopharmaceutical company. The acquisition aimed to integrate PowderJect's needle-free technology into Chiron's existing product pipeline. However, the technology did not achieve widespread commercial success under Chiron's ownership, and the company eventually ceased operations. The PowderJect system remains an example of an early attempt to advance drug delivery through novel, needle-free methods.