Autoinjectors

Endocrine and metabolic diseases encompass a wide range of disorders that arise from hormonal imbalances or disruptions in the body’s metabolic processes, impacting everything from blood sugar regulation to bone health. SHL Medical has been at the forefront of delivering self-injection solutions for combination products used to treat conditions such as type 2 diabetes and hypercholesterolemia, as well as emerging treatments for weight management.

Musculoskeletal diseases affect the bones, muscles, joints, and connective tissues, often leading to pain, disability, and a reduced quality of life. Treating and managing these diseases requires a comprehensive approach. Today, around 20 of all the autoinjector combination products that SHL Medical helped develop are indicated for various musculoskeletal conditions, including one of the oldest blockbuster biologics indicated for rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.

Dermatological diseases refer to a broad range of conditions affecting the skin, hair, and nails. These conditions vary widely in cause, severity, and symptoms, and can include infections, inflammatory disorders, autoimmune diseases, and skin cancers. Symptoms often involve changes in skin appearance, such as redness, rashes, scaling, itching, or abnormal pigmentation. In 2020, an autoinjector based on SHL Medical’s Molly® modular platform technology was approved for the treatment of atopic disorders, setting a record as the world’s first 2.0 mL autoinjector combination product.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are among the leading causes of mortality globally. CVDs are a group of disorders affecting the heart and blood vessels, and these conditions are often caused by risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle. Major types of CVDs include coronary artery disease, heart attack, heart failure, arrhythmias, and stroke. Since 2015, SHL Medical has supported the launch of six combination products indicated for cardiometabolic diseases, and in doing so, has supported the treatment journey of at least 1.6 million patients in this therapeutic area.

The central nervous system (CNS) is essential for life, serving as the main control center for processing and transmitting information throughout the body. CNS diseases encompass disorders that affect the brain and spinal cord, which are responsible for controlling body functions, movement, and cognition. Over the decades, SHL Medical has supported pharmaceutical companies in launching combination products for neurological conditions such as migraine, as well as for neurodegenerative disorders like multiple sclerosis.

Gastroenterological diseases are conditions that affect the gastrointestinal (GI) system, which includes the stomach, intestines, esophagus, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder. These diseases range from common disorders, such as acid reflux and gastritis, to more serious conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), liver disease, and colorectal cancer. Painful and often debilitating for sufferers, these conditions require biological treatments for effective management. SHL Medical has supported the launch of several combination products in this area, indicated for conditions such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.

Respiratory diseases are conditions that affect the lungs and airways, disrupting breathing and oxygen exchange. They include asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, bronchitis, and lung cancer. Causes of respiratory diseases range from infections and environmental pollutants to smoking, genetic predisposition, and autoimmune reactions. Notably, the only biologic medicine globally approved for children with oral corticosteroid-dependent asthma utilizes SHL Medical's Molly® modular platform technology.

Genitourinary diseases are conditions that affect the organs of the reproductive and urinary systems, including the kidneys, bladder, urethra, and reproductive organs. Common examples include urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney stones, prostate disorders, incontinence, and cystitis. A combination product, first approved two decades ago for the treatment of anemia in patients with chronic kidney failure, leverages the DAI® autoinjector developed by SHL Medical.

According to the American Cancer Society, one in three people in the United States will be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime. Oncology diseases, commonly referred to as cancers, encompass a broad range of conditions characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells in the body. These diseases can affect nearly any organ or tissue, leading to various types of cancer, including breast, lung, prostate, colorectal, and skin cancer. In this area, SHL Medical has supported the launch of a combination product indicated for chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Ophthalmological diseases refer to a range of conditions that affect the eyes and visual system, leading to impaired vision or discomfort. Common examples include cataracts, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, and conjunctivitis. In 2024, SHL Medical's microdosing device technology has been instrumental in a medicament recently approved for neonatal retinopathy.

Infectious diseases are illnesses caused by pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites, which invade the body and disrupt normal functions. These diseases can spread from person to person, through contaminated surfaces, or via vectors like insects. Effective prevention and treatment of infectious diseases often involve sanitation, vaccines, and antibiotic medications. To date, at least six combination products supported by SHL Medical's device technologies have been approved for treating various infectious diseases.