Teva announces launch of thinner needle

Teva has unveiled a thinner needle, which one patient has said leaves “less discomfort”.

The 29-gauge pre-filled syringe is set to be used for the multiple sclerosis treatment Copaxone (glatiramer acetate injection).

Its launch follows a study of 562 participants, which found 77 per cent said they “significantly preferred” the newer version of the needle.

Additionally, almost half (49 per cent) recorded better injection-site reactions, while around 66 per cent experienced less pain when using the newer version of the needle.

One of the subjects in the test, known as Stacia D, said: “I used to hesitate before administering my daily injection because of slight discomfort experienced in the past.

“With the new 29-gauge needle, I immediately noticed less discomfort with each injection.”

She added there is no more such hesitation about taking the drug.

Last week, it emerged Teva had been notified of the filing of a lawsuit by Gilead.

The company was alleged to have infringed patent numbers 6,642,245 and 6,703,396, which are associated with an ingredient of Truvada (emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate), emtricitabine.

As a result, Gilead has said it has confidence in its patent position and further plans to defend the intellectual property rights of the drug.