BD partners with Ypsomed to develop 5.5 ml syringe for high-dose biologics

USA—Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD) and Ypsomed have taken their collaborative partnership to the next level by announcing the development of a groundbreaking 5.5 ml version of the BD Neopak XtraFlow glass prefillable syringe.

This latest innovation represents a significant step forward in addressing the growing need for patient-friendly self-injection solutions, particularly for individuals requiring large-volume subcutaneous medications.

The newly developed syringe has been specifically engineered to work seamlessly with Ypsomed’s YpsoMate 5.5 autoinjector platform.

This compatibility creates expanded opportunities for pharmaceutical companies developing high-dose biologics while simultaneously improving the experience for patients who must self-administer their medications at home.

The collaboration aims to make these often-challenging injections more manageable and less intimidating for people managing chronic and complex health conditions.

BD has incorporated several advanced manufacturing technologies into this new syringe design.

The device features thinner-wall cannulas, which improve flow characteristics, along with a shorter 8mm needle that enhances patient comfort.

These technical improvements work together to address one of the most significant challenges in modern drug delivery: administering medications with both higher volumes and increased viscosities.

The result is faster injection times and improved medication flow, which can make a considerable difference in patient compliance and overall treatment satisfaction.

The medical landscape has shifted dramatically in recent years, with large-volume subcutaneous injections exceeding 1 ml becoming increasingly prevalent.

These substantial doses are now commonly prescribed for treating a diverse range of serious health conditions, including autoimmune diseases, various forms of cancer, metabolic disorders, and rare diseases.

As therapeutic proteins and biologics become more sophisticated and concentrated, the need for delivery systems capable of handling these larger volumes has become critical.

Ypsomed originally introduced the YpsoMate 5.5 platform in 2022 specifically to meet this emerging clinical need.

The autoinjector stands out for its ergonomic design, which makes it comfortable to hold and operate.

It features a straightforward two-step activation process that reduces the complexity patients face when administering their own injections.

Additionally, the device provides clear feedback features throughout the injection process, helping to build patient confidence and ensure proper medication delivery.

The integration of BD’s new 5.5 ml syringe with the existing YpsoMate 5.5 autoinjector platform promises to further enhance performance.

As pharmaceutical companies develop drugs with higher dosing volumes and greater viscosity, this combination will help maintain quick injection times and efficient flow rates.

This becomes particularly important for patients who may need to use these devices regularly, sometimes multiple times per week.

This expansion builds upon the foundation established by BD and Ypsomed’s earlier collaboration, which produced the BD Neopak XtraFlow 2.25 ml glass prefillable syringe paired with the YpsoMate 2.25 autoinjector.

The success of that partnership demonstrated the value of combining BD’s drug delivery expertise with Ypsomed’s autoinjector technology.

The new 5.5 ml version extends this proven platform, potentially accelerating the development timeline for combination products while reducing the time pharmaceutical companies need to bring new therapies to market.

Currently, the BD Neopak XtraFlow 5.5 ml glass prefillable syringe remains in the development phase.

The device will undergo comprehensive testing to verify its compatibility with the YpsoMate 5.5 platform and ensure it meets rigorous quality and performance standards.

Companies interested in evaluating this technology can expect feasibility study samples to become available by mid-2026.

Patrick Jeukenne, worldwide president of BD Pharmaceutical Systems, emphasized the significance of this development for patients and the broader healthcare industry.

He explained that this next-generation syringe directly responds to the mounting demand for user-friendly solutions in the high-dose biologics sector.

By merging BD’s deep expertise in drug delivery mechanisms with Ypsomed’s established leadership in autoinjector platform development, the partnership aims to simplify the self-injection process for patients navigating complex medical conditions.

In separate company news, BD secured 510(k) clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration in November 2025.

The company also received CE marking under the European Union In Vitro Diagnostic Regulation for its bacterial panels designed for use on the BD COR System.