Crossject Receives French Government Funding for Needle-Free Platform

French pharmaceutical company Crossject has successfully secured €6.9 million in funding to further the development of its innovative product, ZENEO Epinephrine. This prefilled, needle-free platform is specifically designed to treat severe allergic reactions efficiently and safely. The funding was granted by the French Government under the “i-Démo” call for projects, which is part of the France 2030 Plan overseen by Bpifrance.

Crossject’s ZENEO Epinephrine is projected to generate cumulative sales of about €1 billion by 2032, benefiting both the company and its distribution partners. The needle-free device is crafted to facilitate the delivery of emergency drugs via intramuscular (IM) injection, either on the skin or through clothing, making it accessible for patients and untrained caregivers alike. The device operates at remarkable speed, propelling medicine through the skin in less than a tenth of a second.

According to Crossject’s CEO, Patrick Alexandre, this rapid administration is a significant advantage over traditional needle-based systems, which can be slower and more variable in dosing during emergencies. Alexandre highlighted that the ease of use—taking less than a minute to understand and execute—is crucial in urgent situations.

The ZENEO Epinephrine utilizes a sulfite-free formulation, substituting sulfite with vitamin E. Sulfites are commonly used as preservatives but can cause intolerances or additional allergic reactions, such as anaphylactic shock. This formulation aims to reduce such risks, providing a safer alternative for patients.

In addition to ZENEO Epinephrine, Crossject has developed other medical solutions, including ZEPIZURE, a rescue treatment for epileptic seizures. In 2022, Crossject partnered with the US Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), which committed an initial $60 million order for ZEPIZURE upon its US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval. This collaboration underscores the potential and reliability of Crossject's drug-device combinations.

BARDA also funded research on midazolam, the active drug in ZEPIZURE. Alexandre noted that the company strategically chose drugs already established in specific indications. For instance, midazolam is a preferred intramuscular injection for epileptic seizures. The RAMPART study data affirmed that IM midazolam was not inferior to intravenous lorazepam, achieving its primary endpoint. Additionally, a bioequivalence study by Crossject demonstrated that ZEPIZURE's efficacy was comparable to an IM injection delivered via a syringe with a 30mm needle.

Looking ahead, Crossject aims to submit marketing authorisation applications for ZENEO Epinephrine to regulatory bodies in Europe and the United States by 2026. According to GlobalData analysis, Crossject is a significant player in the development of needle-free injections, a field gaining traction as an alternative to traditional needle-based methods that require specific training.

The trend towards needle-free delivery systems is notably on the rise. For example, in November 2023, US-based Micron Biomedical secured $23.6 million in funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to support the large-scale manufacturing of needle-free vaccines. This growing interest underscores the potential of needle-free technologies to revolutionize medical treatments, making them more accessible and user-friendly.