Ampoule Opener
The Ampoule Opener
For the safe opening of vials and ampoules containing medication, drugs or other compounds.
Overview
Dr Ghelani a scientist with extensive experience in both the pharmaceutical and University research sectors approached ProspectIP for the further development and commercial exploitation of his patented ampoule opener.
Following assessing the innovation using its in house due diligence process ProspectIP agreed to support the project by providing a prototype development and commercial exploitation package worth £30,000.
Background to the invention
Currently most vials are opened by holding the body of the vial in one hand and breaking off the pre-scored tip with the other hand. This creates a danger of shattering, which can cause injury, spillage and contamination. Dr Ghelani came up with a solution to this problem after seeing many accidents with vials.
Market opportunity
Research by Smith et al (2005) demonstated that a number of injuries caused by the use of vials/ampoule in the medical and healthcare sectors.
Based on UK government statistics (2000) there were 37,000 GP, 21,000 dentists, 499,000 direct core staff in hospital and 10,500 pharmacies. This product could be used in a number of applications/settings.
Possible product applications/settings include:
- Paramedics
- Anaesthetists
- Hospitals
- General Practice
- Education
- Veterinary
- Dental
- Patients/home users
- Research laboratories
- Promotional product market
- Anywhere ampoules are used
Progress/Activities
A fully functional prototype of the ampoule opener has been developed and ProspectIP is currently negotiating a licensing deal with a major healthcare company for this product.
Reference
Smith D.R., Smyth W. Leggat P.A. and Wang, R.S. (2005). "Needlestick and sharps injuries among nursing students." Journal of Advanced Nursing 51(5): 449-455.