Telezon Limited, a State of Victoria-based medical technology company engaged in the design-development of plastic needles, is now working to strengthen its relationship with Indian companies and further explore strategic opportunities. The company’s flagship product SoloFlow which is a non-injection needle has been registered with the US FDA and the European Union CE mark process is also completed proving the safety, health and environmental protection requirements.

With plastic needles for injections  acknowledged by the World Health Organisation (WHO), the company’s portfolio offering is expected to meet the growing demand for safer injection units which are viewed as more cost-effective with efficient processes, Michelle Carr, director, Telezon Ltd told Pharmabiz during the recently concluded Bangalore India Bio 2013.

The listed company has already two commercial arrangements for sale and supply in India with Serum Institute for vaccine kits and with Hindustan Syringes & Medical Devices Limited, New Delhi, makers of Dispovan for packaging and assembly.

The company which was incorporated in 1985 went on to acquire SS&B Limited in 2005.  SoloFlow is a Medical Transfer Cannula developed using SSB’s patented CoreIT.

The plastic hypodermic needle used for pathological blood test  interventions makes it less painful and traumatic. It can be destroyed by flame and therefore could eradicate disease transfer. “We have the technology, expertise and the needle is produced in Germany. Going by the India’s healthcare market, there is a huge opportunity for use of Telezon products covering SoloFlow and the yet to be launched Polymer Hypodermic needle which is also developed using a patented technology,” she added.

It is in the last 12-18 months, Telezon is driving up the value chain in the injection market specifically with pharmaceutical companies across emerging markets including India for SoloFlow. With Polymer Hypodermic needle we are looking to make an entry. Discussions with Indian companies and healthcare providers have been positive and considerable interest is evinced, stated Carr.

The market size for injection needles is $13.6 billion. The companies in this space are BD, Johnson & Johnson, Medtronic and Braun.

“Currently, the needle market is dominated by steel needles and therefore Telezon’s Polymer Hypodermic version is being positioned to garner the sales from this segment. It is a competitive and tightly-held market, but we have continued to pursue. A visible trend so far is the shift from glass to steel and now plastic. The benefits of plastic needles are that it is safer with a five time faster penetration and cheaper than steel. Moreover, it does not interfere with X-ray technology and can be customized for both human and animal use, she informed.