WO2025149370A1

WO2025149370A1 - A sub-assembly of a medicament delivery device

Info

Publication number: WO2025149370A1
Application number: PCT/EP2024/088220
Authority: WO
Inventors: Johan Zander
Original assignee: SHL Medical AG
Current assignee: SHL Medical AG
Priority date: 2024-01-08
Filing date: 2024-12-20
Publication date: 2025-07-17
Anticipated expiration: 2026-07-08

Abstract

A housing extending along a longitudinal axis between a proximal end and a distal end; wherein the housing comprises a proximally directed surface; a plunger rod accommodated with the housing; wherein the plunger rod comprises a body configured to be moved into a medicament container of the medicament delivery device; a container driver configured to operably engaged to the medicament container such that the medicament container is immovable relative to the container drive in the direction of the longitudinal axis; wherein the container driver comprises a flexible section comprising a distally directed surface; wherein the container driver is positioned between the plunger rod and the housing in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis; a biasing member configured to be operably connected to the medicament container to bias the medicament container towards the distal end of the housing; wherein the plunger rod is movable along the longitudinal axis between a distal position where the flexible section of the container driver is radially deflected by the body of the plunger rod and a proximal position where the body of the plunger rod is disengaged from the flexible section of the container driver.

Description

TITLE

A sub-assembly of a medicament delivery device

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to a sub-assembly of a medicament delivery device, and particularly to a sub-assembly of a medicament delivery device comprising a container driver.

BACKGROUND

Medicament delivery devices such as pen-type manual injectors or auto-injectors are generally known for the self-administration of a medicament by patients without formal medical training. For example, patients suffering from diabetes may require repeated injections of insulin, or patients may require regular injections of other types of medicaments, such as growth hormones.

It is an advantage when the medicament delivery devices for self-administration comprise automatic functions so that even if users are without professional training or are in an emergency, the users can easily and properly use the medicament delivery devices.

Even though many of the devices on the market, as well as the ones described above, have their respective advantages, there is still room for improvement.

SUMMARY

The presented disclosure is defined by the appended claims, to which reference should now be made.

In the present disclosure, when the term "distal direction" is used, this refers to the direction pointing away from the dose delivery site during the use of the medicament delivery device. When the term "distal part/end" is used, this refers to the part/end of the delivery device, or the parts/ends of the members thereof, which under use of the medicament delivery device is/are located furthest away from the dose delivery site. Correspondingly, when the term "proximal direction" is used, this refers to the direction pointing towards the dose delivery site during the use of the medicament delivery device. When the term "proximal part/end" is used, this refers to the part/end of the delivery device, or the parts/ends of the members thereof, which under use of the medicament delivery device is/are located closest to the dose delivery site.

Further, the terms "longitudinal", "longitudinally", "axially" or "axial" refer to a direction extending from the proximal end to the distal end, typically along the device or components thereof in the direction of the longest extension of the device and/or component.

Similarly, the terms “transverse”, “transversal” and “transversally” refer to a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

Further, the terms “circumference”, “circumferential”, or “circumferentially” refer to a circumference or a circumferential direction relative to an axis, typically a central axis extending in the direction of the longest extension of the device and/or component. Similarly, “radial” or “radially” refer to a direction extending radially relative to the axis, and “rotation”, “rotational” and “rotationally” refer to rotation relative to the axis.

There is hence provided a sub-assembly of a medicament delivery device, the sub-assembly comprising: a housing extending along a longitudinal axis between a proximal end and a distal end; wherein the housing comprises a proximally directed surface; a plunger rod accommodated with the housing; wherein the plunger rod comprises a body configured to be moved into a medicament container of the medicament delivery device; a container driver configured to operably engaged to the medicament container such that the medicament container is immovable relative to the container drive in the direction of the longitudinal axis; wherein the container driver comprises a flexible section comprising a distally directed surface; wherein the container driver is positioned between the plunger rod and the housing in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis; a biasing member configured to be operably connected to the medicament container to bias the medicament container towards the distal end of the housing. The plunger rod is movable along the longitudinal axis relative to the container driver between a distal position where the flexible section of the container driver is radially deflected by the body of the plunger rod such that the distally directed surface of the container driver is engaged with the proximally directed surface of the housing and a proximal position where the body of the plunger rod is disengaged from the flexible section of the container driver such that the distally directed surface of the container driver is disengaged with the proximally directed surface of the housing thereby the biasing member can bias the medicament container towards the distal end of the housing.

Preferably, according to another embodiment, the sub-assembly comprises a container carrier configured to accommodate the medicament container of the medicament delivery device.

Preferably, according to another embodiment, the container driver is engaged with the container carrier.

Preferably, according to another embodiment, the container driver is snapped fit to the container carrier.

Preferably, according to another embodiment, the biasing member is a spring extending between a first end and a second in the direction of the longitudinal axis.

Preferably, according to another embodiment, the spring is engaged with the housing at the first end and engaged with the container driver at the second end.

Preferably, according to another embodiment, the spring is a compression spring or a tension spring.

Preferably, according to another embodiment, the housing comprises an inner housing sleeve.

Preferably, according to another embodiment, the container driver is positioned within the inner housing sleeve.

Preferably, according to another embodiment, the inner housing sleeve comprises the proximally directed surface of the housing. Preferably, according to another embodiment, the plunger rod is configured to be connected to a power source to move the plunger rod into the medicament container.

Preferably, according to another embodiment, the plunger rod comprises a proximally directed surface releasably engaged with the distally directed surface of the container driver such that the plunger rod is prevented from being moved by the power source relative to the container driver until the plunger rod is disengaged from the distally directed surface of the container driver.

Preferably, according to another embodiment, a recess/cut-out is arranged in the body of the plunger rod.

Preferably, according to another embodiment, the recess/cut-out is open towards the housing in the direction transverse to the longitudinal axis.

Preferably, according to another embodiment, an edge of the recess/cut-out comprises the proximally directed surface of the plunger rod.

Preferably, according to another embodiment, the housing comprises a wall facing towards the longitudinal axis; wherein the wall comprises a proximal section and a distal section closer to the longitudinal axis than the proximal section; and wherein an edge of the distal section adjacent to the proximal section comprises the proximally directed surface of the housing.

Preferably, according to another embodiment, the container driver is movable along the longitudinal axis between a first position where the flexible section of the container driver is enclosed by the distal section of the wall of the housing such that the flexible section is blocked from flexing radially outwards thereby the distally directed surface of the container driver is engaged with the proximally directed surface of the plunger rod and a second position where the flexible section of the container is lined up with the proximal section of the wall of the housing such that the flexible section can flex radially outwards thereby the distally directed surface of the container driver is disengaged from the proximally directed surface of the plunger rod.

Preferably, according to another embodiment, the container driver is configured to be moved towards the proximal end of the housing from the first position to the second position thereby causing the biasing member to accumulate more energy via the medicament container.

Preferably, according to another embodiment, the proximal movement of the container driver relative to the housing is configured to compress the spring.

Preferably, according to another embodiment, the sub-assembly comprises a button movably attached to the housing.

Preferably, according to another embodiment, the button comprises a user-accessible section extending out from the housing and a proximally directed surface configured to be engaged with a second distally directed surface of the container driver. Preferably, according to another embodiment, the proximally directed surface of the button is engaged with a second distally directed surface of the container driver when the container driver is in the second position.

Preferably, according to another embodiment, the button comprises a proximally extending arm.

Preferably, according to another embodiment, the container driver comprises a protrusion extending in the direction transverse to the longitudinal axis; wherein the arm of the button is configured to snap over the protrusion of the container driver when the container driver moves from the first position to the second position such that a tactile/audible indication is generated.

Preferably, according to another embodiment, the button is attached to the distal end of the housing.

Preferably, according to another embodiment, at least one of the distally directed surface of the container driver and the proximally directed surface is a chamfered surface.

Preferably, according to another embodiment, the protrusion of the container driver comprises a first chamfered surface and a second chamfered surface.

Preferably, according to another embodiment, the first chamfered surface is inclined in the direction along the longitudinal axis; and wherein the second chamfered surface is inclined in the direction transverse to the longitudinal axis such that the first chamfered surface is configured to guide the proximally extending arm of the button to move in a first direction and the second chamfered surface is configured to guide the proximally extending arm of the button to move in a second direction transverse to the first direction.

Preferably, according to another embodiment, the first chamfered surface is the distally directed surface; and whereas the second chamfered surface is a proximally directed surface.

Preferably, according to another embodiment, the protrusion extends from the distal end of a body of the container driver.

Preferably, according to another embodiment, the first chamfered surface is contiguous to the second chamfered surface.

Preferably, according to another embodiment, the housing comprises a blocking wall configured to block a movement of the flexible arm of the button in the first direction.

Preferably, according to another embodiment, the housing comprises a flexible section comprising a protrusion extending towards the longitudinal axis.

Preferably, according to another embodiment, the protrusion is configured to be operably engaged with the medicament container. Preferably, according to another embodiment, the sub-assembly comprises a cap removably attached to the proximal end of the housing.

Preferably, according to another embodiment, the cap comprises a wall adjacent to the flexible section of the housing when the cap is attached to the housing.

Preferably, according to another embodiment, the protrusion is engaged with the container carrier.

Another aspect of the presented invention provides a component of a medicament delivery device, the component comprising: a body extending along a longitudinal axis between a proximal end and the distal end; a protrusion extending from body of the component; wherein the protrusion comprises a first chamfered surface and a second chamfered surface; wherein the first chamfered surface is inclined in the direction along the longitudinal axis; and wherein the second chamfered surface is inclined in the direction transverse to the longitudinal axis such that the first chamfered surface is configured to guide a first component of the medicament delivery device to move in a first direction and the second chamfered surface is configured to guide a second component of the medicament delivery device to move in a second direction transverse to the first direction.

Preferably, according to another embodiment, the first chamfered surface is a distally directed surface; and wherein the second chamfered surface is a proximally directed surface.

Preferably, according to another embodiment, the protrusion extends from the distal end of the body.

Preferably, according to another embodiment, the component is partially positioned within a housing of the medicament delivery device.

Preferably, according to another embodiment, the component is a container driver of the medicament delivery device configured to be operably attached to a medicament container of the medicament delivery device.

Preferably, according to another embodiment, the component is axially movable relative to the housing of the medicament delivery device in the direction of the longitudinal axis.

Another aspect of the presented invention provides a sub-assembly of a medicament delivery device, the sub-assembly comprises the component according to any one of the proceeding embodiments; wherein the sub-assembly comprises a button comprising a user-accessible section and a flexible arm extending from the user-accessible section; wherein the flexible arm comprises a distally directed surface configured to be moved along one of the first chamfered surface and the second chamfered surface and a proximally directed surface configured to be moved along the other one of the first chamfered surface and the second chamfered surface. Preferably, according to another embodiment, the distally directed surface of the flexible arm is configured to be moved along the second chamfered surface; and wherein the proximally directed surface of the flexible arm is configured to be moved along the first chamfered surface.

Preferably, according to another embodiment, the sub-assembly comprises a housing that accommodates the component and the flexible arm of the button; and wherein the housing is extending along the longitudinal axis between a proximal end and a distal end.

Preferably, according to another embodiment, the medicament delivery device of any aspect of the presented invention comprises a single-chamber syringe.

Preferably, according to another embodiment, the medicament delivery device of any aspect of the presented invention comprises a multiple-chamber syringe.

The barrel of the syringe is configured to accommodate the medicament to be delivered.

Preferably, according to another embodiment, the syringe is made of glass material or plastic material.

Preferably, according to another embodiment, the medicament delivery device of any aspect of the presented invention is an injection device, an inhalation device, or a medical sprayer.

Preferably, according to another embodiment, the medicament delivery device of any aspect of the presented invention is an auto-injector.

Preferably, according to another embodiment, the delivery member is an injection needle or a spray nozzle.

The medicament delivery devices described herein can be used for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of one or more of many different types of disorders. Exemplary disorders include, but are not limited to: rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel diseases (e.g. Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis), hypercholesterolaemia, diabetes (e.g. type 2 diabetes), psoriasis, migraines, multiple sclerosis, anaemia, lupus, atopic dermatitis, asthma, nasal polyps, acute hypoglycaemia, obesity, anaphylaxis and allergies. Exemplary types of medicaments that could be included in the medicament delivery devices described herein include, but are not limited to, small molecules, hormones, cytokines, blood products, antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates, bispecific antibodies, proteins, fusion proteins, peptibodies, polypeptides, pegylated proteins, protein fragments, protein analogues, protein variants, protein precursors, chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapies, cell or gene therapies, oncolytic viruses, or immunotherapies and/or protein derivatives. Exemplary medicaments that could be included in the medicament delivery devices described herein include, but are not limited to (with non-limiting examples of relevant disorders in brackets): etanercept (rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel diseases (e.g. Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis)), evolocumab (hypercholesterolaemia), exenatide (type 2 diabetes), secukinumab (psoriasis), erenumab (migraines), alirocumab (rheumatoid arthritis), methotrexate (amethopterin) (rheumatoid arthritis), tocilizumab (rheumatoid arthritis), interferon beta-1 a (multiple sclerosis), sumatriptan (migraines), adalimumab (rheumatoid arthritis), darbepoetin alfa (anaemia), belimumab (lupus), peginterferon beta-1 a' (multiple sclerosis), sarilumab (rheumatoid arthritis), semaglutide (type 2 diabetes, obesity), dupilumab (atopic dermatitis, asthma, nasal polyps, allergies), glucagon (acute hypoglycaemia), epinephrine (anaphylaxis), insulin (diabetes), atropine and vedolizumab (inflammatory bowel diseases (e.g. Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis)) , ipilimumab, nivolumab, pembrolizumab, atezolizumab, durvalumab, avelumab, cemiplimab, rituximab, trastuzumab, ado-trastuzumab emtansine, fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki, pertuzumab, transtuzumab-pertuzumab, alemtuzumab, belantamab mafodotin-blmf, bevacizumab, blinatumomab, brentuximab vedotin, cetuximab, daratumumab, elotuzumab, gemtuzumab ozogamicin, 90-Yttrium-ibritumomab tiuxetan, isatuximab, mogamulizumab, moxetumomab pasudotox, obinutuzumab, ofatumumab, olaratumab, panitumumab, polatuzumab vedotin, ramucirumab, sacituzumab govitecan, tafasitamab, or margetuximab. Pharmaceutical formulations including, but not limited to, any drug described herein are also contemplated for use in the medicament delivery devices described herein, for example, pharmaceutical formulations comprising a drug as listed herein (or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the drug) and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Pharmaceutical formulations comprising a drug as listed herein (or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the drug) may include one or more other active ingredients, or may be the only active ingredient present.

Exemplary medicaments that could be included in the medicament delivery devices described herein include, but are not limited to, an immuno-oncology or bio-oncology medications such as immune checkpoints, cytokines, chemokines, clusters of differentiation, interleukins, integrins, growth factors, enzymes, signaling proteins, pro-apoptotic proteins, anti-apoptotic proteins, T-cell receptors, B-cell receptors, or costimulatory proteins.

Exemplary medicaments that could be included in the medicament delivery devices described herein include, but are not limited to, those exhibiting a proposed mechanism of action, such as HER-2 receptor modulators, interleukin modulators, interferon modulators, CD38 modulators, CD22 modulators, CCR4 modulators, VEGF modulators, EGFR modulators, CD79b modulators, Trop-2 modulators, CD52 modulators, BCMA modulators, PDGFRA modulators, SLAMF7 modulators, PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors/modulators, B-lymphocyte antigen CD19 inhibitors, B-lymphocyte antigen CD20 modulators, CD3 modulators, CTLA-4 inhibitors, TIM-3 modulators, VISTA modulators, INDO inhibitors, LAG3 (CD223) antagonists, CD276 antigen modulators, CD47 antagonists, CD30 modulators, CD73 modulators, CD66 modulators, CDw137 agonists, CD158 modulators, CD27 modulators, CD58 modulators, CD80 modulators, CD33 modulators, APRIL receptor modulators, HLA antigen modulators, EGFR modulators, B-lymphocyte cell adhesion molecule modulators, CDw123 modulators, Erbb2 tyrosine kinase receptor modulators, mesothelin modulators, HAVCR2 antagonists, NY-ESO-1 0X40 receptor agonist modulators, adenosine A2 receptors, ICOS modulators, CD40 modulators, TIL therapies, or TCR therapies. Exemplary medicaments that could be included in the medicament delivery devices described herein include, but are not limited to, a multi-medication treatment regimen such as AC, Dose-Dense AC, TCH, GT, EC, TAC, TC, TCHP, CMF, FOLFOX, mFOLFOX6, mFOLFOX7, FOLFCIS, CapeOx, FLOT, DCF, FOLFIRI, FOLFIRINOX, FOLFOXIRI, IROX, CHOP, R-CHOP, RCHOP-21 , Mini-CHOP, Maxi-CHOP, VR- CAP, Dose-Dense CHOP, EPOCH, Dose-Adjusted EPOCH, R-EPOCH, CODOX-M, IVAC, HyperCVAD, R-HyperCVAD, SC-EPOCH-RR, DHAP, ESHAP, GDP, ICE, MINE, CEPP, CDOP, GemOx, CEOP, CEPP, CHOEP, CHP, GCVP, DHAX, CALGB 8811 , HIDAC, MOpAD, 7 + 3, 5 +2, 7 + 4, MEC, CVP, RBAC500, DHA-Cis, DHA-Ca, DHA-Ox, RCVP, RCEPP, RCEOP, CMV, DDMVAC, GemFLP, ITP, VIDE, VDC, VAI, VDC-IE, MAP, PCV, FCR, FR, PCR, HDMP, OFAR, EMA/CO, EMA/EP, EP/EMA, TP/TE, BEP, TIP, VIP, TPEx, ABVD, BEACOPP, AVD, Mini-BEAM, IGEV, C-MOPP, GCD, GEMOX, CAV, DTPACE, VTD-PACE, DCEP, ATG, VAC, VelP, OFF, GTX, CAV, AD, MAID, AIM, VAC-IE, ADOC, or PE.

Exemplary medicaments that could be included in the medicament delivery devices described herein include, but are not limited to, those used for chemotherapy, such as an alkylating agent, plant alkaloid, antitumor antibiotic, antimetabolite, or topoisomerase inhibitor, enzyme, retinoid, or corticosteroid. Exemplary chemotherapy medicaments include, by way of example but not limitation, 5-fluorouracil, cisplatin, carboplatin, oxaliplatin, doxorubicin, daunorubicin, idarubicin, epirubicin, paclitaxel, docetaxel, cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide, azacitidine, decitabine, bendamustine, bleomycin, bortezomib, busulfan, cabazitaxel, carmustine, cladribine, cytarabine, dacarbazine, etoposide, fludarabine, gemcitabine, irinotecan, leucovorin, melphalan, methotrexate, pemetrexed, mitomycin, mitoxantrone, temsirolimus, topotecan, valrubicin, vincristine, vinblastine, or vinorelbine.

Furthermore, all terms used in the claims are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the technical field, unless explicitly defined otherwise herein. All references to "a/an/the element, apparatus, component, means, etc.” are to be interpreted openly as referring to at least one instance of the element, apparatus, component, means, etc., unless explicitly stated otherwise.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the inventive concept will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 schematically shows a perspective view of a medicament delivery device comprising a subassembly of the presented disclosure;

Fig. 2 schematically shows a perspective view of components of the medicament delivery device of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 3 schematically shows a perspective view of the sub-assembly of the presented disclosure in one example;

Fig. 4 schematically shows a perspective view of a container carrier, biasing member, and a container driver of the sub-assembly of Fig. 3; Figs 5-9 schematically show cross-section views of the sub-assembly of Fig. 3 in different stages;

Figs 10-11 schematically show cross-section views of the sub-assembly of Fig. 3 with a button having a proximally extending arm in different stages;

Fig. 12 schematically shows a perspective view of a connector of the sub-assembly the presented disclosure in another example;

Fig. 13-20 schematically show cross-section views of the sub-assembly of Fig. 3 comprising the connector of Fig. 12 in different stages;

Fig. 21 schematically shows a perspective view of the sub-assembly of Fig. 3 comprising a cap and a medicament container;

Figs 22-23 schematically show perspective views of the connector, the button, and the housing of the sub-assembly of Fig. 13;

Fig. 24 schematically shows a perspective view of the container drive in one example of the subassembly of the presented disclosure;

Figs 25-26 schematically show perspective views of a sub-assembly of another aspect of the presented disclosure having the container driver of Fig. 24.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figs 1-26 illustrate a sub-assembly of a medicament delivery device. The sub-assembly comprises a housing 1 extending along a longitudinal axis L between a proximal end and a distal end. The housing 1 is configured to accommodate a medicament container M of the medicament delivery device. The housing 1 can be shaped to be generally cylindrical, as the medicament container is commonly shaped to be cylindrical, as shown in Fig. 1 , thus, the medicament delivery device can be compact. Alternatively, the housing can be shaped to be generally rectangular, triangular, or oval observing along the longitudinal axis L, so that the housing will not roll on a flat surface. The housing can be shaped in any other suitable shape depending on the design. In one example, the housing comprises a gripping feature to facilitate a user of the medicament delivery device to hold the device. For example, the housing can be overholding with a material that can generate high friction, e.g., rubber, and/or the housing may comprise multiple ribs on an outer surface.

The housing can be formed as a single component such that the assembling steps of the medicament delivery device can be reduced. Alternatively, the housing 1 can be formed by assembling multiple components together as shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 5, the housing 1 is formed by an outer housing sleeve 16 and an inner housing sleeve 7. The housing 1 comprises a proximally directed surface 71 a. In the example where the housing 1 comprises the inner housing sleeve 7, the inner housing sleeve 7 comprises the proximally directed surface 71a, as shown in Figs 6-7. The sub-assembly comprises a plunger rod 6 accommodated with the housing 1 . The plunger rod 6 comprises a body 61 configured to be moved into the medicament container M of the medicament delivery device.

The sub-assembly comprises a container driver 5 configured to be operably engaged to the medicament container M such that the medicament container M is immovable relative to the container drive in the direction of the longitudinal axis L. The container driver 5 comprises a flexible section 52 comprising a distally directed surface 52a, as shown in Figs 6-7. The container driver 5 is positioned between the plunger rod 6 and the housing 7 in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis L. In one example where the housing 1 comprises the inner housing sleeve 7, the container driver 5 is positioned within the inner housing sleeve 7.

The sub-assembly comprises a biasing member 8 configured to be operably connected to the medicament container M to bias the medicament container M towards the distal end of the housing 1 . In one example, the biasing member 8 is a spring extending between a first end and a second in the direction of the longitudinal axis L. In this example, the spring is engaged with the housing 1 at the first end and engaged with the container driver 5 at the second end.

The plunger rod 6 is movable along the longitudinal axis L relative to the container driver 5 between a distal position, as shown in Fig. 7, where the flexible section 52 of the container driver 5 is radially deflected by the body 61 of the plunger rod 6 such that the distally directed surface 52a of the container driver 5 is engaged with the proximally directed surface 71a of the housing 1 and a proximal position, as shown in Fig. 8, where the body 61 of the plunger rod 6 is disengaged from the flexible section 52 of the container driver 5 such that the distally directed surface 52a of the container driver 5 is disengaged with the proximally directed surface 71a of the housing 1 thereby the biasing member s can bias the medicament container M towards the distal end of the housing 1 .

Therefore, an auto-retraction the medicament container control can be provided. During the medicament delivery operation, the body 61 of the plunger rod 6 is configured to continuously deflect the flexible section 52 of the container driver 5 to keep the container driver 5 engaged with the housing 1 . As a result, the container driver 5 cannot retract the medicament container M further into the housing 1 under the force of the biasing member 8. At the end of the medicament delivery operation, the body 61 of the plunger rod 6 is configured to offset from the flexible section 52 of the container driver 5 such that the body 61 of the plunger rod can no longer deflect the flexible section 52 of the container driver 5. As a result, the flexible section 52 flexes back to its original configuration. Therefore, the distally directed surface of the flexible section 52 is disengaged from the housing 1 . Thus, the biasing member 8 can move the medicament container M together with the container driver 5 towards the distal end of the housing 1 . In other words, the medicament container M is retracted further into the housing 1 , as shown in Figs 8-9.

In one example, at least one of the distally directed surface 52a of the container driver 5 and the proximally directed surface 71 a is a chamfered surface. In one example, the flexible section 52 of the container driver 5 is positioned at a distal end of a flexible arm extending from a body 50 of the container driver 5. In another example, the flexible section of the container driver is positioned at a proximal end of a flexible arm extending from the body of the container driver. In another example, the flexible section of the container driver is positioned at an inner surface of a resilient part of the body of the container driver.

In one example, the container driver is configured to directly engage with the medicament container M. For example, the container driver may comprise a gripping arm configured to engage with a flange of the medicament container. Alternatively, or additionally, in another example, the sub-assembly comprises a container carrier 9 configured to accommodate the medicament container M of the medicament delivery device. In one example where the sub-assembly comprises the container carrier 9, the container driver 5 is engaged with the container carrier 9. For example, the gripping arm 51 of the container driver 5 is configured to engage with the container carrier 9, as shown in Fig. 4. In one example, the container driver 5 is snapped fit to the container carrier 9, as shown in Fig. 5. In one example where the sub-assembly comprises the container carrier 9, the container carrier 9 comprises a body sleeve 90 configured to accommodate the medicament container M, a flange 91 extending from the body sleeve 90 in the direction transverse to the longitudinal axis L. In this example, the biasing member 8 is engaged with the flange 91 of the container carrier 9 and a ledge 15 extending from the housing 1 .

Furthermore, in another example, the plunger rod 6 is configured to be connected to a power source 60 to move the plunger rod 6 into the medicament container M. The power source 60, can be a spring, a pressurized gas canister, or a motor. In one example, the power source 60 is a spring, as shown in Fig. 2.

The plunger rod 6 comprises a proximally directed surface releasably engaged with the distally directed surface 52a of the container driver 5 such that the plunger rod 6 is prevented from being moved by the power source relative to the container driver 5 until the plunger rod 6 is disengaged from the distally directed surface 52a of the container driver 5, as shown in Figs 6-7. In one example, the proximally directed surface is a proximal end surface of the body of the plunger rod. In another example, a recess/cut-out 62 is arranged in the body 61 of the plunger rod 6. The recess/cut-out 62 is open towards the housing 1 in the direction transverse to the longitudinal axis L. In this example, an edge of the recess/cut-out 62 comprises the proximally directed surface of the plunger rod 6, as shown in Figs 6-7 and Fig. 13.

In another example, the housing 1 comprises a wall facing towards the longitudinal axis L. The wall comprises a proximal section 71 and a distal section 70 closer to the longitudinal axis L than the proximal section 71 , as shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 7. An edge of the distal section 70 adjacent to the proximal section 71 comprises the proximally directed surface 71a of the housing 1 . Similarto the above-mentioned example, in one example where the housing 1 comprises the inner housing sleeve 7, the wall is a part of the inner housing sleeve 7. In one example where the plunger rod 6 is configured to releasably engage with distally directed surface 52a of the container driver 5 against the power source 60, the container driver 5 is movable along the longitudinal axis L between a first position where the flexible section 52 of the container driver 5 is enclosed by the distal section 70 of the wall of the housing 1 , as shown in Figs 5- 6, such that the flexible section 52 is blocked from flexing radially outwards thereby the distally directed surface 52a of the container driver 5 is engaged with the proximally directed surface of the plunger rod 6 and a second position where the flexible section 52 of the container driver 5 is lined up with the proximal section 71 of the wall of the housing 1 , as shown in Fig. 7, such that the flexible section 52 is able to flex radially outwards thereby the distally directed surface 52a of the container driver 5 is disengaged from the proximally directed surface of the plunger rod 6. The container driver 5 can be moved from the first position to the second position by any suitable mechanism. For example, the sub-assembly comprises a button connected to the container driver. In this example, the container driver can be manually moved by the user of the medicament delivery device. The button 3 can be positioned at the distal end of the housing 1 , as shown in Fig. 1 ; alternatively, the button can be positioned on a side portion of the housing, e.g., a slidable button protruding from the housing in the direction transverse to the longitudinal axis L. Alternatively, or additionally, the container driver 5 is configured to be moved from the first position to the second position by second power source, e.g., a spring 4.

In one example, the container driver 5 is configured to be moved towards the proximal end of the housing 1 from the first position to the second position thereby causing the biasing member 8 to accumulate more energy via the medicament container.

In another example, the housing 1 comprises a flexible section 12 comprising a protrusion 13 extending towards the longitudinal axis L. The protrusion 13 is configured to be operably engaged with the medicament container M. In this example, the sub-assembly comprises a cap 2 removably attached to the proximal end of the housing 1 , as shown in Fig. 1 . The cap 2 comprises a wall adjacent to the flexible section 12 of the housing 1 when the cap is attached to the housing. As a result, before the cap 2 is removed from the housing 1 , the protrusion 13 is operably engaged with the medicament container M to prevent the medicament container M and the container driver 5 from moving in the proximal direction relative to the housing 1 . In one example where the container driver 5 is configured to be moved towards the proximal end of the housing 1 from the first position to the second position, the plunger rod 6 is prevented from being accidentally released from the container driver 5 when the cap 2 is attached to the housing 1 . In one example where the housing 1 comprises the outer housing sleeve 16, the flexible section 12 and the protrusion 13 are located at the outer housing sleeve 16.

In one example, the cap 2 comprises a main body 20 configured to be gripped by the user of the medicament delivery device. The main body 20 may comprise a gripping facilitating feature, e.g., ribs, a hook, or a rubber over-molding surface. In one example, the cap 2 comprises a lid 21 attached at the proximal end of the main body 20. In one example, the lid 21 comprises a remover arm 22 extending towards the distal end of the housing 1 . The remover arm 22 comprises a grabber 22a configured to be engaged with a shield configured to cover the medicament delivery member, as shown in Fig. 21 . In one example, the cap 2 comprises a curved surface configured to interact with the housing, as shown in Fig. 2. As a result, an rotation of the cap 2 around the longitudinal axis L can be converted to an axial movement of the cap 2 in the direction of the longitudinal axis L. In one example where the sub-assembly comprises the container carrier 9, the protrusion 13 is engaged with the container carrier 9. In one example, the container carrier 9 comprises a protrusion 93 extending in the direction transverse to the longitudinal axis L. The protrusion 93 is configured to engage with the protrusion 13 of the housing 1 , as shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 21.

In one example where the sub-assembly comprises the button 3 movably attached to the housing 1 , the button 3 comprises a user-accessible section 30 extending out from the housing 1 , as shown in Fig. 1 and Figs 10-11 , and a proximally directed surface 131 configured to be engaged with a second distally directed surface 50a of the container driver 5, as shown in Fig. 11.

In one example, the proximally directed surface 131 of the button 3 is engaged with a second distally directed surface 50a of the container driver 5 when the container driver 5 is in the second position. In this example, the button 3 is configured to prevent the container driver 5 from being moved towards the distal end of the housing 1 when the user of the medicament delivery device presses the button. In other words, in this example, even if the plunger rod is in the proximal position, if the user still presses the button, the container driver 5 and the medicament container M cannot be moved in the distal direction relative to the housing 1 , as shown in Fig. 11 . In this example, the button may not be used to push the container driver from the first position to the second position as an above-mentioned example. For example, the button may not engage the container driver when the container driver is in the first position.

In one example, the button 3 comprises a proximally extending arm 132; 231 , the container driver 5 comprises a protrusion 50b; 151 extending in the direction transverse to the longitudinal axis L. The arm 132; 231 of the button 3 is configured to snap over the protrusion 50b; 151 of the container driver 5 when the container driver 5 moves from the first position, as shown in Fig. 10, Fig. 19, and Fig. 25, to the second position, as shown in Fig. 11 , Fig. 20, and Fig. 26, such that a tactile/audible indication is generated.

Another aspect of the presented disclosure provides a structure between the button 3 and the container driver 5. In this aspect of the presented disclosure, the body 50 of the container driver 5 extends along a longitudinal axis X between the proximal end and the distal end 150. The container driver 5 comprises a protrusion 151 extending from body 50. The protrusion 151 comprises a first chamfered surface 153 and a second chamfered surface 152. The first chamfered surface 153 is inclined in the direction along the longitudinal axis L; and the second chamfered surface 152 is inclined in the direction transverse to the longitudinal axis L such that the first chamfered surface 153 is configured to guide a rib 231c of the button 3 to move in a first direction and the second chamfered surface 152 is configured to guide the rib 231c of the button 3 to move in a second direction transverse to the first direction, as shown in Figs 24-25. Thus, the rib 231c of the button 3 can be guided to move in multiple directions and thus the design flexibility is increased.

In one example, the first chamfered surface 153 is a distally directed surface; and the second chamfered surface 152 is a proximally directed surface. In one example, the protrusion 151 extends from the distal end of the body 50. As mentioned above, the button 3 can provide at least two functions to the medicament delivery device. The button 3 can be used to block the container driver 5 from moving towards the distal direction relative to the housing 1 and/or the button 3 can be used to generate tactile/audible feedback when the protrusion 151 of the container driver 5 moves past the rib 231c of the button 3. In a preferred example, the housing 1 comprises a distal support surface 75 configured to block the arm 231 of the button 3 from flexing in one direction. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 11 , the distal support surface 75 prevents the arm 231 of the button 3 from flexing in the direction transverse to the longitudinal axis L such that the container driver 5 is blocked from moving in the distal direction relative to the housing 1 unless the button 3 is no longer pressed by the user. When the user releases the button 3, the container driver 5 moves the button 3 in the distal direction relative to the housing 1 . Once the rib 231c of the button 3 is moved away from being aligned with the distal support surface 75 in the direction transverse to the longitudinal axis L, the protrusion 151 of the container driver 5 deflects the arm 231 of the button 3. As a result, the container driver 5 can move relative to the button 3. In this example, the medicament delivery device can be more compact.

Furthermore, the first and the second chamfered surfaces as mentioned above enable the container driver 5 to move past the rib 231c of the button 3 initially even if the rib 231c of the button 3 is aligned with the distal support surface 75 in the direction transverse to the longitudinal axis L, as shown in Figs 19-20. As shown in Figs 25-26, the second chamfered surface 152 is configured to guide the rib 231c of the button 3 to move along the distal support surface of the housing 1 (the moving direction as shown with arrow T in Fig. 25). As a result, when the container driver 5 moves in the proximal direction relative to the housing 1 , the second chamfered surface 152 deflects the arm 231 of the button 3 such that the rib 213c of the button 3 moves past the protrusion 151 of the container driver 5. On the other hand, when the container driver 5 moves in the distal direction relative to the housing 1 , the first chamfered surface 153 is configured to guide the rib 231c towards the distal support surface 75 of the housing 1 , as shown in Fig. 26. As a result, the button 3 is configured to move together with the container driver 5 in the distal direction relative to the housing 1 .

In one example where the housing 1 comprises the inner housing sleeve 7, the distal support surface 75 is a part of the inner housing sleeve 7.

In one example, the first chamfered surface 153 is contiguous to the second chamfered surface 152, as shown in Fig. 24.

It should be noted that the first chamfered surface and the second chamfered surface can be used in other two components that are configured to interact with one another in a medicament delivery device, to enable a movement between the two components in one direction and block the movement between the two components in another direction; and/or to enable multiple movements in multiple directions between two components. Another aspect of the presented disclosure provides a mechanism of the medicament delivery device. The mechanism is configured to move the container driver 5 from the first position to the second position once the button 3 is moved by the user towards the proximal end of the housing 1 .

The mechanism comprises a control sleeve 10, as shown in Fig. 12. The control sleeve 10 comprises a sleeve body 100 extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis L between a proximal end and a distal end. The control sleeve 10 comprises a distal flange 101 extending from the distal end of the sleeve body 100; a first tab 102 extending from the sleeve body 100 of the control sleeve 10 in the direction of the longitudinal axis L; and a second tab 103 extending from the sleeve body 100 of the control sleeve 10 in the direction of the longitudinal axis L. In one example, the first tab 102 directs towards the distal end of the sleeve body 100, and the second tab 103 directs towards the proximal end of the sleeve body 100.

The first tab 102 comprises a protrusion 102a extending away from the longitudinal axis L. The second tab 103 comprises an outward protrusion 103a extending away from the longitudinal axis L, and an inward protrusion 103b extending towards the longitudinal axis L.

The mechanism comprises a penetration spring 4 placed on the distal flange 101 of the control sleeve 10 at one end and engaged with a second proximally directed surface 74 of the housing 1 at the other end. In one example where the housing 1 comprises the outer housing sleeve 16 and the inner housing sleeve 7, the second proximally directed surface 74 extends from the inner housing sleeve 7. In one example, as shown in Figs 13-14, the second proximally directed surface 74 extends from a distal end of the inner housing sleeve 7.

The protrusion 102a of the first tab 102 is configured to be operably engaged with the housing 1 such that the control sleeve 10 is held against the penetration spring 4 by the housing 1. In one example, the protrusion 102a of the first tab 102 is engaged with a ledge 72 of the housing 1. In one example where the housing 1 comprises the inner housing sleeve 7, the ledge is extending from the inner housing sleeve 7, as shown in Fig. 13. Similar to the above-mentioned example, the button 3 comprises the user- accessible section 30 extending out from the housing 1 . In this aspect of the presented disclosure, the button 3 comprises an inner wall 31 extending towards the proximal end of the housing 1 . A recess/cut- out 32 is arranged in the inner wall 31 of the button, as shown in Fig. 13, and Figs 22-23. Thus, before the button 3 is moved in the proximal direction relative to the housing 1 , the inner wall 31 of the button 3 blocks the first tab 102 from flexing radially outward. As a result, the protrusion 102a is engaged with the ledge 72 of the housing 1 . When the button 3 is moved in the proximal direction relative to the housing 1 at a predetermined distance, e.g., depending on the design of a trigger point selection, the recess/cut-out 32 is lined up with the protrusion 102a of the first tab 102. As a result, the first tab 102 flexes into the recess/cut-out 32. Thus, the protrusion 102a is disengaged from the edge 72 of the housing 1 , as shown in Figs 15-16. The control sleeve 10 now is moved in the proximal direction relative to the housing 1 by the penetration spring 4.

The second tab 103 of the control sleeve 10 is configured to be releasably attached to the container driver 5, as shown in Fig. 14. In one example, the inward protrusion 103b of the second tab 103 is configured to snap fit to a recess/cut-out 54 of the container driver 5. As a result, the container driver 5 is moved to the proximal end of the housing 1 by the control sleeve 10 under the force of the penetration spring 4. In a preferred example, the proximal movement of the container driver 5 causes the container driver 5 to move from the first position to the second position when the button 3 is moved in the proximal direction relative to the housing 1 , e.g., the button is pressed by the user.

In a preferred example, the housing 1 comprises a support wall 76. In one example where the housing 1 comprises the inner housing sleeve 7, the inner housing sleeve 7 comprises the support wall 76. As shown in Fig. 14, the support wall 76 is configured to engage with the outward protrusion 103a of the second tab 103 of the control sleeve 10. As a result, the inward protrusion 103b can be retained in the recess/cut-out 54 of the container driver 5 during the container driver 5 is moved from the first position to the second position. In a preferred example, the length of the support wall 76 in the direction of the longitudinal axis L is configured to define the distance between the first position and the second position of the container driver 5. In one example where the medicament delivery device is an injection device, the support wall 76 makes sure that an injection needle has reached a predetermined injection depth before the plunger rod 6 starts to expel medicament.

In this example, when the container driver 5 reaches the second position, the support wall 76 no longer blocks the second tab 103 of the control sleeve from flexing radially outward. As a result, the second tab 103 flexes radially outward, as shown in Fig. 17, thus, the inward protrusion is disengaged from the recess/cut-out 54 of the container driver 5.

Furthermore, in another example, the first tab 102 of the control sleeve 10 can be designed to pull the button 3 towards the proximal end of the housing 1 via the engagement between the protrusion 102a of the first tab 102 and the recess/cut-out 32 of the inner wall 31 of the button 3. In a preferred example, the inner wall 31 of the button 3 comprises a second recess/cut-out 33, as shown in Figs 22-23, and the housing 1 comprises a bump 17. In one example, the bump 17 is configured to loosely engage with the recess/cut-out 32 of the inner wall 31 of the button 3 to prevent the user from accidentally triggering the medicament delivery device, e.g., while the user is still observing the medicament delivery device.

Alternatively, or additionally, the bump 17 is configured to lock the button 3 in a pressed position. In this example, the second recess/cut-out 33 of the inner wall 31 of the button 3 can be either designed to be pressed to engage with the bump 17 or be pulled by the control sleeve 10 to engage with the bump 17. It should be noted that the bump 17 can be designed as a loose lock to temporarily lock the button 3 in the pressed position during medicament delivery operation to provide an indication to the user. In this example, the button 3 can be used with the above-mentioned design that is configured to use the button 3 to block the container driver 5 from being moved towards the distal end of the housing 1 when the button 3 is pressed by the user. Alternatively, the bump 17 can be designed to completely block the button 3 from being moved in the distal direction relative to the housing 1 .

Furthermore, in another example, the container driver 5 comprises a second recess/cut-out 55 configured to be engaged with the inward protrusion 103b of the second tab 103 when the container driver 5 is moved in the distal direction relative to the housing 1 by the biasing member s, as shown in Fig. 18. Thus, the medicament container M is held within the housing 1 after medicament delivery operation.

Furthermore, the housing of the medicament delivery device, as mentioned in any example, may be provided with (i.e., molded in, molded with) a compound featuring persistently antimicrobial, antifungal, and/or antiviral properties. Alternatively, a compound featuring persistently antimicrobial, antifungal, and/or antiviral properties may be applied to the molded (i.e., finished) components through secondary processes (e.g., chemical vapor deposition), spraying, or dipping processes.

The inventive concept has mainly been described above with reference to a few examples. However, as is readily appreciated by a person skilled in the art, other embodiments than the ones disclosed above are equally possible within the scope of the inventive concept, as defined by the appended claims.

Some other aspects of the invention are defined in the following clauses.

1 . A sub-assembly of a medicament delivery device, the sub-assembly comprising: a housing extending along a longitudinal axis between a proximal end and a distal end; wherein the housing comprises a proximally directed surface; a plunger rod accommodated with the housing; wherein the plunger rod comprises a body configured to be moved into a medicament container of the medicament delivery device; a container driver configured to be operably engaged to the medicament container such that the medicament container is immovable relative to the container drive in the direction of the longitudinal axis; wherein the container driver comprises a flexible section comprising a distally directed surface; wherein the container driver is positioned between the plunger rod and the housing in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis; a biasing member configured to be operably connected to the medicament container to bias the medicament container towards the distal end of the housing; wherein the plunger rod is movable along the longitudinal axis relative to the container driver between a distal position where the flexible section of the container driver is radially deflected by the body of the plunger rod such that the distally directed surface of the container driver is engaged with the proximally directed surface of the housing and a proximal position where the body of the plunger rod is disengaged from the flexible section of the container driver such that the distally directed surface of the container driver is disengaged with the proximally directed surface of the housing thereby the biasing member can bias the medicament container towards the distal end of the housing.

2. The sub-assembly according to clause 1 , wherein the sub-assembly comprises a container carrier configured to accommodate the medicament container of the medicament delivery device. 3. The sub-assembly according to clause 2, wherein the container driver is engaged with the container carrier.

4. The sub-assembly according to clause 3, wherein the container driver is snapped fit to the container carrier.

5. The sub-assembly according to any one of clauses 2-4 wherein the biasing member is a spring extending between a first end and a second in the direction of the longitudinal axis; wherein the spring is engaged with the housing at the first end and engaged with the container driver at the second end.

6. The sub-assembly according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the housing comprises an inner housing sleeve; wherein the container driver is positioned within the inner housing sleeve; and wherein the inner housing sleeve comprises the proximally directed surface of the housing.

7. The sub-assembly according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the plunger rod is configured to be connected to a power source to move the plunger rod into the medicament container; wherein the plunger rod comprises a proximally directed surface releasably engaged with the distally directed surface of the container driver such that the plunger rod is prevented from being moved by the power source relative to the container driver until the plunger rod is disengaged from the distally directed surface of the container driver.

8. The sub-assembly according to clause 7, wherein a recess/cut-out is arranged in the body of the plunger rod; wherein the recess/cut-out is open towards the housing in the direction transverse to the longitudinal axis; and wherein an edge of the recess/cut-out comprises the proximally directed surface of the plunger rod.

9. The sub-assembly according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the housing comprises a wall facing towards the longitudinal axis; wherein the wall comprises a proximal section and a distal section closer to the longitudinal axis than the proximal section; and wherein an edge of the distal section adjacent to the proximal section comprises the proximally directed surface of the housing.

10. The sub-assembly according to clause 9 when dependent on clause 7 or 8, wherein the container driver is movable along the longitudinal axis between a first position where the flexible section of the container driver is enclosed by the distal section of the wall of the housing such that the flexible section is blocked from flexing radially outwards thereby the distally directed surface of the container driver is engaged with the proximally directed surface of the plunger rod and a second position where the flexible section of the container driver is lined up with the proximal section of the wall of the housing such that the flexible section is able to flex radially outwards thereby the distally directed surface of the container driver is disengaged from the proximally directed surface of the plunger rod.

11. The sub-assembly according to clause 10, wherein the container driver is configured to be moved towards the proximal end of the housing from the first position to the second position thereby causing the biasing member to accumulate more energy via the medicament container.

12. The sub-assembly according to clause 11 when dependent on clause 5, wherein the proximal movement of the container driver relative to the housing is configured to compress the spring.

13. The sub-assembly according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the sub-assembly comprises a button movably attached to the housing; wherein the button comprises a user- accessible section extending out from the housing and a proximally directed surface configured to be engaged with a second distally directed surface of the container driver.

14. The sub-assembly according to clause 13 when dependent on clause 10 or 11 , wherein the distally directed surface of the button is engaged with a second distally directed surface of the container driver when the container driver is in the second position.

15. The sub-assembly according to clause 13 or 14 when dependent on clause 10, wherein the button comprises a proximally extending arm; wherein the container driver comprises a protrusion extending in the direction transverse to the longitudinal axis; and wherein the arm of the button is configured to snap over the protrusion of the container driver when the container driver moves from the first position to the second position such that a tactile/aud ible indication is generated.

16. The sub-assembly according to any one of clauses 13-15, wherein the button is attached to the distal end of the housing.

17. The sub-assembly according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein at least one of the second distally directed surface of the container driver and the proximally directed surface is a chamfered surface.

18. The sub-assembly according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the housing comprises a flexible section comprising a protrusion extending towards the longitudinal axis; wherein the protrusion is configured to be operably engaged with the medicament container; wherein the sub-assembly comprises a cap removably attached to the proximal end of the housing; and wherein the cap comprises a wall adjacent to the flexible section of the housing when the cap is attached to the housing. 19. The sub-assembly according to clause 18 when dependent on clause 2, wherein the protrusion is engaged with the container carrier.

Claims

1 . A sub-assembly of a medicament delivery device, the sub-assembly comprising: a housing extending along a longitudinal axis between a proximal end and a distal end; wherein the housing comprises a proximally directed surface; a plunger rod accommodated with the housing; wherein the plunger rod comprises a body configured to be moved into a medicament container of the medicament delivery device; a container driver configured to be operably engaged to the medicament container such that the medicament container is immovable relative to the container driver in the direction of the longitudinal axis; wherein the container driver comprises a flexible section comprising a distally directed surface; wherein the container driver is positioned between the plunger rod and the housing in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis; a biasing member configured to be operably connected to the medicament container to bias the medicament container towards the distal end of the housing; wherein the plunger rod is movable along the longitudinal axis relative to the container driver between a distal position where the flexible section of the container driver is radially deflected by the body of the plunger rod such that the distally directed surface of the container driver is engaged with the proximally directed surface of the housing and a proximal position where the body of the plunger rod is disengaged from the flexible section of the container driver such that the distally directed surface of the container driver is disengaged with the proximally directed surface of the housing thereby the biasing member can bias the medicament container towards the distal end of the housing.

2. The sub-assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the sub-assembly comprises a container carrier configured to accommodate the medicament container of the medicament delivery device.

3. The sub-assembly according to claim 2, wherein the container driver is engaged with the container carrier.

4. The sub-assembly according to claim 3, wherein the container driver is snapped fit to the container carrier.

5. The sub-assembly according to any one of claims 2-4 wherein the biasing member is a spring extending between a first end and a second in the direction of the longitudinal axis; wherein the spring is engaged with the housing at the first end and engaged with the container driver at the second end.

6. The sub-assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing comprises an inner housing sleeve; wherein the container driver is positioned within the inner housing sleeve; and wherein the inner housing sleeve comprises the proximally directed surface of the housing.

7. The sub-assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plunger rod is configured to be connected to a power source to move the plunger rod into the medicament container; wherein the plunger rod comprises a proximally directed surface releasably engaged with the distally directed surface of the container driver such that the plunger rod is prevented from being moved by the power source relative to the container driver until the plunger rod is disengaged from the distally directed surface of the container driver.

8. The sub-assembly according to claim 7, wherein a recess/cut-out is arranged in the body of the plunger rod; wherein the recess/cut-out is open towards the housing in the direction transverse to the longitudinal axis; and wherein an edge of the recess/cut-out comprises the proximally directed surface of the plunger rod.

9. The sub-assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing comprises a wall facing towards the longitudinal axis; wherein the wall comprises a proximal section and a distal section closer to the longitudinal axis than the proximal section; and wherein an edge of the distal section adjacent to the proximal section comprises the proximally directed surface of the housing.

10. The sub-assembly according to claim 9 when dependent on claim 7 or 8, wherein the container driver is movable along the longitudinal axis between a first position where the flexible section of the container driver is enclosed by the distal section of the wall of the housing such that the flexible section is blocked from flexing radially outwards thereby the distally directed surface of the container driver is engaged with the proximally directed surface of the plunger rod and a second position where the flexible section of the container driver is lined up with the proximal section of the wall of the housing such that the flexible section is able to flex radially outwards thereby the distally directed surface of the container driver is disengaged from the proximally directed surface of the plunger rod.

11 . The sub-assembly according to claim 10, wherein the container driver is configured to be moved towards the proximal end of the housing from the first position to the second position thereby causing the biasing member to accumulate more energy via the medicament container.

12. The sub-assembly according to claim 11 when dependent on claim 5, wherein the proximal movement of the container driver relative to the housing is configured to compress the spring.

13. The sub-assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sub-assembly comprises a button movably attached to the housing; wherein the button comprises a user- accessible section extending out from the housing and a proximally directed surface configured to be engaged with a second distally directed surface of the container driver.

14. The sub-assembly according to claim 13 when dependent on claim 10 or 11 , wherein the distally directed surface of the button is engaged with a second distally directed surface of the container driver when the container driver is in the second position.

15. The sub-assembly according to claim 13 or 14 when dependent on claim 10, wherein the button comprises a proximally extending arm; wherein the container driver comprises a protrusion extending in the direction transverse to the longitudinal axis; and wherein the arm of the button is configured to snap over the protrusion of the container driver when the container driver moves from the first position to the second position such that a tactile/aud ible indication is generated.