WO2021156575A1

WO2021156575A1 - Device for dispensing an ophthalmic product

Info

Publication number: WO2021156575A1
Application number: PCT/FR2021/050210
Authority: WO
Inventors: Fabrice Mercier; Emmanuel MURIAUX
Original assignee: Laboratoires Thea
Priority date: 2020-02-04
Filing date: 2021-02-04
Publication date: 2021-08-12
Also published as: FR3106747A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for dispensing a liquid ophthalmic product with a removable container. The device comprises an electric motor, an electric energy source for powering the motor, a spray nozzle (2), a pump which is operated by the motor and configured to pump and to pressurise a liquid ophthalmic product from a container. The device comprises an energy storage device suitable for releasing, in the pump or downstream of the pump, power to the liquid ophthalmic product. The product pressurised by the pump is supplied to the nozzle, and is dispensed in vaporised form, i.e. in the form of a spray. The device of the invention makes it possible for the user to dispense an ophthalmic product with a simple gesture, and without discomfort. It can be used for dispensing most liquid ophthalmic products, including viscous products, in doses of comparable volume to the volumes dispensed by conventional drip bottles.

Description

Device for dispensing an ophthalmic product The present invention relates to the field of the distribution and application of ophthalmic products, comprising pharmaceutical solutions and other liquid ophthalmic preparations, in particular eye drops.

It relates in particular to a device for dispensing a liquid ophthalmic product in vaporized form, that is to say in the form dispersed in fine droplets in a gas stream, typically in an air stream. The ophthalmic product so dispensed can be described as being dispensed or sprayed as a mist or mist.

In general, for ophthalmic products, bottles are known which are configured to contain an ophthalmic product and to preserve it from the external environment, and to deliver it in a controlled manner, in particular drop by drop.

However, it may be advantageous, in particular easier and more pleasant for the user, to distribute an ophthalmic product in a vaporized form, in a mist, which allows a fine and uniform distribution of the product on the surface of the cornea.

It may in particular be sought for certain medical applications an administration without propellant gas, often qualified by the English expression "airless", so as to preserve sterility, cleanliness, or not to affect the microbiological balance of the administration area. . Spraying in the form of a mist has a second advantage in terms of patient comfort when administered to sensitive or painful areas. Some known devices allow the creation of such a fog. These devices are based on the vibration of a piezoelectric membrane. A thin layer of liquid present on the surface of the piezoelectric membrane is vaporized by the vibration of the latter.

Document WO2020010116 discloses such a device. These devices nevertheless have significant drawbacks. First of all, they only allow the creation of a mist for liquid products of low viscosity, typically less than 10 centipoise (cPo) or 0.01 Pa.s so that the distribution time remains reasonable, that is to say. that is to say of the order of a second for these systems. The products dispensed using such devices thus have a maximum viscosity of the order of that of tears, which is of the order of 6.5 cPo (0.0065 Pa s). the time required for dispensing a dose of an ophthalmic product is moreover all the longer as the product to be dispensed is viscous. Beyond a certain viscosity, certain liquid products are no longer vaporizable, even in a very long time. However, such a period of time necessary for the delivery of a dose of an ophthalmic product is not satisfactory. With such a duration, the dispensing is not very pleasant for the user and this duration can also be detrimental to the correct application of the product, in particular because the user can blink an eye during the dispensing of the product, a blink of an eye. by reflex taking about 100ms. To summarize, the result is that the current systems are unsatisfactory as to the duration of product dispensing, and are limited to certain very fluid products, and to very low doses of product, for example of the order of 6 to 8 microliters. This does not allow the distribution of certain products containing poorly soluble active ingredients, the concentration of which is difficult to increase, and which are generally distributed in doses of 30 to 35 microliters. Furthermore, the distribution of a relatively viscous product, for example containing certain polymers, is sometimes desirable in order to increase the time of presence or “persistence” of the product on the eye.

The present invention thus aims to provide a device for dispensing a liquid ophthalmic product suitable for dispensing an ophthalmic product in vaporized form, including a relatively viscous one, in a sufficiently short time.

Thus, the invention relates to a device for dispensing a liquid ophthalmic product. This device has a connection interface suitable for connecting a removable tank.

The device comprises: - an electric motor;

- a source of electrical energy suitable for powering the engine,

- a spray nozzle,

- a pump actuable by the motor, configured to pump and pressurize a liquid ophthalmic product from a reservoir connected to said connection interface.

The pump is linked to the nozzle by a fluid connection so that the product pressurized by the pump is supplied to the nozzle. The nozzle is configured to dispense in vaporized form the liquid ophthalmic product pressurized by the pump. The device comprises an energy storage device configured to accumulate energy during an accumulation phase and to return it to the pump or downstream of the pump to the liquid ophthalmic product during a maintenance phase under pressure of the liquid ophthalmic product. Compared to piezoelectric membrane spraying, spraying using a pump driven by an electric motor which is associated with a suitable nozzle allows the spraying of a product that is significantly more viscous, and / or in a much shorter time. , which makes the reliable and compatible distribution of an application without inconvenience to the user. The energy storage device, adapted to return it (except for mechanical losses) in a pump chamber or downstream of the liquid pump, allows the liquid pressure to be maintained at the inlet of the spray nozzle, until the very end of the distribution. The energy accumulated by the energy storage device is returned directly to the ophthalmic liquid, in the pump (ie to the liquid present in the pump) or downstream thereof. Since the energy storage device returns energy directly to the liquid, and not to the motor which drives the pump, the energy storage device may not be linked to the pump. In particular, the energy storage device is not mechanically linked to the pump drive system by the motor, and in particular does not aim to apply a rotational movement to the pump. Thus, it makes it possible to maintain the pressure of the liquid at the inlet of the spray nozzle while the motor driving the pump tends to slow down, to stop, or is stopped. The quality of the mist produced, that is to say the good atomization of the liquid, is thus maintained during the distribution of the whole of the dispensed dose.

The energy storage device may include a helical spring and a piston, the helical spring being compressed during the accumulation step and then released during the step of maintaining pressure of the ophthalmic product to restore via the piston of energy to the liquid ophthalmic product This is a simple and reliable embodiment.

The energy storage device can thus comprise a spring, generally designating an element adapted to deform elastically during the energy accumulation, and a movable element in contact with the liquid ophthalmic product, the spring applying a force on the mobile element tending to pressurize the ophthalmic liquid product in the pump (that is to say in a chamber of the pump, for example in the emptying chamber) or downstream of the pump during the phase of restitution of the accumulated energy. The device for dispensing a liquid ophthalmic product may include a drain chamber, the device being configured so that during a suction step, a driving of the pump causes the drain chamber to be filled with liquid ophthalmic product, an orifice discharge chamber of the discharge chamber being closed so that there is no discharge of liquid from said chamber and the pump and during a discharge step the discharge orifice of the discharge chamber is open. The energy storage device can in this case be configured to accumulate energy during the step of aspiration of the liquid ophthalmic product and to restore it during the step of delivery of the liquid ophthalmic product present in the drain chamber.

The pump may for example have a displacement of between 10 microliters and 50 microliters. The device can be configured to dispense the device in doses of predetermined volume, each dose of the liquid ophthalmic product being between 10 microliters and 50 microliters. The pump, the nozzle, and the motor are advantageously configured so as to deliver said dose of liquid ophthalmic product in 500 milliseconds at most, and preferably in 100 milliseconds at most, for example of the order of 50ms.

Such sizing of the pump and of the device makes it particularly advantageous for the distribution of an ophthalmic product. The volume of one dose is sufficient to ensure satisfactory coverage of the corneal surface. This volume also allows the use of many ophthalmological preparations, and in particular to ensure a sufficient quantity of molecules or active principle (s) in the preparation. A short delivery time of up to 500 ms may be considered acceptable for user comfort. A time of 100 ms or less is even more preferable, as it ensures that the user will not have time to blink reflexively when the product dispense is triggered.

The requirements for spraying include engine power and speed, pump technology and displacement, nozzle technology and the area of its outlet, as well as the characteristics of the storage device. energy adapted to restore this energy directly to the liquid ophthalmic product.

The capacity of the pump can in particular be increased for the delivery of larger doses. The pump may for example have a displacement of the order of 20, 50, 100 microliters, 200 or 300 microliters, for the delivery of corresponding doses, in an identical time. The pump can in particular be configured to pressurize the liquid ophthalmic product to a maximum pressure at the outlet of the pump of 4.5 bars or more.

High pressure is necessary to achieve the desired fineness of spray, in fog and not in jets, providing satisfactory comfort to the user when dispensing the product.

A pressure of the order of 4.5 bars or more, for example 10 bars, addresses this problem for the targeted ophthalmic applications. A maximum pressure of 4.5 bars or more is mentioned, corresponding to the peak pressure when the product is pressurized by the pump, the pressure increasing rapidly but gradually at the outlet of the pump at the start of dispensing, and falling rapidly. but gradually at the end of distribution. For perfect vaporization throughout the dispensing of a dose of product, a pressure rise as rapid as possible, and a pressure drop as rapid as possible is desired so that the product mist reaches a very low pressure at the level of the ocular surface. This also allows a uniform mist to be obtained throughout the administration, and prevents the formation of large drops or jets at the start or end of the administration.

The pump can advantageously be an oscillating pump. Oscillating pump technology, in which a piston has a combined rotational and translational movement in a working chamber, has proven to be particularly suitable for obtaining the pressure and flow parameters necessary for proper spraying of the product in the mist.

The energy storage device can be adapted to accumulate energy during a suction phase and to release it during the discharge phase. During the discharge phase, the energy accumulated by the device is released while the engine is stopped or in the process of being stopped.

The energy storage device may have a spring-actuated piston that is compressed upon energy storage and released upon energy release. In this case, the piston of the energy storage device may be the piston of the rotary oscillator pump or another piston.

The energy storage device can for example take the form of a spring, which is compressed during the rotation of the pump by taking a marginal part of the power supplied by the motor. When the engine is stopped, the spring is released and returns the accumulated energy to the pump, for example via a translating piston. This maintains a high pressure level at the inlet of the nozzle, and allows satisfactory spraying of all, or substantially all, of the dose of product dispensed.

The nozzle can be configured to swirl the liquid ophthalmic product to promote vaporization.

The fact of giving a swirling movement to the liquid ophthalmic product in the nozzle, just before its distribution, promotes vaporization at the nozzle outlet. This also allows a homogeneous spray cone to be obtained at the outlet of the nozzle.

The dispensing device may include positioning means making it possible to guarantee a suitable three-dimensional positioning of the nozzle with respect to a surface intended to receive the ophthalmic product dispensed.

The correct positioning of the nozzle vis-à-vis the eye, in a correct alignment and in a correct distance range, allows to obtain a correct application of the product on the corneal surface, without going beyond it, and without the user feeling any discomfort which would be linked to too great a speed of arrival of the product on the eye.

The device may comprise two modules which can be separated from each other, namely a main body comprising the motor and the source of electrical energy, and a distribution head comprising the connection interface, the pump and the nozzle. . A constitution of the distribution device in two modules has many advantages. The dispensing head is thus the only one of the two modules in contact with the ophthalmic liquid. It can form a so-called "consumable" element, that is to say replaced with each new reservoir of ophthalmic product. The device is thus particularly well suited to the distribution of an ophthalmic product without preservative, packaged in a reservoir containing several doses (called "multi-dose"). The main body constitutes a module of the durable device, which is preserved and can be reused. The device's environmental impact is thus reduced. The fact of reusing the main body is economical, and also allows, according to certain embodiments of the device, the conservation of data relating to the patient, his treatment, and in particular the adherence to the treatment.

The invention also relates to a packaged ophthalmic product comprising a box containing: a reservoir containing an ophthalmic product, and a dispensing head comprising a connection interface suitable for connecting said reservoir, a pump and a nozzle. The dispensing head comprises in this case assembly means on a corresponding main body, so that the assembly of the dispensing head on the main body forms a dispensing device as described above.

This corresponds to the product as it can be commercially distributed in order to replace the distribution head and the reservoir of the device, while ensuring complete safety of use.

The invention also relates to a bottle of ophthalmic product comprising a dispensing device as described above and a reservoir containing the liquid ophthalmic product. The reservoir is connected to the connection interface of the dispensing device. The nominal capacity of the reservoir can be between 1mL and 5mL, for example 3mL.

With a reservoir originally containing a plurality of doses, the device can be used over a certain period, which may correspond to the duration of the treatment (if it is sufficiently short), or typically for a predefined duration, for example a week. or preferably one month. For example, a 3 mL vial may correspond to one month of treatment or more. Such a duration typically allows the use of a product without preservative, without risk of contamination of the product.

The reservoir may comprise a pierceable or fracturable part for the delivery of the liquid ophthalmic product that it contains and a movable or deformable element making it possible to adapt the volume of the reservoir to the quantity of product remaining in said reservoir. The reservoir may be a cartridge, and the reservoir connection interface comprises a needle adapted to pierce a septum that the cartridge comprises when connecting said cartridge to said connection interface.

The septum, conventionally made of an elastic material ensuring a good seal of the reservoir despite the piercing of the septum by the needle. In a bottle of ophthalmic product as described above, or in an ophthalmic product packaged as described above, the liquid ophthalmic product can for example have a maximum static viscosity of 150 cPo (0.15 Pa.s). The device is thus suitable for the distribution in the form of a spray mist of a liquid ophthalmic product, including viscous, or shear thinner. Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent in the description below.

In the accompanying drawings, given by way of nonlimiting examples:

- Figure 1 shows, in a schematic three-dimensional view, a device for dispensing a liquid ophthalmic product according to one embodiment of the invention; - Figure 2 illustrates, in a schematic three-dimensional view, one aspect of the dispensing device of Figure 1;

- Figure 3 illustrates, in a schematic three-dimensional view, a constituent dispensing head of the dispensing device of Figures 1 and 2; - Figure 4 illustrates, in a schematic three-dimensional view, a main body constituting the dispensing device of Figures 1 and 2;

- Figure 5 shows, in a three-dimensional schematic view, a device for dispensing a liquid ophthalmic product according to another embodiment of the invention; FIG. 6 represents, according to a block diagram, the positioning of a device for dispensing a liquid ophthalmic product according to one embodiment of the invention with respect to the eye of the user, during product distribution;

- Figure 7 shows, in a three-dimensional schematic view, the main elements of a main body constituting the device of Figure 5; - Figure 8 shows, in a three-dimensional schematic view, the main elements of a dispensing head constituting the dispensing device of Figure 5;

- Figure 9 is a partial schematic sectional view of a device for dispensing a liquid ophthalmic product according to another embodiment of the invention;

- Figure 10 shows, in a schematic sectional view, the dispensing device of Figure 5;

- Figure 11 is a partial three-dimensional view of a device for dispensing a liquid ophthalmic product according to another embodiment of the invention;

- Figure 12 shows, in a block diagram, an example of architecture that can be used in a distribution device according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 1 shows a device for dispensing a liquid ophthalmic product according to one embodiment of the invention.

The device is in the form of a housing 1 comprising a nozzle 2 for spraying a liquid ophthalmic product. A liquid product is defined, throughout this document, as a product having a maximum static viscosity of 200 cPo (0.2 Pa.s).

The housing 1 has a shape suitable for easy handling by the user, allowing the nozzle to be placed opposite the eye of the user. In the housing 1 is provided an electric motor powered by an electrical energy source (not visible in Figure 1). The energy source can be a battery, a set of batteries housed in a suitable housing of the housing 1, or a battery. In particular, the box may include a charging port 3, allowing the box to be connected to an electrical network for recharging the battery. As an alternative or in addition, the energy source can be a socket for connection to the electrical network, via an electrical transformer internal or external to the housing.

The electric motor enables the operation of a pump. The pump makes it possible to withdraw, by pumping, the ophthalmic product present in a reservoir which is connected to the device. Depending on the pump technology used, volumetric or not, the pump can also allow the metering of the quantity of fluid withdrawn from the reservoir and intended to be distributed (called dose). The outlet of the pump is fluidly linked to the inlet of the nozzle 2. The pump allows the pressurization of the liquid, at a pressure allowing its spraying, in the form of a mist, at the outlet of said nozzle 2. In particular, the pump allows the liquid to be pressurized to a pressure of at least 4 bars, in particular at least 4.5 bars, and advantageously of the order of 10 bars. Thus, during the distribution of the product, the pressure rises, at a peak, to 4.5 bars or more at the pump outlet, which allows the desired fineness of spraying, and the distribution of the product in vaporized form. Thus, although the static viscosity of the product is used as a simple reference to define a liquid product, the device is compatible with the distribution of very viscous products having shear thinning behavior, due to the shear forces under pressure generated in the nozzle 2.

The nozzle 2 can have various configurations allowing fine spraying of the product. The use of a nozzle giving the product a swirling movement has proved particularly advantageous. In such a nozzle, the swirling movement can be obtained using one or more channels supplied with product and opening tangentially or substantially tangentially to a wall of a swirl chamber of the nozzle. In general, the inlet capillary channel (s) of the nozzle have (have) a diameter making it possible to generate a fluid shear rate greater than 5000 s ^-1 . The swirl chamber has an outlet orifice, which is the spray orifice of the nozzle. The swirling movement of the fluid and its speed at the outlet of the nozzle promotes spraying of the liquid and the creation of a fine mist. The outlet orifice is shaped to present an outlet angle suitable for the envisaged applications of dispensing doses of a liquid ophthalmic product. The swirl chamber advantageously has a section decreasing from a base of the chamber remote from the orifice towards said orifice. The swirl chamber can in particular have a shape that is substantially conical of revolution, or frustoconical of revolution. The swirl chamber may include a cylindrical portion of revolution and a wall extending at one end of said cylindrical portion of revolution to define a conical or frustoconical portion of the chamber.

The wall of the swirl chamber may advantageously include so-called swirl grooves, extending substantially helically on the wall of the chamber. The spraying of a dose is controlled, in the example shown here, by pressing an actuating button 4. Any other control means can obviously be envisaged. Likewise, the starting of the motor driving the spraying can be conditioned, as an alternative or in addition to the actuation of a manual control means, on other conditions as detailed below. The housing may optionally include an adjustment means 5, for example making it possible to adapt the speed of the motor and correspondingly the speed of the distribution, according to the product distributed and in particular according to its physical properties (for example its viscosity).

The housing also includes, in the example shown, an ignition switch and a status indicator. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the ignition switch 6 and the indicator 7 are positioned on a face opposite that of the nozzle 2, and are not visible in Figure 1. They are visible in Figure 4 described below. The ignition switch can be a push button or any other suitable control means. The indicator is in the example shown a light-emitting diode display, the color of the display indicating a state of the device. For example, a bright green or red display can reflect the status of the device. Other status indicators may be employed (for example, a screen to display specific status information).

The status information can in particular relate to: - the on or off state of the device; - the general state of the device vis-à-vis the dispensing of the product (for example, ready or not-ready to dispense a dose of product);

- the state of charge of the battery, or more generally of the source of electrical energy; - the presence or absence of a reservoir linked to the device;

- the level of the product in the tank;

- Where appropriate (according to the embodiment in two modules, presented below with reference to Figures 3 and 4) the good connection or not between the two modules;

- any information concerning the operation of the device, in particular errors or abnormal operations detected;

- any information on the previous use of the device that has been stored.

FIG. 2 represents the device of FIG. 1, and in particular its face comprising the nozzle 2. The housing 1 comprises on this face (but this could be in any zone of the housing, according to various embodiments of the invention) a connection interface 8 of a tank 9.

The nature and configuration of the connection interface depends on the type of tank used, and vice versa. In the example shown here, the reservoir used is a cartridge. The cartridge may in particular be of the type generally designated "cartridge". The term "cartridge" (initially a registered trademark, which has become a common name), which is commonly used in the medical field, is the combination of the terms "cartridge" and "ampoule". The cartridge or cartridge is generally (but not necessarily) made of glass. It is in the general form of a tube, comprising an end 10 which can be fractured or which can be pierced. A movable stopper 11 is provided in the cartridge. The movable cap 11 makes it possible to vary the capacity of the cartridge, in order to allow the output of the product contained in said cartridge without compensation for the volume of product extracted (for example by air).

In order to be linked to the connection interface 8, the cartridge forming reservoir 9 is placed in a cartridge holder 12, then the cartridge holder 12 is placed in a housing 13 of the housing 1. At the connection interface 8, which is located in the housing 13, a needle pierces the end 10 of the cartridge during its installation. The needle is hollow, and allows the pumping of the product present in the cartridge.

Obviously any other type of suitable reservoir 9 can be used. For example, a cartridge or cartridge made of plastic material can be used. One deformable reservoir (flexible pouch, “accordion” collapsible reservoir, etc.), the volume of which adapts to the quantity of product it contains, can alternatively be used. Thus, a mobile or deformable element makes it possible to adapt the volume of the reservoir to the quantity of product remaining in said reservoir, without introducing air into the reservoir to compensate for the volume of product expelled.

FIGS. 3 and 4 respectively illustrate two constituent modules of the device of FIG. 1. The distribution device is in fact advantageously formed in two modules, namely a distribution head 14, such as that shown by way of example in FIG. 3, and a main body 15, such as that shown in FIG. 4. The dispensing head 14 comprises the nozzle 2, as well as all the conduits through which the ophthalmic product will be transported, from the reservoir 9 to the outlet of the nozzle 2. A shutter of the nozzle can be opened or closed by tilting a mechanical shutter control 16. In this case, the mechanical shutter control makes it possible to move a cover making it possible to cover (or on the contrary to discover) the outlet orifice of the nozzle 2, as close as possible to it. This protects the nozzle from possible environmental pollution such as dust, fine particles, etc. that may come onto the nozzle between two product dispensings.

As illustrated in Figure 11 and detailed below, the shutter can have automatic control, in particular synchronized with the pump. The dispensing head thus comprises the connection interface with the reservoir, this interface comprising for example a needle making it possible to pierce a pierceable element of the reservoir. The distribution head also includes the pump (for its fluidic part, and not its actuating means), the nozzle, and the conduits connecting the connection interface of the reservoir 9 to the pump, and the pump to the nozzle. The conduits are adapted to withstand the pressure of the ophthalmic product imposed on the outlet of the pump.

The distribution head 14 thus groups together the entire fluidic part of the system, in which the sterility of the system could be compromised. The dispensing head can thus advantageously form a disposable part of the dispensing device, which is replaced at each change of reservoir, or, alternatively, after a predetermined number of changes of reservoirs and / or after a period (number of days) of predefined use.

The main body 15 advantageously comprises the elements of the device which can be reused in a perennial manner, without risking contamination of the product or bacterial proliferation in the latter. In particular, the main body 15 comprises the means allowing the actuation of the pump, namely an electric motor and its source of electrical energy. The main body also comprises, in the example shown here, the housing 13 adapted to receive the reservoir (although the connection interface 8 with the reservoir is at the level of the distribution head 14). Alternatively, the housing 13 could of course be located in the distribution head 14.

The main body finally comprises the control means (ignition switch 6 and actuation button 4, adjustment knobs, etc.) of the device, as well as the luminous indicators 7 or other status indicators (display, etc.) . The main body further includes all or most of the device's electronic boards. For example, the main body 15 comprises the electronic control card of the pump actuation motor. The main body 15 may also include the device (s) driving and control card (s) (comprising for example a microcontroller), electronic data recording means, which may in particular include an electronic memory, where appropriate the means of communication between a device and a remote system (wired or wireless communication port, etc.).

The distribution head 14, and in correspondence the main body 15, comprise means adapted to cooperate mechanically and allowing the assembly of the distribution head 14 on the main body 15. The assembly of the distribution head 14 on the body main 15 thus forms the dispensing device shown in Figure 1.

During assembly, the elements of the dispensing head 14 and of the main body 15 respectively intended to cooperate with each other are linked. In the example shown, centering studs 17, located on the main body 15, are inserted into the corresponding notches of the dispensing head 14. This cooperation allows the correct alignment between the dispensing head 14 and the main body 15. The centering studs 17 can also be configured so as to form, in cooperation with the corresponding notches, a keying device allowing assembly of the device only if the dispensing head 14 and the main body 15 have a correct relative orientation. The centering studs 17 can in particular have different shapes and / or positions on the main body ensuring this keying function. Tabs 18 carried by the main body are adapted to clip into the corresponding slots of the dispensing head. The tongues 18 can be elastically deformable, or be rigid but tiltably mounted (for example along an axis in the lower part of the tongue 18, a return spring further tending to return the tongue 18 to an initial position) so as to allow clipping.

Alternatively, all or part of the aforementioned assembly means (centering studs 17, corresponding notches, tabs 18, corresponding slots) can be reversed, between the dispensing head 14 and the main body 15, compared to the configuration described above and shown in Figures 3 and 4. Likewise, many other connecting means between the main body and the dispensing head can be successfully employed.

During assembly, a coupling is made between the electric motor included in the main body and the pump included in the distribution head. For example, an output shaft of the motor can be connected to a pinion or to any non-cylindrical head of revolution (for example a square, triangular head, or any prismatic head with a non-circular base), which is introduced during the assembly of the device in a corresponding actuation cavity of the pump. The centering studs 17 can be supplemented by additional guides, located near the head 19, which make it possible to ensure that the docking of the diffusion head with respect to the motor is carried out perfectly in the axis. wish.

Finally, electrical or electronic connection means can be arranged between the distribution head and the main body, for example to supply sensors or other electrical devices present in the distribution head 14, and, where appropriate, allow the transmission of an electrical signal from the distribution head 14 to the main body 15.

Finally, FIG. 4 shows, at the level of the cartridge holder 12, the orifice through which the reservoir 9 is connected to the connection interface 8 of the dispensing head 14. FIG. 5 represents, in a schematic view in three dimensions, a device for dispensing a liquid ophthalmic product in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. The device of Figure 5 uses the general constitution of the device of Figure 1, in a configuration optimized in terms of compactness and ergonomics. For example, the device may have dimensions of the order of 50mm in width, 50mm in depth, and 150mm in height, making it easy to one-handed gripping and handling. Obviously, any dimensioning suitable for easy handling is possible.

The device of FIG. 5 thus comprises a main body 15, certain aspects of which are shown in detail in FIG. 7, and a dispensing head 14 comprising a nozzle 2 and certain aspects of which are shown in detail in FIG. 8. It comprises , just like the embodiment of Figure 1, an actuating button 4, an ignition switch 6.

The device of FIG. 5 further comprises positioning means 20, which aim to guarantee a suitable three-dimensional positioning of the nozzle vis-à-vis the eye of the user, and in particular the corneal surface intended to receive the ophthalmic product dispensed.

In order for the ophthalmic product mist to be properly distributed over the surface of the user's cornea, the nozzle 2 must indeed be correctly positioned and oriented in space. This problem is illustrated in Figure 6. The main axis of the nozzle A, which corresponds to the main axis of the diffusion cone 21 of angle a according to which the product is ejected from the nozzle must be aligned with the pupil 22 from the user's eye. The diffusion cone 21 is a cone of revolution, the apex of which is located at the outlet of the nozzle 2, widening according to the angle a measured between the main axis of the nozzle A and the diffusion cone 21 and the outer surface of said diffusion cone 21. In addition, the distance between the nozzle 2 and the user's eye must be within a distance range allowing the coverage of all or almost all of the corneal surface 23 of the eye, without the fog injected does not impact (or only marginally) the eyelids 24 of the user.

In this case, the distance d between the nozzle 2 and the user's eye can be of the order of 2.5 cm.

This distance also allows the material to be sprayed to reach the eye with low momentum, so that the impact of the mist-forming droplets is not perceived as an inconvenience to the user.

The device for dispensing an ophthalmic product in the form of a mist thus offers ease of application for the unknown user with drip bottles, but also with known devices of the piezoelectric membrane type which involve a long dispensing time. , well above 100 ms.

In order to guarantee the desired precise positioning, the positioning means 20 may be formed of a corolla 25, as in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 5. The corolla 25 comprises a circular base 26 which can be linked to the device around. of the nozzle 2. The base of the corolla 25 is also linked to the mechanical shutter control 16, so that a rotation of the corolla 25 allows the actuation of said mechanical shutter control 16 and the opening or the closure of the shutter of the nozzle 2. The corolla 25 has an edge 27, distal with respect to the nozzle 2. The edge 27 is configured to rest on the face of the nozzle. the user, around their eye. The corolla 25 at a depth P which ensures that when the edge 26 rests on the user's face, around his eye, the outlet of the nozzle 2 is located at a desired distance d from the eye of the user. user. Further, the positioning of the edge 27 around the user's eye allows alignment between the main axis of the nozzle A and the pupil of the eye, which alignment is can be fine-tuned by the user by attaching look at the nozzle 2.

The edge 27 of the corolla 25 may be substantially circular, or have a three-dimensional shape corresponding more precisely to the shape of the orbit of the eye.

Although the embodiment of FIG. 1 has been shown without the corolla 25, this embodiment is compatible with these positioning means. In particular, an attachment interface 28 of the corolla 25 is present around the nozzle 2.

Furthermore, other positioning means 20, allowing the alignment of the main axis of the nozzle A vis-à-vis the pupil of the user's eye and / or the respect of a distance d desired between the nozzle 2 and the user's eye can be successfully employed within the scope of the present invention. For example, the corolla (or more generally the device) can be equipped with one or more sensors configured to detect contact between the corolla and the face of a user. In particular, the sensor (s) can be configured to detect that contact between the corolla and the user's face is made on all or only part of the periphery of the corolla. Furthermore, other mechanical positioning means can be used. As an alternative or complement, electronic positioning means can be used. For example, the device can include one or more range finders. The device may include one or more cameras, and an image processing system for identifying the position, in two or three dimensions, of the pupil.

The positioning means can be used to actuate (eg turn on) a positioning indicator, for example when correct positioning is obtained and confirmed by said positioning means. As an alternative or complement, the positioning means can be used to prohibit the distribution of the product (until correct positioning is obtained), or to automatically trigger the distribution.

Figure 7 shows, in a schematic three-dimensional view, the main elements of a main body constituting the device of Figure 5. In Figure 7, the outer shell (or housing) of the main body 15 is shown diagrammatically in transparency, revealing the main elements it contains. Access to reception accommodation 13 of the tank is enabled by a hatch 29, movable or removable. The motor 30, for example a brushed or brushless electric motor (called "brushless" according to the English term commonly used), is provided in a volume of the main body 15 extending substantially parallel to the housing 13 for receiving the reservoir. The motor 30 comprises an output shaft, which is coupled to the head 19. In the example shown here, the transmission of the rotation between the output shaft of the motor 30 and the head 19 is direct, without reduction, that is, that is, one revolution of the motor results in one revolution of the head 19. The head 19 is further aligned with the output shaft of the motor. The connection between the output shaft of the motor 30 and the head 19 can in particular be made using a set of intermediate parts. Certain embodiments of the invention may include a transmission system between the motor and the head, which causes a shift and / or a different orientation between the output shaft of the motor and the head 19, and / or a gear ratio. transmission (reduction) different from one. In the example shown, the main body 15 comprises two centering studs 17 adapted to cooperate with two corresponding notches 31 of the dispensing head 14 shown in FIG. 8.

In particular, FIG. 8 represents, in a schematic view in three dimensions, the main elements of a dispensing head constituting the dispensing device of FIG. 5, adapted to be linked to the main body of FIG. 7 to form such a distribution device. In FIG. 8, the outer shell (or casing) of the dispensing head 14 is shown diagrammatically in transparency, revealing the main elements it contains. Thus, in alignment with the housing 13 for receiving a tank, the connection interface 8 of the tank 9 is provided. In this case, the connection interface comprises fins 32 adapted to grip the end 10 of the tank. 9, namely a suitable cartridge or cartridge, in order to guarantee the correct positioning and maintenance of the reservoir. The distribution head contains a set of conduits 33 which connect the fluidic means of the connection interface 8 to a pump 34. The pump 34 is advantageously an oscillating-rotary pump. An oscillating-rotating pump is based on the transformation of a rotational movement (here induced by the motor 30) into a combined movement of angular rotation and reciprocating longitudinal translation of a piston in a working chamber. The pump used (oscillorotating or of another type) may in particular have a displacement of between 10 and 50 microliters, for example of the order of 10, 15, 30, 32, 40, or 50 microliters. In this case, the rotation of the pump is induced here by the motor 30 via the head 19 introduced during the assembly of the device in an actuation cavity 35 of the pump 34.

The pump 34 sucks in the liquid ophalmic product present in the reservoir 9, and imposes a high pressure on the liquid, typically 4.5 bars or more, at the pump outlet.

The liquid ophthalmic product is transported under high pressure to nozzle 2, at the outlet of which it is sprayed as a mist.

In addition to a suitable nozzle configuration, exemplified below, it is necessary for the spray to be effective throughout the dispensing of the product that the product pressure be maintained at a high level for as much of the time as possible. distribution (however short). This can be achieved with the help of a powerful motor and particularly responsive steering, or, optionally, an additional system. But, generally, the engine acceleration time to achieve a desired spray quality is not negligible compared to the duration of ejection of the dose of fluid delivered by the pump. As a result, the rate of ejection is not constant throughout the dose.

Thus, to this end, the device can be provided, at the level of the pump 30 or at the outlet thereof, with an energy storage system. Such an energy storage system makes it possible to store a quantity of energy that can be released quickly to allow the maintenance of an acceptable pressure of the product during the deceleration phases of the electric motor and, consequently, of the pump (before it is stopped). ) that precede the end of the dispensing of a dose of the product. These deceleration phases typically last a few milliseconds, but can nevertheless affect the quality of the spray. Such an energy storage system may include a spring, for example a helical spring, which is compressed and then released during the phases of expelling the product and stopping the pump, making it possible to restore by a means (for example a piston) energy to the product, downstream of the pump, to maintain it at a high pressure.

Thus, the energy storage device is configured to absorb and accumulate energy during a so-called accumulation phase, and to release it (except for losses) during a release phase. This restitution phase aimed at maintaining pressure of the liquid at the inlet of the nozzle 2, it is also possible to speak of a phase for maintaining the pressure of the liquid ophthalmic product.

Thus, in one embodiment, the energy storage system may be able to absorb energy during a liquid suction phase (the accumulation phase being included in this suction phase) and to return it to the liquid during a liquid delivery phase (the delivery phase or pressure maintenance of the liquid ophthalmic product being included in this delivery phase). For this, the pump can be configured so as to have at least two stages during its operation, namely, - a suction stage, during which the driving of the pump causes the filling of a drain chamber, a discharge port of the drain chamber being closed so that there is no discharge of liquid from said chamber and from the pump, and during which energy is accumulated by the energy storage system (for example, a spring is compressed), and - a discharge step during which the discharge port of the emptying chamber is opened and the energy storage system restores the accumulated energy to the liquid present in the chamber valve (for example, the spring relaxes), causing the liquid to flow back through the discharge port.

Such operation further ensures that there is no return of product to the reservoir, which could compromise the sterility of the product in the reservoir.

Figure 9 shows a pump and energy storage device assembly suitable for use in an ophthalmic product delivery device according to one embodiment of the invention.

The pump 34 is an oscillating pump comprising a piston 49. The piston 49 is movable in a working chamber 50. When the dispensing device is formed by assembling a main body and a dispensing head, the piston 49 of the pump 34 can be rotated by the head 19 of the motor. A cam 51 drives a translational movement of the piston 49.

The end of the working chamber 50 forms the emptying chamber 52, the volume of which varies according to the longitudinal position of the piston 49 in the working chamber 50.

The head 53 of the piston 49 is configured so as to alternately place the inlet 38 of the pump and the outlet 54 of the pump (ie its discharge port) in fluid communication with the emptying chamber 52, and if necessary to prevent during an intermediate phase any fluid communication between the emptying chamber 52 on the one hand and the inlet 38 or the outlet 54 on the other hand.

According to the embodiment of FIG. 9, the energy storage device comprises a spring 55. The spring 55 is a helical spring which is compressed during the aspiration of the liquid ophthalmic product which comprises the accumulation or coincide phase. with this one. FIG. 9 represents the compressed spring 55, the emptying chamber 52 having at this moment its maximum volume. The spring 55 relaxes during the restitution phase. Releasing the spring provides energy to move the piston to empty the drain chamber, maintaining high pressure in and downstream of the drain chamber.

In the example shown in FIG. 9, a helical spring causing a thrust of between 40N and 70 N, preferably between 45N and 65 N, and even more preferably between 50 N and 60N, at the start of the restitution phase ( ie when the spring is compressed), has been used successfully. The tests were carried out with a device comprising a piston 49 whose head 53 has a surface in contact with the ophthalmic liquid product of approximately ^{16 mm 2.}

In general, a spring causing a significant thrust allows the generation of fine droplets, until the end of the dispensing of the product (typically until the end of the discharge phase).

In a device not comprising these two distinct phases during the dispensing of the product, the energy storage device can, in general, accumulate energy during an accumulation phase located towards the beginning of the distribution, then restore the energy thus accumulated in a phase of maintaining the pressure of the liquid ophthalmic product located towards the end of the distribution.

Figure 10 shows, in a schematic sectional view, the dispensing device of Figure 5, obtained by assembling the main body of Figure 7 and the dispensing head of Figure 8.

In FIG. 10, the hatch 29 is in the open position, and a reservoir 9, namely a cartridge, has been placed in position in the housing 13 of the device. In this embodiment, the housing 12 is adapted to the shape of the cartridge of which it ensures the guidance during its positioning. No cartridge holder is used. The connection interface has a hollow auguille 36 which pierces a septum 37 located at the end 10 of the cartridge during the installation of the latter. The septum 37 can be made of a flexible material, in particular of a polymer material.

The needle 36, which forms the fluidic means of the connection interface 8, is linked to the assembly of conduits 33. The assembly of conduits 33, thus fluidly connects, via the internal conduit of the needle 36 which is hollow, the internal volume of the reservoir 9 (here a cartridge) at the inlet 38 of the pump 34. In the case of an oscillating-rotary pump such as that used in the example shown here, the inlet 38 of the pump opens into the working chamber in which a piston is movable in a combined movement of rotation and translation. The outlet of the pump is generally located opposite the inlet 38. The nozzle 2 is advantageously located in the axis of the outlet of the pump 34.

The motor 30 is coupled to the pump 34, via the head 19 and the corresponding cavity 35. The rotation of the motor 30 is controlled by means of an encoder 39, interposed between the output shaft of the motor and the head 19. FIG. 11 shows a device according to an embodiment of the invention, according to an embodiment of the invention. partial view in which only the internal elements of the device are represented. This device comprises in particular an automatically actuated shutter. The shutter 56 has, in the example shown, the shape of a blade, and is mounted in translation with respect to the rest of the dispensing device. In particular, the shutter 56 comprises lateral wings 57, mounted in slides (not shown), which allow the translation of the shutter 56. Many other configurations are obviously possible.

The device comprises a surface forming a cam 58, on which the shutter 56 rests, and which causes a translation of the shutter 56 synchronized with the rotation of the pump 34 and of the motor which drives the pump 34 in rotation. In the example shown here, the cam-forming surface is linked to the device for driving the pump in rotation, in particular to the axis of the electric motor.

The camming surface 58 can be formed integrally with the pump 34, for example with a pump casing 34, or be attached to the pump or to its drive system as in the example shown here.

The device is configured so that the product delivery (and ejection) phase takes place when the shutter 56 is in the open position, freeing the orifice of the nozzle 2. The device is further configured so that, when the device is the stopper, between two dispenses, the shutter is in the closed position and covers the nozzle 2.

This prevents misuse of the device, in particular it prevents a user from forgetting to open the shutter before administering a dose of ophthalmic product. This also prevents a user from forgetting to close the shutter after using the device with the risk of soiling or degradation of the nozzle that would result.

FIG. 12 shows, in a block diagram, an example of an architecture that can be used in a distribution device according to an embodiment of the invention.

The distribution device is structured around a microcontroller 40 controlling all of the electronic functions of said distribution device. The microcontroller 40 is powered by the power source of the device, in this case a battery 41. The battery 41 can be recharged by a charger 42, supplied via the charging port 3. The microcontroller also manages the commands coming from the. 'ignition switch 6, of the adjustment means 5, and of the actuation button 4. In particular, the microcontroller 40 controls the operation of the motor 30, for example via a motor driver 43. In return, the encoder 39 makes it possible to inform the microcontroller 40 of the rotation of the motor 30. The microcontroller also controls, according to the information that it receives and that it processes, the various indicators that the device comprises, in particular the status indicator 7. The device can also include an audible warning device 44, which can be used for various functions: warn the user that the positioning of the device in relation to his eye is correct or not, warn the user of forgetting to switch off the device (for example e, after a predetermined time without dispensing product), validate the switching on of the device, etc.

Various parameters can be controlled by the device to determine information as to its status. In particular, information on the presence (or absence) of a dispensing head on the main body can be transmitted to the microcontroller 40 (“consumable presence” information 45, thus called the dispensing head advantageously forming a disposable or recyclable consumable. after use). Likewise, information on the presence (or absence) of a tank (information on "cartridge presence 46") can be transmitted to the microcontroller 40.

A memory 47 may be provided, in order to keep parameters of use of the device and / or data relating to the distribution of the product. The settings of use may in particular relate to the user or his treatment (dosage, etc.), or to personalized settings of the device. Usage data may include the number of doses dispensed, the amount of product dispensed, temporal data relating to the distribution of the product (e.g. dates and times), time elapsed since a reservoir was placed, etc. . The memory can be permanently linked to the device, or be in the form of a memory card taking place in an appropriate reader that the distribution device includes.

A programming module 48 can be linked to the microcontroller. The programming module makes it possible, via an interface external to the distribution device or included in the latter, to potentially program any function controlled by the microcontroller 40. The programming module 48 can in particular include the means of communication between the distribution device and a system. distant. The device can thus allow the transmission of data to a remote system such as a computer, a server, or a mobile device (tablet or smart phone, for example). If necessary, the distribution device can also receive data from such a remote system. Data transmission can be wired, or wireless. For wireless transmission, various protocols can be used, in particular and by way of non-limiting example: WiFi, Bluetooth (including Bluetooth Low-Energy), and Zigbee (registered trademarks), or any protocol adapted from the Internet of Things. .

Finally, it should be noted that in the context of a distribution device in two modules, all of the elements described with reference to FIG. 12 are advantageously included in the module which does not constitute a consumable, namely the main body of the device. . The device thus developed in the context of the present invention allows the distribution of a liquid ophthalmic product in the form of a mist, and has many advantages compared to the devices known in the state of the art. Compared to drip bottles, the dispensing device developed in the invention allows a simple and easy application, with simplified gestures for the user, in that it is not necessary to tilt the head, to drop one or more drops of the product on the eye or in the conjunctival sac. The application is greatly simplified, which is of great interest for pediatric applications. Once the product comes out of the nozzle orifice, the pressure is immediately released. This sudden release of pressure (typically from a pressure between 4.5 and 10 bars at atmospheric pressure which is of the order of of 1 bar) constitutes an important parameter favoring an extremely fine spraying of the liquid ophthalmic product. In addition, when the mist reaches the eye, the pressure exerted on the eye is very low, causing no discomfort for the user, or at least no discomfort comparable to that of instilling a drop. in the eye by a classic drip bottle. The pressure at the level of the eye corresponds to the pressure generated by the impact of the droplets of the ophthalmic product mist on the surface of the eye. This pressure is related to the size of the droplets and the speed at which they arrive on the surface. Tests have shown that the pressure at the surface of the eye generated by the dispensing device was less than 60 g / cm ² , the surface of the eye being located approximately 2.5 cm from the nozzle 2. A such pressure level ensures perfect comfort for the user. These tests were carried out on pressure films marketed by the company Prescale and comprising on their surface microcapsules containing a dye and adapted to be broken under a given pressure. Compared to spraying by piezoelectric membrane, spraying using a pump driven by an electric motor which is associated with a suitable nozzle allows the spraying of a much more viscous product, and / or in a much shorter time. . In the embodiments of the invention associating an oscillating pump with a nozzle giving the product a vortex movement, the distribution of a dose of 30 micro-liters of a shear-thinning product with a viscosity of about 150 cPo (0 , 15 Pa.s) in less than 100 ms (ensuring that the user's eye is not blinking) has been successfully completed. Numerous liquid eye preparations, including viscous ones, can thus be dispensed in sufficient quantity and in a sufficiently short time to obtain therapeutic efficacy at least as good as in the case of drip instillation.

The dispensing device that is the subject of the invention has in particular demonstrated its ability to generate a good quality mist, with small droplets. In particular, tests were carried out on the device described with reference to the appended figures with: water, an ophthalmic product having a viscosity of 2.5 cPo (0.0025 Pa.s), an ophthalmic product having a viscosity of 8 cPo (0.008 Pa.s) and with an ophthalmic product having a viscosity of 14 cPo (0.014 Pa.s).

With these four products, the device made it possible to obtain a mist, 90% of the droplets of which have a diameter of less than 45 microns (Dv90 less than 45 microns). A Dv50 of the order of 20 microns was obtained with these four products. The tests have also shown the importance of the capacity of the energy storage device to restore energy to the liquid ophthalmic product during the product delivery phase. In particular, the pressure maintenance achieved by the energy storage device proves to be important in order to preserve the generation of very fine droplets, until the end of the distribution.

Since the device is easy to use and does not generate any discomfort, it has the advantage of encouraging the patient user to better comply with his treatment than known devices. It is thus of great interest for long-term treatments.

Claims

1. Device for dispensing a liquid ophthalmic product, the device comprising a connection interface (8) adapted to the connection of a removable reservoir (9), comprising: - an electric motor (30),

- a source of electrical energy suitable for supplying the motor (30),

- a spray nozzle (2),

- a pump (34) actuable by the motor (30), configured to pump and pressurize a liquid ophthalmic product from a reservoir (9) connected to said connection interface (8), the pump (34) being linked to the nozzle (2) by a fluid connection so that the product pressurized by the pump (34) is supplied to the nozzle (2), said nozzle (2) being configured to dispense in vaporized form the liquid ophthalmic product placed under pressure, characterized in that it comprises an energy storage device configured to accumulate energy during an accumulation phase and to return it to the pump or downstream of the pump to the liquid ophthalmic product during a phase of maintaining the liquid ophthalmic product under pressure.

2. Device for dispensing a liquid ophthalmic product according to claim 1, wherein the energy storage device comprises a coil spring and a piston, the coil spring being compressed during the accumulation step and then released during the accumulation step. the step of maintaining the liquid ophthalmic product under pressure in order to restore energy to the liquid ophthalmic product via the piston.

3. Device for dispensing a liquid ophthalmic product according to claim 1 or claim 2, comprising an emptying chamber, the device being configured so that during a suction step, a driving of the pump causes the chamber to be filled. for emptying liquid ophthalmic product, a discharge orifice of the emptying chamber being closed so that there is no discharge of liquid out of said chamber and of the pump, and during a discharge step the orifice of discharge chamber is opened and the energy storage system returns the accumulated energy to the liquid present in the discharge chamber.

4. Device according to claim 3, wherein the energy storage device is configured to accumulate energy during the suction step of the liquid ophthalmic product and to restore it during the delivery step of the liquid ophthalmic product. liquid ophthalmic product.

5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pump (34) has a displacement of between 10 microliters and 50 microliters.

6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device is configured to dispense the device in doses of predetermined volume, each dose of the liquid ophthalmic product being between 10 microliters and 50 microliters, in which the pump (34), the nozzle (2), and the motor (30) are configured so as to deliver said dose of liquid ophthalmic product in 500 milliseconds at most, and preferably in 100 milliseconds at most.

7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pump (34) is configured to pressurize the liquid ophthalmic product to a maximum pressure at the outlet of the pump (34) of 4.5 bar or more.

8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pump (34) is an oscillating pump.

9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the nozzle (2) is configured to give a swirling movement to the liquid ophthalmic product to promote vaporization.

10. Device according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising positioning means (20) to ensure a suitable three-dimensional positioning of the nozzle vis-à-vis a surface intended to receive the dispensed ophthalmic product.

11. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said device comprises two modules which can be separated from one another, namely a main body (15) comprising the motor (30) and the source of electrical energy. , and a distribution head (14) comprising the connection interface (8), the pump (34) and the nozzle (2).

12. Packaged ophthalmic product comprising a box containing: a reservoir (9) containing an ophthalmic product, and a dispensing head (14) comprising a connection interface (8) adapted to the connection of said reservoir (9), a pump (34). ) and a nozzle (2), said dispensing head (14) comprising assembly means on a corresponding main body, so that the assembly of the dispensing head (14) on the main body forms a device according to claim 11.

13. Bottle of ophthalmic product comprising a device according to one of claims 1 to 11 and a reservoir (9) containing said liquid ophthalmic product, said reservoir (9) being connected to said connection interface (8).

14. Bottle of ophthalmic product according to claim 13, wherein the nominal capacity of the reservoir (9) is between 1 ml_ and 5 ml_, for example 3 ml_.

15. Bottle of ophthalmic product according to claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the reservoir (9) comprises a pierceable or fracturable part for the delivery of the liquid ophthalmic product that it contains and a movable or deformable element for adapting the. volume of the reservoir (9) to the quantity of product remaining in said reservoir.

16. Bottle of liquid ophthalmic product according to claim 15, wherein the reservoir (9) is a cartridge, and the connection interface (8) of the reservoir (9) comprises a needle (36) adapted to pierce a septum (37). ) that the cartridge comprises when connecting said cartridge to said connection interface

(8).

17. Bottle of ophthalmic product according to one of claims 13 to 16 or packaged ophthalmic product according to claim 12, wherein the liquid ophthalmic product has a maximum static viscosity of 150 cPo (0.15 Pa.s).