As part of our blog series on insulin pens, I would like to highlight the usefulness and challenges of virtual verification of these devices today. As an engineer at B&W, specializing in the development and optimization of medical devices, I have deep insights into the complex processes that our products go through before they reach the market. In particular, the verification of insulin pens, a critical tool in the management of diabetes, is the focus of my contribution today. Before that, they should have read the previous parts of this series.
The virtual verification of insulin pens offers numerous advantages. One of the most outstanding is the cost savings. By performing verification in a simulated environment, we eliminate the need for physical materials such as insulin pens and the costly insulin itself. These tests are often done with water instead of insulin to further reduce costs. In addition to saving materials, virtual verification also reduces the need for staff and lab space by reducing the need for physical testing. Another advantage is speed: simulations allow us to test various parameters quickly and efficiently, which would not be possible with physical tests due to manual handling and evaluation. Despite these advantages, there are also challenges. Changes to the system, such as the use of a new plastic for components, require a comprehensive review and adjustment of the simulation. This is time-consuming and requires re-comparisons with real-world verification data. Another disadvantage is the need for specialized personnel. Expertise is required to transfer real-world verification results to the virtual world and communicate with regulators. In addition, we need experts to carry out the simulations ourselves, which can be challenging, especially if there is no previous experience with such processes.
Investing in the future
Despite these challenges, investing in virtual verification technologies makes sense and is justified. Similar to the automotive industry, which has moved from countless physical crash tests to a smaller number of tests validated by simulation, we can expect the verification processes for insulin pens (and other devices for that matter!) to improve and become more efficient over time.
Virtual verification is a journey that requires initial investment and patience. But as history shows, this path is worth it. Through continuous improvements and adjustments, we can save costs and time while ensuring the safety and reliability of our products. With this in mind, I continue my work to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible and providing our customers with the best possible solutions. See you next time in our blog series.
