The AusHealth VialHugger was developed in the combat of needle stick injury – a common workplace accident with healthcare professionals.

Needle stick injury can often occur when using needles in surgical procedures.

Designed by Dr Weng-Onn Chan, MBBS, an Ophthalmologist at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, the device conveniently docks with 1.5 mL vials (Eylea, Lucentis), locking them into place securely with a simple push.

The weighted device allows for a single operator to draw up a liquid drug from the vial in low light conditions while maintaining sterility, thereby reducing the risk of needle stick injury.

AusHealth provided funding for the development of the project, which is now available for sale internationally.