# 251 - The Future of Drug Delivery: Orals, Injectables, Sustainability & Device Strategy

- Show: [Let's Combinate](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lets-combinate)
- Published: 2026-08-24
- Length: 49m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lets-combinate/2026-08-24-251-the-future-of-drug-delivery-orals-injectables-sustainability-device-strategy
- Listen: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/letscombinate/episodes/251---The-Future-of-Drug-Delivery-Orals--Injectables--Sustainability--Device-Strategy-e3np4sc

## Summary

Steven Kaufman, Founder of Combination Product Solutions and fractional CCO at Portal Instruments, discusses the evolving drug delivery landscape, highlighting the shift toward larger-volume subcutaneous injections (5-10 mL) and the critical role of sustainability in device selection. He explains that while oral GLP-1s are popular, injectables offer superior efficacy and adherence for many patients, driving demand for both disposable and reusable auto-injectors. Kaufman emphasizes that commercial success in 2026 requires solving specific challenges like high viscosity and injection time, rather than just competing on price or form factor. He predicts that sustainability will be the dominant force shaping the next generation of devices through 2035, with companies like Eco-Injet and Portal leading the way.

## Chapters

- [0:07](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lets-combinate/2026-08-24-251-the-future-of-drug-delivery-orals-injectables-sustainability-device-strategy#t=7) Introduction: Steven Kaufman and Combination Product Solutions
- [2:28](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lets-combinate/2026-08-24-251-the-future-of-drug-delivery-orals-injectables-sustainability-device-strategy#t=148) From Marketing to Drug Delivery Strategy at SHL Medical
- [5:55](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lets-combinate/2026-08-24-251-the-future-of-drug-delivery-orals-injectables-sustainability-device-strategy#t=355) Commercial Success Factors: Large-Volume Subcutaneous Injections
- [13:54](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lets-combinate/2026-08-24-251-the-future-of-drug-delivery-orals-injectables-sustainability-device-strategy#t=834) The Chicken-and-Egg Problem with New Device Technologies
- [21:21](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lets-combinate/2026-08-24-251-the-future-of-drug-delivery-orals-injectables-sustainability-device-strategy#t=1281) Selling Devices in 2026: Relationship Building Over Hard Sales
- [30:46](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lets-combinate/2026-08-24-251-the-future-of-drug-delivery-orals-injectables-sustainability-device-strategy#t=1846) Oral GLP-1s vs. Injectables and Adherence Challenges
- [32:56](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lets-combinate/2026-08-24-251-the-future-of-drug-delivery-orals-injectables-sustainability-device-strategy#t=1976) Sustainability as a Market Force: Reusable vs. Disposable
- [42:13](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lets-combinate/2026-08-24-251-the-future-of-drug-delivery-orals-injectables-sustainability-device-strategy#t=2533) 2035 Prediction: Sustainability and Differentiation

## Topics

- [Mechanical engineering](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/mechanical-engineering)
- [Marketing & brand](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/marketing-and-brand)
- [Sourcing & supply chain](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sourcing-and-supply-chain)
- [Validation & product-market fit](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/validation-and-product-market-fit)
- [Sustainability & circular products](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sustainability-and-circularity)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Portal Instruments (company)
- Eco-Injet (product)
- SHL Medical (company)
- Mali (product)
- Ipsen (company)
- Novo Nordisk (company)
- Sanofi (company)
- Owen Mumford (company)
- West (company)
- Gershheimer (company)
- BD (company)
- LTS (company)
- Enable (company)
- Schott (company)
- Becton Dickinson (company)
- Devenado (company)
- Halozyme (company)
- Koru (company)
- Cormica (company)
- Kaimonox (company)
- Guestnet (company)
- One World (company)
- Noble (company)

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- [#453: Sustainable Material Selection in MedTech with Lucas Pianegonda](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/global-medical-device-podcast/2026-03-30-453-sustainable-material-selection-in-medtech-with-lucas-pianegonda) (Global Medical Device Podcast)
- [133 - Sustainable Packaging Innovation with Kevin Davis and Maria Vazquez-Ricote](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2022-05-10-133-sustainable-packaging-innovation-with-kevin-davis-and-maria-vazquez-ricote) (People of Packaging)
- [S2E12 What It’s Like Being A 40 Year Engineering Veteran At The Same Company | Bill Atterbury](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2021-03-12-s2e12-what-its-like-being-a-40-year-engineering-veteran-at-the-same-company-bill) (Being an Engineer)
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## Citing this page

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