A Scientometric Analysis and Visualization of Scientific Research and Technology Innovation in Needle-free Insulin Injection From 1974 to 2022

Purpose: Needle-free jet injection has to some extent improved the quality of life of patients with diabetes, but it has not been widely used. Therefore, we analyzed articles, clinical trials, and patents of needle-free insulin injection to (1) perform a systematic and comprehensive analysis of scientific research and technology innovation in needle-free insulin injection during the past 49 years (1974 to 2022) and (2) identify the status of scientific research and technology innovation, their limitations, and future trends. Methods: With a new perspective, we use scientometric tools, including co-word and word frequency analyses, text mining, and cluster network analysis, to provide a scientometric analysis and visualization of articles, clinical trials, and patents related to needle-free insulin injection delivery applications.Findings: Patent innovation in this field was more active than clinical research, and clinical research prevailed over basic research. Basic research and clinical trials in this field mainly involved therapy, penetration, tolerability, absorption, and pharmacokinetic properties. Drive mechanisms and needle-free injection devices were the core patent technologies in this field.Implications: Although needle-free insulin injection has been under development for decades, its full potential has not yet been reached; needle-free injection technology is still in the growth stage. The field of needleless insulin injection is dominated by patent technology innovation.