Compact auto-injector

A method of operating a compact, high aspect ratio auto-injector for delivering a medicament dose subcutaneously or intramuscularly, the auto-injector comprising a housing, a medicament dispensing system comprising a medicament reservoir adapted to contain the dose, and a needle extension mechanism coupled to the medicament reservoir, the needle extension mechanism comprising a curved injection needle and a needle guide, the method comprising the steps of:

• triggering deployment of a distal end of the curved injection needle through an aperture in a cover of the housing aligned with the needle guide to straighten the injection needle;
• triggering piercing of the medicament reservoir to provide fluidic communication between the reservoir and the injection needle;
• dispensing the dose through the injection needle at a desired injection location;
• and
• thereafter, retracting the distal end of the injection needle into the auto-injector.