A drug delivery device (1) comprising a delivery unit (2) receiving a drug cartridge (3) containing a drug to be administered to a patient in need thereof, the delivery unit comprising a subcutaneous delivery mechanism (7) including a needle (24), a needle support (8) to which the needle is mounted, and a needle actuation mechanism (9) configured to move the needle from a retracted position within a housing (5) of the delivery unit (2), to an extended delivery position where the needle projects through a base wall (14) of the housing. The needle actuation mechanism comprises a rotary actuator (10) configured to engage an engagement lever (11) coupled to the needle support (8) for translating the needle support between retracted and extended delivery positions.