US5533995A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Passive transdermal device with controlled drug delivery
Assignee: Alkermes Pharma Ireland Ltd
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Filing: 1992-11-10
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Granted: 1996-07-09
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Expires: 2012-11-10
Abstract
Abstract A transdermal device for the controlled administration of a drug to the skin comprises a reservoir (12) for the drug and an electric circuit which includes an electrode system (13, 14) which is operable to actively transport the drug in a controlled manner from the reservoir (12) towards the skin for transport therethrough, the skin not being part of the electric circuit, and the drug passing through an electrode (13) of said electrode system (13, 14) during the active transport to the skin. The electrode (13) is disposed between the reservoir (12) for the drug and an optional transit chamber (15). The electrode (13) can be permeable to the drug or the electrode can function as a gate, being permeable to the drug in the open condition and less permeable to the drug in the closed condition. The operation of the gate can be determined by the composition or the structure of the electrode (13). The device achieves drug delivery rates comparable to those achieved with iontophoretic devices.
Inventors
- 👤 John Corish
- 👤 Owen I. Corrigan
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 06:16
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61N; A61N1/00; A61N1/18; A61N1/20; A61N1/30; A61N1/303
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 45
Claim 1
Independent Claim
142 words
A transdermal device for the controlled administration of a drug to the skin, which comprises a reservoir for the drug, an electric circuit comprising an electrode system of at least two electrodes in which at least one of the electrodes is permeable to the drug, which electrode system has means for electrolytically transporting the drug in a controlled manner within the device by a potential difference applied to the electrodes, the drug passing through the at least one drug permeable electrode of the electrode system, wherein the electrodes are disposed internally of the device such that the skin does not form a part of the electric circuit, means for securing the device in contact with the external skin of a patient, the drug being actively transported from the reservoir in the direction of the skin for transport therethrough, by energising the electrodes.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
142 words
A transdermal device for the controlled administration of a drug to the skin, which comprises a reservoir for the drug, an electric circuit comprising an electrode system of at least two electrodes in which at least one of the electrodes is permeable to the drug, which electrode system has means for electrolytically transporting the drug in a controlled manner within the device by a potential difference applied to the electrodes, the drug passing through the at least one drug permeable electrode of the electrode system, wherein the electrodes are disposed internally of the device such that the skin does not form a part of the electric circuit, means for securing the device in contact with the external skin of a patient, the drug being actively transported from the reservoir in the direction of the skin for transport therethrough, by energising the electrodes.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
A transdermal device according to claim 1, wherein the drug is one which is not normally capable of being administered passively by the transdermal route.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
A transdermal device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one drug permeable electrode comprises a porous metallic material.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
A transdermal device according to claim 3, wherein the at least one drug permeable electrode comprises a metal gauze.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
A transdermal device according to claim 3, wherein the at least one drug permeable electrode comprises a woven metallic material.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
A transdermal device according to claim 3, wherein the at least one drug permeable electrode comprises a metal laminate.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
28 words
A transdermal device according to claim 3, wherein the metal is selected from the group consisting of platinum, silver, a coated metal alloy and an uncoated metal alloy.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
A transdermal device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one drug permeable electrode comprises carbon sheeting.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
38 words
A transdermal device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one drug permeable electrode functions as a gate, being permeable to the drug in the open condition and less permeable to the drug in the closed condition.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
30 words
A transdermal device according to claim 9, wherein the operation of the gate is provided by the at least one drug permeable electrode being constructed of an ion exchange material.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
31 words
A transdermal device according to claim 9, wherein the operation of the gate is provided by the at least one drug permeable electrode formed of a material of variable pore sizes.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
21 words
A transdermal device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one drug permeable electrode electrode which comprises a polymeric material.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
16 words
A transdermal device according to claim 12, wherein the polymeric material is susceptible to ion doping.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
15 words
A transdermal device according to claim 12, wherein the polymeric material has ion exchange properties.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
22 words
A transdermal device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one drug permeable electrode electrode spans the width of the reservoir.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
48 words
A transdermal device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one drug permeable electrode electrode spans the width of the reservoir and wherein the surface of said at least one drug permeable the electrode distal from the reservoir is placed in contact with the skin in use.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
40 words
A transdermal device according to claim 1, further comprising a transit chamber adapted for contact with the skin, wherein the said at least one drug permeable electrode is disposed between the reservoir for the drug and the transit chamber therefor.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
148 words
A transdermal device for the controlled administration of a drug to the skin, which comprises a reservoir formed of a shaped mass of a material in which the drug is distributed for storage, a transit chamber adapted for contact with the skin, and an electric circuit comprising an electrode system of at least two electrodes, which electrode system is operable to actively transport the drug electrolytically in a controlled manner within the device, the drug passing through an electrode of the electrode system, which electrode is permeable to the drug and is disposed between the reservoir for the drug and the transit chamber therefor, the electrodes being disposed internally of the device such that the skin does not form part of the electric circuit and such that the drug is electrolytically transported from the reservoir in the direction of the skin for transport therethrough, by energising the electrodes.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
148 words
A transdermal device for the controlled administration of a drug to the skin, which comprises a reservoir formed of a shaped mass of a material in which the drug is distributed for storage, a transit chamber adapted for contact with the skin, and an electric circuit comprising an electrode system of at least two electrodes, which electrode system is operable to actively transport the drug electrolytically in a controlled manner within the device, the drug passing through an electrode of the electrode system, which electrode is permeable to the drug and is disposed between the reservoir for the drug and the transit chamber therefor, the electrodes being disposed internally of the device such that the skin does not form part of the electric circuit and such that the drug is electrolytically transported from the reservoir in the direction of the skin for transport therethrough, by energising the electrodes.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
21 words
A transdermal device according to claim 18, wherein the transit chamber is composed of the same material as the reservoir (12).
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
24 words
A transdermal device according to claim 18, wherein the transit chamber is composed of a material which is different to that comprising the reservoir.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
22 words
A transdermal device according to claim 18, wherein the material of each of the reservoir and the transit chamber is a gel.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
38 words
A transdermal device according to claim 21, wherein the gel material is formed from a gel forming agent selected from the group consisting of plant extracts, gums, synthetic or natural polysaccharides, polypeptides, alginates, synthetic polymers and mixtures thereof.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
21 words
A transdermal device according to claim 21, wherein the gel forming agent selected from the group consisting of agar and carrageenan.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
21 words
A transdermal device according to claim 18, wherein the transit chamber includes a different drug to that contained in the reservoir.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
25 words
A transdermal device according to claim 18, wherein the drug is one which is not normally capable of being administered passively by the transdermal route.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
12 words
A transdermal device according to claim 18, wherein the drug is salbutamol.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
12 words
A transdermal device according to claim 18, wherein the drug is nicotine.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
21 words
A transdermal device according to claim 18, wherein a plurality of electrodes permeable to the drug are disposed in the reservoir.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
27 words
A transdermal device according to claim 18, wherein the device includes controlling means operable by a user to selectively transport the drug within and from the reservoir.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
24 words
A transdermal device according to claim 18, further comprising programmable means for controlling the selective transport of the drug within and from the reservoir.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
19 words
A transdermal device according to claim 18, further comprising means for achieving a periodic or pulsed delivery of drug.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
32 words
A transdermal device according to claim 18, further comprising housing means, wherein the reservoir, transit chamber and at least one electrode define a unit which is detachably mounted in the housing means.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
12 words
A transdermal device according to claim 1, wherein the drug is salbutamol.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
12 words
A transdermal device according to claim 1, wherein the drug is nicotine.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
21 words
A transdermal device according to claim 2, wherein a plurality of electrodes permeable to the drug are disposed in the reservoir.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
27 words
A transdermal device according to claim 1, wherein the device includes controlling means operable by a user to selectively transport the drug within and from the reservoir.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
24 words
A transdermal device according to claim 1, further comprising programmable means for controlling the selective transport of the drug within and from the reservoir.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
19 words
A transdermal device according to claim 1, further composing means for achieving a periodic or pulsed delivery of drug.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
30 words
A transdermal device according to claim 1, further comprising housing means, wherein the reservoir and at least one electrode define a unit which is detachably mounted in the housing means.
Claim 42
Independent Claim
170 words
A method for the controlled passive transdermal delivery of at least one drug to a subject, comprising the steps of: (a) attaching a transdermal device to the skin of the subject, wherein the transdermal device comprises: i) the at least one drug; ii) a reservoir for storing the at least one drug; and iii) an electric circuit comprising an electrode system of at least two electrodes, wherein the electrodes are disposed internally in the device such that the skin does not form part of the electric circuit and wherein the drug is actively transported from the reservoir in the direction of the skin when the electric circuit is energised; (b) providing a voltage potential across the electric circuit electrodes causing electrolytic transport of the at least one drug in a controlled manner within the device between the electrodes to provide controlled delivery of the at least one drug to the skin of the subject; and (c) delivering the at least one drug to the subject via controlled passive transdermal delivery.
Claim 43
Independent Claim
170 words
A method for the controlled passive transdermal delivery of at least one drug to a subject, comprising the steps of: (a) attaching a transdermal device to the skin of the subject, wherein the transdermal device comprises: i) the at least one drug; ii) a reservoir for storing the at least one drug; and iii) an electric circuit comprising an electrode system of at least two electrodes, wherein the electrodes are disposed internally in the device such that the skin does not form part of the electric circuit and wherein the drug is actively transported from the reservoir in the direction of the skin when the electric circuit is energised; (b) providing a voltage potential across the electric circuit electrodes causing electrolytic transport of the at least one drug in a controlled manner within the device between the electrodes to provide controlled delivery of the at least one drug to the skin of the subject; and (c) delivering the at least one drug to the subject via controlled passive transdermal delivery.
Claim 44
Independent Claim
256 words
A method for the controlled passive transdermal delivery of at least one drug to a subject, comprising the steps of: (a) attaching a transdermal device to the skin of the subject, wherein the transdermal device comprises: i) the at least one drug; ii) a reservoir for storing the at least one drug; iii) an electric circuit comprising an electrode system of at least two electrodes in which at least one of the electrodes is permeable to the at least one drug, wherein the electrodes are disposed internally in the device such that the skin does not form part of the electric circuit and wherein the drug is actively transported from the reservoir in the direction of the skin and through the at least one electrode permeable to the at least one drug when the electric circuit is energised; iv) a transit chamber adapted for contact with the skin, wherein the electrode permeable to the at least one drug is disposed between the reservoir for the drug and the transit chamber; (b) providing a voltage potential across the electric circuit electrodes causing the electrolytic transport of the at least one drug in a controlled manner within the device between the electrodes and from the reservoir through the electrode permeable to the at least one drug to the transit chamber to allow for the controlled delivery of the at least one drug to the skin of the subject from the transit chamber; and (c) delivering the at least one drug to the subject via controlled passive transdermal delivery.
Claim 45
Independent Claim
256 words
A method for the controlled passive transdermal delivery of at least one drug to a subject, comprising the steps of: (a) attaching a transdermal device to the skin of the subject, wherein the transdermal device comprises: i) the at least one drug; ii) a reservoir for storing the at least one drug; iii) an electric circuit comprising an electrode system of at least two electrodes in which at least one of the electrodes is permeable to the at least one drug, wherein the electrodes are disposed internally in the device such that the skin does not form part of the electric circuit and wherein the drug is actively transported from the reservoir in the direction of the skin and through the at least one electrode permeable to the at least one drug when the electric circuit is energised; iv) a transit chamber adapted for contact with the skin, wherein the electrode permeable to the at least one drug is disposed between the reservoir for the drug and the transit chamber; (b) providing a voltage potential across the electric circuit electrodes causing the electrolytic transport of the at least one drug in a controlled manner within the device between the electrodes and from the reservoir through the electrode permeable to the at least one drug to the transit chamber to allow for the controlled delivery of the at least one drug to the skin of the subject from the transit chamber; and (c) delivering the at least one drug to the subject via controlled passive transdermal delivery.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1999-07-09 | 2000-01-08 | 2000-07-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2003-07-09 | 2004-01-08 | 2004-07-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2007-07-09 | 2008-01-08 | 2008-07-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |