Dynamic particle size control for aerosolized drug delivery
US5957124A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 27, 1995 |
| Grant date | Sep 28, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 27, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M2205/52
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Devices, packaging and methodology for creating aerosols are provided which allow for efficient and repeatable delivery of drugs to the lungs of a patient. Devices are hand-held, self-contained units which are automatically actuated at the same release point in a patient's inspiratory flow cycle. The release point is calculated by a microprocessor which receives data from a sensor making it possible to determine inspiratory flow rate and inspiratory volume. The device is loaded with a cassette comprised of an outer housing which holds a package of individual collapsible containers of pharmaceutically active drug. Actuation of the device forces drug through a porous membrane of the container which membrane has pores having a diameter in the range of about 0.25 to 6.0 microns. The porous membrane is positioned in alignment with a surface of a channel through which a patient inhales air. The flow profile of air moving through the channel is such that the flow at the surface of the channel, and thus the surface of the porous membrane is slow. The membrane is designed in a flexible manner so that when drug formulation is forced against and through the membrane the membrane protrudes out…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.