Valve for osmotic devices

US6682522B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• ALZA CORPORATION · US

Inventors

• John P. Carr · Sunnyvale, US
• James B. Eckenhoff · Los Altos, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 4, 2002
• Grant date: Jan 27, 2004
• Expiry date: Dec 4, 2022

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61K9/0004
• WIPO field: Pharmaceuticals
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

An osmotic delivery system for controlled delivery of a beneficial agent includes an implant capsule having a beneficial agent reservoir, an osmotic agent which expands on contact with fluid imbibed through a permeable membrane retained by the implant capsule, a delivery port, and a valve for opening and closing the delivery port. When the osmotic agent expands, a pressure is exerted against a separating member positioned between the beneficial agent reservoir and the osmotic agent. The separating member moves within the capsule, thereby forcing the valve to move a distance such that the beneficial agent can exit the reservoir through the delivery port.