Implantable devices and methods for treatment of pain by delivery of fentanyl and fentanyl congeners

US6835194B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Durect Corporation · US

Inventors

• Randolph Mellus Johnson · Rue de l'Église, US
• Felix Theeuwes · Los Altos, US
• Edward M. Gillis · Livermore, US
• Dana Litmanovitz · Sunnyvale, US
• Barbara Laidlaw · San Jose, US
• James E. Brown · Los Gatos, US
• John Culwell · San Francisco, US
• James A. Filice · Sunnyvale, US
• Peter Wickman · San Francisco, US
• Su Il Yum · Los Altos, US
• Andrew Poutiatine · Loomis, US
• John Dinka · Fairfax, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 27, 2002
• Grant date: Dec 28, 2004
• Expiry date: Jun 27, 2022

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02A50/30
• WIPO field: Pharmaceuticals
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

The invention features devices and methods for treatment of pain. The drug delivery device is a drug delivery system adapted for whole implantation in a subject and to provide pain relief by delivery of fentanyl or a fentanyl congener (e.g., sufentanil) over a protracted period of time (e.g., at least 3 days or more than 3 days). The device comprises a housing defining a reservoir that contains a drug formulation, a pump operatively connected to the housing so as to facilitate movement of drug out of the reservoir and out of the device, and a thermal expansion element which defines a flow pathway comprising a thermal expansion channel to accommodate thermal expansion of formulation in the reservoir. The device can further comprise a valve positioned within the flow pathway so as to prevent movement of drug out of the reservoir prior to use.