Self-contained heating unit and drug-supply unit employing same

US8991387B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• ALEXZA PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. · US

Inventors

• Ramesh Damani · Sunnyvale, US
• Ron L. Hale · Woodside, US
• Daniel J. Myers · Mountain View, US
• Reynaldo Quintana · Redwood City, US
• Dennis W. Solas · San Francisco, US
• Soonho Song · Hillsborough, US
• Pravin Soni · Sunnyvale, US
• Curtis Tom · San Mateo, US
• Krishnamohan Sharma · Milpitas, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 4, 2013
• Grant date: Mar 31, 2015
• Expiry date: Mar 4, 2033

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02E20/34
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Heating units, drug supply units and drug delivery articles capable of rapid heating are disclosed. Heating units comprising a substrate and a solid fuel capable of undergoing an exothermic metal oxidation reaction disposed within the substrate are disclosed. These heating units can be actuated by electrical resistance, by optical ignition or by percussion. Drug supply units and drug delivery articles wherein a solid fuel is configured to heat a substrate to a temperature sufficient to rapidly thermally vaporize a drug disposed thereon are also disclosed.