US 2007/0276318 A1 · Iontosonic-microneedle applicator apparatus and methods

Abstract

Novel multichannel ionosonic devices with microneedle arrays incorporated into the devices for transdermal and intradermal delivery are described. In an embodiment, the ionosonic device includes a multichannel ionophoretic driver used in combination with a multichannel dispersion electrode integrated with ultrasonic elements and microneedle array elements mounted on a single application electrode. The ionosonic-microneedle transdermal device can be configured in a variety of shapes and structural flexibility for the treatment of skin and systemic disorders through the intradermal and transdermal delivery of one or more of a variety of therapeutic and modulating agents. Because of enhanced transdermal penetration this device offers the transdermal delivery of therapeutic peptides is getting closer to reality. The devices described herein deliver the therapeutic agents to the targeted diseased area as well as systemic levels obviating the need for oral ingestion, the associated side effects and as in the case of peptides bypasses the hydrolyzing digestive enzymes that make such agents ineffective when taken by mouth.

Claims27

Dependent claims

An applicator that can be used to ionosonically drive an agent toward a targeted portion of a mammal's body, the applicator comprising:

at least one piezoelectric element;
a plurality of iontophoresis electrodes;
and
a microneedle assembly having a plurality of microneedles that can be placed at or near the targeted portion of a mammal's body, and in direct contact with skin or tissue;
wherein the at least one piezoelectric element is coupled to the microneedle assembly such that the plurality of microneedles can move and vibrate tissue in contact with the applicator in response to the at least one piezoelectric element, and
wherein electrical current can be applied to the plurality of iontophoresis electrodes to further drive the agent toward the targeted portion of the mammal's body.

3 more elements

An ionosonic intradermal drug delivery device adapted to releasably attach to a mammal's body so that a skin-contacting surface of said device is adjacent to a targeted portion of the mammal's skin or nail, said device being operable for ionosonically driving a medicament across said skin-contacting surface of said device into said targeted portion of the mammal's skin or nail, said device comprising:

(a) a medicament carrying layer in fluid communication with said skin-contacting surface of said device comprising a porous sheet impregnated with a medicament containing fluid;
(b) an iontophoresis electrode in electrical communication with said medicament carrying layer providing means for iontophoretically driving said medicament into the targeted portion of the mammal's skin or nail(s) wherein said iontophoresis electrode comprises a plurality of electrode channels, each electrode channel of said plurality of electrode channels being electrically isolated from other electrode channels, said plurality of electrode channels having electrical connection means connected thereto adapted for simultaneous electrical connection of selected electrode channels to the same or different current sources, said each electrode channel being in electrical communication with said medicament carrying layer;
(c) at least one piezoelectric element affixed to said iontophoresis electrode and overlying at least one of said iontophoresis electrode channels;
and
(d) at least one perforated non or partially conductive microneedle array layer interposed between the skin and iontophoretic dispersion electrode.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Iontosonic-microneedle applicator apparatus and methods

Life of this patent

Iontosonic-microneedle applicator apparatus and methods

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims27