Intradermal drug delivery device

Abstract

An intradermal drug delivery device comprises a housing (301a, 301b) having a drug reservoir (312) therewithin and a gas generation chamber (313) separated from the reservoir (312) by a displaceable membrane (311). A microprocessor-controlled electrolytic cell (316a, 316b, 319) provides gas to expand the gas generation chamber (313) and thereby contract the reservoir (312). A hollow needle (310), communicating at an inner end thereof with the reservoir (312), extends from a lower surface (308) of the housing (301) such that contraction of the reservoir (312) forces drug to escape therefrom via the needle (310). The device permits delivery of drugs of relatively large molecular weights at slow controllable rates. A displaceable protective cover (303) is mounted in means (307) allowing movement of the cover (303) between extended and retracted positions (305, 306). The cover (303) has an adhesive lower surface (309) for attachment to the skin of a subject. In use, a release liner is removed, the device is pressed against the skin and the cover (303) snaps back to the retracted position (306), the needle (310) thereby piercing the skin. After use the housing (301) is pulled away and the cover (303) snaps to the extended position (306) before detaching from the skin, thus concealing the needle (310) before disposal.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.