Methods and apparatus for the enhanced delivery of physiologic agents to tissue surfaces

Abstract

Apparatus and methods deliver physiologically active agents in the presence of adjuvant gases. The adjuvant gases can enhance the effectiveness of the drug, lower the dosage of drug or concentration of drug necessary to achieve a therapeutic result, or both. Exemplary adjuvant gases include carbon dioxide, nitric oxide, nitrous oxide, and dilute acid gases.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09 / 708,186 (Attorney Docket No. 020017-000310US), filed Nov. 7, 2000 (now U.S. Pat. No. ______), which claimed the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 60 / 164,125, filed on Nov. 8, 1999 and 60 / 185,495, filed on Feb. 28, 2000, each of which is incorporated by reference herein.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention relates to drug delivery. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods and apparatus for delivering physiologically active agents to mucosal and other tissue surfaces in the presence of adjuvant gases. [0004] Drug delivery to mucosal surfaces, such as the mucosa of the nose, is well known. While in some cases drugs delivered to the nose and other mucosal surfaces are intended to have local effect, more often such transmucosal drug delivery is intended for systemic administrati...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013] As an example of the first method, a drug previously infused into the oral cavity, mouth, eyes, or ears by entraining with air, e.g., as an aerosol, powder, or spray, can be applied according to the present invention by entraining with CO2, e.g., through aspiration of a drug-containing liquid or powder by CO2. In particular, the action of drugs developed and presently used for relieving respiratory and headache symptoms may be improved by their co-infusion with CO2, NO, or other adjuvant gases identified herein. The vasodilation which may be induced by CO2 or NO may improve the speed and extent of absorption and distribution of the drug in the tissue in which it is co-absorbed with CO2 or NO. This is beneficial through more rapid relief being obtained, and / or through reduction in the quantity of drug required to obtain the relief. Reduction in the required quantity of drug reduces the cost of treatment per dose and particularly reduces the side effects of such drugs, which are severe restrictions to their present use.

[0014] With respect to the second method, a particular benefit of co-application of such drugs with CO2 or other adjuvant gases is that, in addition to the reduction of the total amount of drug required, the effect of the drug can be controlled or “modulated” in the course of its action after application. Infusion of CO2 prior to drug application can increase the effectiveness and reduce the required quantity of the drug. Alternatively, infusion of CO2 after application of a drug can enhance the effect of the drug at a controlled rate; i.e., if a more rapid or more intense effect of the drug is desired, CO2 can be infused at the rate required to obtain the desired degree of enhancement. A particular advantage of such control is that the drug enhancement effect can be abruptly terminated, by ceasing CO2 infusion, at the optimum level of beneficial drug effect that minimizes side or overdose effects. Also, since CO2 is rapidly eliminated from the body via the bloodstream and respiration, the enhancement is reversible after CO2 application is ceased, allowing continuous chronic adjustment of the drug effect.

Problems solved by technology

While some methods and devices provide for co-delivery of a drug and carbon dioxide or other gases, the purpose is usually not potentiation.

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