Device For Delivery Of Agents To And Through The Human Scalp

Abstract

A method and device for administering minoxidil and other topical solutions to the scalp. The method entails administering a minoxidil preparation through a manifold that fits over the scalp of a patient, and placing a moisture barrier over the scalp for a period of time effective to enhance absorption of the minoxidil preparation by the scalp.

Description

[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application 60 / 745,269 filed Apr. 20, 2006.FIELD OF THE INVENTIONS[0002]The inventions described below relate the field of hair regrowth and treatments for baldness.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Minoxidil has proven to be an effective treatment for baldness. Specifically, it can stop and reverse ongoing hair loss and stimulate hair growth in adult men and women who are losing hair due to male or female pattern baldness (androgenic alopecia). However, minoxidil is only effective if properly applied. Minoxidil is applied with an eye-dropper, followed by careful massage of the applied solution to distribute it over the scalp. This is a tedious process, given that the typical user must apply minoxidil through the hair, and avoid wasting the minoxidil by wetting the hair instead of the scalp. Minoxidil must be applied twice daily for effective treatment. The desired result of renewed hair growth is obtained after several weeks...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The patent describes a device and method for applying minoxidil to the scalp to improve patient compliance and make the treatment less rigorous. The device is a hat with a distribution manifold that spreads minoxidil on the scalp. It has a port for injecting minoxidil and a reservoir for taking up a dose and injecting it into the manifold. The hat is used by the patient by injecting the minoxidil solution into the manifold and wearing it for a while to allow the minoxidil to absorb into the scalp. The technical effect of this device is to make the application of minoxidil more convenient and easy, which can encourage patients to follow the treatment plan more closely."

Problems solved by technology

However, minoxidil is only effective if properly applied.

This is a tedious process, given that the typical user must apply minoxidil through the hair, and avoid wasting the minoxidil by wetting the hair instead of the scalp.

The twice-daily regimen must be continued indefinitely to maintain the effect, and if discontinued, any hair re-grown will be lost.

Due to the tedious nature of the regimen, most patients do not comply with the regimen.

Because they do not maintain the regimen, the drug does not work, and patients discontinue the regimen, thereby abandoning an otherwise beneficial treatment.

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