Nasal delivery device

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a nasal delivery device having a device body including a trigger end and an outlet end. The nasal delivery device further includes a trigger assembly coupled to the trigger end of the device body, a medicament container supported by the device body, and a spring-loaded activator assembly supported by the device body and disposed between the trigger assembly and the medicament container.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a nasal delivery device for containing medicaments, especially systemic or local pharmaceuticals, or vaccines to the nasal airways of a subject. BACKGROUND

[0002] Diabetes has reached epidemic proportions in much of the western world and is a serious and growing public health problem in many developing economies. Globally, there are approximately 285 million people with diabetes and the number is expected to reach 438 million by 2030 (IDF Diabetes Atlas, 2009).

[0003] Diabetes complications are usually associated with chronically elevated blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia), which leads to heart, kidney and eye diseases, amputations and impairment of nerve function. Unfortunately, the medication used to treat diabetes-related hyperglycemia to lower blood glucose levels (e.g., insulin) often causes the patient's blood glucose level to drop too rapidly and results in hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

[0004] Depending on the severity of the episode, hypoglycemia causes a wide range of physiological problems, ranging from weakness, dizziness, sweating, chills and hunger to more severe symptoms including blurred vision, behavioral changes, seizures, coma, and even death. In addition to the physiological effects of hypoglycemia, there are also significant psychological effects, including embarrassment, fear of another episode, high levels of anxiety and low levels of overall well-being, which adversely affect glucose control and quality of life (Deary, 2008).

[0005] Glucagon is a highly effective treatment for severe hypoglycemia both outside and within the hospital setting. Historically, glucagon has only been available as a powder that must be mixed with a diluent immediately before administration by injection. While this would be a relatively easy procedure for a diabetic patient who injects insulin, they are unable to treat themselves because, by definition, a severe hypoglycemic episode is one in which the patient needs third party assistance (Cryer, 2009). For any non-medical personnel who face an emergency situation with a diabetic patient in hypoglycemic coma or suffering from hypoglycemia-related convulsions, reconstitution and injection of the current injectable glucagon is a complex and daunting procedure fraught with potential for error.

[0006] More recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved intranasal glucagon for the treatment of severe hypoglycemia. In contrast to intramuscular glucagon, which must be reconstituted and injected, intranasal glucagon is available at a single fixed dose at any time and does not require reconstitution or injection. The associated intranasal device is also easy to use and lightweight in an emergency situation.

[0007] Nasal delivery devices are known for dispensing a medium, such as a powder and a fluid, for discharge into the body. Such devices comprise an actuator, an outlet nozzle and a drug drive system which is activated by the actuator, which causes the medium to be discharged from the outlet nozzle. It is desirable to continue to improve robustness and measures to prevent accidental actuation of such nasal delivery devices. Such robustness will also need to be balanced against the continuing demand for simplicity of operation. It is an object of the present invention to provide such an improved nasal delivery device. SUMMARY

[0008] The present disclosure provides a nasal delivery device having a device body comprising a trigger end and an outlet end. The nasal delivery device further comprises a trigger assembly coupled to the trigger end of the device body, a drug container supported by the device body, and a spring-loaded activator assembly supported by the device body and disposed between the trigger assembly and the drug container.

[0009] In one embodiment, the nasal delivery device has a device body comprising a trigger end and an outlet end, a trigger assembly coupled to the trigger end of the device body, an output assembly comprising a drug container supported by the device body and comprising a drug, a first seal, and an outlet seal, and a resilient activator device configured to bias a push rod to open the first seal and drive movement of the drug container toward the outlet end to open the outlet seal and discharge the drug from the outlet end.

[0010] In another embodiment, the nasal delivery device has a device body comprising a trigger end and an outlet end, a trigger assembly coupled to the trigger end of the device body and comprising at least one prong and a safety bar, an output assembly comprising a drug container supported by the device body, a first seal, and an outlet seal, and an activator assembly comprising a resilient activator device and at least one latch; and wherein upon activation of the trigger assembly, the at least one prong and the safety bar move toward the outlet end, and the safety bar moves away from the at least one latch and the at least one prong engages the at least one latch to release the resilient activator device.

[0011] In yet another embodiment, a nasal delivery device has a device body including a trigger end and an outlet end, a trigger assembly coupled to the trigger end of the device body, a medicament container supported by the device body, and an activator assembly operably coupled to the trigger assembly and including a push rod and a resilient activator device, the activator assembly having a series of configurations including a latched configuration in which the activator assembly is latched relative to the device body and the resilient activator device is loaded, an unlatched configuration in which the activator assembly is released from the device body, and a delivery configuration in which the resilient activator device moves axially toward the outlet end to drive the push rod into engagement with the medicament container, thereby moving the medicament container toward the outlet end to expel medicament from the outlet end. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0012] The above mentioned features of the present disclosure, as well as other features and advantages of the present disclosure, will become more readily apparent from the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, by which the disclosure, both singly and in combination, is depicted. In the drawings:

[0013] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a nasal delivery device;

[0014] Figure 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the nasal delivery device of Figure 1 in a latched configuration;

[0015] Figure 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the nasal delivery device of Figure 1 in an intermediate configuration;

[0016] Figure 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the nasal delivery device of Figure 1 in an unlatched configuration;

[0017] Figure 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the nasal delivery device of Figure 1 in a delivery configuration; and

[0018] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a nasal delivery device.

[0019] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The examples set forth herein illustrate various embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to be exhaustive or to be construed as limiting the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. As such, the examples set forth herein are merely for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the application, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the application is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications in the described embodiments, and any further applications of the principles of the application as described herein are contemplated by those skilled in the art upon the understanding of the present disclosure. One embodiment of the present application is shown in great detail, although it will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art that some features that are not relevant to the present application can not be shown for the sake of clarity.

[0021] The proposed designs are for nasal delivery devices. These designs have advantages such as, for example, using two seals in the device instead of four seals found in some devices. Another advantage of some embodiments can be a reduced actuation force as the dosing energy is supplied by a loaded compression spring. The actuation force will be comparatively low as it is used to release the spring and does not need to provide energy to expel the drug media. Another advantage of some embodiments can be to provide a lock / safety feature to prevent inadvertent actuation due to rough handling or shipping. Another advantage can be a housing snap arrangement to provide a locking feature to maintain the snap fit joint between the nozzle outlet and the device housing. Another advantage of some embodiments can be to provide a drug container with a seal piercing design to allow the dosing spring to push the container through the seal and expel the drug when the container stops.

[0022] Figure 1 A first exemplary embodiment of a nasal delivery device 100 is illustrated. As shown in Figure 1 The nasal delivery device 100 includes a device housing or body 10, a trigger assembly 20, an activator assembly 30, and an output assembly 40, each of which are described further below. These components are disposed relative to one another along a common axis AA.

[0023] The device body 10 includes a trigger end 18 (which can be referred to herein as an "upper" end based on the orientation of Figure 1 the device body 10) and an outlet end 19 (which can be referred to herein as a "lower" end based on the orientation of Figure 1 the device body 10). Based on the orientation of Figure 1 the device body 10, other directional terms are used, such as "vertical," "horizontal," "above," "below," etc. However, it should be understood that the device body 100 can be used in other orientations.

[0024] Between the trigger end 18 and the outlet end 19, the device body 10 includes a finger grip 11 configured to be grasped by an operator. The finger grip 11 can take any number of forms and sizes, and as shown can have a cross-sectional area that is larger than that of the device body 10. For example, the finger grip 11 can be a single circular flange that encircles the entire device body 10, it can be different flanges that extend outward from opposite sides of the device body 10, and / or it can be shaped to encircle an operator’s fingers.

[0025] Near the trigger end 18 of the device body 10, the device body 10 includes one or more internal trigger component detents 15. The trigger component detents 15 engage a portion of the trigger component 20. More specifically, the trigger component detents 15 each include a radially outwardly extending lower lip 16 that prevents the trigger portion 20 from disengaging the nasal delivery device 100, as discussed in greater detail below. The detents in the position shown in the figures can be extensions from the inner wall 10a of the device body as part of the injection molding and / or can be separate components that are fixedly secured to the inside of the device body.

[0026] Continuing downward from the trigger component detents 15, the device body 10 includes an inner shoulder 51. The inner shoulder 51 can be a single circular shoulder 51 that extends radially inward from the inner wall 10a or a plurality of separate shoulders 51. The inner shoulder 51 can interact with both the trigger portion 20 on one side and the activator component 30 on the other, as discussed in greater detail below.

[0027] The device body 10 also includes an activator detent 14. The activator detent 14 can include a single circular detent 14 or a plurality of separate detents 14. The activator detent 14 extends radially inward from the inner wall 10a of the device body 10 and can be at least partially axially angled toward the trigger end 18 of the device body 10. The angled orientation of the activator detent 14 can allow the activator detent 14 to engage a portion of the activator component 30 to hold the activator component 30 in a latched configuration until the activator component is unlatched. The activator component 30 and its various configurations will be discussed in greater detail below.

[0028] At the outlet end 19, the device body 10 includes a nozzle 12 from which the drug is dispensed. The device body 10 also includes a drug container stop 13 that extends radially inward from the device body 10 around the nozzle 12. The stop 13 can be at least partially axially angled toward the trigger end 18 of the device body 10. The angled orientation of the drug container stop 13 can allow the drug container stop 13 to prevent a portion of the outlet component 40 from being expelled from the nasal delivery device 100. The operation of the outlet portion 40 of the nasal delivery device 100 will be discussed in further detail below.

[0029] Returning to the trigger end 18 of the device body 10, a push button latch receiving portion 17 is provided, shown as a notch defined in the device body. The push button latch receiving portion 17 is a recessed portion of the device body 10 that receives a portion of the trigger assembly 20 when the trigger assembly 20 is depressed.

[0030] The trigger assembly 20 is coupled to the trigger end 18 of the device body 10. The trigger assembly 20 includes a push button 21 that extends axially beyond the trigger end 18 of the device body 10 so as to be accessible by an operator. The push button 21 defines an upper wall upon which an operator depresses and a downwardly extending side wall that extends from the upper wall that encloses a push button cavity. The push button 21 includes at least one trigger assembly latch 27. The latch 27 can be integral to the side wall or can be segmented from the side wall. In one example, the trigger assembly latch 27 extends axially from the upper wall of the push button 21 into the device body 10 toward the exit end and ends with a radially inwardly extending lip 28. The trigger assembly latch 27 can include a single continuous lip 28 or multiple separate lips 28. As noted above, the lip 28 of the trigger assembly latch 27 engages the trigger assembly latch 15 of the device body 10 to prevent the push button 21 from disengaging the nose delivery device 100.

[0031] The push button 21 also includes a prong 22. The prong 22 is located radially inward of and in spaced relation to the trigger assembly latch 27 and extends axially from the upper wall into the device body 10 toward the exit end. The prong 22 ends at its lowest point with an angled end 52. In another example, the prong 22 can be defined as a single interior cylindrical body that extends from the upper wall.

[0032] Optionally, the push button 21 can further include a safety bar 23. The safety bar 23 is located radially inward of and in spaced relation to both the trigger assembly latch 27 and the prong 22. The safety bar 23 extends axially from a central portion of the upper wall of the push button 21 along the axis AA toward the exit end and axially into the device body 10 beyond the latch 27 and the prong 22. In an embodiment, the safety bar 23 has a constant cross-sectional area. In other embodiments, the safety bar 23 can include two portions: a first cross-sectional narrow portion 24 having a second cross-sectional area W2 (see Figure 5 ); and a second wide portion 25 spaced apart from the first portion 24 having a greater cross-sectional area W1 (see Figure 5 ). As shown in Figure 1 , the first portion 24 forms a stem of the safety bar 23 and extends axially from the push button 21 toward the exit end while the second portion 25 forms an enlarged end of the safety bar 23 having a short and wide profile as compared to the first portion 24. The function of the safety bar 23 will become apparent hereinafter.

[0033] The trigger assembly 20 also includes a resilient trigger device 26 (e.g., an axially compressible spring) that biases the button 21 upward and away from the device body 10 and the activator assembly 30. In Figure 1 In embodiments of the device, the resilient trigger device 26 surrounds the inner diameter of the device body 10 and is seated within a cylindrical chamber of the device body 10 above the inner shoulder 51. The resilient trigger device 26 is shown disposed axially between the inner shoulder 51 and the latch 27. Figure 1 The resilient trigger device 26 of embodiments of the device biases the button 21 by contact with the underlying inner shoulder 51 and the overlying trigger assembly latch 27. By biasing, the button has an initial extended configuration that is physically defined by the engagement between the lip 28 of the trigger assembly latch 27 and the trigger assembly catch 15. When an axial force greater than the biasing force of the resilient trigger device 26 is applied to the upper wall of the button in the axial direction toward the outlet end, the button can be moved from the extended configuration to a fully depressed configuration. When such a force is applied, as the button travels axially relative to the device body toward the outlet end, the lip 28 of the trigger assembly latch 27 disengages from the trigger assembly catch 15.

[0034] The activator assembly 30 includes an activator plate 33 positioned inside the device body 10 and initially axially spaced apart from an upper surface 41a of a drug container housing 41 disposed in the device body to allow clearance for movement of the activator assembly within the device housing. The activator assembly 30 also includes a plurality of latches 31 extending axially from the activator plate 33 toward the trigger end 18 of the device body 10. The ends 31a of the latches 31 engage the activator catch 14 of the device body 10 to hold the activator assembly 30 in a latched configuration and are configured to flex radially out of engagement with the catch 14. The activator assembly can also include an outer wall 35 extending axially toward the trigger end and disposed radially outward of and in spaced relation to the latches 31. As shown, the outer wall 35 can be spaced radially inward from the outer edge of the activator plate to define a cylindrical chamber for a resilient activator device 34.

[0035] The activator assembly 30 also includes a resilient activator device 34 (e.g., an axially compressible spring) that is in contact with the outer edge of the surrounding outer wall 35 of the activator plate 33 and the bottom of the inner shoulder 51 of the device body 10 and is shown axially aligned and opposite the resilient trigger device 26. The resilient activator device 34 biases the activator assembly 30 toward the outlet end of the device body 10. As shown in Figure 1 When the activator assembly 30 is in the latched position, the resilient activator device 34 is loaded, as shown in FIG. 1. The nature and function of the resilient activator device 34 will be discussed in greater detail below.

[0036] The activator assembly 30 also includes a push rod 32 coupled to a central portion of the activator plate 33 and extending axially along the axis AA toward the outlet end 19 of the device body 10. The push rod 32 is shaped and sized for receipt in the output assembly 40. In one example, the push rod 32 and the safety bar 23 are axially aligned along the axis AA. The push rod 32 can have a tapered end.

[0037] The output assembly 40 can include a drug container housing 41 nested within the device body 10 toward the outlet end 19 of the device body 10. In one embodiment, the housing 41 is a separate component nested in the device body 10. In another embodiment, the configuration of the housing 41 shown in the figures is part of the interior of the device body or formed integrally with the device body. The drug container housing 41 includes a bore 47 defined in the upper end of the housing 41 closest to the trigger end 18 of the device body 10 that can be matched in shape and size to the push rod 32. The bore 47 can be funnel shaped with a wider upper end and a narrower lower end to help guide the end of the push rod 32 to the upper end of the drug container 44. Nested within the drug container housing 41 is a drug container 44. The drug container 44 encloses a drug chamber 46 containing a drug in powder or fluid form such as, for example, insulin for treating diabetes, glucagon to prevent severe hypoglycemia, dihydroergotamine (DHE) for treating migraines, growth hormone, etc. The drug container housing 41 also defines a first seal 42 in that it physically cooperates with the drug container 44 to prevent anything from passing through the bore 47 of the drug container housing 41 and / or the drug container 44 into the drug container housing 41. The first seal 42 can also hold the drug container 44 in a friction fit arrangement with the drug container housing 41 or an interior like the housing 41 with the device body 10 (not shown). The drug container housing 41 includes an inner sealing portion 62 (e.g., an inner radial surface of a reduced diameter neck region of the housing 41) connected to the lower end of the bore 47 that is sized and shaped to sealingly engage a portion 64 of the drug container 44. For example, this portion 64 can be defined by an outer radial surface of a straight diameter tip end. The portion 62 and the portion 64 radially engage one another to define the first seal 42 via an interference fit. The drug container housing 41 also includes an outlet seal 43 that lines the bottom of the drug container 44 as an axial end seal and prevents drug leakage and contamination from the outside environment. The outlet seal 43 can be a membrane such as a foil seal or any other sealing membrane material commonly used or known in the medical device art. The drug container housing 41 also contains a piercing portion 45 shaped and configured to pierce or otherwise open the outlet seal 43. The piercing portion 45 is shown as a tapered end of the drug container 44 where one portion of the wall extends further than another portion of the wall. The end of the piercing portion 45 is shown spaced apart from the outlet seal 43 prior to sealing where a drug can be disposed between the outlet seal and the piercing portion 45 and up into the drug container 44. The end of the piercing portion 45 is physically stopped by the drug container stop 13 as the drug container 44 slides along the inner wall 10a of the drug container housing 41, which is shown as an annular recess defined along the inner wall 10a next to the nozzle 12.Dashed line 65 represents the position of the outlet seal 43 after it has been pierced.

[0038] Figures 2-5 Several different configurations of the nasal delivery device 100 are depicted and show various stages in the use of the device 100.

[0039] Figure 2 The nasal delivery device 100 is shown in the latched configuration. In the latched configuration, the trigger assembly 20 has an inactive configuration. The button 21 is biased by the resilient trigger means 26 in the extended configuration towards the trigger end 18 of the device body 10. The trigger assembly latch 27 is engaged with the lip 16 of the trigger assembly catch 15 and prevents the button 21 from being removed from the nasal delivery device 100. The prong 22 is axially spaced from the latch 31 of the activator assembly 30. Also, the latch 31 is engaged and latched onto the activator catch 14 so that the activator 30 is held against the load of the resilient activator means 34. The safety bar 23 is in the raised position in the latched configuration, where the second portion 25 of the safety bar 23 is positioned radially between the ends 31a of the latch 31 of the activator assembly 30. In this raised position, the second portion 25 of the safety bar 23 inhibits the ends 31a of the latch 31 from moving radially inward to avoid the latch 31 moving enough to disengage or unlatch from the activator catch 14 in the event of an accidental activation of the activator assembly 30, such as an accidental drop or other impact load.

[0040] Figure 3 The nasal delivery device 100 is shown in the intermediate configuration. In the intermediate configuration, the button 21 is pressed slightly downward and the trigger assembly 20 is moved downward from its extended configuration towards its fully depressed configuration against the bias of the resilient trigger means 26. The trigger assembly latch 27 is disengaged from the trigger assembly catch 15 Figure 1 ). The prong 22 begins to approach the ends 31a of the latch 31 of the activator assembly 30. Due to the shape and angle of both the prong 22 and the latch ends 31a, as the prong 22 moves downward and slidably engages the latch ends 31a, the prong 22 pushes the ends 31a of the latch 31 radially inward and towards the safety bar 23. In the intermediate position, the button 21 is not depressed enough or is not in an axial position enough to unlatch, and the second portion 25 of the safety bar 23 still interferes with the ends 31a of the latch 31 and prevents the latch 31 from fully unlatching from the activator catch 14.

[0041] Figure 4 The nasal delivery device 100 is shown in the activated configuration. In the activated configuration, the button 21 is fully depressed and the trigger assembly 20 is in its fully depressed configuration. The resilient trigger means 26 is compressed and the trigger assembly latch 27 is disengaged from the trigger assembly catch 15. The prong 22 has slidably engaged the ends 31a of the latch 31 of the activator assembly 30 and has pushed the ends 31a radially inward and towards the safety bar 23. The safety bar 23 is in the lowered position, where the second portion 25 of the safety bar 23 is no longer positioned radially between the ends 31a of the latch 31 of the activator assembly 30. In this lowered position, the second portion 25 of the safety bar 23 no longer inhibits the ends 31a of the latch 31 from moving radially inward to avoid the latch 31 moving enough to disengage or unlatch from the activator catch 14 in the event of an accidental activation of the activator assembly 30, such as an accidental drop or other impact load. Figure 1The energy stored in the activator assembly 30 is in the nose delivery device 100 in the unlocked configuration just before it pushes the activator assembly 30 downward toward the outlet end 19. In the unlocked configuration, the button 21 has moved toward the outlet end 19 of the device body 10 to its fully depressed configuration. The fully depressed button 21 causes the second wide portion 25 of the safety lever 23 to move axially toward the outlet end relative to the latch 31. Figure 4 The gap position shown indicates that the narrow first portion 24 of the safety lever 23 is moved radially between the ends 31a of the latch 31. The fully depressed button 21 also causes the fork 22 to contact the activator latch 14, simultaneously pushing the ends 31a of the latch 31 radially inward away from the activator latch 14. Without interference from the safety lever 23, the latch 31 is radially released from the activator latch 14 to allow the preloaded resilient activator device to unload for axial drive of the activator plate.

[0042] Figure 5 A nose delivery device 100 in a delivery configuration is shown. In this delivery configuration, a preloaded elastic activator device 34 ( Figure 1 The activator assembly 30 has unloaded its energy and applies an axial force to the activator plate 33 of the activator assembly 30 in the direction of the outlet end, which pushes the activator assembly 30 toward the outlet end 19 of the device body 10. As the activator assembly 30 moves toward the outlet end 19 of the device body 10, the push rod 32 enters the hole 47 of the drug container housing 41. When the push rod 32 is pushed into the head end of the drug container 44, the push rod 32 with sufficient axial force breaks the radial friction of the first seal 42, which allows the drug container 44 to be released from the drug container housing 41. The push rod 32 continues to push axially toward the outlet end and applies an axial force to the drug container 44 toward the outlet end 19 of the device body 10. As the drug container 44 is pushed axially, the piercing portion 45 on the drug container 44 cuts through the outlet seal 43 of the drug container housing 41. The drug container 44 stops moving axially when it contacts the drug container stop 13. However, because the outlet seal 43 of the drug container 44 has ruptured, the drug powder in the drug chamber 46 continues to travel axially through the ruptured outlet seal 43, through the nozzle 12, and toward the patient. Using the elastic activator device 34 ( Figure 1 The ability to deliver the drug using the energy (which is converted into momentum in the drug to expel the drug from the outlet) eliminates the need for compressed air inside the nasal delivery device 100.

[0043] The nasal delivery device 100 is a disposable drug delivery device. To determine whether a specific component of the nasal delivery device 100 has been used, the trigger component 20 remains in the depressed position after the trigger component 20 is depressed and the activator component 30 is activated. Figure 1In the embodiment of FIG. 1, when the button 21 of the push trigger assembly 20 is depressed, the push button detent 29 engages the push button detent receiving portion 17 of the device body 10. Upon full depression of the button 21, the push button detent 29 and the push button detent receiving portion 17 lock together in a snap-fit configuration, thereby preventing the elastic trigger 26 from resetting the position of the trigger assembly 20.

[0044] Figure 6 A second exemplary embodiment of a nasal delivery device 100' is illustrated. In addition to what is described below, Figure 6 The second nasal delivery device 100' is similar to the first nasal delivery device 100 of Figure 1 where like reference numerals indicate like elements. The second nasal delivery device 100' includes an elastic trigger 26' similar to the elastic trigger 26. However, as shown in Figure 1 the elastic trigger 26 is shown positioned below the trigger assembly latch 27' and axially spaced from the elastic activation trigger toward the trigger end, Figure 6 the elastic trigger 26' of the second nasal delivery device 100' is a narrow spring positioned between the end portion 25' of the safety bar 23' and the activator plate 33' of the activator assembly 30'. The elastic trigger 26' is shown positioned radially inward of the elastic activation trigger 34' in coaxial relationship. The elastic trigger 26' is shown positioned radially inward of the latch 31'in coaxial relationship. Also, when the button 21'of the push trigger assembly 20' is depressed, the trigger assembly latch 27' frictionally engages the inner wall of the device body 10'. The frictional force exerted between the inner wall of the device body 10' and the trigger assembly latch 27' is great enough to hold the button 21'in the body 10'. The operation of the device 100' is similar to the operation described with respect to the device 100 in Figures 2-5 One advantage of the configuration of the device 100' can be that, in addition to the force provided by the elastic activation trigger 34', the elastic trigger 26' can contribute as an additional source of axial force activation for the trigger 34'. To this end, the elastic trigger 26' is at least partially loaded when it is axially compressed upon full depression of the button, and the stored energy in the elastic trigger 26' is directly applied to the activation plate 33' when in the unlatched configuration, to potentially create more momentum in the drug to expel the drug from the outlet at a higher rate than in the device 100.

[0045] While embodiments of the application have been described as having exemplary designs, the embodiments of this disclosure can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the disclosed embodiments using its general principles.

[0046] Various aspects are described in this disclosure, including but not limited to the following aspects:

[0047] 1. A nasal delivery device comprising: a device body comprising a trigger end and an outlet end; a trigger assembly coupled to the trigger end of the device body; an output assembly comprising a medicament container supported by the device body and comprising a medicament, a first seal, and an outlet seal; and an activator assembly operably coupled to the trigger assembly and comprising: a pushrod extending toward the medicament container; and a resilient activator device configured to bias the pushrod to open the first seal and drive the medicament container toward the outlet end to open the outlet seal and expel the medicament from the outlet end.

[0048] 2. The nasal delivery device of aspect 1, wherein the trigger assembly further comprises a resilient trigger device contacting a portion of the trigger assembly and configured to bias the trigger assembly in a direction opposite the outlet end of the device body.

[0049] 3. The nasal delivery device of any of aspects 1-2, wherein the device body comprises at least one finger grip extending laterally from the device body on all sides.

[0050] 4. The nasal delivery device of any of aspects 1-3, wherein the output assembly comprises a medicament container housing configured to support the medicament container, the medicament container comprising a piercing portion configured to pierce the outlet seal of the medicament container as the medicament container is moved toward the outlet end.

[0051] 5. The nasal delivery device of any of aspects 1-4; wherein the trigger assembly comprises a prong extending axially from the trigger assembly toward the outlet end; wherein the activator assembly further comprises a plurality of latches extending axially from the activator assembly away from the outlet end; wherein the device body further comprises at least one activator catch extending at an angle toward the trigger end and configured to support the plurality of latches of the activator assembly in a latched configuration; and wherein, in response to movement of the trigger assembly relative to the device body, the prong engages the plurality of latches of the activator assembly to release the plurality of latches of the activator assembly from the at least one activator catch of the device body and transition the activator assembly from the latched configuration to an unlatched configuration to permit the resilient activator device to axially drive the activator assembly toward the first seal, wherein the first seal is defined by a radial friction fit between a portion of the medicament container and the device body or the medicament container housing.

[0052] 6. The nasal delivery device of aspect 5, wherein the trigger assembly further comprises a safety bar extending axially from the trigger assembly toward the outlet end, the safety bar having a first portion with a first cross-sectional area and a second portion with a second cross-sectional area, the second cross-sectional area being smaller than the first cross-sectional area, wherein the first portion is disposed radially between the plurality of latches to inhibit radial movement of the latches when the activator assembly is in the latched configuration.

[0053] 7. The nasal delivery device of aspect 6, wherein, upon activation of the trigger assembly, the safety bar and the prongs move axially toward the outlet end to move the first portion to the clearance position, thereby allowing the latches to move radially toward the second portion and permitting unlatching from the at least one activator catch.

[0054] 8. The nasal delivery device of any one of aspects 1-7, wherein the trigger assembly further comprises a plurality of trigger assembly latches extending axially from the trigger assembly toward the outlet end and having a lip at a first end, and the device body comprises at least one trigger assembly catch at the trigger end of the device body that engages the lips of the plurality of trigger assembly latches and prevents removal of the trigger assembly when the nasal delivery device is in the unactivated configuration.

[0055] 9. The nasal delivery device of any one of aspects 2-8, wherein the activator assembly comprises an activator plate, wherein the resilient activator device is disposed between the activator plate and the device body, and the resilient trigger device is disposed axially between the push rod and the activator plate.

[0056] 10. The nasal delivery device of any one of aspects 2-8, wherein the activator assembly comprises an activator plate, wherein the resilient activator device is disposed between the activator plate and the device body, and the resilient trigger device is disposed between the portion of the trigger assembly and the device body and is axially spaced apart from the resilient activator device.

[0057] 11. A nasal delivery device comprising: a device body comprising a trigger end and an outlet end; a trigger assembly coupled to the trigger end of the device body and comprising at least one prong and a safety bar, each of which extends axially toward the outlet end and are fixed relative to each other; an output assembly comprising a medicament container, a first seal, and an outlet seal supported by the device body; and an activator assembly comprising a resilient activator device and at least one latch; and wherein, upon activation of the trigger assembly, the at least one prong and the safety bar move toward the outlet end to position a portion of the safety bar to allow movement of the at least one latch, and the at least one prong engages the at least one latch to release the resilient activator device.

[0058] 12. The nasal delivery device of aspect 11, wherein the activator assembly further comprises a push rod extending axially toward the drug container.

[0059] 13. The nasal delivery device of aspect 12, wherein the resilient activator device is configured to bias the push rod to open the first seal and drive the drug container axially toward the outlet end.

[0060] 14. The nasal delivery device of any of aspects 11-13, wherein the safety bar of the trigger assembly comprises a first portion having a first width and a second portion having a second width that is less than the first width, the first portion being radially disposable between the ends of the plurality of latches to inhibit release of the resilient activator device.

[0061] 15. The nasal delivery device of any of aspect 14, wherein upon activation of the trigger assembly, the safety bar and the fork move axially toward the outlet end, wherein the fork engages the ends of the latches and the first portion disengages from the ends of the latches to allow the latches to move radially inwardly with unlatching by the fork.

[0062] 16. The nasal delivery device of any of aspects 11-13, wherein upon depressing the trigger assembly, the trigger assembly remains depressed.

[0063] 17. The nasal delivery device of aspect 16, wherein the device body further comprises a depress button catch receiving portion; the trigger assembly further comprises a depress button catch; and wherein upon depressing the trigger assembly, the depress button catch engages the depress button catch receiving portion in a snap-fit configuration.

[0064] 18. A nasal delivery device comprising: a device body comprising a trigger end and an outlet end; a trigger assembly coupled to the trigger end of the device body; a drug container supported by the device body and comprising a drug; and an activator assembly operably coupled to the trigger assembly and comprising a push rod and a resilient activator device, the activator assembly having: a latched configuration wherein the activator assembly is latched relative to the device body and the resilient activator device is loaded; an unlatched configuration wherein the activator assembly is released from the device body; and a delivery configuration wherein the resilient activator device moves axially toward the outlet end to drive the push rod into engagement with the drug container, thereby causing the drug container to move toward the outlet end to expel the drug from the outlet end.

[0065] 19. The nasal delivery device of aspect 18, wherein: in the latched configuration, the drug container is sealed by a first seal and an outlet seal, wherein the first seal is defined by a radial friction fit between a portion of the drug container and the device body or drug container housing, and the outlet seal comprises a membrane coupled to the drug container; and in the delivery configuration, the push rod exerts an axial force against the drug container to axially move the drug container to open the first seal, and after moving a portion of the drug container engages the membrane to open the outlet seal, thereby allowing the drug to be expelled from the drug container.

[0066] 20. The nasal delivery device of any of aspects 18-19, wherein: in the latched configuration, the trigger assembly is biased away from the device body; in the delivery configuration, the trigger assembly is fully depressed toward the device body; the activator assembly further comprises an intermediate configuration, wherein the trigger assembly is partially depressed between the latched configuration and the delivery configuration.

Claims

1. A nasal delivery device comprising: a device body comprising a trigger end and an outlet end; a trigger assembly coupled to the trigger end of the device body; an output assembly comprising a medicament container supported by the device body and comprising a medicament, a first seal, and an outlet seal; and an activator assembly operably coupled to the trigger assembly and comprising: a push rod extending toward the medicament container, and a resilient activator device configured to bias the push rod to open the first seal and drive movement of the medicament container toward the outlet end to open the outlet seal and expel the medicament from the outlet end; wherein the trigger assembly comprises a fork extending axially from the trigger assembly toward the outlet end; wherein the activator assembly further comprises a plurality of latches extending axially from the activator assembly away from the outlet end; wherein the device body further comprises at least one activator catch extending at an angle toward the trigger end and configured to support the plurality of latches of the activator assembly in a latched configuration; and wherein, in response to movement of the trigger assembly relative to the device body, the fork engages the plurality of latches of the activator assembly to release the plurality of latches of the activator assembly from the at least one activator catch of the device body and transition the activator assembly from the latched configuration to an unlatched configuration to permit the resilient activator device to drive the activator assembly axially toward the first seal, wherein the first seal is defined by a radial friction fit between a portion of the medicament container and the device body or medicament container housing; wherein the trigger assembly further comprises a safety bar extending axially from the trigger assembly toward the outlet end, the safety bar having a first portion with a first cross-sectional area and a second portion with a second cross-sectional area, the second cross-sectional area being smaller than the first cross-sectional area, wherein the first portion is disposed radially between the plurality of latches to inhibit radial movement of the latches when the activator assembly is in the latched configuration.

2. The nasal delivery device of claim 1, wherein, The trigger assembly further comprises a resilient trigger device contacting a portion of the trigger assembly and configured to bias the trigger assembly in a direction opposite the outlet end of the device body.

3. The nasal delivery device of any one of claims 1-2, wherein, The device body comprises at least one finger grip extending laterally from the device body on all sides.

4. The nasal delivery device of any one of claims 1-2, wherein, The output assembly comprises a medicament container housing configured to support the medicament container, the medicament container comprising a piercing portion configured to pierce the outlet seal of the medicament container upon movement of the medicament container toward the outlet end.

5. The nasal delivery device of claim 1, wherein, Upon activation of the trigger assembly, the safety bar and the fork move axially toward the outlet end to move the first portion to a clearance position, thereby allowing the latches to move radially toward the second portion and permitting unlatching from the at least one activator catch.

6. The nasal delivery device of any of claims 1-2, wherein, The trigger assembly further comprises a plurality of trigger assembly latches extending axially from the trigger assembly toward the outlet end and having a lip at a first end, and the device body comprises at least one trigger assembly catch at a trigger end of the device body that engages with the lips of the plurality of trigger assembly latches and prevents removal of the trigger assembly when the nasal delivery device is in an unactivated configuration.

7. The nasal delivery device of claim 2, wherein, The activator assembly comprises an activator plate, wherein the resilient activator device is disposed between the activator plate and the device body, and the resilient trigger device is disposed axially between the push rod and the activator plate.

8. The nasal delivery device of claim 2, wherein, The activator assembly comprises an activator plate, wherein the resilient activator device is disposed between the activator plate and the device body, and the resilient trigger device is disposed between a portion of the trigger assembly and the device body and is axially spaced apart from the resilient activator device.

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