Medicine pad

Abstract

A drug pad is operable to retain a drug. The drug pad includes a plurality of sintered metal fibers forming a plurality of pores, and a drug retained on the plurality of sintered metal fibers. The plurality of pores define a porosity of the drug pad.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a medicated pad. In at least one example, the present disclosure relates to a medicated pad that retains a medication. Background Art

[0002] Inhalation of an aerosol containing a drug is a technique for delivering a drug to a user. The aerosol is inhaled into the patient's lungs, which causes the drug to be absorbed into the bloodstream and distributed throughout the body. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] Further features of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure relates by reading the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0004] Figure 1A is an isometric view of a drug cartridge with a drug pad according to at least one example of the present disclosure;

[0005] Figure 1B is an isometric view of a cartridge with a layered mesh pad according to at least one example of the present disclosure;

[0006] Figure 1C is an isometric view of multiple layers of a layered mesh mat according to at least one example of the present disclosure;

[0007] Figure 1D is an isometric view of a cartridge with a metal foam pad according to at least one example of the present disclosure;

[0008] Figure 2A This is an enlarged view of the sintered metal fiber of the drug pad;

[0009] Figure 2B is a diagram of the sintered metal fibers forming the pores of the drug pad;

[0010] Figure 3A It is a drug pad with a drug retained on sintered metal fibers;

[0011] Figure 3B It is an isometric view of the medication pad;

[0012] Figure 4 is an isometric view of the cartridge with the housing in the closed configuration;

[0013] Figure 5 is an isometric view of a plurality of drug cartridges packaged for storage and / or shipping; and

[0014] Figure 6 A vaporizer is operable to heat a drug pad to convert the drug into vaporized form. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of explanation, reference numerals are repeated in different figures to indicate corresponding or similar elements, where appropriate. In addition, many specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments described herein. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the embodiments described herein can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, methods, procedures, and components are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the relevant related features described. The figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, and the proportions of certain parts may be exaggerated to better illustrate details and features. The description should not be considered to limit the scope of the embodiments described herein.

[0016] Several definitions applicable throughout this disclosure will now be introduced.

[0017] The term "coupled" is defined as connected, either directly or indirectly through intermediate components, and is not necessarily limited to physical connections. The connection can be such that the objects are permanently connected or releasably connected. The term "substantially" is defined as essentially conforming to a particular size, shape, or other substantial modification, such that the components need not be exact. For example, substantially cylindrical means that the object resembles a cylinder, but one or more deviations from a true cylinder may be permitted. The term "comprising" means "including but not necessarily limited to"; it specifically means open ended including or belonging to the combination, group, series, etc., so described.

[0018] As used herein, when referring to any numerical value, the word "about" means a value that is within ±10% of the stated value.

[0019] Ranges can be expressed herein as from "about" one particular value and / or to "about" another particular value. When expressing this range, another aspect includes from a particular value and / or to another particular value. Similarly, when a value is expressed as an approximation by using the antecedent "about," it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each range are valid with respect to the other endpoint and independently of the other endpoint. It will also be understood that many values are disclosed herein, and each value is also disclosed herein as "about" the particular value, except the value itself. For example, if the value "10" is disclosed, "about 10" is also disclosed. It will also be understood that each unit between two particular units is also disclosed. For example, if 10 and 15 are disclosed, 11, 12, 13, and 14 are also disclosed.

[0020] The term "vapor," "vapor," "gasification," or any other variation of such terms is defined as the diffusion or suspension of a substance (e.g., a drug) in the air, or the conversion of a substance (e.g., a drug) into a form capable of diffusion or suspension in the air.

[0021] Drip pads are commonly used in filtration applications. Drip pads can be tightly packed stainless steel wire in a non-uniform, non-mesh format. However, the sintered metal fiber mats disclosed herein, having specific characteristics and properties, provide unexpected results in retaining a defined amount of a drug that is packaged, transported, and / or stored prior to being heated to vaporize the drug for administration. Additionally, as disclosed, metal foam drug pads and layered mesh pads also provide enhanced and unexpected performance compared to drip pads. The drug pads provided herein effectively store, vaporize, and generate aerosols for the medical administration of drugs.

[0022] The problems addressed by the disclosed subject matter include finding a solution in which the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) or drug is sufficiently bound to a drug pad to survive shipping and storage, and when heated during dose preparation, the API is reliably and rapidly released from the pad. The disclosed drug pads offer improved manufacturing quality and greater uniformity of delivered dose and consistent particle size distribution. For example, a drip pad is a compressed, tightly packed string with significant variability in density and porosity, resulting in variable dose vaporization. Furthermore, when using a drip pad, the API exhibits poor adhesion to the pad. Consequently, conventionally, a solution containing the API must be applied to the pad shortly before use, increasing usability barriers and therapeutic variability. The currently disclosed technology provides greater control over manufacturing consistency and operational reliability. The currently disclosed technology includes layered mesh pads, metal foam pads, and sintered metal pads. These are collectively referred to as drug pads. In some illustrated examples, only sintered metal fiber pads are shown, but other pads of the present technology can be implemented.

[0023] Compared to known drip pads, the presently disclosed drug pads offer predictability. Compared to one or more disclosed drug pads, the drip pads have a high degree of variability. Compared to known drip pads, one or more of the drug pads described herein also have an enhanced repeatable structure. Furthermore, compared to drip pads that require complex wire folding, resulting in less repeatable structures, more complex production, and greater irregularities, one or more of the presently disclosed drug pads also offer easier production with high production throughput. Compared to known drip pads, the presently disclosed drug pads offer enhanced and surprising results based on their high porosity and low thickness requirements. For example, the thickness can be half or one-third that of a drip pad. Simultaneously, the porosity of one or more of the disclosed drug pads has increased. Furthermore, one or more of the disclosed drug pads offer enhanced vaporization efficiency.

[0024] Regarding the drip pad, the tightly packed stainless steel mesh is not sintered. Compared to the disclosed drug pad, the drip pad has poor vaporization efficiency. For example, after drying the drug, the drip pad retains residual liquid across the mesh cells. Furthermore, the drip pad may not adequately distribute the drug solution across the drip pad. Consequently, the drug can be vaporized directly from the liquid phase, including residual ethanol. Furthermore, direct vaporization from the liquid phase results in lower vaporization efficiency, as it takes over 15 seconds, and in some cases over 18 seconds, to fully vaporize the drug, leaving behind a tar-like substance. The drip pad can prevent 100% vaporization. For example, after 15 seconds of vaporization, less than 90% of the drug can be vaporized. In contrast, with the disclosed drug pad, vaporization efficiencies exceeding 90% can be achieved within 12 seconds, and in some cases even less. The longer the drip pad's vaporization time, the greater the volume of aerosol available for inhalation. For example, the amount of aerosol volume required for about 100% vaporization of a drug with a drip pad is about 3.6 liters, compared to about 2 liters or less for the disclosed drug pad. Furthermore, the drip pad is not suitable for pouring medication, but only for drop-by-drop administration of medication.

[0025] In recreational settings, a common route of administration for drugs (e.g., 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine, tetrahydrocannabinol, etc.) is by inhaling an aerosol containing the drug into the lungs, which ultimately results in the drug being absorbed into the bloodstream and distributed throughout the body. The most common method of generating an aerosol is to expose the drug-containing material to high temperatures for a long time, such as using a flame igniter in a glass tube.

[0026] Drugs have potential medical uses based on their pharmacological activity. For example, use in human clinical trials and in approved medical products for treating patients requires that drugs be administered with high purity and accurate dosage.

[0027] The recreational vaporization of drugs into aerosols described above is not suitable for any medical application. It does not allow for the administration of a prescribed amount of medication. In many recreational instances, the precise drug content and purity of the material undergoing vaporization are not even known. Furthermore, the proportion of drug that is recreationally vaporized into aerosols may also be unknown, and the characteristics of the aerosols may be unclear.

[0028] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the conditions currently used in recreational settings involve exposing the drug to undefined high temperatures for extended periods of time. Exposure to undefined high temperatures results in the formation of thermal degradation products, which are also inhaled. The pharmacological effects of these thermal degradation products are unknown, and they are potentially toxic and may cause an unpleasant taste. A further disadvantage of the conditions currently used in recreational settings to generate drug-containing aerosols is that inhalation of drug-containing aerosols can often induce coughing, which prevents ingestion of the entire target drug dose in a single inhalation and limits the duration of exposure of lung tissue to the drug, thereby limiting drug absorption.

[0029] Each of the above problems, alone or in combination, contributes to inefficient and unpredictable systemic drug delivery, which is unacceptable in potential scenarios where drugs are used as medical treatments because it can lead to poor clinical efficacy and increased risk of side effects. For potential medical uses, such as for use in human clinical trials or for use in approved medical products for treating patients, for drugs that are rapidly absorbed, distributed, and metabolized, the present disclosure provides the patient with a complete or nearly complete target dose of the drug in a single inhalation (i.e., within one deep breath) because the effect occurs so rapidly that the patient is often unable to accurately perform a second inhalation (i.e., take a second deep breath). The drug must be provided under well-controlled, standardized, and repeatable conditions. Using the disclosed drug pad, it is possible to utilize relatively low temperatures and still effectively vaporize large doses of the drug while avoiding the combustion products of higher temperature vaporization. By being able to efficiently vaporize the drug from the drug pad, the generated aerosol can have a smaller volume (e.g., less than 3 liters, in some examples about 2 liters or less, in other examples less than 1.5 liters, in yet other examples less than 1 liter, and in yet other examples about 0.5 liters) so that the patient can complete the entire dose in a single inhalation. Conventional drip pads are less efficient in vaporization than the disclosed drug pads and require longer time and more air to vaporize the drug, resulting in an amount that is difficult to inhale in one breath.

[0030] Furthermore, in many cases, medications may need to be pre-packaged for ease of transport and storage. By retaining the medication on the medication pad prior to packaging, transport, and / or storage, the correct dosage and administration of the medication through the medication pad can be ensured. Furthermore, the medication pad can retain the medication without leakage, ensuring the correct dosage is delivered. The medication pad can also transfer the necessary heat energy to the retained medication, effectively vaporizing the medication. Furthermore, the medication pad can have sufficient porosity to allow air to flow through, thereby promoting and releasing the vaporized medication.

[0031] Alternative solutions may include a pad with a layered mesh ("layered mesh pad") and a metal foam substrate ("metal foam pad"). The drug pads disclosed herein provide an appropriate blend of porosity, absorptive capacity (e.g., retaining drug without leakage), and vaporization efficiency. Additionally, the drug pads disclosed herein can be easily manufactured.

[0032] The layered mesh pad can include five layers of stainless steel mesh. The drug retention capacity of the layered mesh pad can be increased by selecting the number and type of mesh layers. The layered mesh pad can be configured to provide the desired vaporization efficiency. The layered mesh pad may require controlled manufacturing to control layer orientation, position, and compression, as well as careful dosing of the drug.

[0033] The metal foam pad can include a highly open three-dimensional stainless steel structure with random and interconnected porosity. The metal foam pad performs better than layered mesh pads and drip pads because the metal foam pad has sufficient drug retention capacity and has high vaporization efficiency. Based on performance, the metal foam pad can be considered the closest alternative to the disclosed sintered metal fiber pad. However, the manufacture of metal foam pads using stainless steel is very challenging. Recent advances in continuous processes using organic binder solutions, high alloy powders to spray pure foam coils and subsequent heat treatment can also solve current manufacturing difficulties. The metal foam can be varied in thickness and / or volume capacity of the metal foam pad to make it as effective as the disclosed sintered metal fiber pad.

[0034] Thus, the disclosed drug pad provides an appropriate blend of porosity, absorptivity (e.g., retaining drug without leakage), and vaporization efficiency, as well as easier manufacturing. The heterogeneous structure of the drug pad was thought to result in increased flow resistance, but results indicate that this is not the case. Furthermore, when multiple layers of drug pads are used, the heterogeneous structure is thought to result in increased flow resistance. However, it has been found that multi-layer drug pads do not significantly affect flow resistance and vaporization efficiency. Therefore, multi-layer drug pads can be used. For example, if the diameter of the drug pad needs to be reduced, a multi-layer drug pad can be utilized to improve drug retention while still maintaining high vaporization efficiency. Furthermore, as with layered mesh pads, the trade-off between drug retention and vaporization efficiency does not occur in the disclosed drug pad. Furthermore, the vaporization efficiency of the disclosed drug pad is significantly better than that of a drip pad in terms of the time to complete vaporization, which results in a significant reduction in the amount of aerosol inhaled. Additionally, the disclosed drug pad is easier to manufacture and produces consistent results.

[0035] While the present disclosure focuses on some prominent comparisons to layered mesh pads, drip pads, and metal foam pads, additional advantages of the disclosed medicated pads have also been discovered.

[0036] In some examples, layered mesh mats, metal foam mats, and sintered metal fiber mat types can be combined in a multi-layer drug mat. The resulting multi-layer mat has high vaporization efficiency and high drug retention without leakage.

[0037] Figure 1AThe diagram shows a cartridge 10 with a drug pad 100, which is a sintered metal fiber mat 11 operable to retain a drug. In at least one example, the drug may include 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT). In some examples, the drug may include at least one of the following: the cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol, the antidepressant 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, ketamine, lysergic acid diethylamide, psilocybin, N,N-dimethyltryptamine, phenylalkylamine mescaline, other tryptamines, other ergoline, other serotonin compounds, second-generation hallucinogens, nicotine, pentamidine and / or opioids such as fentanyl, morphine, naloxone, etc., for example, for drug substitution therapy. In a further example, the drug may include a drug suitable for administration by inhalation, such as a drug that may preferably bypass first-pass metabolism and does not decompose at the temperature required to achieve vaporization. Without departing from the scope of this disclosure, other suitable drugs that can be retained on the drug pad and vaporized for delivery to the patient as an aerosol may be used. The drug can be provided as a free base or as a pharmaceutically acceptable salt that provides desired properties depending on the drug and the capabilities of the vaporizer. In at least one example, the drug can be one of the above-mentioned drugs. Pharmaceutically acceptable salts include methanesulfonate, malate, mesatrate, xinafoate, malonate, glycolate, benzoate, or phosphate. The vaporizer can be a vaporizer such as those described herein, capable of achieving a vaporization temperature including, but not limited to, approximately 260 degrees Celsius.

[0038] Figure 1B is an isometric view of a cartridge with a layered mesh pad 20 according to at least one example of the present disclosure. Figure 1B The cartridge 10 shown may be sized and shaped similar to Figure 1A The invention is similar to the drug cartridge of the invention. The difference is that a layered mesh pad 20 is used instead of the drug pad 100. The layered mesh pad can also be used with the same drug.

[0039] Figure 1C is an isometric view of multiple layers of a layered mesh mat 20 according to at least one example of the present disclosure. The layered mesh mat 20 is formed of a plurality of meshes 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 that are stacked together to form the layered mesh mat 20. The mesh sizes of the plurality of meshes 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 can vary. For example, Figure 1CThe illustrated layered mesh 20 may include at least five different meshes 22, 23, 24, 25, and 26, wherein the first mesh 22 and the last mesh 26 have a fine mesh spacing, while the intermediate meshes 23, 24, and 25 have a larger mesh spacing. For example, the spacing of the first intermediate mesh 23 may be twice the spacing of the first mesh 22. The spacing of the second intermediate mesh may be 1.5 times the spacing of the first mesh 22. The spacing of the third intermediate mesh may be three times the spacing of the first mesh 22. The intermediate meshes 23, 24, and 25 may also have other mesh sizes. The meshes may also all have the same size. In other examples, the first mesh 22 and the last mesh 26 may have a larger mesh spacing, while the intermediate meshes 23, 24, and 25 have a smaller mesh spacing. Furthermore, the mesh of each mesh 22, 23, 24, 25, and 26 may be oriented at different angles relative to a reference orientation. For example, the first mesh 22 can be rotated by an angle α from a reference orientation, which can be, for example, a line bisecting the mesh in a horizontal configuration. The second mesh 23 can be rotated by an angle β from a reference orientation, which is different from the angle α. The third mesh 24 can be rotated by an angle Φ, which is different from the other two angles α and β. The fourth mesh 25 can be rotated by an angle θ, which is different from the other three angles α, β, and Φ. When constructing the layered mesh mat 20, the layers are configured to be tightly pressed against each other to prevent gaps from forming therebetween.

[0040] Figure 1D is an isometric view of a cartridge with a metal foam pad 30 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The metal foam pad 30 is characterized by being a three-dimensional structure constructed from stainless steel or another suitable thermally conductive material. The structure of the metal foam pad 30 can be designed to have random, interconnected porosity. Consequently, the metal foam pad 30 can have a large surface area, low flow resistance, and a unique dosing structure. The metal foam pad 30 can be produced using a continuous spray application of an adhesive and an alloy followed by heating. In at least one example, the metal foam pad 30 can have a porosity greater than 90 percent.

[0041] The diameter 100D of the drug pad 100 may be between about 20 mm and about 40 mm. In some examples, the diameter 100D of the drug pad 100 may be between about 21 mm and about 30 mm. In some examples, the diameter 100D of the drug pad 100 may be between about 25 mm and about 30 mm. In some examples, the diameter 100D of the drug pad 100 may be about 26 mm. In some examples, the diameter 100D of the drug pad 100 may be at least about 21 mm to adequately retain and distribute the drug upon vaporization.

[0042] The present disclosure can be used Figures 1B to 1C and Figure 1Dbut for simplicity, the remainder of this disclosure will be about Figure 1A Describe. Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown, Figure 1A The drug pad 100 may include a plurality of sintered metal fibers 102 to form a plurality of pores 104. The drug pad 100 may be made of a non-woven web composed of fibers 102 by a layer-by-layer sintering process. During sintering, for example, Figure 2B As shown, when the fibers 102 are sintered together, the fibers 102 form a neck 200. The sintered metal fibers 102 then form pores 104 between the fibers 102, which are operable to allow air to pass through. In addition, a drug can be retained on the sintered metal fibers 102, such as in the pores 104.

[0043] In at least one example, the plurality of sintered metal fibers 102 are made of stainless steel, allowing the sintered metal fibers 102 to be heated to a vaporization temperature to vaporize the drug and transform it into a vaporized drug while maintaining compatibility with the drug. For example, the stainless steel sintered metal fibers 102 can prevent and / or reduce degradation, decay, chemical composition changes, strength reduction, and / or bacterial growth in maintaining compatibility with the drug. Therefore, the drug pad 100 with the drug retained thereon can be packaged, transported, and / or stored for an extended period of time prior to drug administration.

[0044] An unexpected consequence of the porosity of the drug pad 100 being greater than about 65% includes adequately retaining the drug for storage while allowing effective vaporization and air flow for drug administration. In some examples, the porosity may be between 80% and 95% to allow air to flow through the sintered metal fibers 102, allowing the drug to be transported along with the air from the sintered metal fibers 102. In some examples, the porosity may be greater than about 75%. In some examples, the porosity may be greater than about 87%. In some examples, the porosity may be about 90%.

[0045] The diameter 102D of the sintered metal fibers 102 can help retain the drug and / or form pores for a desired porosity. The diameter 102D of the sintered metal fibers 102 of the drug pad 100 can affect whether liquid plaque forms after the drug dries on the drug pad 100 (e.g., the diameter can help minimize liquid plaque after drying). Drying of the drug on the pad will be discussed further below. For example, the diameter 102D of the sintered metal fibers 102 can define the porosity 104 along with the manufacturing process parameters used to sinter the fibers 102. Liquid plaque can cause the drug to vaporize directly from the liquid and potentially leave solvent residue. Therefore, when liquid plaque is high, the aerosol may not achieve the desired purity of the vaporized drug. In at least one example, the diameter 102D of the sintered metal fibers 102 can be between approximately 35 microns and approximately 55 microns. In at least one example, the diameter 102D of the sintered metal fibers 102 can be between approximately 40 microns and approximately 50 microns. In at least one example, the diameter 102D of each sintered metal fiber 102 can be less than about 50 microns. In at least one example, the diameter 102D of the sintered metal fiber 102 can be between about 39 microns and about 41 microns.

[0046] refer to Figure 3A , the drug 300 can be metered onto the drug pad 100. In at least one example, the drug 300 deposited on the drug pad 100 can initially be in liquid form. For example, the drug 300 can include the drug in a solution and / or suspension. In at least one example, a solvent can be used with the salt form of the drug to form the liquid form, and the solvent can be a non-aqueous solvent or an aqueous solvent, depending on the type of salt selected and the desired wetting factor. For example, the non-aqueous solvent can include acetone, butanone, ethyl acetate, 2-propanol, methanol, acetonitrile, isopropyl alcohol, and / or isopropyl acetate. In addition, the choice of solvent can depend on whether the drug pad 100, the layered mesh pad, and / or the metal foam pad is selected. In at least one example, a combination of pads can also be selected. For example, the drug pad 100 can be combined with a metal foam pad.

[0047] In at least one example, medication 300 can be metered onto drug pad 100 by drop-wise administration. For example, the drop-wise administration can be performed in a circular or random pattern onto drug pad 100. In some examples, medication 300 can be metered by drop-wise administration using a dropper. Drop-wise administration can also be described as pour-over dosing, also using a dropper. For example, 50 to 250 microliters can be dispensed over a period of 2 to 15 seconds. In other examples, automated dosing can be performed at a rate of up to 300 microliters per second, with a dosing volume of 200 microliters, without leaking.

[0048] In some examples, the drug 300 can be metered by pouring onto the drug pad 100. For example, the entire volume of the drug 300 can be substantially deposited onto the drug pad 100 in a period of less than about 12 seconds. In some examples, the drug 300 can be deposited in a period of less than about 10 seconds. In some examples, the drug 300 can be deposited in a period of less than about 8 seconds. In some examples, the drug 300 can be deposited in a period of less than about 5 seconds. In some examples, the drug 300 can be deposited in a period of less than about 4 seconds. In some examples, the drug 300 can be deposited in a period of about 1 second. In some examples, the drug 300 can be deposited in a period of less than about 1 second. In comparison, a conventional layered mesh pad may require at least 15 seconds to deposit the drug 300.

[0049] In at least one example, the sintered metal fibers 102 of the drug pad 100 are operable to retain about 50 microliters to about 350 microliters of drug. In at least one example, the plurality of sintered metal fibers 102 of the drug pad 100 are operable to retain up to 250 microliters of drug 300 solution.

[0050] like Figure 3A As shown, the drug 300 diffuses through the drug pad 100 and the plurality of sintered metal fibers 102, but the boundaries 302 of the drug 300 do not wick to the periphery 110 of the drug pad 100. Therefore, the drug pad 100 effectively receives, diffuses, and retains the drug 300 within the desired portion of the drug pad 100. If the drug 300 wicks to the periphery 110 of the drug pad 100, some of the drug 300 may leak out and / or pass through the drug pad 100. The drug 300 that leaks out of the periphery 110 of the drug pad 100 and / or the drug 300 that remains at the edge of the periphery 110 of the drug pad 100 may not receive sufficient airflow to promote the drug and release the drug 300 from the drug pad 100. For example, the housing 400 of the cartridge 10 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 4 ) may be a container or container. Figure 4 The holes 406 corresponding to the perimeter 110 of the drug pad 100 may not be formed (as shown), and airflow may not be sufficient through the perimeter 110 of the drug pad 100 to promote the drug and release the drug 300 from the drug pad 100. As a result, an incorrect dose of the drug 300 may be administered to the patient, and therefore it is important to retain the drug 300 in the desired portion of the drug pad 100.

[0051] like Figure 3BAs shown, the drug pad 100 has a thickness 100T that allows for sufficient retention of a full dose of the drug while allowing for effective heat transfer through the drug pad 100. In at least one example, the thickness 100T of the drug pad 100 is between approximately 0.9 mm and approximately 1.5 mm. In at least one example, the thickness 100T of the drug pad 100 can be between approximately 0.6 mm and approximately 1.5 mm. In at least one example, the thickness 100T of the drug pad 100 can be between approximately 1.1 mm and approximately 1.45 mm. In at least one example, the thickness 100T of the drug pad 100 can be approximately 1.3 mm. In at least one example, the thickness 100T of the drug pad 100 can be greater than 1.2 mm. The drug pad 100 disclosed herein unexpectedly has a very low thickness while being able to sufficiently retain a full dose of the drug 300 without leakage (e.g., without unintended entry or exit of the drug from the drug pad 100). A thicker pad with lower porosity can provide the desired retention. Thus, using the drug pad 100 , a desired dose of drug can be administered.

[0052] In addition, the above can be reduced Figure 1A The diameter 100D is described, and an additional layer of the medicine pad 100 can be realized. In addition, as described above, the additional layer can be the medicine pad 100, a layered mesh pad and / or a metal foam pad.

[0053] Alternatively, the characteristic of the drug pad 100 may be area density, i.e., mass per unit area. Figure 3B The mass per unit area is defined by the area 101 of the illustrated medication pad 100. In at least one example, the area density of the medication pad can be 700 g / m² to 1500 g / m². In other examples, the range can be 900 g / m² to 1425 g / m².

[0054] The drug pad 100 can have a variety of thicknesses, diameters, porosities, mass per unit area, and / or vaporization efficiencies to provide the desired drug dosing and target aerosol volume for the drug pad 100 as described herein. For example, a lower thickness and lower area density may result in higher porosity, but may make it more difficult to retain the correct volume of drug during dosing. Alternatively, a higher thickness and higher area density may enhance drug retention during dosing, but may result in lower porosity and vaporization efficiency. Considering the thicknesses and porosities described herein, the range provides unexpected results. In at least one example, the range may include a thickness 100T between approximately 0.9 mm and approximately 1.5 mm. Additionally, the area density may be between approximately 900 g / m² and approximately 1500 g / m². In another example, the area density may be between approximately 930 g / m² and approximately 1425 g / m². In another example, the area density may be approximately 1000 g / m². The fiber diameter may be approximately 40 μm. The diameter 100D of the drug pad 100 may be approximately 26 mm. The porosity may be greater than about 87%.These parameters result in a gasification efficiency greater than about 97% at a temperature of 235 degrees Celsius using the free base form of mebutenin.

[0055] In at least one example, the sintered metal fibers 102 of the drug pad 100 are operable to retain 50 microliters to 250 microliters of the drug without the drug leaving the drug pad 100. In at least one example, the plurality of sintered metal fibers 102 of the drug pad 100 are operable to retain up to 250 microliters of a solution of the drug 300 without leakage. In at least one example, the drug pad 100 is operable to retain 200 microliters of a solution of the drug 300 without leakage.

[0056] In at least one example, the weight of the drug pad 100 can be between about 700 g / m² and about 1400 g / m². Thus, the drug pad 100 is thin and lightweight to achieve efficient drug loading and efficient vaporization.

[0057] After metering (e.g., depositing a predetermined volume) the drug 300 onto the drug pad 100, the drug 300 can be secured to the drug pad 100. For example, the drug 300 can be dried so that a dry form of the drug remains on the drug pad 100. During drying, the drug pad 100 and the drug 300 can be exposed to thermal energy. In at least one example, the sintered metal fibers 102 are heated and transfer the thermal energy to the drug 300. In some examples, heated air passes through the pores 104 of the sintered metal fibers 102 to provide thermal energy to the drug 300. In some examples, both the sintered metal fibers 102 and the air provide thermal energy to the drug 300. During drying, any solvent (e.g., the non-aqueous solvents described above) in the solution and / or suspension can be removed or evaporated. Liquid plaque is minimized, and any remaining drug on the drug pad 100 may solidify, and in some examples, the drug may form crystals. As a result, the drug administered to the patient has a higher percentage of purity.

[0058] In at least one example, drying can be performed at a temperature between 50 and 100 degrees Celsius. In at least one example, drying can be performed at a temperature between 50 and 95 degrees Celsius. In at least one example, drying can be performed at a temperature between 50 and 60 degrees Celsius. The drying duration can be between 90 and 120 seconds. In at least one example, the drying temperature can be 55 degrees Celsius and the drying time can be 102 seconds. Furthermore, the drying temperature can be selected based on the drug's salt, solvent, and melting point. In at least one example, the drying temperature is selected to be at least 15 degrees Celsius below the drug's melting point. In some examples, the solvent can include a non-aqueous solvent such as acetone, butanone, ethyl acetate, 2-propanol, methanol, acetonitrile, isopropyl alcohol, and / or isopropyl acetate. As described above, pharmaceutically acceptable salts can include methanesulfonate, malate, mesitartrate, xinafoate, malonate, glycolate, benzoate, or phosphate. In one example, the drug is the xinafoate salt of 5-MeO-DMT, and the solvent can be isopropyl alcohol or ethanol. The xinafoate salt of 5-MeO-DMT (mebutyronin xinafoate) has a melting temperature of about 75 degrees Celsius and a potential drying temperature of about 60 degrees Celsius and can be vaporized at 235 degrees Celsius. Alternatively, the free base form of mebutyronin can be used. In one example, the melting temperature of mebutyronin free base can be about 67.5 degrees Celsius. An example solvent can be ethanol, and the drying temperature can be about 55 degrees Celsius. Mebutyronin free base can be vaporized at about 235 degrees Celsius.

[0059] When mebutanol malonate (melting temperature of about 100 degrees Celsius) is dissolved in isopropyl alcohol, the drying temperature can be selected to be 85 degrees Celsius. When mebutanol phosphate (melting temperature of about 110 degrees Celsius) is dissolved in isopropyl acetate, the drying temperature can be selected to be 95 degrees Celsius.

[0060] As described herein, the solvent is non-aqueous, but the solvent can also be aqueous. A non-aqueous solvent is selected to improve wettability of the pad. If an aqueous solvent is desired, the present disclosure provides a surface treatment for the pad. Examples of surface treatments include oxygen plasma treatment. Alternatively, a surfactant can be added to the solution to improve wettability. Using an aqueous solvent also allows for the use of a wider range of salts.

[0061] In some examples, immediately after solvent removal, drug 300 can be observed as an oily residue on drug pad 100. Drug 300 can be highly soluble in anhydrous alcohol, and rapid solvent removal results in a highly supersaturated solution of drug 300. While the residual solvent content is insufficient to maintain complete dissolution of drug 300, it is sufficient to maintain a high degree of supersaturation for a short period of time. The induction period can be approximately 10 seconds, at which point the first evidence of crystals on drug pad 100 is observed. After initial crystal formation is observed, the oily residue rapidly solidifies, and drug pad 100 is coated with solid drug 300. In some examples, during vaporization, the solidified drug 300 may undergo a transition to an intermediate, oily, or supersaturated liquid state, followed by a subsequent transition to a vapor phase. In some examples, during vaporization, the solidified drug 300 melts and transitions to a vapor phase.

[0062] With the medication pad 100 disclosed herein, these phase change transitions can occur faster than with other pads (eg, layered mesh pads and drip pads).

[0063] Furthermore, when the drug is dispensed, the fiber diameter and capillary forces result in sufficient wetting of the drug pad 100. The drug 300 is then encapsulated within the structure formed by the sintered metal fibers 102. As the drug dries on the drug pad 100, the sintered metal fibers 102 are coated with the solidified drug 300, resulting in a sufficiently strong adhesion to withstand shock and vibration during transportation. Furthermore, the drug 300 is protected by the structure of the sintered metal fibers 102 of the drug pad 100.

[0064] like Figure 4 As shown, a drug pad 100 with medication retained thereon can be housed in a cartridge 10. The cartridge 10 can include a housing 400 operable to house the drug pad 100. In at least one example, the housing 400 can include a top portion 402 and a bottom portion 404 that are operably coupled to each other to securely house the drug pad 100. The top portion 402 and the bottom portion 404 can each be formed with a plurality of holes 406 to allow air to flow through the housing 400. Thus, air can flow through the bottom portion 404, through the drug pad 100, and out of the top portion 402. It will be appreciated that, although Figure 4 Four holes 406 are depicted in the cartridge 10 of FIG. 1 , but other cartridge configurations having other numbers of holes are possible.

[0065] In at least one example, the housing 400 can have a mass of less than 5 grams. Thus, the housing 400 and the medication pad 100 can be easily stored and transported.

[0066] In at least one example, the housing 400 can be made of a material that transports thermal energy. For example, the housing 400 can be made of metal. Thus, the housing 400 can be heated, and the thermal energy can be transferred to the sintered metal fibers 102 of the drug pad 100 via conduction. The thermal energy can then be transferred from the sintered metal fibers 102 to the drug via conduction.

[0067] Additionally, a disc or other shaped pad 100 is selected for installation within the cartridge 10, and the quality of the pad 100 can be inspected. The pad 100 can be inspected to determine if there is any compression within the area of the pad 100. Additionally, the pad 100 can be inspected to determine if the pad 100 includes any wrinkles. If wrinkles or compression are present, the pad 100 is rejected because it can affect the dosing of the pad 100. Additionally, the pad 100 can be inspected to determine if there are straight cuts along the edges. Additionally, the pad 100 can be inspected to determine if there is no slag, loose fibers, or discoloration.

[0068] like Figure 5 As shown, the cartridge 10 can be stored in a package 500. The cartridge 10 can contain a drug pad 100 as described herein. Alternatively, the cartridge 10 can contain a layered mesh pad, a metal foam pad, and / or a drug pad. To simplify the description as needed, the term drug pad 100 is used. For example, the package 500 can include a sealed plastic shell. The package 500 can enable the cartridge 10 and the drug pad 100 to be transported and / or stored for an extended period of time before the cartridge 10 is used for drug administration (e.g., heated to release the drug). The package 500 can prevent air from passing through the shell 400 and the drug pad 100 to ensure that the entire dose of the drug remains on the drug pad 100. In at least one example, the package 500 can prevent bacteria and / or other particles from reaching the drug pad 100. In some examples, the package 500 can act as a moisture barrier.

[0069] Since the drug cartridge 10 with the drug pad 100 is pre-metered with the drug, the desired dose of the drug can be administered to the patient when needed. However, in some examples, the drug can be provided separately from the drug pad 100 in the drug kit, and the drug can be deposited onto the drug pad 100 before administration.

[0070] When administering a drug, the drug on the sintered metal fibers 102 of the drug pad 100 may be exposed to heat energy to convert the drug into a gas phase, becoming a vaporized drug. Figure 6As shown, the drug pad 100 with the drug cartridge 10 can be used with a vaporizer 600. The vaporizer 600 can be used to heat the drug pad 100 to a vaporization temperature, thereby converting the drug into a vapor phase, forming a vaporized drug. The vaporized drug is contained in a drug dosing chamber 650, which, as shown, is a bag inflated with vapor and air. In other examples, the drug dosing chamber 650 can be another container that allows for vapor capture. When the drug pad 100 is heated, the plurality of sintered metal fibers 102 can be heated and / or heated air can be passed through the plurality of sintered metal fibers 102. The efficient heat transfer through the sintered metal fibers 102 unexpectedly improves vaporization efficiency and reduces the time required to administer the dose of drug via aerosol. In addition, the configuration of the drug pad 100 with the sintered metal fibers 102 and the desired porosity further provides enhanced vaporization efficiency. In at least one example, at least 90% of the drug remaining on the plurality of sintered metal fibers 102 is converted into a gas phase when the plurality of sintered metal fibers 102 is heated and / or heated air is passed through the plurality of sintered metal fibers 102. In some examples, at least 97% of the drug remaining on the plurality of sintered metal fibers 102 is converted into a gas phase when the plurality of sintered metal fibers 102 is heated and / or heated air is passed through the plurality of sintered metal fibers 102.

[0071] In at least one example, the cartridge 10 can remain in the cartridge housing during storage, transport, and use. During use, the cartridge housing retaining the cartridge can be used with a vaporizer without removing the cartridge. Retaining the cartridge in the housing can, for example, make the cartridge easier to handle and / or more tamper-resistant.

[0072] In at least one example, while the sintered metal fibers 102 are being heated, or independently of the heating of the sintered metal fibers 102, the vaporizer 600 can be operated to pass air through the plurality of pores 104 of the drug pad 100 to facilitate vaporization of the drug at a vaporization temperature and release of the vaporized drug from the drug pad 100. In at least one example, the vaporization temperature can be between 200 degrees Celsius and approximately 260 degrees Celsius. In some examples, the vaporization temperature can be approximately 235 degrees Celsius. By utilizing the porosity of the drug pad 100, an aerosol having a desired dosage of the vaporized drug can be generated from the vaporizer 600 at a relatively low air flow rate. Consequently, the drug can be efficiently and effectively vaporized and administered as an aerosol.

[0073] As described above, a range of pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the drug can be selected to provide the desired vaporization and drying characteristics. In one example, mebusein xinafoate allows mebusein to vaporize at temperatures ranging from 230 to 260 degrees Celsius. In another example, mebusein malonate provides a similar vaporization temperature range. In yet another example, mebusein phosphate is compatible with a vaporization temperature of 260 degrees Celsius. In at least some examples, the vaporization temperature can depend on the salt and solvent used. Additionally, as described above, the temperature and drying time also depend on the salt and solvent.

[0074] Numerous examples are provided herein to enhance understanding of the present disclosure. A set of specific statements is provided below.

[0075] Statement 1: A drug pad operable to retain a drug is disclosed, the drug pad comprising: a plurality of sintered metal fibers forming a plurality of pores; the plurality of pores defining a porosity of the drug pad; and a drug retained on the plurality of sintered metal fibers.

[0076] Statement 2: The drug pad according to statement 1, wherein said porosity is about 90% to allow air to flow through said plurality of sintered metal fibers, such that said drug and said air are transported together from said plurality of sintered metal fibers.

[0077] Statement 3: A medication pad according to Statement 1 or 2, wherein each of said plurality of sintered metal fibers has a diameter between about 35 microns and about 55 microns.

[0078] Statement 4: A medication pad according to any one of Statements 1 to 3, wherein each of said plurality of sintered metal fibers has a diameter of less than about 50 microns.

[0079] Statement 5: The drug pad according to any one of Statements 1 to 4, wherein upon heating the plurality of sintered metal fibers and / or passing heated air through the plurality of sintered metal fibers, at least about 90% of the drug retained on the plurality of sintered metal fibers is converted to a gas phase.

[0080] Statement 6: The drug pad according to any one of Statements 1 to 5, wherein upon heating the plurality of sintered metal fibers and / or passing heated air through the plurality of sintered metal fibers, at least about 97% of the drug retained on the plurality of sintered metal fibers is converted to a gas phase.

[0081] Statement 7: A drug pad according to any one of Statements 1 to 6, wherein said plurality of sintered metal fibers is operable to retain from about 50 microliters to about 350 microliters of said drug without said drug leaving said drug pad.

[0082] Statement 8: A drug pad according to any one of Statements 1 to 7, wherein said plurality of sintered metal fibers is operable to retain up to about 250 microliters of a solution of said drug without leakage.

[0083] Statement 9: The drug pad disclosed in any one of Statements 1 to 8 above, wherein the plurality of sintered metal fibers are made of stainless steel, so that the plurality of sintered metal fibers can be heated to a vaporization temperature to vaporize the drug and transform it into a gas phase while maintaining compatibility with the drug.

[0084] Statement 10: The medicated pad of statement 9, wherein the vaporization temperature is between about 200 degrees Celsius and about 260 degrees Celsius.

[0085] Statement 11. A medicated pad according to Statement 9 or 10, wherein said vaporization temperature is about 235 degrees Celsius.

[0086] Statement 12: A drug pad according to any one of the preceding statements 9 to 11, wherein said drug pad is operable to be packaged and stored before being subjected to heating to release said drug.

[0087] Statement 13: A medicated pad according to any one of Statements 1 to 12, wherein the diameter of the medicated pad is between about 20 mm and about 40 mm.

[0088] Statement 14: A medicated pad according to any one of Statements 1 to 13, wherein the diameter of the medicated pad is between about 25 mm and about 30 mm.

[0089] Statement 15: A drug pad according to any one of Statements 1 to 14, wherein the drug pad has a thickness between about 0.6 mm and about 1.5 mm.

[0090] Statement 16: A medicated pad according to any one of Statements 1 to 15, wherein the weight of the medicated pad is between about 700 g / m2 and about 1400 g / m2.

[0091] Statement 17: A drug pad according to any one of Statements 1 to 16, wherein the drug pad comprises at least one of the following: 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine, the cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol, the reassuring drug 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, ketamine, lysergic acid diethylamide, psilocybin, N,N-dimethyltryptamine, phenylalkylamine mescaline, second-generation hallucinogens, tryptamine drugs, ergoline, nicotine, pentamidine, opioids, fentanyl, morphine, naloxone and / or serotonin compounds.

[0092] Statement 18: A drug cartridge operable to retain and deliver a drug is disclosed, the drug cartridge comprising: a drug pad comprising: a plurality of sintered metal fibers forming a plurality of pores; the plurality of pores defining a porosity of the drug pad; a drug retained on the plurality of sintered metal fibers; and a housing operable to contain the drug pad.

[0093] Statement 19: A method of preparing a drug pad for packaging and storage prior to releasing a drug retained on the drug pad is disclosed, the method comprising: obtaining a drug; obtaining a drug pad having a plurality of sintered metal fibers forming a plurality of pores, wherein the plurality of pores defines a porosity of the drug pad; metering the drug onto the drug pad; and retaining the drug on the drug pad.

[0094] Statement 20. The method of statement 19, wherein said retaining said drug on said drug pad comprises removing a solvent from said drug.

[0095] Statement 21: A method of releasing a drug from a drug pad is disclosed, the method comprising: obtaining a drug pad having a drug stored thereon, the drug pad having a plurality of sintered metal fibers forming a plurality of pores, wherein the plurality of pores defines the porosity of the drug pad; heating the drug pad to a vaporization temperature to convert the drug into a vapor phase to become a vaporized drug; and passing air through the plurality of pores of the drug pad to promote the vaporized drug at the vaporization temperature and release the vaporized drug from the drug pad.

[0096] Statement 22: A drug kit is disclosed, comprising: a drug; a drug pad operable to retain the drug, the drug pad comprising: a plurality of sintered metal fibers forming a plurality of pores; the plurality of pores defining a porosity of the drug pad, wherein the drug pad is operable to retain the drug in a solidified form on the plurality of sintered metal fibers and is operable to release the drug in a vaporized form upon exposure to heat.

[0097] Statement 23: The drug kit according to Statement 22, further comprising a vaporizer, wherein the vaporizer is operable to heat the drug pad to a vaporization temperature to convert the drug into a gas phase to become a vaporized drug.

[0098] Statement 24: The drug kit of statement 23, wherein said vaporizer is operable to pass air through said plurality of pores of said drug pad to promote said vaporized drug and release said vaporized drug from said drug pad at said vaporization temperature.

[0099] Statement 25: A drug pad operable to retain a drug is disclosed, the drug pad comprising: a plurality of sintered metal fibers forming a plurality of pores; the plurality of pores defining a porosity of the drug pad, wherein the drug pad is operable to retain the drug on the plurality of sintered metal fibers and is operable to release the drug in a vaporized form upon exposure to heat.

[0100] Statement 26. The medicated pad of Statements 1 to 25, wherein said medicated pad has a thickness between about 0.9 mm and about 1.5 mm.

[0101] Statement 27. The medicated pad of Statements 1 to 26, wherein said medicated pad has an area density between about 900 g / m2 and about 1500 g / m2.

[0102] Statement 28. The medicated pad of Statements 1 to 27, wherein said medicated pad has an area density between about 930 g / m2 and about 1425 g / m2.

[0103] Statement 29. The medicated pad of Statements 1 to 28, wherein said medicated pad has an area density of about 1000 grams per square meter.

[0104] Statement 30. The pad of Statements 1 to 29, wherein the fiber diameter is about 40 microns.

[0105] Statement 31. The medicated pad of Statements 1 to 30, wherein said medicament has a diameter of about 26 mm.

[0106] Statement 32. A drug pad according to Statements 1 to 31, wherein said porosity of said drug pad is greater than 87%.

[0107] Statement 33: A drug pad operable to retain a drug is disclosed, the drug pad comprising: a plurality of sintered fibers forming a plurality of pores; the plurality of pores defining a porosity of the drug pad, wherein the porosity is greater than about 87%; and a drug retained on the plurality of sintered fibers.

[0108] Statement 34. The drug pad of statement 33, wherein said porosity is about 89% to allow air to flow through said plurality of sintered fibers such that said drug and said air are transported together from said plurality of sintered fibers.

[0109] Statement 35. A drug pad according to Statement 33 or 34, wherein each of said plurality of sintered fibers has a diameter between about 35 microns and about 55 microns.

[0110] Statement 36: A drug pad according to any one of Statements 33 to 35, wherein each of said plurality of sintered fibers has a diameter of less than about 50 microns.

[0111] Statement 37: A drug pad according to any one of Statements 33 to 36, wherein upon heating said plurality of fibers and / or passing heated air through said plurality of sintered fibers, at least about 90% of said drug retained on said plurality of sintered fibers is converted to a gas phase.

[0112] Statement 38: A drug pad according to any one of Statements 33 to 37, wherein upon heating said plurality of fibers and / or passing heated air through said plurality of sintered fibers, at least about 97% of said drug retained on said plurality of sintered fibers is converted to a gas phase.

[0113] Statement 39: A drug pad according to any one of Statements 33 to 38, wherein said plurality of sintered fibers is operable to retain from about 50 microliters to about 350 microliters of said drug without said drug leaving said drug pad.

[0114] Statement 40. A drug pad according to any one of Statements 33 to 39, wherein said plurality of sintered fibers is operable to retain without leakage up to about 250 microliters of a solution of said drug.

[0115] Statement 41: The drug pad disclosed in any one of Statements 33 to 40, wherein the plurality of sintered fibers are made of stainless steel, such that the plurality of sintered fibers are operable to be heated to a vaporization temperature to vaporize the drug and transform it into a gas phase while maintaining compatibility with the drug.

[0116] Statement 42. The pad of statement 41, wherein said vaporization temperature is between about 200 degrees Celsius and about 260 degrees Celsius.

[0117] Statement 43. A pad according to Statement 41 or 42, wherein said vaporization temperature is about 235 degrees Celsius.

[0118] Statement 44: A drug pad according to any one of the preceding statements 41 to 43, wherein said drug pad is operable to be packaged and stored before being subjected to heating to release said drug.

[0119] Statement 45: A medicated pad according to any one of Statements 33 to 44, wherein the diameter of said medicated pad is between about 20 mm and about 40 mm.

[0120] Statement 46: A medicated pad according to any one of Statements 33 to 45, wherein the diameter of said medicated pad is between about 25 mm and about 30 mm.

[0121] Statement 47: A drug pad according to any one of Statements 33 to 46, wherein the drug pad has a thickness between about 1.1 mm and about 1.5 mm.

[0122] Statement 48: A medicated pad according to any one of Statements 33 to 47, wherein said medicated pad has a weight between about 970 g / m2 and about 1400 g / m2.

[0123] Statement 49: A drug pad according to any one of Statements 33 to 48, wherein the drug comprises at least one of the following: 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine, the cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol, the reassuring drug 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, ketamine, lysergic acid diethylamide, psilocybin, N,N-dimethyltryptamine, phenylalkylamine mescaline, second-generation hallucinogens, tryptamine drugs, ergoline, nicotine, pentamidine, opioids, fentanyl, morphine, naloxone and / or serotonin compounds.

[0124] Statement 50: A drug cartridge operable to retain and deliver a drug is disclosed, the drug cartridge comprising: a drug pad comprising: a plurality of sintered fibers forming a plurality of pores; the plurality of pores defining a porosity of the drug pad, wherein the porosity is greater than about 87%; a drug retained on the plurality of sintered fibers; and a housing operable to contain the drug pad.

[0125] Statement 51: A method of preparing a drug pad for packaging and storage prior to releasing a drug retained on the pad, the method comprising: obtaining a drug; obtaining a drug pad having a plurality of sintered fibers forming a plurality of pores, wherein the plurality of pores defines a porosity of the drug pad and the porosity is greater than about 87%; metering the drug onto the drug pad; and retaining the drug on the drug pad.

[0126] Statement 52. The method of statement 51, wherein said retaining said drug on said drug pad comprises removing a solvent from said drug.

[0127] Statement 53: A method of releasing a drug from a drug pad is disclosed, the method comprising: obtaining a drug pad having a drug stored thereon, the drug pad having a plurality of sintered fibers forming a plurality of pores, wherein the plurality of pores defines a porosity of the drug pad and the porosity is greater than about 87%; heating the drug pad to a vaporization temperature to convert the drug into a vapor phase to become a vaporized drug; passing air through the plurality of pores of the drug pad to promote the vaporized drug at the vaporization temperature and release the vaporized drug from the drug pad.

[0128] Statement 54: A drug kit is disclosed, comprising: a drug; a drug pad operable to retain the drug, the drug pad comprising: a plurality of sintered fibers forming a plurality of pores; the plurality of pores defining a porosity of the drug pad, wherein the porosity is greater than about 87%, wherein the drug pad is operable to retain the drug in a solidified form on the plurality of sintered fibers and is operable to release the drug in a vaporized form upon exposure to heat.

[0129] Statement 55: The drug kit of statement 54, further comprising a vaporizer, said vaporizer being operable to heat said drug pad to a vaporization temperature to convert said drug into a vapor phase to form a vaporized drug.

[0130] Statement 56. The drug kit of statement 55, wherein said vaporizer is operable to pass air through said plurality of pores of said drug pad to promote said vaporized drug and release said vaporized drug from said drug pad at said vaporization temperature.

[0131] Statement 57: A drug pad operable to retain a drug is disclosed, the drug pad comprising: a plurality of sintered fibers forming a plurality of pores; the plurality of pores defining a porosity of the drug pad, wherein the porosity is greater than about 87%, wherein the drug pad is operable to retain the drug on the plurality of sintered fibers and is operable to release the drug in a vaporized form upon exposure to heat.

[0132] Although various information is used to explain aspects within the scope of the appended claims, no limitation to the claims based on specific features or arrangements should be implied, as a person of ordinary skill will be able to devise a wide variety of implementations. Furthermore, although a subject matter has been described using language specific to structural features and / or methodological steps, it should be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to those described features or acts. Such functionality may be distributed in different ways or performed in components other than those identified herein. Rather, the described features and steps are disclosed as possible components of systems and methods within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A drug pad operable to retain a drug, the drug pad comprising: a plurality of sintered metal fibers forming a plurality of pores; The plurality of pores defines the porosity of the drug pad; A drug is retained on the plurality of sintered metal fibers.

2. The drug pad of claim 1, wherein the porosity is about 90% to allow air to flow through the plurality of sintered metal fibers, such that the drug and the air are transported together from the plurality of sintered metal fibers.

3. The medication pad of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of sintered metal fibers has a diameter between about 35 microns and about 55 microns.

4. The medication pad of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of sintered metal fibers has a diameter less than about 50 microns.

5. The drug pad of claim 1 , wherein upon heating the plurality of sintered metal fibers and / or passing heated air through the plurality of sintered metal fibers, at least about 90% of the drug retained on the plurality of sintered metal fibers is converted to a gas phase.

6. The drug pad of claim 1, wherein upon heating the plurality of sintered metal fibers and / or passing heated air through the plurality of sintered metal fibers, at least about 97% of the drug retained on the plurality of sintered metal fibers is converted to a gas phase.

7. The drug pad of claim 1, wherein said plurality of sintered metal fibers are operable to retain about 50 microliters to about 350 microliters of said drug without said drug exiting said drug pad.

8. The drug pad of claim 1, wherein the plurality of sintered metal fibers are operable to retain up to about 250 microliters of a solution of the drug without leakage.

9. The drug pad of claim 1, wherein the plurality of sintered metal fibers are made of stainless steel, such that the plurality of sintered metal fibers are operable to be heated to a vaporization temperature to vaporize the drug and transform it into a gas phase while maintaining compatibility with the drug.

10. The medication pad of claim 9, wherein the vaporization temperature is between about 200 degrees Celsius and about 260 degrees Celsius.

11. The medication pad of claim 9, wherein the vaporization temperature is about 235 degrees Celsius.

12. The drug pad of claim 9, wherein the drug pad is operable to be packaged and stored before being subjected to heating to release the drug.

13. The medication pad of claim 1, wherein the medication pad has a diameter between about 20 mm and about 40 mm.

14. The medication pad of claim 1, wherein the medication pad has a diameter between about 25 mm and about 30 mm.

15. The medication pad of claim 1, wherein the medication pad has a thickness between about 0.6 mm and about 1.5 mm.

16. The medicated pad of claim 1, wherein the medicated pad weighs between about 700 g / m2 and about 1400 g / m2.

17. The drug pad of claim 1, wherein the drug comprises at least one of the following: 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine, the cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol, the reassuring drug 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, ketamine, lysergic acid diethylamide, psilocybin, N,N-dimethyltryptamine, phenylalkylamine mescaline, second-generation hallucinogens, tryptamine drugs, ergoline, nicotine, pentamidine, opioids, fentanyl, morphine, naloxone, and / or serotonin compounds.

18. A cartridge operable to retain and deliver a drug, the cartridge comprising: A medicine pad comprising a plurality of sintered metal fibers forming a plurality of pores; The plurality of pores defines the porosity of the drug pad; a drug retained on the plurality of sintered metal fibers; as well as A housing operable to receive the medicated pad.

19. A method of preparing a drug pad for packaging and storage prior to releasing a drug retained on the drug pad, the method comprising: access to medication; obtaining a drug pad having a plurality of sintered metal fibers forming a plurality of pores, wherein the plurality of pores defines a porosity of the drug pad; Measuring the drug on the drug pad; as well as The drug is retained on the drug pad.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein said retaining said drug on said drug pad comprises removing a solvent from said drug.

21. A method for releasing a drug from a drug pad, the method comprising: obtaining a drug pad having a drug stored thereon, the drug pad having a plurality of sintered metal fibers forming a plurality of pores, wherein the plurality of pores defines a porosity of the drug pad; heating the drug pad to a vaporization temperature so that the drug is converted into a gas phase to become a vaporized drug; Air is passed through the plurality of pores of the drug pad to promote the vaporization of the drug at the vaporization temperature and release the vaporized drug from the drug pad.

22. A pharmaceutical kit comprising: drug; a drug pad operable to retain the drug, the drug pad comprising: a plurality of sintered metal fibers forming a plurality of pores; The plurality of pores defines the porosity of the drug pad; The drug pad is operable to retain the drug in a solidified form on the plurality of sintered metal fibers and is operable to release the drug in a vaporized form upon being heated.

23. The drug kit of claim 22, further comprising a vaporizer operable to heat the drug pad to a vaporization temperature to convert the drug into a gas phase to become a vaporized drug.

24. The medication kit of claim 23, wherein the vaporizer is operable to pass air through the plurality of pores of the medication pad to facilitate the vaporization of the medication at the vaporization temperature and release the vaporized medication from the medication pad.

25. A medicated pad operable to retain a medicament, the medicated pad comprising: a plurality of sintered metal fibers forming a plurality of pores; The plurality of pores defines the porosity of the drug pad; The drug pad is operable to retain the drug on the plurality of sintered metal fibers and is operable to release the drug in a vaporized form upon heating.

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