Transdermal patch for controlled delivery of active ingredients using an electronic control system in the form of a smartwatch

Abstract

The invention relates to a transdermal patch combined with an electronic control system in the form of a smartwatch. The patch features a display that shows information about the current status and drug delivery. Simultaneously, electrical contacts within the patch enable the targeted delivery of active ingredients under the skin. The system reacts in real time to the patient's condition and can be used for various applications including insulin control, blood measurement and vacuum blood tests. The invention offers precise and needs-based control of drug delivery and enables continuous monitoring and adjustment based on the patient's current needs.

Description

Background of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a transdermal patch for the controlled delivery of active substances, particularly medical drugs such as insulin. It is characterized by the integration of an electronic control system, which is attached to the transdermal patch in the form of a smartwatch, such as the Apple Watch. This combination enables precise control and adjustment of the drug delivery based on the patient's current needs and condition. Description of the invention

[0002] The invention comprises a transdermal patch combined with an electronic control unit in the form of a smartwatch. The adhesive surface of the patch contains partially metallic contacts that ensure a secure connection to the smartwatch. The patch's integrated battery can be inductively charged, thus ensuring a continuous power supply.

[0003] The patch features a display that shows information about the current status and drug delivery. Electrical contacts within the patch enable the delivery of active ingredients under the skin via an electric current, allowing for precise dosage control.

[0004] Bidirectional communication between the patch and smartwatch allows data to be sent and received, enabling the system to react to the patient's condition in real time. The patch is applied to the skin, and the smartwatch is placed on the back of the patch, which improves the contact area and ensures an optimal connection.

[0005] Various adhesive patches are available for different applications, including insulin monitoring, blood pressure measurement, and vacuum blood tests. The patch is capable of delivering insulin and other maintenance medications, as well as emergency medications such as norepinephrine.

[0006] A vibration effect can accelerate drug release by promoting blood flow and diffusion of the active ingredient into the skin. Additionally, the patch initially creates a vacuum to draw blood to the surface before the drug is released, which improves the efficiency of drug absorption.

[0007] This comprehensive solution offers precise and needs-based control of drug delivery and enables continuous monitoring and adjustment based on the patient's current needs. State of the art

[0008] Transdermal patches are known for their ability to deliver active ingredients in a controlled manner through the skin.

[0009] However, existing systems are often limited to passive drug delivery methods and do not offer the possibility of dynamically adjusting the dosage in real time. Furthermore, an efficient method for continuously monitoring patients is lacking.

[0010] The construction of iontophoretic systems fundamentally requires a cathode and an anode to generate a direct current flow through the body. The electrodes are connected via aqueous buffer solutions, sometimes immobilized in gels, which ensures the flow of the active ingredient ions through the skin. However, to prevent short circuits between the electrodes, they must be applied to the skin at a sufficient distance from each other, which is why iontophoretic systems tend to be quite large.

[0011] Iontophoretic transdermal therapeutic systems have already been described in a large number of publications, including, for example, US 5,622,530, WO 95 / 06497, US 6,757,560, US 3,991,755, US 4,141,359, DE 37 03 321, WO 87 / 04936, WO 91 / 16077, WO 92 / 04938, EP 0 532 451, US 5,415,629 and WO00 / 53256.

[0012] In electrophoretic transdermal systems, ionic drugs can be delivered through the skin using two electrodes and a power source, without exposing the body to a direct current. In these systems, the electrodes are arranged opposite each other, similar to a capacitor, with the drug reservoir located between the electrodes and only one electrode facing the skin.

[0013] US patent 5,533,995 describes such an electrophoretic transdermal application system. It comprises a reservoir containing the active ingredient and an electrode system that can be operated to deliver the active ingredient from the reservoir to the skin in a controlled manner.

[0014] A self-adhesive transdermal application system with an electrode grid is known from patent EP 1 457 233. The system comprises electronic control of the electrode voltage, a carrier film (cover film) impermeable to the active ingredient, a membrane permeable to the active ingredient, an active ingredient-containing reservoir arranged between the carrier film and the membrane, and a release liner. The electrode attached to the carrier film serves as a counter electrode for the electrode attached to the membrane. The system further comprises a pressure-sensitive adhesive for attaching the transdermal patch to the skin surface. Solution and conclusion

[0015] The present invention offers a solution to the aforementioned problems by combining a transdermal patch with an electronic control system in the form of a smartwatch. The system comprises several innovative features that enable precise and demand-based, and above all, active drug delivery. Reference symbol list

[0016] Transdermal Smart Patch Sheet (1) Reference symbol 1 shows a magnetic buckle that, when activated, connects forcefully with electromagnetic magnet (2). Reference numeral 2 shows an electromagnetic locking unit that only separates from buckle (1) when a corresponding unlocking code is entered in the display. Reference numeral 3 indicates sensors for capturing and processing data that can be sent by transmitting units in band (4). Reference symbol 4 shows a bracelet containing various electronic components. Reference numeral 5 indicates a cavity in the band (4) for various additional elements, battery, storage units. Reference symbol 6 shows a locking tab for fixing attachments. Reference symbol 7 indicates a transmitting and receiving antenna installed in the band. Reference symbol 8 shows a plug connection for additional batteries. Reference symbol 9 shows a contact plug for attachments Reference symbol 10 shows a display with elastic mounting (11). The display can be moved horizontally when using the adhesive pad (16). Reference symbol 11 shows the elastic damping and mounting of the display. Reference numeral 12 shows an additional battery for installation in a recess (8) Reference numeral 13 indicates various contacts Reference symbol 14 shows an indicator light - here an RGB LED - which can visually display various signals: continuous light, flashing, etc. Reference sign 15 shows a silicone tab that attaches the depot patch (16) to the smart watch using claws (19) in the recesses (8). Reference symbol 16 shows the depot patch in position. Reference numeral 17 indicates a multi-function switching element. Reference symbol 18 shows a switching element that can be coupled with switching elements on the smartwatch. Reference numeral 19 shows the silicone tab in position in the battery receptacle with contacts (9) for power supply or data transmission. Reference symbol 20 shows a grid for the electromagnet. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 5,622,530

[0011] WO 95 / 06497

[0011] US 6,757,560

[0011] US 3,991,755

[0011] US 4,141,359

[0011] DE 37 03 321

[0011] WO 87 / 04936

[0011] WO 91 / 16077

[0011] WO 92 / 04938

[0011] EP 0 532 451

[0011] US 5,415,629

[0011] WO 00 / 53256

[0011] US 5,533,995

[0013] EP 1 457 233

[0014]

Claims

[1] Transdermal patch for controlled delivery of active substances, especially insulin, characterized by , that it includes an electronic control system in the form of a smartwatch, for example an Apple Watch, which is placed on the transdermal patch and takes over the complete control of the drug delivery. [2] Transdermal patch according to claim 1, characterized by that the adhesive surface of the patch contains partially metallic contacts that ensure a secure connection between the smartwatch and the patch. [3] Transdermal patch according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the patch contains an integrated battery and can be charged inductively, ensuring a continuous power supply. [4] Transdermal patch according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the patch has its own display that shows information about the current status and the release of the active ingredient. [5] Transdermal patch according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that electrical contacts in the patch promote the release of the active ingredient under the skin by means of an electric current, which allows for precise control of the dosage. [6] Transdermal patch according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the patch can send and receive data to enable bidirectional communication with the smartwatch. [7] Transdermal patch according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the system responds to the patient's condition by continuously monitoring data such as blood glucose levels and other relevant parameters and adjusting the drug delivery accordingly. [8] Transdermal patch according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the patch is stuck to the skin and the smartwatch is placed on the back of the patch to improve the contact area and ensure an optimal connection. [9] Transdermal patch according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that different adhesive patches are available for different applications, including insulin control, blood measurement and vacuum blood tests. [10] Transdermal patch according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the patch can be used to deliver insulin as well as to administer long-term medications and emergency medications such as noradrenaline for cardiac support. [11] Transdermal patch according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a shaking effect accelerates the release of the active ingredient by promoting blood circulation and the diffusion of the active ingredient into the skin. [12] Transdermal patch according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the patch first creates a vacuum to draw blood to the surface before the active ingredient is released, in order to improve the efficiency of drug absorption. [13] Transdermal patch according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the electronic control system continuously adjusts the drug delivery based on the monitored patient data. [14] Transdermal patch according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the patch controls the release of the active ingredient depending on external signals such as movement or rest of the patient. [15] Transdermal patch according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the smartwatch provides an interface for transmitting the collected data to medical professionals in order to ensure optimal treatment and monitoring of the patient.

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