Delivery device for medicament

Abstract

A device for dispensing solid dosage form comprises a chamber for storing solid dosage form, an outlet and a rotatable element comprising a disc. The disc comprises at least one aperture in a radially outer section of the disc and a surface configured to direct the solid dosage form in the chamber towards the radially outer section. The disc is configured to rotate to transport solid dosage form from the chamber to the outlet.

Description

[0001] DELIVERY DEVICE FOR MEDICAMENT

[0002] FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates generally to delivery devices for medication, in particular solid dosage form.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Medications can be manufactured as a solid dosage form, e.g., tablets (which are generally larger and held / administered individually as single units) or pellets (which are generally smaller and held / administered as large multiples of units). These could contain different substances where the main ingredient(s) is / are the active pharmaceutical ingredient (“API”).

[0006] Dispensing mechanisms for various forms of solid dosage form are known, and can range from blister-pack type devices, wherein individual tablets can be retained within pockets and retained therein by the use of foil, to dispensing bottles.

[0007] Known dispensing mechanisms often lack accuracy or do not allow a variable dose to be dispensed, in particular in the context of solid dosage form in the form of tablets. It is desired to manufacture a device which is highly accurate at dispensing tablets, but which also allows an individualised dose to be dispensed depending on a patient’s need. It is against this background that the present invention was devised.

[0008] SUMMARY

[0009] The invention provides a device for dispensing solid dosage form. The device comprises a chamber configured for storing solid dosage form and an outlet through which solid dosage form from the chamber can be dispensed. The device also comprises a rotatable element comprising a disc. The disc is configured to transport solid dosage form from the chamber to the outlet and comprises at least one aperture in a radially outer section thereof. The disc also comprises a surface configured to direct the solid dosage form (for example, in a radial direction) in the chamber towards the radially outer section. This helps to ensure that each aperture of the disc receives solid dosage form from the chamber during dispensing.

[0010] The device described above is able to dispense solid dosage form in both a reliable and efficient manner. The rotatable element allows the device to easily dispense different doses of solid dosage form depending on a patient’s needs, because the angle through which the rotatable element is rotated can be adjusted to change the amount of solid dosage form that is transported from the chamber to the outlet.

[0011] It is of critical importance that a device for dispensing solid dosage form is reliable and accurate, because the dispensing of an incorrect dose can have serious consequences for a patient. The above device has been found to be effective at dispensing solid dosage form in a manner which is both efficient (because multiple units of solid dosage form can be dispensed relatively quickly by rotation of the disc) and reliable, in part because the directing surface of the disc ensures that each and every aperture has a solid dosage form in it when it reaches the outlet. The above device is also safer than other dispensing devices. This is in part because when the disc stops rotating the solid dosage form will automatically stop being dispensed (the device does not need to rely on a valve, for example). This can prevent a user from accessing solid dosage form if it has not been dispensed by the device.

[0012] Although the device can be effective at dispensing various forms of solid dosage form, the device is particularly suited for accurately dispensing tablets. This is because each aperture of the disc can be designed to receive one tablet (or a particular number of tablets) such that the disc is able to dispense the tablets in a controlled, sequential manner (e.g., one-by-one). This means that the device is better able to dispense an exact number of tablets and, as a result, an accurate dose.

[0013] The device may be used to dispense "mini-tablets" (as defined below), which are smaller than conventional tablets. The device is able to accurately dispense a particular number (or dose) of such mini-tablets, which have been found to be particularly challenging to dispense in an accurate manner. For example, their size can lead to jamming in some types of dispensers. When using the device of the present invention, a precise individualised dose of mini-tablets can be calculated and dispensed depending on a patient’s needs. Another advantage is that mini-tablets dispensed in a precise manner (using the present invention) can be easily swallowed by patients who might alternatively have to manipulate (e.g., crush) tablets in order to obtain a dose. The mini-tablets may have a largest dimension of between 1 mm and 7mm, for example.

[0014] The tablets being dispensed may have a circular cross-sectional shape, and may have a diameter to height ratio of between 0.8 to 1 .2 (the height being defined as a longest dimension perpendicular to the plane of the cross-section). Alternatively, the tablet may have an oval / oblong cross-sectional shape, and may have a width to height ratio of between 0.8 to 1 .2 (the width being the largest dimension of the tablet perpendicular to the height). Mini-tablets with this size and shape provide the above described advantages with regard to individualisation of doses, and are particularly suited to being accurately dispensed using the devices described herein.

[0015] The disc has a generally circular cross-section and is relatively flat. For example, a maximum thickness of the disk, the thickness defined in a direction parallel to the rotational or central axis of the disc, may be less than 50%, optionally less than 40%, of the diameter of the disc.

[0016] Each of the at least one apertures are formed through the radially outer section of the disc such that the whole perimeter of each of the at least one apertures are delimited by the radially outer section of the disc. This helps to ensure that solid dosage form successfully enters and then stays in a respective aperture.

[0017] It is also of upmost importance that the solid dosage form is dispensed reliably from the device and is not damaged during the dispensing step. In arrangements in which at least one side of the aperture is formed by a static portion of the device, for example, which will slide past the disc as the disc rotates, there is a risk that the solid dosage form may become damaged by the relative movement of the sides of the aperture (and also causes electrostatic problems due to the frictional contact of the solid dosage form and the side wall), and / or of the solid dosage form in the aperture being urged out of the aperture due to the relative movement. As such, an arrangement with the apertures formed as a through-hole through the disc is more stable and reliable.

[0018] Each aperture may have a circular shape, or may have an oval or oblong cross sectional shape. This has been found to reduce the likelihood of more units of excess units of solid dosage form from inadvertently entering an aperture.

[0019] Each aperture may have a maximum width which is less than 2 times the minimum width of the mini-tablets being dispensed and which may be at least 1.1 times the minimum width of the minitablets being dispensed. A size range for the maximum aperture width of between 4mm to 10mm has been found to be effective at dispensing mini-tablets. Aperture width sizes of between 5mm to 9mm, or 5mm to 8mm, or 6mm to 8mm have also been found to be effective at dispensing minitablets.

[0020] The apertures can extend through a thickness of radially outer section of the disc. This means that solid dosage form can enter the aperture from the chamber above the disc, and exit the aperture to the outlet underneath the disc. This allows the disc to be generally horizontal in use. An advantage to this orientation is that it allows the chamber to be placed above multiple apertures of the disc at a time, which can give the apertures more of a chance to fill with solid dosage form before reaching the outlet than if the disc was vertical in use, for example.

[0021] The outlet may comprise a straight, optionally vertical passage extending to an exit, advantageously including no bends that could inadvertently hold tablets if the device is held at an angle during dispensing.

[0022] The aperture may be cylindrical, optionally having a central axis that extends parallel to the rotational axis of the disc. This shape avoids jamming of tablets in the separator (if present). Other aperture shapes may be provided, and the aperture shape may be selected depending on the shape of the solid dosage form being dispensed.

[0023] A particularly efficient arrangement has a disc with a plurality of apertures spaced circumferentially around the radially outer section, which may be a periphery of the disc. This allows the disc to transport a higher number of units of solid dosage form to the outlet per full rotation of the disc, and allows drugs to be dispensed quickly and accurately.

[0024] The apertures may be circumferentially spaced such that a minimum distance between each aperture is 50% or less than a diameter of each aperture. Minimising the spacing between the apertures can help to ensure that each aperture is filled with a tablet (or more broadly solid dosage form) before the tablets are dispensed, at least because if a tablet falls onto the portion of the disc between each aperture, the tablet is more likely to roll into one of the apertures rather than remain on top of the disc. It can also help to provide an efficient system which is capable of dispensing tablets quickly.

[0025] The size of each aperture may be selected depending on the size of the tablets (or more broadly solid dosage form) being dispensed. The diameter of the aperture may be selected to be larger than a largest dimension of the tablet so that the tablet can be received in the aperture regardless of the orientation of the tablet. For example, a ratio of the diameter of the aperture to a maximum dimension of the tablet may be between 1.1 and 1 .8, or between 1 .2 and 1 .7, or between 1 .3 and 1 .6. The diameter of the aperture may also be selected to be less than twice the smallest dimension of the tablet to prevent two tablets from being received in each aperture. The height of the aperture (defined along a central axis of the aperture) may be selected to be smaller than a minimum dimension of each tablet. This helps to ensure that only one tablet can be received in each aperture (regardless of the orientation of the tablet), and can help to avoid any excess tablets on top of the tablet in the aperture from becoming jammed between the disc and the separator (if present). For example, a ratio of the height of the aperture to a minimum dimension of the tablet may be between 0.6 and 0.95, or between 0.6 and 0.9, or between 0.7 and 0.9.

[0026] The surface may slope towards the one or more apertures, such that solid dosage form contacting the sloped surface in use rolls down it towards the radially outer section. The surface may be angled with respect to the horizontal in use (or radial direction of the disc), and the angle can be selected depending on the properties of the solid dosage form and the material forming the disc. Generally, it has been found that an angle of between about 10 and 75 degrees, and more preferably between about 15 and 45 degrees, can be effective for a range of different solid dosage forms.

[0027] The surface may be formed on a radially inner section of the disc, such that the surface at the radially inner section moves solid dosage form towards the apertures at the radially outer section. This helps the solid dosage form to flow into the apertures during dispensing.

[0028] The radially outer section may be a flat surface extending perpendicularly to a rotational axis of the disc. In such arrangements, the radially outer section extends horizontally when the device is held in an upright position. This helps to ensure that the solid dosage form successfully enters the apertures, and that each aperture is filled with solid dosage form by the time it reaches the outlet. In a particularly advantageous arrangement, the sloped surface meets the flat radially outer section such that the sloped surface extends directly to the horizontal flat radially outer section (which includes the apertures). This helps to effectively guide the solid dosage form directly into the apertures from the chamber, whilst reducing the likelihood of jamming of solid dosage form in the device.

[0029] In a particularly optimal arrangement, the surface is a cone, with a centre of the cone aligning with a rotational axis of the disc. The cone is formed in the radially inner section of the disc and slopes down towards the radially outer section. This means that regardless of which part of the radially inner section of the disc that the solid dosage form in the chamber falls onto, the solid dosage form will always be urged towards the radially outer sections (where the apertures are). This arrangement may be further optimised by providing a plurality of apertures spaced circumferentially around the periphery of the disc, where the apertures are circumferentially spaced such that a minimum distance between each aperture is 50% or less than a diameter of each aperture, as described above.

[0030] The radially inner section of the disc may extend from a centre of the disc to the radially outer section. The radially inner section, and therefore the surface, may extend radially to at least 50% of the full radius of the disc, and in more optimal arrangements may extend to at least 60%, 70% or 80% of the radius of the disc. This results in a relatively narrow radially outer section, which means that the apertures will take up more space in the radially outer section so that solid dosage form that has been directed to the radially outer section will be more likely to fall into an aperture.

[0031] The radially outer section may be generally ring-shaped and may have a constant thickness.

[0032] As mentioned above, the outlet is below the disc and placed so that as an aperture passes over the outlet, solid dosage form in the aperture will fall out of the aperture into and through the outlet. The outlet may be provided by a passageway formed in a portion of the device below the disc, for example in a housing of the device below the disc.

[0033] The disc is located in the bottom of the chamber so that solid dosage form in the chamber falls onto the disc. A surface delimiting the bottom of the chamber may be close to or in contact with a bottom surface of the disc (for example a bottom surface of the radially outer section of the disc), This surface closes the bottom of the apertures, to retain any solid dosage form in the apertures when the disc rotates until the apertures reach the outlet. The outlet may be a passage formed in the housing defining the surface.

[0034] The chamber for storing the solid dosage form could have any shape, but a particularly convenient shape is a cylindrical shape. This allows an inner surface of the walls defining the chamber to easily match a radially outer surface of the disc so that solid dosage form is prevented from falling between an outer radius of the disc and a surface defining the chamber. It has also been found that shapes which avoid sharp corners (for example a chamber with a circular or oval cross section) are easier to produce in a moisture proof manner to prevent moisture from being allowed to enter the chamber and potentially contaminate the tablets. Depending on the solid dosage form being dispensed, the chamber could advantageously be selected to have a diameter which is at least six times the average diameter of the solid dosage form (for example tablets) because this allows the solid dosage form to flow easily within the chamber.

[0035] The device is preferably a hand-held device, which allows it to be portable and easy to use in a range of settings, for example for home use. To allow the device to be hand-held, the device may have a length of between 50 mm and 250 mm, more specifically between 100 mm and 200 mm, a width of between 20 mm and 100 mm, more specifically between 30 mm and 50 mm, and a depth of between 20 mm and 100 mm, more specifically between 30 mm and 50 mm.

[0036] The device may comprise a separator that is configured to separate the solid dosage form in an aperture (for example one tablet) from the solid dosage form in the rest of the chamber, so as to ensure that only the solid dosage form in the aperture is dispensed out of the outlet. When the disc rotates, the separator may allow the aperture (and the solid dosage form in the aperture) to travel under it whilst acting as a barrier to prevent solid dosage form on top of the disc from travelling to the outlet. The outlet may be provided behind the separator (relative to the rotation of the disc) so that once the aperture has passed under the separator only the solid dosage form in the aperture will reach the outlet.

[0037] To achieve this, the separator may be a component placed above the radially outer section of the disc. There may be a gap provided between the bottom of the separator and a top surface of the radially outer section of the disc. The gap extends in a direction parallel to the rotational axis of the disc, and may be dimensioned such that it is large enough to accommodate the solid dosage form inside the aperture (for example one tablet), whilst being small enough to prevent the solid dosage form in the rest of the chamber from being able to fit under the separator.

[0038] The gap (if present) between the bottom surface of the separator and the top surface of the radially outer section of the disc is dimensioned such that it is large enough to accommodate the solid dosage form (for example one tablet) in each aperture without breaking that solid dosage form, whilst being small enough to prevent the solid dosage form outside of the aperture from being able to pass under the separator.

[0039] The gap may be less than 50% of the height of the aperture, or less than 40% of the height of the aperture. The gap may have a height of between 10% and 50% of the height of each aperture. For example, in the context of mini-tablets the gap may be less than or equal to about 1 mm. There may also be a gap provided between the separator and the radially outer section of the disc.

[0040] The separator may be a plate placed above the disc. The plate may be disposed horizontally in use and may be placed above the radially outer section of the disc in line with (in a vertical direction) the outlet so that the plate covers the opposite side of the aperture to the outlet.

[0041] If circular, the plate may only be a circular sector covering a portion of the radially outer section of the disc, and would not extend around the full circumference. In use, each aperture that is in the chamber and not covered by the circular sector will receive solid dosage form from the chamber. The aperture (now containing solid dosage form) will then travel under the plate and to the outlet.

[0042] The plate may be placed close enough to the top of the radially outer section of the disc that only solid dosage form in the aperture can fit under the separator.

[0043] Use of a separator has been found to be effective at separating the solid dosage form in the aperture to the rest of the solid dosage form in the chamber and has the added advantage that the chamber can extend across the whole area of the disc (thereby maximising the volume of the chamber).

[0044] The plate may have a chamfer at a circumferentially facing end thereof to allow the solid dosage form in the bulk of the chamber to more easily flow over the plate. This helps to effectively separate solid dosage form in the chamber from the solid dosage form in the aperture, because the solid dosage form above the tablet in the aperture can more easily flow over the top of the separator.

[0045] The separator may be provided in the form of a bar or wall defining at least part of the chamber. The wall may extend across the disc so that only a portion of the disc is in the chamber. The wall may be flat and extend vertically through the chamber (the vertical being parallel to the rotational axis of the disc). In this arrangement, the outlet is located below the disc on the opposite side of the wall to the chamber. As with other embodiments, the bottom of the wall is placed adjacent to a top surface of the radially outer section of the disc so that an aperture and the solid dosage form in the aperture can travel under the wall, but any of the other solid dosage form in the chamber (above the aperture) cannot fit under the wall. As explained in more detail below, this separator has been found to be particularly effective at separating tablets in the bulk of the chamber from solid dosage form in the apertures, at least in part because this separator functions to move the excess tablets away from the separator and back into the bulk of the chamber as the disc rotates.

[0046] Where the separator is in the form of a wall of the chamber, as described above, there may also be a fillet defined between the wall of the separator and an adjacent wall of the device (defining the chamber). This helps the solid dosage form that has been stopped by the wall to more easily flow along the wall and back into the bulk of the chamber. This is in part because it reduces the chance of solid dosage form from getting stuck in the corner between the separator wall and the adjacent chamber wall. It has been found that if the fillet has a radius of curvature that is less than 20% and even more optimally less than 10% of the radius of the disc, the separator is particularly reliable. It is thought that this is because a separator with a relatively small fillet is able to shear the tablets above the aperture from the tablet in the aperture in one more direct step than a separator with larger fillets (which may overlap more than one aperture at a time).

[0047] In a particularly advantageous arrangement, the chamber may extend between a top end and a bottom end, where the disc is disposed at the bottom end. In such an arrangement, the chamber may be delimited by a cylindrically shaped side wall extending from the outer section of the disc. The side wall may extend along at least 50% of the full height of the chamber. An inner surface of the cylindrically shaped side wall may follow the shape of a cylinder and may be devoid of protrusions. This allows for a simple arrangement which is less likely to cause solid dosage form to become over-compacted / clogged compared with arrangements with a more convoluted / restricted pathway between the chamber and the apertures in the disc. The solid dosage form is thus allowed to effectively flow onto the disc at the bottom end for dispensing from the device. This effect is further enhanced if the chamber is cylindrical and devoid of protrusions to the top end of the chamber. The cylindrically shaped side wall may also be formed as a single piece, which again contributes to the simplicity of the device, and helps to reduce the chance of air or other contaminants from entering the chamber, which may affect the effectiveness of the solid dosage form being dispensed.

[0048] In the above chamber, the bottom end of the chamber may be delimited by a top surface of the radially outer section of the disc and the surface of the disc such that the disc forms the bottom of the chamber. In such an arrangement, the chamber may be delimited by a sidewall extending between the bottom end and the top end of the chamber, and the disc may extend across the full width of the sidewall at the bottom end of the chamber. This helps to ensure that any solid dosage form at the bottom of the chamber is directed into the at least one aperture. In such an arrangement, the solid dosage form stored in the chamber may be in direct contact with the surface of the disc and an upper surface of the radially outer section of the disc. Again, this ensures that the solid dosage form successfully and reliably enters the apertures even under sub-optimal conditions (for example if the device is held at an angle or the chamber is nearly empty of solid dosage form). As explained above, in order to dispense solid dosage form from the device, the rotatable element is rotated. This rotation can be driven by an actuator of the device. For example, the device may comprise an electric motor that is drivingly connected to the rotatable member. In a simple and effective arrangement, which may allow the motor to be conveniently spaced above or below the disc, the rotatable member may include a shaft extending from the disc along its rotational axis. The actuator can then drive the shaft (for example via a connection at the end of the shaft) in order to rotate the disc. The shaft is not essential, however, and other arrangements to drive the disc may be provided. For example, the actuator may be connected to the disc via a geared system, or the actuator may be drivingly connected to a radially outer edge of the disc. The use of an actuator in the form of a motor allows for an accurate and variable dose to be dispensed, because the motor can continuously rotate the rotatable element through a range of different angles depending on the dose required. For example, in an arrangement with an electric motor, the actuator may receive an input corresponding to a dose (which may vary) to be dispensed, and can then cause the electric motor to rotate through an angle which will cause the dose received to be dispensed from the device. This can be achieved through one operation / continuous motion of the motor, and allows for a variable dose to be dispensed in response to one input operation. As such, the device can be used to accurately and conveniently dispense a wide range of different doses in response to one input.

[0049] The actuator may be configured to rotate the rotatable element at a rate of between about 0 rpm and about 300 rpm, optionally between about 5 rpm and about 30 rpm, optionally between about 10 rpm and about 25 rpm. For example, the actuator 112 may be configured to rotate the rotatable element 102 at a rotational speed that results in the apertures travelling at a speed of between 10 and 20 mm / s (the rotational speed depending on the radial position of the apertures). This speed has been found to work well because it is not so low that interlocking of tablets in the bulk is caused, but not so high that there will be jamming of tablets in the separator or shearing of the tablets.

[0050] In embodiments that include a shaft (as defined above), the shaft may extend below the disc. This avoids the shaft from extending up and through the chamber. The absence of the shaft within the chamber can improve the reliability of the device, because the tablets within the chamber can flow more freely within the chamber and move towards the disc. The tablets are thought to be less likely to become jammed with the chamber in this arrangement.

[0051] It may also be desirable to provide an arrangement where the shaft extends above the disc and through the chamber. Such an arrangement may allow an actuator (if present) to be placed above a cartridge comprising the chamber and rotatable element, which may be desirable in terms of ergonomics and ease of use because the outlet of the device could then be conveniently placed at the bottom of the device. A user could also then hold the top of the device during dispensing, which may be more intuitive. In order to reduce the disturbance of the shaft on the solid dosage form, the device may further comprise a cylindrical wall surrounding the shaft within the chamber. This prevents the shaft from directly contacting the solid dosage form in the chamber, which stops the rotation of the shaft from causing undesirable movement of the solid dosage form in the chamber as the shaft rotates.

[0052] If the device has an actuator, the device may be arranged to comprise a or the cartridge comprising the chamber and the rotatable element, and a control unit which comprises the actuator. The cartridge being removable from the control unit, so that the same control unit could be used to control and actuate different cartridges (containing different medications, for example). The control unit may comprise a control system configured to control the actuator. The cartridge could be connectable to the control unit by any suitable means, for example the cartridge could have rails and the control unit could have a corresponding groove to receive the rails, and there could be a flange and corresponding indentation which the flange could click into. The control unit may be configured to receive an input corresponding to a dose to be dispensed, to calculate an angle through which the disc must be rotated in order to dispense that dose, and to consequently cause the actuator to rotate the disc through the calculated angle.

[0053] In an example, the control unit may comprise a receptacle for receiving the cartridge, and the control unit and cartridge may be configured such that the cartridge is replaceable with other similar cartridges. This allows the cartridge to be disposed of once it is empty of solid dosage form, and replaced with a new cartridge containing new / different medication. The result is a more flexible arrangement which can be used to dispense different types of medication.

[0054] The control unit may comprise a control panel configured to receive inputs (for example a requested dose or patient data) from a user. This allows for a more intelligent and adaptable device when compared with relatively simple mechanical mechanisms.

[0055] The control unit may also comprise means for vibrating the tablets within the cartridge. This may be any suitable device that causes vibration. The vibration device may be a motor, such as an eccentric rotating mass (“ERM”) or linear resonant actuator (“LRA”) motor. The vibration device may be placed adjacent to or close to the cartridge such that the vibration motor is configured to vibrate the units of the tablets within the cartridge. Vibrating the units of the solid dosage form in the cartridge results in a device which is particularly reliable and accurate. This is because it helps to ensure that the tablets effectively move to the bottom of the chamber in use and into the exposed apertures, such that each aperture is filled with a tablet when it reaches the outlet. It also helps to ensure that a tablet falls effectively into a respective aperture (i.e. it ensures that the tablet falls into the bottom of the aperture). The means for vibrating the tablets may be in a portion of the control unit that is close to the disc, for example in the side portion. This may help to more effectively vibrate tablets within and near the disc.

[0056] The control unit may be capable of measuring the torque in the disc. In the case of an actuator in the form of an electric motor, the torque can be calculated (for example in a control system of the device) based on the current in the motor. The control system may be programmed so that the torque cannot exceed a pre-set value. A reason for a spike in torque can that a unit of solid dosage form (for example a tablet) has become jammed somewhere in the dispensing mechanism. The torque limit can ensure that the disc does not continue to rotate in the same direction and potentially crush a unit of solid dosage form in such a jamming event. Another way of detecting that solid dosage form has become jammed in or around the disc is to use a sensor to measure the rotational position of the disc. If in a short amount of time the sensor reading value is misaligned with the predicted trajectory (based on the torque applied to the disc), then it will have been detected that a jamming event may have occurred.

[0057] When the control system detects that jamming of solid dosage form may have occurred, the control system can be programmed to reverse the direction of rotation in order to free jammed solid dosage form. The control system can then instruct the actuator to continue rotating in the forward dispensing direction and continue a dispensing action. This helps the device to continue dispensing an accurate dose even if solid dosage form becomes jammed in the mechanism.

[0058] The position sensor described above can additionally or alternatively be compared to an expected position of the disc, in order to calculate any differences between the actual and expected rotational position of the disc. This difference can be accounted for by the control system in order to avoid an accumulative error in the actual versus the predicted position of the wheel. This helps to ensure that a dose requested by the control unit is accurately dispensed by the device.

[0059] The device can additionally or alternatively include a sensor at the outlet in order to sense how many units of solid dosage form have been dispensed. This can be used by the control system to check that a correct or expected dose of solid dosage form has been dispensed.

[0060] The total volume of the chamber 124 may be less than about 170 ml, for example less than 60 ml or less than 55 ml. The volume of 170 ml provides a device containing about 3 months of B.LD. of a 00 capsule-sized dose, and the volume of 60ml provides a device containing about 1 month of B.I.D. of a 00 capsule-sized dose.

[0061] It is noted that the directions above, below, over and under are defined relative to the device in use. As mentioned above, in use the device may be oriented so that the disc is generally horizontal, in which case the directions above and below are generally parallel to a rotational axis of the disc.

[0062] Definitions

[0063] Solid dosage form - a medicament, drug or medication in solid form. This includes (but is not limited to) tablets (e.g. mini-tablets) and pellets. Solid dosage form may comprise multiple units of medicament, drug or medication in solid form. The units may be generally uniform in size, or may include a range of unit sizes.

[0064] Solid oral dosage form - a solid dosage form configured for oral administration.

[0065] Mini-tablet - a solid dosage form (e.g., a medicament, drug, medication, etc.) in the form of a tablet, each with a dimension smaller than that of conventional medicament tablets, optionally having a maximum dimension (e.g., a diameter, if the solid dosage form has a circular cross-section) of between about 1 mm and 7 mm, optionally between about 1 mm and 5 mm, optionally between about 1 mm and 4 mm, optionally between about 2 mm to 5 mm, optionally between about 2 mm and 4 mm, optionally between about 1 mm and 3 mm, optionally between about 3 mm and 4 mm. A height (which is a dimension of the tablet perpendicular to the width) of the mini-tablet may be between about 1 mm and 7 mm, optionally between about 1 mm and 5 mm, optionally between about 2 mm to 5 mm, optionally between about 2 mm and 4 mm, optionally between about 1 mm and 3 mm, optionally between about 3 mm and 4 mm. The width to height ratio may be between 0.8 and 1 .2. By “diameter” it is meant that the mini-tablets are assumed to be roughly spherical, although they could be irregular shaped. For example, the mini-tablets may have an ovoid shape. Each mini-tablet may typically be shaped as a cylinder with domed caps. The diameter or width / dimension could correspond to a largest width of the mini-tablets. Mini-tablets may or may not have a surface coating. Mini-tablets may be manufactured by a die stamping process.

[0066] Pellet - A single granule of a solid oral dosage form (e.g., a medicament, drug, medication, etc.), optionally having a dimension (e.g., width, diameter or largest dimension) of less than 2000 pm, optionally having a dimension (e.g., a largest dimension, width or diameter) between about 150 pm and about 1200 pm (or even about 1500 pm, optionally between about 200 pm and about 300 pm, between about 300 pm and about 900 pm, between about 500 pm and about 700 pm, between about 50 pm and 2000 pm, or between about 250 pm and 1000 pm). By “diameter” it is meant that the pellets are assumed to be roughly spherical, although they could be irregular shaped. The diameter could correspond to a largest width of the pellets, if they are not assumed to be spherical. Pellets may or may not have a surface coating. Where a surface coating is provided, the dimensions provided herein correspond to the pellets with any surface coating.

[0067] In various embodiments the pellets may have a dimension (e.g., a largest dimension, width or diameter) within one or more of the following ranges: 150-300 pm; 150-400 pm; 200-400 pm; 200-500 pm; 300-500 pm; 400-600 pm; 300-700 pm 500-700 pm; 200-800 pm; 600-800 pm; 700- 900 pm; 700-1200 pm; 800-1000 pm; 800-1100 pm; 900-1100 pm; 900-1200 pm; and 1000-1200 pm.

[0068] Dose - A single measurement (e.g., volume, weight or a number of units) of solid dosage form. For example, a dose may consist of 1 to 50 units of solid dosage form, especially in the context of mini-tablets. In other examples, a dose may total between about 0.01 ml to about 5 ml (such as about 0.1 ml to about 0.6 ml) by volume, for example about 0.3 ml by volume, especially in the context of pellets (although sometimes such solid dosage form is measured by weight).

[0069] Dispensing Mechanism - A system, e.g., an electromechanical system that converts a user’s action into the dispensing of a dose.

[0070] Cartridge - A component, e.g., a replaceable component used to store and dispense solid dosage form, optionally containing features of the device such as a rotating element in the form of, e.g., a central threaded bar, a moving plunger and the solid dosage form.

[0071] Plunger - A component that can ensure the solid dosage form stay packed together toward the dispensing end of the cartridge.

[0072] It will be appreciated that references to “a” drug or medicament as referred to herein may be taken as “one or more” drugs or medicaments. For example, the solid dosage form could comprise several drugs or medicaments. This could be achieved by mixing solid dosage form, each comprising a different drug or medicament, and / or mixing drugs or medicaments into the same unit of a solid dosage form.

[0073] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0074] Various embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0075] Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a device capable of dispensing a solid dosage form, the cross-section taken along a longitudinal axis of the device;

[0076] Figure 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the device shown in Figure 1 , the cross-section taken along line A-A;

[0077] Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of the device shown in Figures 1 and 2, with a cartridge of the device shown in cutaway view;

[0078] Figure 4 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of the radially outer section of the disc, a unit of solid dosage form, and a portion of a separator.

[0079] Figure 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a device capable of dispensing a solid dosage form, the cross-section taken along a longitudinal axis of the device;

[0080] Figure 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the device shown in Figure 5, the cross section taken along line A-A;

[0081] Figure 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a device capable of dispensing a solid dosage form, the cross-section taken along a longitudinal axis of the device;

[0082] Figure 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the device shown in Figure 7, the cross section taken along line A-A;

[0083] Figure 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a device capable of dispensing a solid dosage form, the cross-section taken along a longitudinal axis of the device;

[0084] Figure 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the device shown in Figure 9, the cross section taken along line A-A;

[0085] Figure 11 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a device capable of dispensing a solid dosage form, the cross-section taken along a longitudinal axis of the device;

[0086] Figure 12 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the device shown in Figure 1 1 , the cross section taken along line A-A;

[0087] Figure 13 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a device capable of dispensing a solid dosage form, the cross-section taken along a longitudinal axis of the device;

[0088] Figure 14 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the device shown in Figure 13, the cross section taken along line A-A;

[0089] Figure 15 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a device capable of dispensing a solid dosage form, the cross-section taken along a longitudinal axis of the device;

[0090] Figure 16 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the device shown in Figure 15, the cross section taken along line A-A;

[0091] Figure 17 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a device capable of dispensing a solid dosage form, the cross-section taken along a longitudinal axis of the device;

[0092] Figure 18 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the device shown in Figure 17, the cross section taken along line A-A;

[0093] Figure 19 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a device capable of dispensing a solid dosage form, the cross-section taken along a longitudinal axis of the device;

[0094] Figure 20 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the device shown in Figure 19, the cross section taken along line A-A;

[0095] Figure 21 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a device capable of dispensing a solid dosage form, the cross-section taken along a longitudinal axis of the device;

[0096] Figure 22 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the device shown in Figure 21 , the cross section taken along line A-A;

[0097] Figure 23 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a device capable of dispensing a solid dosage form, the cross-section taken along a longitudinal axis of the device;

[0098] Figure 24 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the device shown in Figure 23, the cross section taken along line A-A;

[0099] Figure 25 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a device capable of dispensing a solid dosage form, the cross-section taken along a longitudinal axis of the device;

[0100] Figure 26 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the device shown in Figure 25, the cross section taken along line A-A;

[0101] Figure 27 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a device capable of dispensing a solid dosage form, the cross-section taken along a longitudinal axis of the device;

[0102] Figure 28 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the device shown in Figure 27, the cross section taken along line A-A;

[0103] Figure 29 shows a perspective view of the device shown in Figures 27 and 28;

[0104] Figure 30 shows another perspective view of the device shown in Figures 27 to 29;

[0105] Figure 31 illustrates a front view of another embodiment of a device capable of dispensing a solid dosage form;

[0106] Figure 32 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the device shown in Figure 31 , the cross section taken along a longitudinal axis of the device;

[0107] Figure 33 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the device shown in Figures 31 and 32, the cross section taken along line A-A;

[0108] Figure 34 illustrates a front view of another embodiment of a device capable of dispensing a solid dosage form;

[0109] Figure 35 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the device shown in Figure 34, the cross section taken along a longitudinal axis of the device; Figure 36 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the device shown in Figures 34 and 35, the cross section taken along line A-A;

[0110] Figure 37 illustrates a front view of another embodiment of a device capable of dispensing a solid dosage form;

[0111] Figure 38 illustrates a side view of the device shown in Figure 37;

[0112] Figure 39 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the device shown in Figures 37 and 38, the cross section taken along a longitudinal axis of the device;

[0113] Figure 40 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the device shown in Figures 37 to 39, the cross section taken along line A-A;

[0114] Figure 41 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of the device;

[0115] Figure 42 illustrates a perspective exploded view of the device shown in Figure 41 ;

[0116] Figure 43 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of the device;

[0117] Figure 44 illustrates a perspective exploded view of the device shown in Figure 43.

[0118] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0119] Figures 1 to 3 illustrate a device 100 capable of dispensing a solid dosage form. The device 100 has the aim of making the dispensing of dosages of solid dosage form more reliable and efficient. Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of the device 100, the cross-section taken along a longitudinal axis X of the device 100. Figure 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the device 100, the cross-section taken along line A-A. Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of the device 100, with a cartridge 110 (described below) shown in cutaway view.

[0120] The device 100 shown in Figures 1 to 3 will be described in relation to solid dosage form in the form of tablets. However, it will be appreciated that the device 100 can also be advantageously used to dispense other forms of solid dosage form, for example pellets, and may be particularly advantageous when used to dispense solid dosage form in the form of mini-tablets (as explained in more detail below).

[0121] The device 100 comprises a cartridge 110 and a control unit 120. The cartridge 110 comprises a rotatable element 102 comprising a shaft 104 and a disc 106. As described below, rotation of the rotatable element 102 causes tablets to be dispensed from the cartridge 110.

[0122] The cartridge 110 may be detachable from the control unit 120 so that different cartridges could be connected to the same control unit 120. This allows the control unit 120 to be re-used for different cartridges which may contain different pharmaceutical substances. However, this feature is not essential and in other embodiments the cartridge 110 and control unit 120 are not detachable relative to each other, for example the cartridge 110 may be formed integrally with the control unit 120.

[0123] A first end 108 of the rotatable element 102 comprises a connection element (not shown) which is configured to engage with a connection element (not shown) of the control unit 120. The connection element of the rotatable element 102 is provided at a first end 108 of the shaft 104. The control unit 120 comprises an actuator 112 configured to rotate the connection element of the control unit 120, which in turn causes rotation of the rotatable element 102 of the cartridge 110. The connection between the connection element of the control unit 120 and the connection element of the rotatable element 102 of the cartridge 110 may be provided by any suitable connection, for example a splined connection.

[0124] A second end 109 of the rotatable element 102 of the cartridge 110 comprises a disc 106. The disc 106 comprises a radially inner section 114 and a radially outer section 116 (the radius being defined relative to a central or rotational axis X of the disc 106). The radially inner section 114 is tapered such that a thickness of the radially inner section 114 decreases from the central axis of the disc 106 towards the radially outer section 116. In this embodiment, the radially inner section 114 is generally cone-shaped.

[0125] As best shown in Figure 2, the radially outer section 116 of the disc 106 includes a plurality of circumferentially distributed apertures 122. Each aperture 122 extends through the thickness of the radially outer section 116. In this embodiment, the radially outer section 116 has a constant thickness.

[0126] In this embodiment, each aperture 122 has a circular cross section. The aperture 122 has a generally cylindrical shape with a central axis that is generally parallel to the central axis of the disc 106. The diameter and height of the aperture 122 may be too small to receive two tablets (for example the diameter and height may be selected so that it is less than two times the minimum width of each tablet), but larger than a largest dimension of the tablet so that the tablet can be received in the aperture regardless of the orientation of the tablet.

[0127] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the cartridge 110 comprises a chamber 124 for containing tablets. The tablets are stored in the chamber 124 and can be dispensed from the chamber 124 by rotation of the rotatable element 102. The disc 106 is located in the bottom of the chamber 124 (the bottom defined in use) such that tablets fall onto the disc 106 in use.

[0128] In use, the tablets will fall into the apertures 122 of the disc 106. The apertures 122 are sized so that each aperture 122 is configured to contain only one tablet. The cartridge 110 also comprises an outlet 126 below the disc 106. In use, the disc 106 can be rotated to allow tablets from the apertures 122 to be dispensed out of the outlet 126. The outlet 126 is placed adjacent to the radially outer section 116 of the disc 106 so that as the disc 106 rotates the apertures 122 align with the outlet 126 to allow the tablet in the aperture 122 to fall through the outlet 126. In this embodiment, the outlet 126 is sized such that only one aperture 122 can overlap the outlet 126 at any one time.

[0129] The disc 106 is particularly effective at ensuring that all of the exposed apertures 122 (i.e. all of the apertures 122 in direct contact with or exposed to the tablets in the chamber 124) are filled with tablets because of the shape of the radially inner section 114. When tablets come into contact with a top surface 128 of the radially inner section 114 of the disc 106, the tablets are guided towards the radially outer section 116 of the disc 106 and into the apertures 122. This is because the radially inner section 114 provides a slope which directs the tablets towards the radially outer section 116.

[0130] The cartridge 110 also comprises a separator 132. The separator 132 is configured to separate the tablet within each aperture 122 of the disc 106 from the rest of the tablets in the chamber 124 when each aperture 122 passes under the separator 132. This means that only one tablet is dispensed from each aperture 122 at a time. The separator 132 extends above the outlet 126 of the device 100.

[0131] In this embodiment, the separator 132 is in the form of a plate 132. The plate 132 is shaped as a sector of a ring which matches a section of the radially outer section 116 of the disc 106. The separator 132 is located above the section of the radially outer section 116 of the disc 106 (in use). As illustrated in Figure 4, which shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the radially outer section 116 of the disc (viewed radially inwards), a unit 117 of solid dosage form, and a portion of the separator 132, there may be a gap 134 provided between the separator 132 and the radially outer section 116 of the disc 106. In use, as the rotatable element 102 is rotated, a tablet will fall into each exposed aperture 122 of the disc 106 (the exposed apertures 122 in this example being those that are not covered by the separator 132). As each aperture 122 reaches the edge of the separator 132, the tablet contained in the aperture 122 will remain in the aperture 122 and travel under the separator 132, and the remaining tablets will be forced over the top of the separator 132 and back into the chamber 124. The gap 134 (if present) between the bottom surface of the separator 132 and the top surface 130 of the radially outer section 116 of the disc 106 may be dimensioned such that it is large enough to accommodate one tablet in each aperture 122 without breaking that tablet, whilst being small enough to prevent more than one tablet being able to pass under the separator 132. For example, the gap 132 may be between 10 and 50% of the height of the aperture, optionally between 15% and 40% of the height of the aperture.

[0132] The separator 132 provides simple, effective and reliable means for ensuring that each aperture 122 that passes over the outlet 126 contains only one tablet.

[0133] As best shown in Figure 1 , in this embodiment the shaft 104 of the rotatable element 102 extends below the disc 106. As such, the shaft 104 does not extend through the chamber 124 of the cartridge 110. This can contribute towards the reliability of the device 100, because the tablets within the chamber 124 can more easily move within the chamber 124 and flow towards the disc 106 of the device 100. As such, the tablets are less likely to become jammed with the chamber 124. However, this feature is not essential and in other embodiments (as described below), the shaft 104 may extend through the chamber 124 of the device 100.

[0134] The chamber 124 may be substantially hermetically sealed (e.g., with the exception of the passage through which solid dosage form is dispensed). A suitable seal (not shown) may be provided between the rotatable element 102 and walls of the chamber 124. There may also be provided a packaging seal that covers and seals the outlet 126 of the device 100, which a user can remove (e.g., peel off) when they wish to begin use. Additionally or alternatively a valve may be used to at least partly seal the outlet 126. These features can help prevent air and / or moisture from entering the chamber 124 and interacting with the units of the solid oral dosage form undesirably. In this embodiment, the chamber 124 is generally cylindrical in shape. This allows an inner surface of the walls defining the chamber 124 to easily match a radially outer surface of the disc 106. It has also been found that shapes which avoid sharp corners (for example a chamber 124 with a circular or oval cross section) are easier to produce in a moisture proof manner to prevent moisture from being allowed to enter the chamber 124 and potentially contaminate the tablets.

[0135] The radially outer surface of the disc 106 is spaced from an adjacent radially inner surface of the device 100 by a gap 136. This allows the disc 106 to rotate smoothly and freely and can help to account for small movements of the disc 106 relative to other components of the device 100 and / or vibration of the disc 106. The gap 136 is selected to be large enough such that there is no contact between the disc 106 and the adjacent inner surface of the device 100, but not so large that tablets could fall into the gap 136. In other embodiments the radially outer surface of the disc 106 may substantially contact the adjacent radially inner surface such that when the rotatable element 102 rotates, there is a sliding contact between the disc 106 and the adjacent inner surface of the device 100. In such an arrangement, the adjacent surfaces may be manufactured from low friction materials (e.g., a non-stick coating).

[0136] As mentioned above, the control unit 120 comprises an actuator 112 for rotating the rotatable element 102. The actuator 112 may advantageously be in the form of a DC motor. A DC motor allows the direction of rotation of the rotatable element 102 to be reversed. This can be particularly advantageous for this device 100, because if the control unit 120 detects that there has been a blockage in a dispensing step, the rotatable element 102 can be rotated slightly in an opposite direction to the dispensing direction in order to free to blockage. However, other types of actuator 112 may also be provided, for example a stepper motor may be used.

[0137] The control unit 120 may also include a control system which may be configured to control the actuator 112. An actuating signal of the control system may be initiated, for example, by a user pressing a suitable button or other input mechanism located on the control unit 120, in order to initiate dispensing. The control system may be provided in the form of a computer, processor, processing device 100 or microcontroller, e.g., on a PCB, which may be located within control unit 120.

[0138] The motors and the control system (if present) may be powered by an integrated battery (which may be user replaceable), which may be held within the control unit 120.

[0139] In use, the control system (if present) may receive a signal (for example the actuating signal) indicating the desired dose to be dispensed, and the control system calculates the angle through which the disc 106 needs to be turned in order to dispense that dose. The control system then sends a signal to the actuator 112, which turns the disc 106 through the calculated angle in order to dispense the correct number of tablets. The rotatable element 102 makes it simple for the device 100 to dispense a specific and accurate number of tablets in order to supply a specific dose of medication.

[0140] In this embodiment, the control unit 120 comprises a bottom portion (bottom defined in use) which may contain the actuator 112 and / or control unit 120 (if present) and / or battery (if present). The control unit 120 in this embodiment also comprises a side portion, and the bottom and side portions define a pocket for receiving the cartridge 110. However, this specific shape for the control unit 120 is not essential, and various other configurations for the control unit 120 may be provided. For example, the control unit 120 may be above the cartridge 110 in use, or may extend only along a side of the cartridge 110 in use.

[0141] The control unit 120 may comprise means for vibrating the tablets within the cartridge 110. This may be any suitable device that causes vibration. The vibration device may be a motor, such as an eccentric rotating mass (“ERM”) or linear resonant actuator 112 (“LRA”) motor. The vibration device may be placed adjacent to or close to the cartridge 110 such that the vibration motor is configured to vibrate the units of the tablets within the cartridge 110. Vibrating the units of the solid dosage form in the cartridge 110 results in a device 100 which is particularly reliable and accurate. This is because it helps to ensure that the tablets effectively move to the bottom of the chamber 124 in use and into the exposed apertures 122, such that each aperture 122 is filled with a tablet when it reaches the outlet 126. It also helps to ensure that a tablet falls effectively into a respective aperture 122 (i.e. it ensures that the tablet falls into the bottom of the aperture 122). The means for vibrating the tablets may be in a portion of the control unit 120 that is close to the disc 106, for example in the side portion. This may help to more effectively vibrate tablets within and near the disc 106.

[0142] Figures 5 and 6 illustrate another embodiment of a device 200 capable of dispensing a solid dosage form. The device 200 shown in Figures 5 and 6 is similar to the device 100 shown in Figures 1 to 3, and the features and advantages described in relation to the embodiment in Figures 1 to 3 can equally be applied to the device 200 shown in Figures 5 and 6. Figure 5 shows a cross- sectional view of the device 200, the cross-section taken along a longitudinal axis X of the device 200. Figure 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the device 200, the cross section taken along line A-A. However, in this device 200 the shaft 204 of the rotatable element 202 extends through the chamber 224 and the actuator 212 is located above, rather than below, the chamber 224. In this embodiment, because the shaft 204 extends from a top of the disc 206, the disc 206 has the shape of a frustum of a cone. Such an arrangement is still very effective at accurately dispensing tablets, and it also allows the control unit 220 to be placed above the cartridge 210. This can result in a device 200 which is more ergonomic and easier to use because the outlet 126 of the device 200 can be conveniently placed at the bottom of the device 200, and a user can hold the top of the device 200 during dispensing which may be more intuitive.

[0143] Figures 7 and 8 illustrate another embodiment of a device 300 capable of dispensing a solid dosage form. The device 300 shown in Figures 7 and 8 is similar to the devices shown in Figures 1 to 6, and the features and advantages described in relation to the embodiment in Figures 1 to 6 can equally be applied to the device 300 shown in Figures 7 and 8. Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the device 300, the cross-section taken along a longitudinal axis X of the device 300. Figure 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the device 300, the cross section taken along line A-A. Similarly to the device 200 shown in Figures 5 and 6, in this embodiment the shaft of the rotatable element 302 extends through the chamber 324 and the actuator 312 is located above, rather than below, the chamber 324. However, in this embodiment, there is a provided a cylindrical wall 304 surrounding the shaft within the chamber 324. This prevents the shaft from being in contact with the tablets in the chamber 324, which prevents rotation of the shaft from interfering with movement of the tablets in the chamber 324 or causing unwanted breakage of tablets in the chamber 324. The cylindrical wall 304 can also be attached to the other walls forming the chamber 324 in a sealed manner such that moisture is prevented from entering the chamber 324 containing the tablets.

[0144] Figures 9 and 10 illustrate another embodiment of a device 400 capable of dispensing a solid dosage form. The device 400 shown in Figures 9 and 10 is similar to the device 100 shown in Figures 1 to 3, and the features and advantages described in relation to the embodiment in Figures 1 to 3 can equally be applied to the device 400 shown in Figures 9 and 10. Figure 9 shows a cross- sectional view of the device 400, the cross-section taken along a longitudinal axis X of the device 400. Figure 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the device 400, the cross section taken along line A-A. However, in this device 400 the separator 432 is provided by a wall 432 of the cartridge 410 that extends through the chamber 424. The wall 432 in this embodiment is generally flat and extends parallel to the central axis of the disc 406. The wall 432 extends along the whole length of the chamber 424. As shown in Figure 10, the chamber 424 is formed by a curved wall 436 with a constant radius of curvature (i.e. its cross section follows the outline of a portion of a circle) and the wall forming the separator 432 which joins the ends of the curved wall 436. This separator 432 acts similarly to the separator 432 shown in Figures 1 to 3, in that it creates a barrier to stop more than one tablet in each aperture 422 from travelling under the separator 432 and to the outlet 426, which is the other side of the wall to the chamber 424. Similarly to the separator 432 in Figures 1 to 3, there may be a gap 434 between a bottom surface of the separator 432 and the top surface 430 of the radially outer section 416 of the disc 406. This separator 432 is particularly effective at separating tablets in the bulk of the chamber 424 from the individual tablets in the apertures 422 of the disc 406. This is at least in part because this separator effectively moves the excess tablets away from the outlet as the disc 406 rotates, because the tablets can move up the separator 432 and then sideways back into the bulk of tablets in the chamber 424. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10, the wall is angled relative to the radial direction of the disc 406. This angle helps to more effectively move the excess tablets (i.e. the tablets on top of the tablet in an aperture 422) away from the aperture 422 passing under the separator without the excess tablets becoming jammed. It is thought that this is because the angle of the separator relative to the radial direction means that the excess tablets are gradually urged along the wall 432 towards a central portion of the chamber / disc wall 432 and back into the bulk of tablets in the chamber 424.

[0145] Figures 11 and 12 illustrate another embodiment of a device 500 capable of dispensing a solid dosage form. The device 500 shown in Figures 11 and 12 is similar to the device 400 shown in Figures 9 and 10, and the features and advantages described in relation to the embodiment in Figures 9 and 10 (and Figures 1 to 3) can equally be applied to the device 500 shown in Figures 11 and 12. Figure 11 shows a cross-sectional view of the device 500, the cross-section taken along a longitudinal axis X of the device 500. Figure 12 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the device 500, the cross section taken along line A-A. In this device 500, the separator 532 is similar to that shown in Figures 9 and 10, except that there is a concave fillet 538 provided at each junction between the inner surface of the wall forming the separator 532 and the adjacent wall defining the rest of the chamber 524. The fillets 538 are best illustrated in Figure 12. The fillets 538 may advantageously have a radius of curvature which is less than 20% of the radius of the disc 506, and more optimally less than 10% of the radius of the disc 506. This separator 532 is even more effective at separating the tablets in bulk of the chamber 524 from the individual tablets in the apertures 522 of the disc 506, because the tablets in the chamber 524 can move more easily away from the wall forming the separator 532 as they are less likely to become stuck in the corner between the separator 532 and the curved wall 536 forming the chamber 524 and can more easily move back into the bulk of tablets in the chamber 524. This contributes to the reliability of the device 500.

[0146] Although the above advantages are not limited to small fillets, it has been found that small fillets (as defined above) result in a separator 532 which is particularly reliable. It is thought that this is because the arrangement with a smaller fillet 538 is able to shear the tablets above the aperture 622 from the tablet in the aperture 522 in one more direct step. This is in part because the smaller fillet 538 can only overlap one aperture 522 at any one time, and as such the tablet in each aperture 522 is separated from the tablets in the bulk of the chamber one at a time, and as such a more direct (and effective) step of separation is achieved.

[0147] Figures 13 and 14 illustrate another embodiment of a device 600 capable of dispensing a solid dosage form. The device 600 shown in Figures 13 and 14 is similar to the device 500 shown in Figures 11 and 12, and the features and advantages described in relation to the embodiment in Figures 11 and 12 (and Figures 1 to 3) can equally be applied to the device 600 shown in Figures 13 and 14. Figure 13 shows a cross-sectional view of the device 600, the cross-section taken along a longitudinal axis X of the device 600. Figure 14 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the device 600, the cross section taken along line A-A. In this device 600, the separator 632 is similar to that shown in Figures 11 and 12, except that the fillet 642 is larger. For example, the fillet 642 in this embodiment may have a radius of curvature of at least 50% of the radius of the disc 606. Although this separator 632 is more effective at separating tablets from the apertures 622 than the embodiment which does not have a fillet 642 (because the fillet 642 helps to guide the tablets back into the bulk after they have been separated from the apertures 622), it has been found that a large fillet 642 is not as effective as the embodiment with a smaller fillet as shown in Figures 11 and 12.

[0148] Figures 15 and 16 illustrate another embodiment of a device 700 capable of dispensing a solid dosage form. The device 700 shown in Figures 15 and 16 is similar to the device 100 shown in Figures 1 to 3, and the features and advantages described in relation to the embodiment in Figures 1 to 3 can equally be applied to the device 700 shown in Figures 15 and 16. Figure 15 shows a cross-sectional view of the device 700, the cross-section taken along a longitudinal axis X of the device 700. Figure 16 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the device 700, the cross section taken along line A-A. In this embodiment, the shaft extends through the chamber 724 and the control unit 720 is above the chamber 724, similarly to the device 200 shown in Figures 5 and 6. Furthermore, in this device 700, the separator 732 is in the form of a wall, similarly to the separator 732 shown in Figures 9 and 10. This embodiment combines the advantages of the devices of Figures 5, 6, 9 and 10, and provides a device 700 which is ergonomic and easy to use, and which has a separator 632 which is particularly effective at separating tablets.

[0149] Figures 17 and 18 illustrate another embodiment of a device 800 capable of dispensing a solid dosage form. The device 800 shown in Figures 17 and 18 is similar to the device 800 shown in Figures 15 to 16, except that the separator 832 has small fillets 838, similarly to the separator 832 shown in Figures 11 and 12. The advantages associated with the arrangement shown in Figures 11 and 12 also apply to this arrangement, and the separator 832 is further optimised to separate tablets in the chamber 824 from the tablets in the apertures 822 because of the relatively small fillet 838 (as explained above in relation to Figures 11 and 12).

[0150] Figures 19 and 20 illustrate another embodiment of a device 900 capable of dispensing a solid dosage form. The device 900 shown in Figures 19 and 20 is similar to the device 900 shown in Figures 17 to 18, except that the separator 932 has large fillets 942, similarly to the separator 932 shown in Figures 13 and 14. This device 900 is still very effective at separating tablets from the tablets in the apertures 922, even if not as optimised as the arrangement shown in Figures 17 and 18.

[0151] Figures 21 and 22 illustrate another embodiment of a device 1000 capable of dispensing a solid dosage form. The device 1000 shown in Figures 21 and 22 is similar to the device 700 shown in Figures 15 and 16, and the advantages associated with the device 700 shown in Figures 15 and 16 also apply to this device 1000. This device 1000 differs in that, similarly to the shaft shown in Figures 7 and 8, there is provided a cylindrical wall surrounding the shaft within the chamber 1024. This contributes to the reliability of the device 1000, as the rotation of the shaft of the rotatable element 1002 will not interfere with the flow of tablets within the chamber 1024 towards the disc 1006.

[0152] Figures 23 and 24 illustrate another embodiment of a device 1100 capable of dispensing a solid dosage form. The device 1100 shown in Figures 23 and 24 is similar to the device 1100 shown in Figures 21 and 22, except that in this device 1100 there is provided a small fillet 1138 between the wall of the separator 1132 and the curved wall 1136 forming the chamber 1124, similarly to the separator 1132 shown in Figures 11 and 12. This device 1100 is particularly efficient at dispensing an accurate number of tablets whilst being ergonomic and easy to use.

[0153] Figures 25 and 26 illustrate another embodiment of a device 1200 capable of dispensing a solid dosage form. The device 1200 shown in Figures 23 and 24 is similar to the device 1000 shown in Figures 21 and 22, except that in this device 1200 there is provided a large fillet 1242 between the wall of the separator 1232 and the curved wall 1236 forming the chamber 1224, similarly to the separator 1232 shown in Figures 19 and 20. Even if not as optimised as the device 1100 shown in Figures 23 and 24, this device 1200 is still very efficient at dispensing an accurate number of tablets whilst being ergonomic and easy to use.

[0154] Figures 27 to 30 illustrate a particularly advantageous embodiment of the device 1300. Figure 27 shows a cross-sectional view of the device 1300, the cross-section taken along a longitudinal axis X of the device 1300. Figure 28 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the device 1300, the cross section taken along line A-A. Figure 29 shows a front perspective view of the device and Figure 30 illustrates a back perspective view of the device 1300, with a cartridge 1310 (described below) shown in cutaway view. The device 1300 shown in Figures 26 to 28 is similar to that shown in Figures 23 and 24, and features and advantages associated with the device 1 100 shown in Figures 24 and 25 (and Figures 1 to 3) also apply to this embodiment. This device 1300 has a particularly ergonomic design. As can be seen in Figures 27 and 28, the control unit 1312 has a top portion 1314 and a side portion 1316 which together define a cavity 1318 for receiving the cartridge 1310. Such an arrangement could accommodate vibrating means in the side portion, for example. A side of the control unit 1320 has a user interface 1322 which can be used to input a desired dose to be dispensed. At the bottom of the device 1300 (below the outlet 1326) there is a cap 1324 for receiving a dispensed dose. After a dose of tablets has been dispensed, a user can conveniently remove the cap 1324 in order to access the medication. As shown in Figures 27 and 28, the shaft 1328 extends above the disc 1330 and through the chamber 1332. Furthermore, in this embodiment, there is provided a separator 1334 in the form of a wall, and a fillet 1338 is provided between the separator 1334 and a wall 1336 forming the chamber 1332, similarly to the separator shown in Figures 23 and 24.

[0155] Figures 31 to 33 illustrate another embodiment of the device 1400. Figure 31 shows a front view of the device 1400, Figure 32 shows a cross-sectional side view of the device 1400, the cross section taken along the longitudinal axis, and Figure 33 shows a cross-sectional view of the device 1400, the cross section taken along line A-A illustrated in Figure 32. This device 1400 is similar to the device shown in Figures 27 to 30, except that in this embodiment the control unit 1412 does not have a side portion so that in this embodiment the cartridge 1410 attaches to a bottom surface of the control unit 1412. The cartridge 1410 connects to the control unit 1412 by any suitable means, for example the cartridge 1410 may have a flange which clicks into a groove of the control unit 1412. This arrangement may be able to accommodate a larger cartridge 1410 (and therefore a larger chamber 1432). This arrangement has a separator 1415 in the form of a plate in order to maximise space in the chamber 1432.

[0156] Figures 34 to 36 illustrate another embodiment of the device 1500. Figure 34 shows a front view of the device 1500, Figure 35 shows a cross-sectional side view of the device 1500, the cross section taken along the longitudinal axis, and Figure 36 shows a cross-sectional view of the device 1500, the cross section taken along line A-A illustrated in Figure 35. This device is similar to the device 1400 shown in Figures 31 to 33, except that in this device 1500 the control unit 1512 has a cylindrical wall 1514 defining a cavity for receiving the cartridge 1510. The cylindrical wall 1514 extends along most of the length of the cartridge 1510. An inner surface of the cylindrical wall 1514 may have a screw shaft, and an outer surface of the cartridge 1510 may have a corresponding screw shaft so that the cartridge 1510 can be attached to the control unit 1512 via a screw connection. This device 1500 may be particularly tamper-proof because the cartridge 1510 (which contains the solid dosage form) may be more difficult to access.

[0157] Figures 37 to 40 illustrate another embodiment of the device 1600. Figure 37 shows a front view of the device 1600, Figure 38 shows a side view of the device 1600, Figure 39 shows a cross- sectional side view of the device 1600, the cross section taken along the longitudinal axis, and Figure 40 shows a cross-sectional view of the device 1600, the cross section taken along line A-A illustrated in Figure 39. In this device 1600, the cartridge 1610 is above the control unit 1612, and the cap 1624 is at the bottom of the device 1600. The control unit 1612 provides a passage 1625 that extends between the cartridge 1610 and the cap 1624 so that solid dosage form can travel from an outlet 1626 of the cartridge 1610 to the cap 1624. The cartridge 1610 includes a funnel 1628 in the chamber 1632 which directs the solid dosage form towards the disc 1627. This allows for a wider chamber 1632, because the disc 1627 does not need to extend across the whole width of the chamber 1632. This arrangement allows the solid dosage form to be dispensed out of a bottom of a device 1600, which can be more intuitive, whilst avoiding a shaft extending through the chamber 1632.

[0158] Figures 41 and 42 illustrate another embodiment of a device 1700. Figure 41 shows a perspective view of the device, and Figure 42 shows an exploded perspective view of the device 1700. This device 1700 is similar to the device shown in Figures 34 to 36, except that in this embodiment the user input portion 1713 of the control unit 1712 is placed on a top surface 1714 of the control unit 1712. The top surface 1714 is provided on a portion 1716 of the control unit 1712 that projects laterally from a main body 1717 of the control unit 1712. This device 1700 can provide all of the advantages associated with the device shown in Figures 34 to 36, and may be more ergonomic and easier to use (at least in part because a user can see the user input portion 1713 from above). In the exploded view shown in Figure 42, the cartridge 1711 can be seen.

[0159] Figures 43 and 44 illustrate another embodiment of the device 1800. Figure 43 shows a perspective view of the device 1800, and Figure 44 shows an exploded perspective view of the device 1800. This device 1800 is similar to the device 1600 shown in Figures 37 to 40, in that the cartridge 1810 is above the control unit 1812 and includes a funnel 1828. In this device 1800, the cap 1824 is below the cartridge 1810 and is attached so a side of the control unit 1812. The control unit 1812 is shorter and wider than previous arrangements, so that the control unit 1812 can be easily stored on a surface. The user input portion 1813 is placed on a portion 1815 of the control unit 1812 that protrudes from a side of a main body 1816 of the control unit 1812. This helps to increase the stability of the device 1800 when placed on a surface.

[0160] In the embodiments where the shaft of the rotatable element extends through the chamber, there may optionally be provided a plunger (not shown) that is configured to move along the shaft automatically or as a result of the rotation of the rotatable element. In embodiments involving a plunger, the volume of the chamber varies during operation of the device and throughout its lifetime by the action of the plunger.

[0161] If present, the plunger extends across the chamber (in a radial direction) and rests on top of the tablets located within the chamber. The plunger may act by gravity, to move solid dosage form contained within the chamber towards the disc For example, the plunger may be a weight configured to rest on top of tablets contained within the chamber when the device is in an orientation that permits dispensing of solid dosage form. The plunger may be configured to move along the shaft of the rotatable element automatically or as a result of the rotation of the rotatable element. For example, in embodiments without the cylindrical wall extending around the shaft, a portion of the shaft within the chamber may comprise a screw thread that is configured to cooperate with a corresponding screw thread on the plunger, and the plunger may form a nut around the shaft that is configured to travel along the screw thread of the shaft in use, such that, as the rotatable element rotates in use, the plunger moves towards the disc so as to force tablets contained within the chamber towards the disc 106.

[0162] In this manner, as the plunger translates along the shaft, the volume of the chamber gradually decreases. Furthermore, the tablets contained within the chamber will be forced towards the disc by the plunger throughout the operation and lifetime of the device. This can further contribute to ensuring that the tablets fill into the apertures of the disc throughout use of the device. The plunger can also ensure that the tablets do not rattle within the chamber, which can improve the user experience of the product.

[0163] The above described devices are particularly suitable for accurately dispensing solid dosage form in the form of tablets. This is because the disc is able to dispense the tablets one-by-one, in a manner which is both efficient (because multiple tablets can be dispensed relatively quickly by rotation of the disc) and reliable, in part because the design of the disc ensures that each and every aperture has a tablet in it when it reaches the outlet. Including only one unit of solid dosage form is particularly accurate because the medication in one unit can be very closely controlled. It was found that the dispensing of tablets such that an exact, predictable number of tablets is dispensed was particularly challenging, and the devices described provide a simple but effective solution to this problem. The separator further contributes to the reliability of the device, as it also helps to ensure that one tablet is dispensed from each aperture as it passes over the outlet.

[0164] It has also been found that when the device is used to dispense mini-tablets (as defined above), the device is still able to very accurately dispense a particular number (or dose) of the minitablets, which have been found to be challenging to dispense in an accurate manner (because the size of the mini-tablets can mean that they become jammed in some types of dispensers). Because mini-tablets are smaller than conventional tablets, a more precise individualised dose can be calculated and dispensed depending on a patient’s needs. This is very useful in a pharmaceutical setting, because the dose dispensed can be better optimised for a patient’s needs. Another advantage to using the device to dispense mini-tablets is that the mini-tablets can be easy to swallowed by patients having difficulty swallowing, who might alternatively crush tablets in order to swallow.

[0165] Although the device is optimised for dispensing tablets, and particularly mini-tablets, the device can also be used to dispense other forms of solid dosage form. For example, solid dosage form in the form of pellets can be dispensed using the device. In such an example, each aperture would be configured to contain and transport multiple pellets to the outlet.

[0166] The device defined herein may combine medical knowledge with digital capabilities. The control unit may be reusable, and may be combined with various different cartridges that are prefilled with a prescribed medication. For ADHD, for example, a cartridge could be prefilled with the relevant medication for use over a one-month period. The cartridges could be filled with solid oral dosage form. The solid oral dosage form could be taken with liquid or soft foods supporting swallowing of the medicine. The technology disclosed herein is applicable to many treatments and especially for paediatric use or for use in psychiatry, neurology, cardio-metabolic disorders or oral cancer treatments.

[0167] Example treatments that may be associated with the apparatus described herein are Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (“ADHD” - wherein the medication used in the device could include amphetamines and / or methylphenidate), general pain (wherein the medication could include one or more of fentanyl, methadone, meperidine, tramadol, morphine, codeine, thebaine, oxymorphone, hydrocodone, oxycodone, hydromorphone, naltrexone, buprenorphine and methadone), immunosuppression post organ transplant (wherein the medication could include one or more of tacrolimus, sirolimus, everolimus, corticosteroids, cyclosporine, mycophenolate and azathioprine), diabetes (wherein the medication could include one or more of sitagliptin, vildagliptin, saxagliptin, linagliptin, metformin, canagliflozin, Dapagliflozin, empagliflozin and semaglutide), heart failure (wherein the medication could include one or more of carvedilol, metoprolol, bisoprolol and diurethics), Parkinson's disease (“PD” - wherein the medication could include levodopa and / or carbidopa ), epilepsy (wherein the medication could include one or more of sodium valproate, carbamazepine, lamotrigine, levetiracetam, oxcarbazepine, ethosuximide and topiramate), depression (wherein the medication could include one or more of Citalopram, bupropion, paroxetine, milnacipran, fluoxetine, duloxetine, fluvoxamine and reboxetine), schizophrenia (wherein the medication could include one or more of aripiprazole, asenapine, brexpiprazole, cariprazine, clozapine, iloperidone, lurasidone and olanzapine), cancer, animal health, oncology (substances mercaptopurine, methotrexate, temozolomide, isotretinoin, imatinib). For example, the device may be combined with medication (e.g., in the form of mini-tablets) that is aimed or associated with the aforementioned treatments, for example any or all of those described above.

[0168] Use of a medication formulated as mini-tablets can support accurate dose adjustment and help paediatrics as well as older patients with swallowing issues. Developments for paediatric medicines have generally included different formulations or devices which go toward solving one or two of the challenges faced with this patient population. By combining the medication with a digital capability with the handheld apparatus disclosed herein, leads to improvements in dose setting, titration, ease of use, swallow-ability and compliance. The technology can be tailored to different treatment regimens for paediatric populations including combination therapy. Other areas for treatment using the device disclosed herein could be epilepsy and general pain alleviation. The dispensing technology could also be developed for infectious diseases, for example in children, for example the medication used with the apparatus (e.g., in the form of mini-tablets) could include amoxicillin and / or penicillin.

[0169] The control unit (in any of the aspects or embodiments described herein) may include an input device or user interface, which may include one or more buttons for operating the apparatus, for example the dispensing mechanisms therein. A prefilled cartridge (e.g., for ADHD, with a one-month prescription) may have an integrated circuit board trip that communicates relevant information to the control unit. The control unit may set the dosage, prevent taking more than a maximum dosage, allow titration, and ensure notification of tampering. The control system may record dispensing of medication, for example over a defined period (e.g., the one-month prescription).

[0170] Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the accompanying claims.

Claims

162636 / 01Claims1 . A device for dispensing solid dosage form comprising: a chamber for storing solid dosage form; an outlet; and a rotatable element comprising a disc, wherein the disc comprises at least one aperture in a radially outer section of the disc and a surface configured to direct the solid dosage form in the chamber towards the radially outer section, wherein the disc is configured to rotate to transport solid dosage form from the chamber to the outlet.

2. The device according to claim 1 , further comprising solid dosage form in the chamber, the solid dosage form comprising a plurality of medicament tablets having a largest dimension of between 1 mm and 7 mm.

3. The device accordingly to claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of medicament tablets has a circular cross-sectional shape, and a ratio of a diameter to a height of the plurality of tablets is between 0.8 and 1 .2.

4. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein the surface is a sloped surface.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein the sloped surface is formed on a radially inner section of the disc.

6. The device according to claim 5, wherein the radially inner section extends radially to at least 50% of a radially outer edge of the disc, optionally to at least 60% or 70% of a radially outer edge of the disc.

7. The device according to any of claims 3 to 6, wherein the sloped surface follows the profile of a cone or a frustum of a cone.

8. The device of any of claims 4 to 7, wherein the radially outer section of the disc is a flat surface extending perpendicularly to a rotational axis of the disc.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein the sloped surface meets the flat surface.

10. The device according to any of claims 4 to 9, wherein an angle between the sloped surface and a radial direction is between 10 and 75 degrees, optionally between 15 and 45 degrees.

11. The device of any preceding claim, wherein each of the at least one apertures are formed through the radially outer section of the disc such that the whole perimeter of each of the at least one apertures is delimited by the radially outer section of the disc.

12. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one aperture comprises a plurality of apertures, the apertures being spaced apart circumferentially about a or the rotational axis of the disc.

13. The device according to any preceding claim, further comprising a separator adjacent to a top surface of the radially outer section of the disc, wherein the separator is configured to permit the at least one aperture to travel under it, and wherein the separator is configured to act as a barrier to prevent solid dosage form in the chamber outside of the aperture from travelling under it.

14. The device according to claim 13, wherein the separator is located above the outlet.

15. The device according to any claim 13 or 14, the separator comprising a wall of the device defining at least part of the chamber.

16. The device according to claim 15, further comprising at least one fillet defined between the wall of the separator and an adjacent wall of the device defining the chamber.

17. The device according to any of claims 13 to 16, wherein the separator comprises a plate.

18. The device according to any of claims 13 to 17, further comprising a gap between the separator and the disc.

19. The device according to any of claims 13 to 18, wherein the chamber extends between a top end and a bottom end, the disc being disposed at the bottom end, and the chamber being delimited by a cylindrically shaped side wall extending from the separator along at least 50% of the full height of the chamber, wherein an inner surface of the cylindrically shaped side wall follows the shape of a cylinder.

20. The device according to any of claims 1 to 18, wherein the chamber extends between a top end and a bottom end, the disc being disposed at the bottom end, and the chamber being delimited by a cylindrically shaped side wall extending from the radially outer section of the disc along at least 50% of the full height of the chamber, optionally the cylindrically shaped side wall extending to the top end.

21. The device according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the cylindrically shaped side wall is formed as a single piece.

22. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein a maximum thickness of the disk is less than 50%, optionally less than 40%, of the diameter of the disc.

23. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device further comprises an actuator, the actuator comprising an electric motor.

24. The device according to claim 23, wherein the actuator is configured to receive an input corresponding to a variable dose of the solid dosage form and to rotate the disc through an angle in order to dispense the dose, wherein the dose is dispensed in one operation and the actuator is configured to rotate the disc through different angles for different doses.

25. The device according to claim 23 or 24, wherein the rotatable element further comprises a shaft configured to connect the disc to the actuator such that rotation of the actuator causes rotation of the disc.

26. The device according to claim 25, wherein the shaft extends below the disc in use.

27. The device according to claim 25, wherein the shaft extends through the chamber.

28. The device according to claim 28, further comprising a cylindrical wall surrounding the shaft within the chamber.

29. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device comprises: a cartridge comprising the chamber and the rotatable element; and a control unit comprising an or the actuator.

30. The device according to claim 29, wherein the control unit comprises a receptacle and the cartridge is receivable in the receptacle, the cartridge being replaceable.31 . The device according to claim 29 or 30, wherein the control unit comprises a control panel configured to receive inputs from a user.

32. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein the outlet comprises a straight, optionally vertical passage extending to an exit.

33. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one aperture has a circular or oval shape.

34. The device according to any preceding claim, further comprising solid dosage form in the chamber, the solid dosage form comprising a plurality of medicament tablets, wherein the aperture has a maximum width of between 1 .1 to 2 times the maximum dimension of the tablets.

35. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein a or the bottom end of the chamber is delimited by a or the top surface of the radially outer section of the disc and the surface of the disc.

36. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein the chamber is delimited by a or the side wall extending between a or the bottom end and a or the top end of the chamber, and the disc extends across the full width of the sidewall at the bottom end of the chamber.

37. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein the solid dosage form stored in the chamber is in direct contact with the surface of the disc and an or the upper surface of the radially outer section of the disc.

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