Medication pad

Abstract

The drug pad is operable to retain a drug, the drug pad comprising a plurality of sintered metal fibers forming a plurality of pores, the drug retained on the plurality of sintered metal fibers, the plurality of pores defining the porosity of the drug pad.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to a medication pad. In at least one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a medication pad that holds a medication. [Background technology]

[0002] Inhalation of an aerosol containing a drug is a technique for delivering the drug to a user: the aerosol is inhaled into the patient's lungs, which leads to absorption of the drug into the bloodstream and systemic distribution.

[0003] Further features of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains from a reading of the following specification when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0004] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a drug cartridge with a drug pad according to at least one example of the present disclosure. [Figure 1B] FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a medication cartridge with a layered mesh pad according to at least one example of the present disclosure. [Figure 1C] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a layered mesh pad of multiple layers according to at least one example of the present disclosure. [Figure 1D] FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a medication cartridge with a metal foam pad according to at least one example of the present disclosure. [Figure 2A] FIG. 1 is a close-up view of the sintered metal fibers of the drug pad. [Figure 2B] FIG. 10 is a diagram of sintered metal fibers of the drug pad forming pores. [Figure 3A] A medication pad having medication held on sintered metal fibers. [Figure 3B] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a medication pad. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a drug cartridge in a shell closed configuration. [Figure 5]FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a plurality of drug cartridges packaged for storage and / or transport. [Figure 6] A vaporizer operable to heat the drug pad to convert the drug into a vaporized form. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0005] It will be understood that, for simplicity and clarity of illustration, where necessary, reference numerals have been repeated among different figures to indicate corresponding or similar elements. Furthermore, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments described herein. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the relevant features being described. The figures are not necessarily to scale, and the proportions of certain parts may be exaggerated to better illustrate details and features. This description should not be considered as limiting the scope of the embodiments described herein.

[0006] Here are some definitions that apply throughout this disclosure.

[0007] The term "coupled" is defined as connected, whether directly or indirectly through intervening components, and is not necessarily limited to a physical connection. The connection may be such that objects are permanently connected or releasably connected. The term "substantially" is defined as an element essentially conforming to a particular dimension, shape, or other word that qualifies substantiality without requiring exactness. For example, substantially cylindrical means that an object resembles a cylinder, but may have one or more deviations from a true cylinder. The term "comprises" means "including, but not necessarily limited to," and specifically indicates an open-ended inclusion or membership in such described combination, group, series, etc.

[0008] As used herein, when referring to any numerical value, the term "about" means a value that falls within ±10 percent of the stated value.

[0009] Ranges can be expressed herein as from "about" one particular value and / or to "about" another particular value. When such a range is expressed, a further aspect includes from the one particular value and / or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values ​​are expressed as approximations, by using the antecedent "about," it is understood that the particular value forms a further aspect. It is further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint. It is also understood that there are a number of values ​​disclosed herein, and that each value is also disclosed herein as "about" that particular value in addition to the value itself. For example, if the value "10" is disclosed, then "about 10" is also disclosed. It is also understood that each unit between two particular units is disclosed. For example, if 10 and 15 are disclosed, then 11, 12, 13, and 14 are also disclosed.

[0010] The terms "vapor," "vaporization," "vaporized," or any other variation of such terms, are defined as a substance (e.g., a drug) dispersed or suspended in air, or the conversion of a substance (e.g., a drug) into a form that can be dispersed or suspended in air.

[0011] Drip pads are traditionally used for filtration applications. Drip pads can be tightly packed stainless steel wires in a non-uniform and non-mesh configuration. However, sintered metal fiber pads with specific features and characteristics disclosed herein have provided unexpected results in retaining a prescribed amount of drug that is packaged, transported, and / or stored before being heated to vaporize the drug for administration. Furthermore, as disclosed, metal foam drug pads and layered mesh pads also provide unexpected performance improvements compared to drip pads. The drug pads provided herein efficiently store, vaporize, and generate aerosols of drugs for medical administration.

[0012] The problems solved by the disclosed subject matter included finding a solution that would sufficiently bind the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) or drug to the drug pad to withstand transportation and storage, and yet release the API from the drug pad reliably and quickly enough when heated during the dose preparation process. The disclosed drug pads provide improved manufacturing quality and better consistency in the uniformity and particle size distribution of delivered doses. For example, drip pads are compressed, tightly packed wires, which exhibit high variability in density and porosity, leading to variable dose evaporation. Drip pads also exhibit poor adhesion of the API to the drip pad. Therefore, traditionally, a solution containing the API must be applied to the drip pad immediately before use, increasing usability barriers and treatment variability. The disclosed technology provides greater control over manufacturing consistency and operational reliability. The disclosed technology includes layered mesh pads, metal foam pads, and sintered metal pads, collectively referred to as drug pads. While some of the illustrated examples show only sintered metal fiber pads, other pads of the present technology may alternatively be implemented.

[0013] The drug pad(s) of the present disclosure provide predictability compared to known drip pads. The drip pads have a higher degree of variability compared to one or more of the disclosed drug pads. One or more of the drug pads described herein also have improved structural reproducibility compared to known drip pads. Furthermore, one or more of the drug pads of the present disclosure also provide higher production throughput and easier manufacturing compared to drip pads that require complex wire folding, resulting in less reproducible structures, more complex manufacturing, and increased irregularities. The drug pads of the present disclosure improve upon and provide surprising results based on the requirements of high porosity and low thickness compared to known drip pads. For example, the thickness may be half or one-third the thickness of a drip pad. At the same time, the porosity of one or more of the disclosed drug pads is increased. Furthermore, one or more of the disclosed drug pads provide enhanced evaporation efficiency.

[0014] The drip pad, which is made of a tightly packed, unsintered stainless steel wire mesh, has poor evaporation efficiency compared to the disclosed drug pad. For example, the drip pad retains residual liquid across the mesh cells after the drug has dried. Furthermore, the drip pad may not adequately distribute the drug-containing solution throughout the drip pad. Therefore, the drug may evaporate directly from the liquid phase, which contains residual ethanol. This evaporation directly from the liquid phase also lacks evaporation efficiency, as it takes longer than 15 seconds, and in some cases longer than 18 seconds, to completely evaporate the drug and leave a tar-like substance behind. The drip pad may prevent 100 percent evaporation. For example, less than 90 percent of the drug may be evaporated after 15 seconds of evaporation. In comparison, the disclosed drug pad can achieve evaporation efficiency of over 90 percent in less than 12 seconds, and in some cases even shorter. The longer evaporation time of the drip pad results in a larger aerosol volume for inhalation. For example, the amount of aerosol volume required for approximately 100 percent vaporization of a drug on a drip pad is approximately 3.6 liters, compared to approximately 2 liters or less for the disclosed drug pad. Also, drip pads are not suitable for bolus dosing, only drop-wise application of the drug.

[0015] A commonly described route of administration of drugs (e.g., 5-methyoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine, tetrahydrocannabinol, etc.) in recreational settings is inhalation of a drug-containing aerosol into the lungs, ultimately leading to absorption of the drug into the bloodstream and systemic distribution. Aerosols are most commonly generated by exposing drug-containing material to high temperatures for extended periods of time in a glass pipe, for example, using a torch lighter.

[0016] Based on their pharmacological activity, drugs have potential medical uses, such as use in human clinical trials and in approved medical products for the treatment of patients, which require the administration of drugs at high purity and precise dosages.

[0017] The recreational vaporization of drugs into aerosols described above is not suitable for any medical use. It does not allow for the administration of a defined amount of drug. In many recreational cases, the exact drug content and even purity of the material vaporized is unknown. Furthermore, the percentage of drug recreationally vaporized into aerosols may be unknown as well, and the properties of the aerosol are not clearly defined.

[0018] Furthermore, as noted above, conditions currently applied in recreational settings involve exposing drugs to undefined elevated temperatures for longer periods of time. Exposure to undefined elevated temperatures induces the formation of pyrolysis products, which are also inhaled. The pyrolysis products have unknown pharmacological effects, and the pyrolysis products can be potentially harmful and cause an acrid taste. A further drawback of conditions currently applied in recreational settings to generate aerosols with drugs is that inhalation of the drug aerosols can often be accompanied by coughing, which prevents the total targeted dose of the drug from being ingested in a single inhalation and limits the duration of lung tissue exposure to the drug and, therefore, drug absorption.

[0019] Each of the above problems, independently and in combination, contributes to inefficient and unpredictable systemic delivery of drugs, which can lead to suboptimal clinical efficacy and increased risk of side effects, making it unacceptable in the context of the drug's potential use as a medication. For potential medical applications, such as in human clinical trials or in approved medical products for patient treatment, for drugs with rapid absorption, distribution, and metabolism, the onset of effect is rapid and patients often cannot accurately take a second inhalation (i.e., take a second deep breath). The present disclosure provides a complete or near-complete target dose of drug to a patient in a single inhalation (i.e., within a single deep breath). The drug must be delivered under well-controlled, standardized, and reproducible conditions. The disclosed drug pad allows for the use of relatively low temperatures, yet still efficiently vaporizes large amounts of drug while avoiding the combustion products of vaporization at higher temperatures. The ability to efficiently evaporate the drug from the drug pad allows for small aerosol volumes to be generated (e.g., less than 3 liters, in some embodiments about 2 liters or less, in still other embodiments less than 1.5 liters, in still other embodiments less than 1 liter, and in still other embodiments about 0.5 liters) to complete the full dose in a single inhalation. Conventional drip pads are less efficient at evaporating the drug than the disclosed drug pads, requiring more time to vaporize the drug and therefore more air, resulting in a volume that is difficult to inhale in one breath.

[0020] Furthermore, in many situations, medications may need to be pre-packaged for transport and storage. Holding the medication on the medication pad prior to packaging, transport, and / or storage ensures the correct dosage of medication and administration via the medication pad. Furthermore, the medication pad can retain the medication without leakage, ensuring that the correct dosage of medication is provided. The medication pad can also deliver the desired thermal energy to the medication held thereon, thereby efficiently vaporizing the medication. Furthermore, the medication pad may have sufficient porosity to allow air to flow therethrough to promote and release the vaporized medication.

[0021] Alternative solutions may include pads with layered mesh ("layered mesh pads") and metal foam substrates ("metal foam pads"). The drug pads disclosed herein provide an appropriate combination of porosity, absorption capacity (e.g., drug retention without leakage), and evaporation efficiency. Furthermore, the drug pads disclosed herein can be easily manufactured.

[0022] The layered mesh pad may include five layers of stainless steel mesh. The drug retention of the layered mesh pad may be improved by selecting the number and type of mesh layers. The layered mesh pad may be configured to provide a desired evaporation efficiency. The layered mesh pad may require controlled manufacturing of the orientation, position, and compression of the layers, as well as careful administration.

[0023] The metal foam pad may have a highly open, three-dimensional stainless steel structure with random and interconnected pores. Compared to layered mesh pads and drip pads, the metal foam pad offers superior performance in that it has sufficient drug retention capacity and high evaporation efficiency. Based on performance, the metal foam pad can be considered the closest alternative to the disclosed sintered metal fiber pad. However, metal foam pads are difficult to manufacture using stainless steel. Recent advances in continuous processes for spray coating pure foam coils with organic binder solutions, high-alloy powders, and subsequent heat treatment may also solve current manufacturing issues. Compared to the disclosed sintered metal fiber pads, metal foam pads can be as effective as metal foam pads, with variations in thickness and / or volumetric capacity.

[0024] Thus, the disclosed drug pad provides a desirable combination of porosity, absorption capacity (e.g., leak-proof drug retention), and evaporation efficiency with ease of manufacture. It was assumed that the heterogeneous structure of the drug pad would result in increased flow resistance, but results show this is not the case. Furthermore, when utilizing multiple layers of drug pads stacked on top of each other, it was assumed that the heterogeneous structure would increase fluid resistance. However, it was found that multiple layers of drug pads do not significantly affect flow resistance and evaporation efficiency. Therefore, a drug pad with multiple layers may be utilized. For example, when the diameter of the drug pad needs to be reduced, multiple layers of drug pads may be utilized to improve drug retention while maintaining high evaporation efficiency. Furthermore, the disclosed drug pad does not encounter a tradeoff between drug retention and evaporation efficiency, as occurs with layered mesh pads. Furthermore, the evaporation efficiency of the disclosed drug pad is significantly superior to that of drip pads in terms of the time to complete evaporation, which translates into significantly less aerosol inhalation. Furthermore, the disclosed drug pad is easy to manufacture with consistent results.

[0025] While this disclosure focuses on some highlighted comparisons with layered mesh pads, drip pads, and metal foam pads, additional advantages of the disclosed medication pads are also found.

[0026] In some embodiments, layered mesh pad, metal foam pad, and sintered metal fiber pad types can be combined in a multi-layer drug pad, with the resulting multi-layer pad having high evaporation efficiency and high drug retention without leakage.

[0027] FIG. 1A illustrates a drug cartridge 10 with a drug pad 100, which is a sintered metal fiber pad 11 operable to hold a drug. In at least one embodiment, the drug may include 5-methyoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT). In some embodiments, the drug may include at least one of the cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol, the entactogen 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, ketamine, lysergic acid diethylamide, psilocybin, N,N-dimethyltryptamine, the phenylalkylamine mescaline, other tryptamines, other ergolines, other serotonergic compounds, second-generation hallucinogens, nicotine, pentamidine, and / or opioids, such as fentanyl, morphine, or naloxone, for drug substitution therapy. In a further example, the drug may include a drug suitable for administration by inhalation, which may be preferred because it avoids first-pass metabolism and does not decompose at the temperatures required to achieve vaporization. Other suitable drugs that can be held on the drug pad and vaporized for aerosol delivery to a patient can be utilized without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The drug can be a free base or can take the form of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt that provides desired properties depending on the drug and the vaporizer's performance. In at least one embodiment, the drug can be one of the drugs described above. Pharmaceutically acceptable salts include methanesulfonate, malate, meso-tartrate, xinafoate, malonate, glycolate, benzoate, or phosphate. The vaporizer can be a vaporizer, such as those described herein, capable of achieving vaporization temperatures, including, but not limited to, about 260 degrees Celsius.

[0028] FIG. 1B is an isometric view of a drug cartridge with a layered mesh pad 20 according to at least one example of the present disclosure. The drug cartridge 10 illustrated in FIG. 1B may be sized and formed like the cartridge of FIG. 1A. The difference is that the layered mesh pad 20 is implemented in place of the drug pad 100. The layered mesh pad can also be used with the same drugs.

[0029] FIG. 1C is an isometric view of a layered mesh pad 20 of multiple layers, according to at least one example of the present disclosure. The layered mesh pad 20 is made from multiple meshes 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 stacked on top of each other to form the layered mesh pad 20. The multiple meshes 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 may have different mesh sizes. For example, as shown in FIG. 1C, the layered mesh 20 may include at least five different meshes 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, with the first 22 and last mesh 26 having smaller mesh spacing and the intermediate meshes 23, 24, 25 having larger mesh spacing. For example, the first intermediate mesh 23 may have a spacing twice that of the first mesh 22. The second central mesh may have a spacing 1.5 times that of the first mesh 22. The third intermediate mesh may have a spacing three times that of the first mesh 22. Other mesh sizes for the intermediate meshes 23, 24, and 25 may also be implemented. The meshes may also all be the same size. In other embodiments, the first mesh 22 and the last mesh 26 may have larger mesh spacing, while the intermediate meshes 23, 24, and 25 may have smaller spacing. Furthermore, the grids of each of the meshes 22, 23, 24, 25, and 26 may be oriented at different angles relative to a reference direction. For example, the first mesh 22 may be rotated by an angle α from a reference direction, which may be a line that bisects the grid in a horizontal configuration. The second mesh 23 may be rotated by an angle β from the reference direction that is different from the angle α. The third mesh 24 may be rotated by an angle Φ that is different from the other two angles α and β. The fourth mesh 25 may be rotated by an angle θ that is different from the other three angles α, β, and Φ. When constructing the layered mesh pad 20, the layers are configured to be pressed closely together to prevent gaps from forming between them.

[0030] FIG. 1D is an isometric view of a drug cartridge with a metal foam pad 30 according to at least one example of the present disclosure. The metal foam pad 30 is characterized by a three-dimensional structure constructed from stainless steel or another suitable thermally conductive material. The metal foam pad 30 structure may be designed with random and interconnected pores. Thus, the metal foam pad 30 may have a large surface area, low fluid resistance, and a unique structure for administration. The metal foam pad 30 may be fabricated using a sequential spray coating of a binder, alloying, and subsequent heating. In at least one example, the metal foam pad 30 may have a porosity of greater than 90 percent.

[0031] Drug pad 100 may have a diameter 100D of about 20 millimeters to about 40 millimeters. In some embodiments, drug pad 100 may have a diameter 100D of about 21 millimeters to about 30 millimeters. In some embodiments, drug pad 100 may have a diameter 100D of about 25 millimeters to about 30 millimeters. In some embodiments, drug pad 100 may have a diameter 100D of about 26 millimeters. In some embodiments, drug pad 100 may have a diameter 100D of at least about 21 millimeters to adequately retain and distribute the drug upon vaporization.

[0032] While the present disclosure may be implemented with the layered mesh or metal foam of FIGS. 1B-1C and 1D, respectively, the remainder of the present disclosure is shown in FIG. 1A for simplicity. As illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the drug pad 100 of FIG. 1A may comprise a plurality of sintered metal fibers 102, forming a plurality of pores 104. The drug pad 100 may be fabricated from a nonwoven mesh of fibers 102 via a layer-by-layer sintering process. During sintering, the fibers 102 form necks 200 as the fibers 102 are sintered together, as illustrated, for example, in FIG. 2B. The sintered metal fibers 102 then form pores 104 between the fibers 102, which may function to allow air to pass through. Additionally, a drug may be retained on the sintered metal fibers 102, for example, within the pores 104.

[0033] In at least one embodiment, the plurality of sintered metal fibers 102 are made from stainless steel, such that the sintered metal fibers 102 are operable to be heated to a vaporization temperature to vaporize a drug, convert the drug to a vaporized drug, and maintain compatibility with the drug. For example, in maintaining compatibility with the drug, the stainless steel sintered metal fibers 102 may prevent and / or reduce degradation, disintegration, change in chemical composition, loss of strength, and / or bacterial growth. Thus, the drug pad 100 having a drug retained thereon may be packaged, transported, and / or stored for extended periods of time prior to administration of the drug.

[0034] Unexpected results of a porosity of greater than about 65 percent for drug pad 100 include sufficient retention of the drug for storage while allowing efficient vaporization and air flow for drug administration. In some embodiments, the porosity may be between 80 percent and 95 percent, allowing air to flow through sintered metal fibers 102, resulting in the drug being transported out of sintered metal fibers 102 along with the air. In some embodiments, the porosity may be greater than about 75 percent. In some embodiments, the porosity may be greater than about 87 percent. In some embodiments, the porosity may be about 90 percent.

[0035] The diameter 102D of the sintered metal fibers 102 can aid in the formation of pores for drug retention and / or desired porosity. The diameter 102D of the sintered metal fibers 102 of the drug pad 100 can affect whether or not there is a liquid patch after the drug dries on the drug pad 100 (e.g., the diameter can contribute to minimizing the liquid patch after drying). The drying of the drug on the pad is discussed further below. For example, the diameter 102D of the sintered metal fibers 102 can define the pores 104 in conjunction with the manufacturing process parameters for sintering the fibers 102. A liquid patch can potentially lead to the drug vaporizing directly from the liquid due to residual solvent. Therefore, if the liquid patch becomes too large, the aerosol may not have as high a purity of the vaporized drug as desired. In at least one embodiment, the sintered metal fibers 102 can have a diameter 102D of about 35 micrometers to about 55 micrometers. In some embodiments, sintered metal fibers 102 can have a diameter 102D between about 40 micrometers and about 50 micrometers. In some embodiments, sintered metal fibers 102 can each have a diameter 102D less than about 50 micrometers. In some embodiments, sintered metal fibers 102 can have a diameter 102D between about 39 micrometers and about 41 micrometers.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 3A, drug 300 may be metered onto drug pad 100. In at least one embodiment, drug 300 deposited on drug pad 100 may initially be in liquid form. For example, drug 300 may include the drug in solution and / or suspension. In at least one embodiment, a solvent, which may be either a non-aqueous solvent or an aqueous solvent depending on the type of salt selected and the required wetting factors, may be used with the salt form of the drug to produce the liquid form. For example, the non-aqueous solvent may include acetone, butanone, ethyl acetate, 2-propanol, methanol, acetonitrile, isopropyl alcohol, and / or isopropyl acetate. Furthermore, the choice of solvent may depend on whether drug pad 100, a layered mesh pad, and / or a metal foam pad are selected. In at least one embodiment, a combination of pads may also be selected. For example, drug pad 100 may be combined with a metal foam pad.

[0037] In at least one embodiment, the drug 300 may be metered onto the drug pad 100 by drop-wise application. For example, the drop-wise application may be circular or random across the drug pad 100. In some embodiments, the drug 300 may be metered by drop-wise application using a pipette. Drop-wise application may also be described as dump dosing, where pipette application is also used. For example, 50 to 250 microliters may be dispensed over a period of 2 to 15 seconds. In other embodiments, automated dosing may be as fast as 300 microliters per second for a 200 microliter volume dose without reaching leakage.

[0038] In some embodiments, drug 300 may be metered onto drug pad 100 by dumping. For example, the entire volume of drug 300 may be deposited substantially centered on drug pad 100 over a period of less than about 12 seconds. In some embodiments, drug 300 may be deposited over a period of less than about 10 seconds. In some embodiments, drug 300 may be deposited over a period of less than about 8 seconds. In some embodiments, drug 300 may be deposited over a period of less than about 5 seconds. In some embodiments, drug 300 may be deposited over a period of less than about 4 seconds. In some embodiments, drug 300 may be deposited over a period of about 1 second. In some embodiments, drug 300 may be deposited over a period of less than about 1 second. In contrast, a conventional layered mesh pad may require at least 15 seconds to deposit drug 300.

[0039] In at least one embodiment, the sintered metal fibers 102 of the drug pad 100 are operable to hold between about 50 microliters and about 350 microliters of drug. In at least one embodiment, the plurality of sintered metal fibers 102 of the drug pad 100 are operable to hold up to 250 microliters of drug 300 solution.

[0040] 3A , drug 300 spreads through drug pad 100 and plurality of sintered metal fibers 102, but boundary 302 of drug 300 does not wick away to perimeter 110 of drug pad 100. Thus, drug pad 100 effectively receives, spreads, and retains drug 300 within the desired portion of drug pad 100. If drug 300 wicks away to perimeter 110 of drug pad 100, some of drug 300 may leak out of and / or through drug pad 100. Drug 300 that leaks out of perimeter 110 of drug pad 100 and / or drug 300 retained at the edge of perimeter 110 of drug pad 100 may not receive sufficient air flow to facilitate and release drug 300 from drug pad 100. For example, a shell 400 for a drug cartridge 10 (such as that illustrated in FIG. 4) may not form an opening 406 corresponding to the perimeter 110 of the drug pad 100, and airflow may not flow sufficiently across the perimeter 110 of the drug pad 100 to facilitate and release the drug 300 from the drug pad 100. Therefore, it is important that the drug 300 is retained in the drug pad 100 within the desired portion of the drug pad 100, as an incorrect dose of the drug 300 may be administered to the patient.

[0041] As illustrated in FIG. 3B , drug pad 100 has a thickness 100T that allows for sufficient retention of the entire dose of drug while allowing for efficient heat transfer through drug pad 100. In at least one embodiment, drug pad 100 has a thickness 100T of about 0.9 millimeters to about 1.5 millimeters. In some embodiments, drug pad 100 may have a thickness 100T of about 0.6 millimeters to about 1.5 millimeters. In some embodiments, drug pad 100 may have a thickness 100T of about 1.1 millimeters to about 1.45 millimeters. In some embodiments, drug pad 100 may have a thickness 100T of about 1.3 millimeters. In some embodiments, drug pad 100 may have a thickness 100T of greater than 1.2 millimeters. Drug pads 100 disclosed herein unexpectedly have a very thin thickness while simultaneously being able to sufficiently retain the entire dose of drug 300 without leakage (e.g., no accidental inhalation or spillage of drug from drug pad 100). The thicker, lower porosity pad provides the desired retention, thus allowing drug pad 100 to deliver the desired dosage of drug.

[0042] 1A, diameter 100D may be reduced and additional layers of drug pad 100 may be implemented. Further, as described above, the additional layers may be drug pad 100, a layered mesh pad, and / or a metal foam pad.

[0043] Additionally, drug pad 100 may be characterized by an areal density, which is mass per unit area. For example, mass per unit area may be defined based on area 101 of drug pad 100 as illustrated in FIG. 3B. In at least one embodiment, drug pad 100 may have an areal density of 700 grams per square meter to 1500 grams per square meter. In other embodiments, the range may be 900 grams per square meter to 1425 grams per square meter.

[0044] The drug pad 100 can have various thicknesses, diameters, porosities, mass per unit area, and / or evaporation efficiencies to provide the desired dosing of the drug pad 100 described herein and provide a target aerosol volume. For example, a lower areal density and thinner thickness may result in a higher porosity, but it may be more difficult to maintain the correct volume of drug during dosing. Furthermore, a higher areal density and thicker thickness may enhance drug retention during dosing, but may result in lower porosity and evaporation efficiencies. This range may yield unexpected results given the thicknesses and porosities described herein. In at least one embodiment, this range may have a thickness 100T of about 0.9 millimeters to about 1.5 millimeters. Furthermore, the areal density may be about 900 grams per square meter to about 1500 grams per square meter. In another embodiment, the areal density may be about 930 grams per square meter to about 1425 grams per square meter. In another embodiment, the areal density may be about 1000 grams per square meter. The fiber diameter may be about 40 micrometers. The diameter 100D of the drug pad 100 may be about 26 millimeters. The porosity may be greater than about 87%. These parameters result in an evaporation efficiency of greater than about 97 percent at a temperature of 235 degrees Celsius using the free base form of mebufotenin.

[0045] In at least one embodiment, the sintered metal fibers 102 of the drug pad 100 are operable to hold between 50 microliters and 250 microliters of drug without the drug passing through the drug pad 100. In at least one embodiment, the plurality of sintered metal fibers 102 of the drug pad 100 are operable to hold up to 250 microliters of drug 300 solution without leakage. In at least one embodiment, the drug pad 100 is operable to hold 200 microliters of drug 300 solution without leakage.

[0046] In at least one embodiment, drug pad 100 may have a weight of about 700 grams per square meter to about 1400 grams per square meter, and thus drug pad 100 is thin and light for efficient drug loading and efficient vaporization.

[0047] After the drug 300 has been metered onto the drug pad 100 (e.g., by depositing a predetermined volume), the drug 300 may be fixed to the drug pad 100. For example, the drug 300 may be dried such that a dry form of the drug is retained on the drug pad 100. When drying, the drug pad 100 and the drug 300 may be exposed to thermal energy. In at least one embodiment, the sintered metal fibers 102 are heated to transfer the thermal energy to the drug 300. In some embodiments, heated air passes through the pores 104 of the sintered metal fibers 102 to impart thermal energy to the drug 300. In some embodiments, both the sintered metal fibers 102 and the air impart thermal energy to the drug 300. When drying, any solvent (e.g., a non-aqueous solvent as described above) in the solution and / or suspension may be removed or evaporated. Liquid patches may be minimized and the remaining drug on the drug pad 100 may solidify, and in some embodiments, the drug may form crystals. Therefore, the drug being administered to the patient has a higher percentage of purity.

[0048] In at least one embodiment, drying may be performed at a temperature of 50-100 degrees Celsius. In at least one embodiment, drying may be performed at a temperature of 50-95 degrees Celsius. In at least one embodiment, drying may be performed at a temperature of 50-60 degrees Celsius. The duration may be 90-120 seconds. In at least one embodiment, drying may be at 55 degrees Celsius for 102 seconds. Furthermore, the selection of the drying temperature may be based on the drug salt, solvent, and melting point. In at least one embodiment, the drying temperature is selected to be at least 15 degrees Celsius below the melting temperature of the drug. In some embodiments, the solvent may include a non-aqueous solvent such as acetone, butanone, ethyl acetate, 2-propanol, methanol, acetonitrile, isopropyl alcohol, and / or isopropyl acetate. As described above, pharmaceutically acceptable salts include methanesulfonate, malate, meso-tartrate, xinafoate, malonate, glycolate, benzoate, or phosphate. In one example, the drug is the xinafoate salt of 5-MeO-DMT, and the solvent may be isopropyl alcohol or ethanol. The melting temperature of the xinafoate salt of 5-MeO-DMT (mebufotenin xinafoate) is about 75 degrees Celsius, the potential drying temperature is about 60 degrees Celsius, and it can vaporize at 235 degrees Celsius. Additionally, mebufotenin in its free base form may be used. In one example, the melting temperature of mebufotenin free base may be about 67.5 degrees Celsius. An exemplary solvent may be ethanol, and the drying temperature may be about 55 degrees Celsius. Mebufotenin free base can vaporize at temperatures between about 235 degrees Celsius.

[0049] When mebufotenin malonate (melting temperature about 100 degrees Celsius) is dissolved in the solvent isopropyl alcohol, the drying temperature can be selected as 85 degrees Celsius. When mebufotenin phosphate (melting temperature about 110 degrees Celsius) is dissolved in the solvent isopropyl acetate, the drying temperature can be selected as 95 degrees Celsius.

[0050] As presented herein, the solvent is non-aqueous, but the solvent may also be aqueous. The non-aqueous solvent is selected to improve the wettability of the drug pad. If an aqueous solvent is desired, the present disclosure provides for a surface treatment of the drug pad. Examples of surface treatments include oxygen plasma treatment. Alternatively, a surfactant may be added to the solution to improve wettability. The use of an aqueous solvent also allows for the use of a wider range of salts.

[0051] In some examples, immediately after solvent removal, drug 300 may be observed as an oily residue on drug pad 100. Drug 300 may be highly soluble in absolute alcohol, and rapid removal of the solvent produces a highly supersaturated solution of drug 300. The level of residual solvent is not sufficient to maintain complete dissolution of drug 300, but is sufficient to maintain a high degree of supersaturation for a short period of time. An induction period may be approximately 10 seconds, at which point the first evidence of crystals on drug pad 100 is observed. After observing initial crystal formation, the oily residue rapidly solidifies, and drug pad 100 is coated with drug 300 in a solid state. In some examples, during vaporization, solidified drug 300 may undergo a transition to an intermediate, oily, or supersaturated liquid state before subsequently transitioning to a vapor phase. In some examples, during vaporization, solidified drug 300 dissolves and transitions to a vapor phase.

[0052] With the drug pad 100 disclosed herein, these phase change transitions can occur more quickly than with other pads (eg, layered mesh pads and drip pads).

[0053] Furthermore, when the drug is dispensed, the diameter of the fibers and capillary forces ensure that the drug pad 100 is sufficiently wetted. The drug 300 is then encapsulated within the structure formed by the sintered metal fibers 102. As the drug dries on the drug pad 100, the coating of the sintered metal fibers 102 with the solidified drug 300 provides a sufficiently strong attachment to withstand shock and vibration during transport. Furthermore, the drug 300 is protected by the structure of the sintered metal fibers 102 of the drug pad 100.

[0054] As illustrated in FIG. 4 , a drug pad 100 having a drug retained thereon can be received within a drug cartridge 10. The drug cartridge 10 can include a shell 400 operable to house the drug pad 100. In at least one embodiment, the shell 400 can include a top 402 and a bottom 404 operable to couple together to securely receive the drug pad 100. Both the top 402 and the bottom 404 can define a plurality of openings 406 that allow air to flow through the shell 400. Thus, air can flow through the bottom 404, through the drug pad 100, and out the top 402. While four openings 406 are shown in the drug cartridge 10 of FIG. 4 , it will be understood that other cartridge configurations having other numbers of openings are possible.

[0055] In at least one embodiment, shell 400 can have a mass of less than 5 grams, thus allowing shell 400 and drug pad 100 to be easily stored and transported.

[0056] In at least one embodiment, shell 400 can be made of a material that transmits thermal energy. For example, shell 400 can be formed of a metal. Thus, shell 400 can be heated and the thermal energy can be conductively transferred to sintered metal fibers 102 of drug pad 100. The thermal energy can then be conductively transferred from sintered metal fibers 102 to the drug.

[0057] Additionally, the selection of a disk or other shape of drug pad 100 for placement within drug cartridge 10 may inspect the quality of drug pad 100. Drug pad 100 may be inspected to determine whether there are any compressions located within the area of ​​drug pad 100. Drug pad 100 may also be inspected to determine whether drug pad 100 has folds. If there are folds or compressions, drug pad 100 may be rejected, as this may affect the administration of drug pad 100. Drug pad 100 may also be inspected to determine whether the edges have straight cuts. Drug pad 100 may also be inspected to determine whether there are any slugs, missing fibers, or discoloration.

[0058] As illustrated in FIG. 5 , drug cartridge 10 may be stored in packaging 500. Drug cartridge 10 may include drug pad 100, as described herein. Alternatively, drug cartridge 10 may contain a layered mesh pad, a metal foam pad, and / or a drug pad. For ease of explanation, the term drug pad 100 is used where necessary. For example, packaging 500 may include a sealed plastic casing. Packaging 500 may enable long-term transportation and / or storage of drug cartridge 10 and drug pad 100 before drug cartridge 10 is used to administer a drug (e.g., heated to release the drug). Packaging 500 may prevent air from passing through shell 400 and drug pad 100, ensuring that the entire dose of drug remains on drug pad 100. In at least one embodiment, packaging 500 may prevent bacteria and / or other particles from reaching drug pad 100. In some embodiments, packaging 500 may be a moisture barrier.

[0059] The drug cartridge 10 with the drug pad 100 is pre-metered with the drug so that the desired dose of drug can be administered to the patient when needed. However, in some embodiments, the drug may be provided separately from the drug pad 100 in a drug kit, and the drug may be deposited onto the drug pad 100 immediately prior to administration of the drug.

[0060] When administering a drug, the drug on the sintered metal fibers 102 of the drug pad 100 can be exposed to thermal energy, causing the drug to transition to a vapor phase as vaporized drug. As illustrated in FIG. 6 , the drug pad 100 with the drug cartridge 10 can be utilized with a vaporizer 600. The vaporizer 600 can be operable to heat the drug pad 100 to a vaporization temperature, causing the drug to transition to a vapor phase as vaporized drug. The vaporized drug is contained within a dosing chamber 650, which is illustrated as a bag that expands with vapor and air. In other embodiments, the dosing chamber 650 can be another container that allows for vapor capture. When heating the drug pad 100, the plurality of sintered metal fibers 102 can be heated and / or heated air can pass through the plurality of sintered metal fibers 102. The efficiency of heat transfer through the sintered metal fibers 102 unexpectedly improves evaporation efficiency and shortens the time to administer a drug dose as an aerosol. Additionally, the configuration of the drug pad 100 with the sintered metal fibers 102 and desired porosity further provides enhanced evaporation efficiency. In at least one embodiment, at least 90 percent of the drug retained on the plurality of sintered metal fibers 102 transitions to the vapor phase upon heating the plurality of sintered metal fibers 102 and / or passing heated air through the plurality of sintered metal fibers 102. In some embodiments, at least 97 percent of the drug retained on the plurality of sintered metal fibers 102 transitions to the vapor phase upon heating the plurality of sintered metal fibers 102 and / or passing heated air through the plurality of sintered metal fibers 102.

[0061] In at least one embodiment, the drug cartridge 10 can be retained within a drug cartridge housing during storage, transport, and use. During use, the drug cartridge housing that holds the drug cartridge can be utilized with a vaporizer without the need to remove the drug cartridge. Retaining the drug cartridge within the housing can, for example, make the cartridge easier to handle and / or improve the tamper-evident properties of the cartridge.

[0062] In at least one embodiment, when sintered metal fibers 102 are heated, or regardless of heating sintered metal fibers 102, vaporizer 600 may be operable to pass air through the plurality of pores 104 of drug pad 100 to facilitate and release the vaporized drug from drug pad 100 at a vaporization temperature. In at least one embodiment, the vaporization temperature may be between 200 degrees Celsius and about 260 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, the vaporization temperature may be about 235 degrees Celsius. The porosity of drug pad 100 may require a lower air flow rate from vaporizer 600 to generate an aerosol having a desired dosage of vaporized drug. Thus, the drug may be efficiently and effectively vaporized and administered as an aerosol.

[0063] As discussed above, a range of pharmaceutically acceptable salts of a drug can be selected to provide desired vaporization and drying characteristics. In one embodiment, mebfotenin xinafoate allows for vaporization of mebfotenin at temperatures ranging from 230 to 260 degrees Celsius. In another embodiment, mebfotenin malonate provides a similar vaporization temperature range. In yet another embodiment, mebfotenin phosphate is compatible with a vaporization temperature of 260 degrees Celsius. In at least some embodiments, the vaporization temperature can depend on the salt and solvent used. Furthermore, as discussed above, the temperature and drying time can similarly depend on the salt and solvent.

[0064] A number of examples are provided herein to enhance understanding of the present disclosure. A description of a particular set is provided below.

[0065] Statement 1: A drug pad operable to hold a drug is disclosed, the drug pad comprising a plurality of sintered metal fibers forming a plurality of pores, the plurality of pores defining the porosity of the drug pad, and a drug held on the plurality of sintered metal fibers.

[0066] Statement 2: The drug pad of statement 1 is disclosed, wherein the porosity is about 90 percent, allowing air to flow through the plurality of sintered metal fibers, such that the drug is transported from the plurality of sintered metal fibers along with the air.

[0067] Statement 3: The drug pad of statement 1 or 2 is disclosed, wherein each of the plurality of sintered metal fibers has a diameter of about 35 micrometers to about 55 micrometers.

[0068] Statement 4: The drug pad of any one of the preceding statements 1-3 is disclosed, wherein each of the plurality of sintered metal fibers has a diameter of less than about 50 micrometers.

[0069] Statement 5: A drug pad described in any one of the preceding statements 1 to 4 is disclosed, wherein at least about 90 percent of the drug held on the plurality of sintered metal fibers transitions to a vapor phase upon heating the plurality of sintered metal fibers and / or passing heated air through the plurality of sintered metal fibers.

[0070] Statement 6: A drug pad described in any one of the preceding statements 1 to 5 is disclosed, wherein at least about 97 percent of the drug held on the plurality of sintered metal fibers transitions to a vapor phase upon heating the plurality of sintered metal fibers and / or passing heated air through the plurality of sintered metal fibers.

[0071] Statement 7: A drug pad described in any one of the preceding statements 1 to 6 is disclosed, wherein the plurality of sintered metal fibers are operable to retain about 50 microliters to about 350 microliters of the drug without the drug passing through the drug pad.

[0072] Statement 8: A drug pad described in any one of the preceding statements 1 to 7 is disclosed, wherein the plurality of sintered metal fibers are operable to retain up to about 250 microliters of a solution of the drug without leakage.

[0073] Statement 9: A drug pad described in any one of the preceding statements 1 to 8 is disclosed, wherein the plurality of sintered metal fibers are made of stainless steel, such that the plurality of sintered metal fibers are operable to be heated to a vaporization temperature to vaporize the drug, transition to a vapor phase, and maintain compatibility with the drug.

[0074] Statement 10: The drug pad of statement 9 is disclosed, wherein the vaporization temperature is about 200 degrees Celsius to about 260 degrees Celsius.

[0075] Statement 11: The drug pad of statements 9 or 10 is disclosed, wherein the vaporization temperature is about 235 degrees Celsius.

[0076] Statement 12: The drug pad of any one of the preceding statements 9-11 is disclosed, wherein the drug pad is operable to be packaged and stored prior to being heated to release the drug.

[0077] Statement 13: The drug pad of any one of the preceding statements 1-12 is disclosed, wherein the drug pad has a diameter of about 20 millimeters to about 40 millimeters.

[0078] Statement 14: The drug pad of any one of the preceding statements 1-13 is disclosed, wherein the drug pad has a diameter of about 25 millimeters to about 30 millimeters.

[0079] Statement 15: The drug pad of any one of the preceding statements 1-14 is disclosed, wherein the drug pad has a thickness of about 0.6 millimeters to about 1.5 millimeters.

[0080] Statement 16: The drug pad of any one of the preceding statements 1-15 is disclosed, wherein the drug pad has a weight of about 700 grams per square meter to about 1400 grams per square meter.

[0081] Statement 17: The drug pad of any one of the preceding statements 1-16 is disclosed, wherein the drug comprises at least one of 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine, the cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol, the entactogen 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, ketamine, lysergic acid diethylamide, psilocybin, N,N-dimethyltryptamine, the phenylalkylamine mescaline, a second generation hallucinogen, a tryptamine, an ergoline, nicotine, pentamidine, an opioid, fentanyl, morphine, naloxone, and / or a serotonergic compound.

[0082] Statement 18: A drug cartridge operable to hold and deliver a drug is disclosed, the drug cartridge comprising: a drug pad comprising a plurality of sintered metal fibers forming a plurality of pores, the plurality of pores defining the porosity of the drug pad, a drug held on the plurality of sintered metal fibers, and a shell operable to comprise the drug pad.

[0083] Statement 19: A method of preparing a drug pad for packaging and storage prior to releasing a drug retained on the drug pad is disclosed, the method comprising: obtaining a drug; obtaining a drug pad having a plurality of sintered metal fibers forming a plurality of pores, the plurality of pores defining a porosity of the drug pad; metering the drug onto the drug pad; and retaining the drug on the drug pad.

[0084] Statement 20: The method of statement 19, wherein said retaining said drug on said drug pad comprises removing a solvent for said drug.

[0085] Statement 21: A method of releasing a drug from a drug pad is disclosed, the method comprising: obtaining a drug pad having a drug stored thereon, the drug pad having a plurality of sintered metal fibers forming a plurality of pores, the plurality of pores defining a porosity of the drug pad; heating the drug pad to a vaporization temperature to transition the drug to a vapor phase as vaporized drug; and passing air through the plurality of pores of the drug pad to promote and release the vaporized drug from the drug pad at the vaporization temperature.

[0086] Statement 22: A drug kit is disclosed, comprising: a drug; and a drug pad operable to hold the drug, wherein the drug pad comprises: a plurality of sintered metal fibers forming a plurality of pores; and the plurality of pores defining a porosity of the drug pad, the drug pad operable to hold the drug in solidified form on the plurality of sintered metal fibers and operable to be heated to release the drug in vaporized form.

[0087] Statement 23: The medication kit of statement 22 is disclosed, further comprising a vaporizer operable to heat the medication pad to a vaporization temperature to transition the medication to a vapor phase as vaporized medication.

[0088] Statement 24: The drug kit of statement 23 is disclosed, wherein the vaporizer is operable to pass air through the plurality of pores of the drug pad to facilitate release of the vaporized drug from the drug pad at the vaporization temperature.

[0089] Statement 25: A drug pad operable to retain a drug is disclosed, the drug pad comprising a plurality of sintered metal fibers forming a plurality of pores, the plurality of pores defining a porosity of the drug pad, the drug pad operable to retain the drug on the plurality of sintered metal fibers and operable to be heated to release the drug in vaporized form.

[0090] Statement 26: The drug pad of statements 1-25, wherein the thickness of the drug pad is from about 0.9 millimeters to about 1.5 millimeters.

[0091] Statement 27: The drug pad of statements 1-26, wherein the drug pad has an areal density of about 900 grams per square meter to about 1500 grams per square meter.

[0092] Statement 28: The drug pad of statements 1-27, wherein the drug pad has an areal density of about 930 grams per square meter to about 1425 grams per square meter.

[0093] Statement 29: The drug pad of statements 1-28, wherein the area density of the drug pad is about 1000 grams per square meter.

[0094] Statement 30: The drug pad of statements 1-29, wherein the fibers have a diameter of about 40 micrometers.

[0095] Statement 31: The drug pad of statements 1-30, wherein the diameter of the drug pad is about 26 millimeters.

[0096] Statement 32: The drug pad of statements 1-31, wherein the porosity of the drug pad is greater than 87 percent.

[0097] Statement 33: A drug pad operable to retain a drug is disclosed, the drug pad comprising a plurality of sintered fibers forming a plurality of pores, the plurality of pores defining a porosity of the drug pad, the porosity being greater than about 87 percent, and a drug retained on the plurality of sintered fibers.

[0098] Statement 34: The drug pad of statement 33 is disclosed, wherein the porosity is about 89 percent, allowing air to flow through the plurality of sintered fibers, such that the drug is transported from the plurality of sintered fibers along with the air.

[0099] Statement 35: The drug pad of statements 33 or 34 is disclosed, wherein each of the plurality of sintered fibers has a diameter of about 35 micrometers to about 55 micrometers.

[0100] Statement 36: The drug pad of any one of the preceding statements 33-35, wherein each of the plurality of sintered fibers has a diameter of less than about 50 micrometers, is disclosed.

[0101] Statement 37: A drug pad described in any one of the preceding statements 33-36 is disclosed, wherein at least about 90 percent of the drug retained on the plurality of sintered fibers is transitioned to a vapor phase upon heating the plurality of fibers and / or passing heated air through the plurality of sintered fibers.

[0102] Statement 38: A drug pad described in any one of the preceding statements 33-37 is disclosed, wherein at least about 97 percent of the drug retained on the plurality of sintered fibers is transitioned to a vapor phase upon heating the plurality of fibers and / or passing heated air through the plurality of sintered fibers.

[0103] Statement 39: A drug pad described in any one of the preceding statements 33 to 38 is disclosed, wherein the plurality of sintered fibers are operable to retain between about 50 microliters and about 350 microliters of the drug without the drug passing through the drug pad.

[0104] Statement 40: The drug pad of any one of the preceding statements 33-39 is disclosed, wherein the plurality of sintered fibers is operable to retain up to about 250 microliters of the drug solution without leakage.

[0105] Statement 41: A drug pad described in any one of the preceding statements 33-40 is disclosed, wherein the plurality of sintered fibers are made of stainless steel, such that the plurality of sintered fibers are operable to be heated to a vaporization temperature to vaporize the drug, transition to a vapor phase, and maintain compatibility with the drug.

[0106] Statement 42: The drug pad of statement 41, wherein the vaporization temperature is about 200 degrees Celsius to about 260 degrees Celsius.

[0107] Statement 43: The medication pad of statements 41 or 42 is disclosed, wherein the vaporization temperature is about 235 degrees Celsius.

[0108] Statement 44: The drug pad of any one of the preceding statements 41-43 is disclosed, wherein the drug pad is operable to be packaged and stored before being heated to release the drug.

[0109] Statement 45: The drug pad of any one of the preceding statements 33-44 is disclosed, wherein the drug pad has a diameter of about 20 millimeters to about 40 millimeters.

[0110] Statement 46: The drug pad of any one of the preceding statements 33-45 is disclosed, wherein the drug pad has a diameter of about 25 millimeters to about 30 millimeters.

[0111] Statement 47: The drug pad of any one of the preceding statements 33-46 is disclosed, wherein the drug pad has a thickness of about 1.1 millimeters to about 1.5 millimeters.

[0112] Statement 48: The drug pad of any one of the preceding statements 33-47 is disclosed, wherein the drug pad has a weight of about 970 grams per square meter to about 1400 grams per square meter.

[0113] Statement 49: Disclosed is the medication pad of any one of the preceding statements 33-48, wherein the medication comprises at least one of 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine, the cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol, the entactogen 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, ketamine, lysergic acid diethylamide, psilocybin, N,N-dimethyltryptamine, the phenylalkylamine mescaline, a second generation hallucinogen, a tryptamine, an ergoline, nicotine, pentamidine, an opioid, fentanyl, morphine, naloxone, and / or a serotonergic compound.

[0114] Statement 50: A drug cartridge operable to hold and deliver a drug is disclosed, the drug cartridge comprising: a drug pad comprising a plurality of sintered fibers forming a plurality of pores, the plurality of pores defining a porosity of the drug pad, the porosity being greater than about 87 percent; a drug held on the plurality of sintered fibers; and a shell operable to comprise the drug pad.

[0115] Statement 51: A method of preparing a drug pad for packaging and storage prior to releasing a drug retained on the drug pad is disclosed, the method comprising: obtaining a drug; obtaining a drug pad having a plurality of sintered fibers forming a plurality of pores, the plurality of pores defining a porosity of the drug pad, the porosity being greater than about 87 percent; metering the drug onto the drug pad; and retaining the drug on the drug pad.

[0116] Statement 52: The method of statement 51, wherein said retaining said drug on said drug pad comprises removing a solvent for said drug.

[0117] Statement 53: A method of releasing a drug from a drug pad is disclosed, the method comprising: obtaining a drug pad having a drug stored thereon, the drug pad having a plurality of sintered fibers forming a plurality of pores, the plurality of pores defining a porosity of the drug pad, the porosity being greater than about 87 percent; heating the drug pad to a vaporization temperature to transition the drug to a vapor phase as vaporized drug; and passing air through the plurality of pores of the drug pad to promote and release the vaporized drug from the drug pad at the vaporization temperature.

[0118] Statement 54: A drug kit is disclosed comprising: a drug; and a drug pad operable to hold the drug, wherein the drug pad comprises: a plurality of sintered fibers forming a plurality of pores; and the plurality of pores defining a porosity of the drug pad, the porosity being greater than about 87 percent, wherein the drug pad is operable to hold the drug in solidified form on the plurality of sintered fibers and is operable to be heated to release the drug in vaporized form.

[0119] Statement 55: The medication kit of statement 54 is disclosed, further comprising a vaporizer operable to heat the medication pad to a vaporization temperature to transition the medication to a vapor phase as vaporized medication.

[0120] Statement 56: The drug kit of statement 55 is disclosed, wherein the vaporizer is operable to pass air through the plurality of pores of the drug pad to facilitate release of the vaporized drug from the drug pad at the vaporization temperature.

[0121] Statement 57: A drug pad operable to retain a drug is disclosed, the drug pad comprising a plurality of sintered fibers forming a plurality of pores, the plurality of pores defining a porosity of the drug pad, the porosity being greater than about 87 percent, the drug pad operable to retain the drug on the plurality of sintered fibers and operable to be heated to release the drug in vaporized form.

[0122] While various information has been used to describe aspects within the appended claims, those skilled in the art will be able to derive various implementations, and therefore it is not intended that the claims be limited based on specific features or configurations. Furthermore, while some subject matter may be described in language specific to structural features and / or method steps, it should be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to these described features or acts. Such functionality may be distributed or performed in different ways by components other than those identified herein. Rather, the described features and steps are disclosed as possible components of systems and methods within the appended claims.

Claims

1. A medication pad operable to hold a medication, comprising: a plurality of sintered metal fibers forming a plurality of pores; the plurality of pores defining a porosity of the drug pad; a drug carried on the plurality of sintered metal fibers.

2. 10. The drug pad of claim 1, wherein the porosity is about 90 percent, allowing air to flow through the plurality of sintered metal fibers such that the drug is transported from the plurality of sintered metal fibers along with the air.

3. 10. The drug pad of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of sintered metal fibers has a diameter of about 35 micrometers to about 55 micrometers.

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

5. 2. The drug pad of claim 1, wherein at least about 90 percent of the drug held on the plurality of sintered metal fibers transitions to a vapor phase upon heating the plurality of sintered metal fibers and / or passing heated air through the plurality of sintered metal fibers.

6. 2. The drug pad of claim 1, wherein at least about 97 percent of the drug held on the plurality of sintered metal fibers transitions to a vapor phase upon heating the plurality of sintered metal fibers and / or passing heated air through the plurality of sintered metal fibers.

7. 10. The drug pad of claim 1, wherein the plurality of sintered metal fibers is operable to retain from about 50 microliters to about 350 microliters of the drug without the drug passing through the drug pad.

8. 10. The medication pad of claim 1, wherein the plurality of sintered metal fibers is operable to hold up to about 250 microliters of a solution of the medication without leakage.

9. 10. The drug pad of claim 1, wherein the plurality of sintered metal fibers are made of stainless steel, such that the plurality of sintered metal fibers are operable to be heated to a vaporization temperature to vaporize the drug, transition to a vapor phase, and maintain compatibility with the drug.

10. 10. The drug pad of claim 9, wherein the vaporization temperature is from about 200 degrees Celsius to about 260 degrees Celsius.

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

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

13. 10. The drug pad of claim 1, wherein the drug pad has a diameter of about 20 millimeters to about 40 millimeters.

14. 10. The drug pad of claim 1, wherein the drug pad has a diameter of about 25 millimeters to about 30 millimeters.

15. 10. The drug pad of claim 1, wherein the drug pad has a thickness of about 0.6 millimeters to about 1.5 millimeters.

16. 10. The drug pad of claim 1, wherein the drug pad has a weight of about 700 grams per square meter to about 1400 grams per square meter.

17. 10. The medication pad of claim 1, wherein the medication comprises at least one of 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine, the cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol, the entactogen 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, ketamine, lysergic acid diethylamide, psilocybin, N,N-dimethyltryptamine, the phenylalkylamine mescaline, a second generation hallucinogen, a tryptamine, an ergoline, nicotine, pentamidine, an opioid, fentanyl, morphine, naloxone, and / or a serotonergic compound.

18. 1. A drug cartridge operable to hold and deliver a drug, comprising: a drug pad comprising a plurality of sintered metal fibers forming a plurality of pores; the plurality of pores defining a porosity of the drug pad; a drug carried on the plurality of sintered metal fibers; a shell operable to contain the medication pad.

19. 1. A method of preparing a drug pad for packaging and storage prior to releasing a drug retained on said drug pad, comprising: Obtaining drugs and obtaining a drug pad having a plurality of sintered metal fibers forming a plurality of pores, the plurality of pores defining a porosity of the drug pad; Metering the medication onto the medication pad; and retaining the drug on the drug pad.

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

21. 1. A method for releasing a drug from a drug pad, comprising: obtaining a drug pad having a drug stored thereon, the drug pad having a plurality of sintered metal fibers forming a plurality of pores, the plurality of pores defining a porosity of the drug pad; heating the drug pad to a vaporization temperature to transition the drug to a vapor phase as vaporized drug; and passing air through the plurality of pores of the drug pad to facilitate release of the vaporized drug from the drug pad at the vaporization temperature.

22. 1. A drug kit comprising: Drugs and a medication pad operable to hold said medication, a plurality of sintered metal fibers forming a plurality of pores; the drug pad comprising the plurality of pores defining a porosity of the drug pad; Equipped with The drug kit, wherein the drug pad is operable to hold the drug in solidified form on the plurality of sintered metal fibers and is operable to release the drug in vaporized form upon heating.

23. 23. The medication kit of claim 22, further comprising a vaporizer operable to heat the medication pad to a vaporization temperature to transition the medication to a vapor phase as vaporized medication.

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

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

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