A radially adjustable multi-cartridge combinatorial drug delivery device for subcutaneous injections.

Abstract

To provide a drug delivery device for delivering drug from a plurality of drug cartridges.SOLUTION: A drug delivery device includes: a cylindrical cassette configured to accommodate a plurality of drug cartridges; a reversibly advanceable plunger; and an indexer for incrementally rotating the cassette to align the plurality of drug cartridges individually with the plunger. The indexer includes a first shaft and a second shaft. The first and second shafts have cooperating elements which cause incremental rotation of the first shaft, relative to the second shaft, upon the second shaft engaging the first shaft.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The field of the invention is the subcutaneous administration of liquid medicaments. In particular, the invention relates to the subcutaneous administration of a combination of two or more liquid medicaments in a defined weight ratio. [Background technology]

[0002] Many drugs need to be administered parenterally for a variety of reasons. For example, biological drugs derived from biotechnology are therapeutic proteins that cannot be administered orally because they would be destroyed by the digestive system and become ineffective. Therefore, such biological drugs are typically administered via routes that bypass the digestive system, most commonly via intravenous and subcutaneous routes.

[0003] Recent advances in medicine, particularly in the treatment of cancer, have demonstrated that beneficial therapeutic effects can be achieved through the synergistic combination of two or more agents.

[0004] For example, recent clinical studies have demonstrated that the combination of anti-PD-1 and CTLA4 checkpoint inhibitors can have beneficial synergistic effects in some tumor types. This can lead to better clinical outcomes than those achieved by administering either agent individually. Such checkpoint inhibitors are often biotechnology-derived immunoglobulin-type monoclonal antibodies or fragments thereof. In some situations, it may be beneficial to combine such biologic agents with conventional chemotherapeutic agents, such as cytotoxic agents.

[0005] Parenteral co-administration of drugs presents several challenges, and various approaches have been used to overcome them. These challenges include increased complexity of drug therapy, increased risk of medication errors, and patient burden. The increased complexity of drug therapy can manifest in several ways, depending on the method of drug combination and administration. For example, one method of combining therapeutic biological agents is to co-formulate them into a defined ratio combination in a solvent. This creates formulation complexity because a stable formulation must be more reliably achieved to maintain the efficacy and quality of the combined drugs throughout the pharmaceutical supply chain. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that formulations of such drugs typically contain several excipients, such as buffers, pH adjusters, tonicity modifiers, stabilizers, etc. As the number of drugs in the combination increases, so does the complexity of the formulation. Related to the formulation challenges are challenges related to developing analytical methods for complex formulations, such as assays to assess the quality, efficacy, and strength of each drug in the mixture. A further limitation of fixed ratio combinations is the lack of flexibility in the ratio of drugs administered.

[0006] Formulation and analytical complexities can be avoided and dosing flexibility can be maintained by compounding medications from single-drug formulations near the point of care, for example, in a compounding pharmacy. In this case, a pharmacist or pharmacy technician follows a protocol for mixing different medications using aseptic technique under a compounding hood. Most commonly, this method, although in principle applicable to mixing vials for serial subcutaneous injections, is currently applied to mixing medications in intravenous infusion bags. While this method avoids formulation and analytical complexities, it shifts them to the pharmacy. When used to prepare intravenous infusions, it can only be performed near the point of care for patients attending the hospital where the administration is to occur. The advantage of flexibility in dosage and dosage ratios offered by this method carries the attendant risk of medication errors in the pharmacy, for example, by using the wrong medication or mixing medications in the wrong ratio. The checks and controls used in well-organized pharmacies are designed to prevent such medication errors. However, this risk provides another reason why this practice is limited to pharmacies, such as those within hospitals, close to the point of care. A final risk associated with dispensing at a pharmacy is the risk of exposure to medication or needlestick injuries as a result of the multiple required needle transfers. This risk can be reduced by using dispensing devices at the pharmacy. However, such devices introduce another source of complexity and expense.

[0007] The formulation and analytical complexity can also be avoided by administering the drugs individually, for example, by separate intravenous infusions or subcutaneous injections. In some situations, this method may be necessary for technical reasons, for example, when a stable formulation with a defined ratio cannot be achieved. In the case of intravenous infusions, this method only slightly reduces protocol complexity for pharmacies that must manage multiple compounded infusions. Furthermore, this method does not eliminate the risk of medication errors. In both the case of intravenous infusions and subcutaneous injections, patients must tolerate multiple infusions or injections, which increases the burden on the patient.

[0008] In some situations, safety reasons may prevent all drugs from being administered at once. For example, the excipient burden may be unacceptably large. In the case of biological drugs derived from bacterial cell culture, the concentration of residual bacterial endotoxins is reduced to the lowest possible level in downstream processing, but this may still prevent multiple drugs from being combined and administered at once. The need to manage excipient and endotoxin burden may require patients to stay in the hospital for several days or to commute to the hospital for several days, further increasing the burden on the patient.

[0009] In principle, drugs intended for simultaneous administration could be provided separately in convenient pre-filled presentations for subcutaneous administration, such as pre-filled syringes, autoinjectors, or body-worn syringes, and individually self-administered by patients away from the clinical site. This approach could reduce the need for patients to stay in the hospital or make multiple visits. However, this approach would result in multiple injections, which would be inconvenient for the patient and would pose other associated safety risks, such as injection site reactions. This approach also poses a significant risk of medication errors, as patients must keep track of the administration of each drug in the combination. If the timing of administration of each drug is critical for safety or therapeutic reasons, such as to manage endotoxin limits, there is also a risk of medication errors due to incorrect timing of component administration. While the risk of medication errors can be somewhat mitigated by packaging with clear instructions, it cannot be completely eliminated.

[0010] For the above reasons, currently in clinical practice, many parenterally administered drug combinations are administered by the intravenous route.

[0011] For pharmaceutical companies that manufacture and supply drugs as combination therapies, the co-formulation approach introduces additional challenges and complexities to manufacturing and the supply chain. For companies with a portfolio of individual drugs used in combination with each other, these complexities increase as the number of combinations offered increases.

[0012] Each new drug combination adds additional single-keeping units (SKUs) to finished goods inventory. Furthermore, each new drug ratio or strength adds even more SKUs. This rapid proliferation of SKUs is known in supply chain management as "combinatorial explosion." From an accounting perspective, the inventory of these SKUs is counted as finished goods inventory. Work-in-process (WIP) inventory adds complexity because individual drug substances, or active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), must be stored in bulk until compounding. Subsequently, the bulk compounded drug product must be similarly stored until it is filled into unit doses. In the case of biological drugs, these drugs are typically stored frozen, resulting in multiple freeze-thaw cycles and the associated large cold storage facilities and equipment.

[0013] The financial impact of combinatorial explosion and the associated inventory buildup can be significant, particularly when the drug is an expensive biological drug, not only because working capital is tied up in inventory but also because expensive equipment is required to store WIP and finished product inventory under frozen conditions.

[0014] Co-formulated drug combinations pose additional challenges for supply chain planning and forecasting due to the challenge of optimizing product mixes according to market demand across a variety of possible combination SKUs. Bulk-stored APIs are "fragmented" across a potentially large number of finished-good SKUs. Accurate demand forecasting is therefore essential to minimize the risk of overstocking some SKUs and understocking others ("stock-outs"). For expensive biologic drugs, the costs associated with forecasting errors can be significant. Furthermore, this problem is exacerbated by the fact that pharmaceuticals are perishable goods, and unsold inventory can only be stored for a finite period before being cleared. These forecasting challenges obviously increase with the number of drugs used in combinations and SKUs in the product portfolio. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0015] In summary, for all the aforementioned reasons, there is a need for technology that can address each of these challenges associated with delivering combination therapies. An ideal technology would avoid the formulation and analytical complexities of fixed-ratio combination formulations, as well as combination explosion and inventory buildup in manufacturing and the supply chain; eliminate the risk of medication errors at the pharmacy and point of care (whether in a clinic or at home); and minimize the patient burden associated with multiple doses or injections and administration timing restrictions. An ideal technology would also maximize patient convenience by enabling flexible and convenient delivery of combination therapy, for example, at home or other non-clinical settings. To maximize patient convenience, an ideal technology would also allow for subcutaneous administration, making it more suitable for non-clinical settings. An ideal technology would also anticipate medical advances, such as the development of more complex combination therapies containing three or more drugs and active excipients, such as hyaluronidase enzymes (e.g., recombinant human hyaluronidase enzymes sold under the trade name ENHANZE® by Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc., San Diego, California).

[0016] As a further example of medical advances, recent advances in immuno-oncology suggest that precise timing of administration of the components of a combination therapy may have therapeutic benefits. For example, consider the combination of "drug A" and "drug B," designed to target two biochemical targets "A" and "B," respectively, expressed by a particular type of tumor. Recent developments suggest that in some cases, tumor expression of the target may be temporally sensitive and may be influenced by the timing of administration of each drug. For example, administration of drug A, which binds to target A, at time zero may stimulate or upregulate the expression of target B some time later, i.e., minutes, hours, or days later. In such cases, it may be optimal to administer drug B when peak expression of target B occurs. Such temporally resolved administration may be optimal for reasons of safety (e.g., reducing the drug administration required for equivalent therapeutic effect), efficacy, or both.

[0017] Given the biological nature of these time-resolved effects, they may be inconsistent with conventional clinical schedules. Taking advantage of these time-resolved effects requires clinic visits for administration on non-conventional schedules, increasing both the clinical burden of treatment and the patient burden. Therefore, to fully utilize these effects, subcutaneous administration in non-clinical settings is necessary to maximize flexibility in administration timing.

[0018] Therefore, the ideal technique allowing subcutaneous injection as described above would also be suitable for the temporally resolved administration of combination therapies.

[0019] Applicant has realized that the combined principles described in Applicant's co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 670,266, PCT Application No. PCT / US2019 / 031727, PCT Application No. PCT / 2019 / 031762, and PCT Application No. PCT / US2019 / 031791, each of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety, when implemented in a subcutaneous administration device, can achieve the above-described requirements of the ideal technology. [Means for solving the problem]

[0020] In a first aspect of the present invention, a generally cylindrical cassette housing is provided that is fabricated in two pieces. The cassette housing defines a plurality of cylindrical chambers positioned radially around the circumference of the barrel for receiving cartridges filled with a liquid medicament. The axis of each chamber is parallel to the axis of the cassette housing. The cassette housing has a central bore parallel to the axis of the cassette for receiving the central shaft of a drive unit. A first portion of the cassette housing defines the distal ends of the cartridge chambers. The distal ends of the first portion have circular openings centered on the axis of each chamber to provide access for the plunger rod of the drive unit to the distal end of an attached cartridge. The radius of the openings is smaller than the diameter of the chambers and approximates the inner diameter of the cartridge attached to the chambers. This allows the openings to also provide a load-bearing surface for the distal end of the cartridge when a rearward force is applied to the cartridge. In embodiments, the outer shape of the cassette housing may deviate locally from the cylinder to define an eccentricity that can be used for alignment purposes when attached to a drive unit, as long as the chambers remain positioned radially on a circle centered on the central axis of the cassette housing.

[0021] The second portion of the cassette housing defines the proximal end of each cartridge chamber. The second portion of the cassette housing has a shape and dimensions designed to fit within the first portion in a tight, locking engagement, forming a cassette housing assembly. The design of the second portion therefore reflects any bias defined by the first portion. The proximal end of the second portion defines a circular opening at the proximal end of each cartridge chamber. The diameter of the circular opening is smaller than the outer diameter of the crimp seal of the attached cartridge, but larger than the cartridge septum. This defines a support surface for retaining the cartridges within the chambers when a forward force is applied to the cassette, and also exposes the rubber septum of each drug-filled cartridge, allowing access from the exterior of the cassette housing.

[0022] Furthermore, a cassette cap (referred to herein as the "cassette upper manifold" and "upper manifold") having a plurality of hollow needle tips is provided, the number of which is equal to the number of chambers in the cassette housing. The cassette cap is provided with a plurality of hollow needle tips (also referred to as "hollow needle tips") radially arranged on a circle centered at the center of the cassette cap. The circle centered at the center of the cassette cap has the same radius as the corresponding circle on which the chambers of the cassette housing are located. The cassette cap is shaped to tightly mate with the cassette housing by mating features designed to mate in locking engagement with corresponding mating features on the cassette housing. In embodiments in which the cassette housing incorporates a bias, this feature is also present on the cassette cap to further ensure mating correspondence. Each of the hollow needle tips in the cassette cap is angularly distributed around the circle at the same spacing as the cartridge chambers of the cassette housing. This ensures that the hollow needle tips are in mating alignment with the central axis of each chamber and the axis of the attached cartridge when the cassette cap is in locking engagement with the cassette housing.

[0023] The cassette housing and cassette cap are dimensioned such that, when locked, each hollow needle tip pierces a septum of each cartridge mounted in a corresponding chamber of the cassette housing.

[0024] Each of the hollow needle tips is in fluid communication with a liquid passageway within the cassette cap housing. Each of the liquid passageways is coupled to a single outlet port centrally located on the axis of the cassette housing assembly. Flexible tubing is attached to the single outlet port. Thus, the hollow needle tips, liquid passageways, and outlet ports collectively define a liquid manifold from each cartridge to the single outlet port and tubing. In embodiments, one-way check valves may be incorporated into the liquid passageways to prevent backward flow of liquid.

[0025] The proximal end of the tubing is connected to a cannula configured for subcutaneous administration of the cartridge contents to a patient. In embodiments, the tubing may incorporate a flexible coupling that allows the cassette housing to rotate independently of the proximal end of the tubing, thereby preventing rotation and kinking of the tubing.

[0026] In embodiments, a dual-chamber cartridge configuration may be utilized so that the device can be used for reconstitution and administration of a drug product.

[0027] In embodiments, the cassette housing assembly may incorporate identification technology that is read by the drive unit for identification purposes, including, but not limited to, technologies such as radio-frequency identification (RFID), near field communication (NFC), optical barcodes, and quick response codes.

[0028] In a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a drive unit defining a chamber for receiving a cassette housing assembly according to the preceding description, the drive unit having a central alignment shaft received by a central bore of the cassette housing assembly, indexing means for incremental and precise rotation of said cassette housing assembly, plunger drive means, a power source, and control means, the plunger drive means for providing a forward thrust to move a stopper of an attached cartridge to expel liquid medicament stored therein through a liquid passageway and into a needle cannula.

[0029] The drive unit further includes a hinged and latched door for retaining the cassette housing within the chamber, external user controls and displays, and means for a patient-wearable attachment, the door defining an opening that provides passage for flexible tubing from the interior of the drive unit to the patient.

[0030] In embodiments, the drive unit may further comprise wireless communication means implementing a wireless communication protocol, including, but not limited to, a personal area network transceiver (e.g., Bluetooth, BTLE, Zigbee), a wireless network protocol (e.g., IEEE 802.11x, also known as Wi-Fi), or a cellular communication protocol (e.g., GSM, EDGE, 4G LTE). In embodiments, the communication protocol may be used to communicate data including, but not limited to, date, time, location of use, attribution, medication cassette serial number, etc.

[0031] The device can be used in a hospital or clinical setting, but is envisioned for use by patients in a home setting. The use of separate cartridges allows for sequential administration of combinatorial therapies, as well as temporally resolved administration, e.g., for therapeutic or safety reasons. In the future, as patient diagnosis times and supply chain agility continue to improve, biomarker-based administration may become possible. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0032] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a standard 1.5 mL cartridge. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the cassette. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows a complete cassette that is ready for use (RTU). [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows the upper manifold and a perspective view. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 shows a cassette with an upper manifold attached. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a belt-mounted drive unit. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows the UI and external features of the drive unit. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an interlock cassette door button. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows the revolver mechanism of the cassette within the drive unit. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows the components of the revolver mechanism of the cassette. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the revolver mechanism. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the components of the drive unit. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 shows a plunger rod that expels the contents of the cartridge. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 shows an alternative drive unit configuration. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 shows an alternative drive unit configuration. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 shows an alternative drive unit configuration. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 shows an alternative drive unit configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] Referring to the figure, a drug combination is administered and configured through the use of a disposable cassette 10. The disposable cassette 10 includes an array of cartridges 1 filled with liquid drug for sequential injection. As known in the art, one or more of the cartridges may be dry / liquid cartridges having separate dry and liquid components to allow for solubilization, or may be other powder forms of drug that are reconstituted with a diluent within the cartridge (e.g., during movement of a stopper 3). As shown in FIG. 1, the cartridge 1 is a cylindrical glass tube. The cylindrical glass tube has one end configured to receive a crimped septum seal 2. Once the septum seal 2 is crimped onto the cartridge 1, the cartridge 1 is filled with the liquid drug product, and a stopper 3 is inserted into the open second end to seal the contents of the cartridge 1. To administer the liquid within the cartridge 1, a cannula 13 must first penetrate the septum 2 to access the drug liquid chamber 4. With the liquid passage open, a force is applied to the stopper 3 to compress the liquid held within the cartridge 1 and force it out of the cartridge 1 through the liquid passage of the cannula 13 that crosses the septum 2 .

[0034] As shown in FIG. 2 , cassette 10 contains a preconfigured array of cartridges 1 and is used to load into drive unit 20 for administration to a patient. Cassette 10 includes a main housing 5 and a housing top 6. Main housing 5 has a holding chamber 7 for multiple cartridges 1. The cartridges 1 are arranged radially around the horizontal axis of the holding chamber 7. Housing top 6 closes over the cartridges 1 held within main housing 5, restraining the cartridges 1 within main housing 5. Cutouts 8 in the bottom of the main housing, below each cartridge 1, allow physical access to the stoppers 3 within the cartridges 1, while cutouts 9 in housing top 6 allow free access to the cartridge septa 2, shown in FIG. 3 . Cassette 10 is cylindrical, and its exterior exposes a flat surface 11 that is used to control the orientation of cassette 10 when loaded into drive unit 20. This unique shape is used as a keying feature and may take the form of different shapes or features in other embodiments. The cassette 10 shown in the figures provided illustrates the use of seven individual cartridges 1. If fewer cartridges are needed, fewer cartridges can be assembled into the cassette 10, leaving the holding chamber 7 empty. In embodiments where more cartridges may be needed, the cassette 10 can be designed without limitation to hold additional cartridges. An RFID label or equivalent technology bearing medication contents and ordering information can be attached to the main housing 5. The RFID label or equivalent technology can communicate with the drive unit 20 prior to administration to ensure that an authentic and correct cassette 10 is being used.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 4, the cassette upper manifold 12 is a housing having an internal cavity negative to the main body of the cassette housing upper part 6. The cassette upper manifold 12 is designed to be attached above the cassette housing upper part 6, above the cartridge septum 2, and to be permanently fixed to the main body of the cassette 10. As shown in FIG. 4, a sharp cannula 13 is disposed above each cartridge 1 within the upper manifold 12. The sharp cannula 13 connects to liquid passages 14 within the upper manifold 12. All liquid passages 14 converge at the axis of the upper manifold 12 to a common outlet 15. This common outlet 15 leads to an infusion set 16. The infusion set 16 has a needle 17 that is inserted into an injection site in the patient's abdomen. When the upper manifold 12 is installed on the loaded cassette 10 (FIG. 5), each cannula 13 penetrates a respective septum 2 of the cassette 10, creating a fluid passageway from all cartridges 1 in the cassette 10 to the infusion set 16. In embodiments, a check valve may be installed in series with each cannula 13 to prevent backflow into other cartridges 1 during an infusion. During the manufacturing process, the cannula 13 is sealed together with the upper manifold 12, and the entire assembly, including the infusion set 16, undergoes terminal sterilization, for example, by gamma irradiation or ethylene oxide (EO).

[0036] Once held within the cassette 10, the pharmaceutical product is administered to the patient by an electromechanical belt-worn driver 20. As shown in Figure 6, the drive unit 20 is attached to the patient by a belt or body strap 18. The cassette 10 is then loaded onto the drive unit 20 with the infusion set 16 extending freely from the drive unit 20. The infusion set 16 terminates in a 25G or similar needle 17, which is inserted into an injection site in the patient's abdomen.

[0037] FIG. 7 provides an overview of the external features and controls of the drive unit 20. On the front of the drive unit 20 is a cassette door 19. The cassette door 19 is spring-loaded to open automatically and is used to cover a cassette receiving drum 28 within the drive unit 20. The cassette door 19 has a cutout 21 that allows the infusion set 16 of the cassette 10 to pass through the cassette door 19 when the cassette door 19 is closed. On the top of the drive unit 20 is a mechanical button 22 that is pressed by the user to unlatch the cassette door 19 on the front of the device, allowing it to be opened. To prevent the user from opening the cassette door 19 during operation, the cassette door button 22 can be disabled internally by the device via a mechanical interlock 27 (FIG. 8). Additionally, on the top of the drive unit is a simple user interface (FIG. 7) with a power button 25, a start / stop button 23, and a series of progress LEDs 24. A power button 25 is pressed by the user to turn the device on or off, while a start / stop button 23 is pressed by the user to start or stop an injection process. The number of LEDs 24 present on the UI represents the number of cartridges 1 loaded into the device. As the device progresses through the injection process, the LEDs 24 illuminate to indicate when a cartridge 1 has completed its injection. These controls and displays on the top side are currently contained on a PCB mounted behind the outer shell of the drive device 20. In embodiments, these controls may be replaced by a touch display or may be remotely controlled via technology such as Bluetooth®. In embodiments, the individual LEDs mounted on the PCB may be replaced by a single organic LED (oLED) display. The rear of the device contains a USB-C connector 26, which serves as a receptacle for connecting a charger to charge the device's internal battery 39.

[0038] The cassette 10 is loaded into a cassette drum 28, which is shaped to accept the contours of the cassette 10 to control its orientation as it is loaded into the drive 20 (FIG. 9). The central axis of the cassette drum 28 includes a spring-loaded retainer 30, which is inserted onto the central axis of the cassette 10. As the cassette 10 is pushed into the mechanism, spring-loaded tabs deploy from the retainer 30 to capture the cassette 10 and secure it along its transverse axis within the cassette drum 28. The cassette drum 28 and retainer 30 are attached to the rotating end of a revolver mechanism 29. In an embodiment, an RFID transmitter / receiver may be located near the cassette drum 28 to identify and communicate with the loaded cassette 10.

[0039] The revolver mechanism 29, also referred to as an indexer, is configured to incrementally rotate the cassette 28 and, in particular, to individually align the cartridges 1 with the plunger rods 42.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 10, the revolver mechanism 29 includes a cylindrical support 31. The support 31 has splines 32 and notches 33 radially cut into its inner wall. A drive shaft 34 extends into the support 31 and terminates therein. This terminating end of the drive shaft 34 is hollow and has an edge molded into teeth 36. The outer surface of the drive shaft 34 within the support 31 is formed with splines 35 that align with the splines 32 in the support 31. This allows the drive shaft 34 to move only up and down within the support 31. The drive shaft 34 is spring-loaded to push it away from the support 31. A cassette shaft 37, having the cassette drum 28 and the retention mechanism 30 at one end, terminates within the support 31. The end of the cassette shaft 37 that terminates in the support 31 has a ring of slant-cut teeth 38 located around the shaft. The slant-cut teeth 38 align with notches 33 in the support 31. The end is shaped to protrude into the hollow end of the drive shaft 34. The cassette shaft 37 is rotatable within the support 31 and is spring-biased toward the support 31. As shown in FIG. 11 , when the slant-cut teeth 38 of the cassette shaft 37 align within the notches 33 in the support 31, an external force overcomes the spring bias of the drive shaft 34 and pushes the drive shaft 34 into the support 31, bringing it into contact with the cassette shaft 37. The teeth 36 on the end of the drive shaft 34 push the cassette shaft 37 up from the support 31 so that the slant-cut teeth 38 of the cassette shaft 37 clear the notches 33 in the support. The teeth 36 of the drive shaft 34 then act as ramps to guide the angled cut teeth 38 of the cassette shaft 37 into the next notch 33 of the support 31. When the drive shaft 34 retracts to its starting position, the angled cut teeth 38 are forced into the next notch 33 of the support 31 by the spring bias of the cassette shaft 37. Thus, the cassette shaft 37 rotates one notch, which in turn rotates the attached cassette 10 one notch.The number and shape of the angled cut teeth 38 on the drive shaft 37 and the support notches 33 control the resolution of the indexing step and more reliably axially align the cartridge 1 in the cassette 10 with the plunger rod 42 of the drive unit 20.

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 14-17, alternative embodiments may contemplate alternative means for rotating and aligning the cassette 10, such as a separate indexing drive motor 45. The indexing drive motor 45 includes a spur gear 46 that meshes with a toothed gear 47 integrally fabricated on the back of the retainer 30. Rotation of the spur gear 46 by the drive motor 45 rotates the gear 47 along with the cassette 10. Note that the drive motor 45 may be reversible to allow for bidirectional adjustment of the rotation of the cassette 10. The gear 47 includes one or more openings 48 through which the plunger rod 42 may pass to access the aligned cartridge 1. To dispense the medication, the one or more openings 48 align with the plunger rod 42 in axial alignment with the aligned cartridge 1. Additional configurations, such as ratchet or pawl-type mechanisms, are possible.

[0042] Sloped surfaces 44 may be formed on the inner wall of the support 31 between the notches 33 to guide the angled cut teeth 38 into the next notch 38 during rotation. The sloped surfaces 44 preferably slope downward in the desired direction of rotation.

[0043] FIG. 12 shows the internal configuration of the drive unit 20. The main components of the injection drive unit are a battery 39, an encoder motor 40, a drive train 41, and a plunger rod 42. During injection, the encoder motor 40 is energized, rotating the drive train 41 and the screw drive 43, extending the plunger rod 42 forward from its home position into the cassette drum 28. The encoder motor 40 and custom firmware are used to track the position of the plunger rod 42. The firmware also has the ability to monitor the current through the encoder motor 40, which directly correlates to the force exerted by the plunger rod 42. As the plunger rod 42 enters the cassette drum 28, it passes through the cassette body housing 5 via the plunger cutout 8 beneath each cartridge 1. A revolver mechanism 29 further ensures that the plunger rod 42 is axially aligned with the cartridge 10. As the plunger rod 42 moves further, it enters the cartridge 1 and contacts the cartridge stopper 3. The plunger rod 42 continues to extend forward and begins to push the cartridge stopper 3 into the cartridge 1 (FIG. 13). This expels the contents of the cartridge 1 into the cannula 13 that penetrates the septum 2, into the cassette's upper manifold 12, into the infusion set 16, and into the patient. Once the contents of the cartridge 1 are completely expelled, the encoder motor 40 is then reversed to pull the plunger rod 42 back to its home position. When the plunger rod 42 reaches the home position, it is further retracted beyond the home position and acts on the drive shaft 34 of the revolver mechanism 29. As the plunger rod 42 further retracts, the drive shaft 34 of the revolver mechanism 29 is pushed into the support 31, indexing the cassette drum 28 one notch or the position of the cartridge 1. Once the revolver has completed indexing, the plunger rod 42 is returned to its home position and the process repeats for the next cartridge 1 in the cassette 10. In embodiments, the rigid plunger rod 42 may be replaced with a flexible or telescoping plunger rod.Similarly, the means for driving the plunger rod 42 could alternatively be a linear actuator, or pneumatic, magnetic, and spring based systems.

[0044] As one skilled in the art will appreciate, the subject invention may be used to administer cartridges 1 in a variety of sequences, including alternating full and partial dosing of cartridges 1. For example, cassette 10 may be rotated to allow sequential dosing of cartridges 1, or additional rotations may skip one or more cartridges 1 to allow for later dosing. Plunger rod 42 may also be used to cause partial dosing of one or more cartridges 1, allowing it to return to allow for further dosing from the same cartridge 1. Thus, multiple dosing from one or more cartridges 1 in an established pattern is possible. The operational flexibility allows for multiple medications to be administered in different amounts and in different sequences, allowing different combinations to be administered in different steps.

[0045] In one embodiment, any of the combinatorial drug delivery devices disclosed herein can deliver two or more drugs to benefit patients suffering from any of a wide range of diseases or conditions, such as cancer, autoimmune diseases, inflammatory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, or fibrotic diseases. In one embodiment, one or more cartridges 1 may contain a single drug. In one embodiment, one or more cartridges 1 may contain two or more co-formulated drugs. In one embodiment, one or more cartridges 1 may contain a solid drug (tablet, capsule, powder, lyophilized, spray-dried, etc.). The solid drug can be reconstituted within the cartridge 1 by the flow of a diluent to form a liquid drug.

[0046] In one embodiment, one or more of the drugs in any of the combinatorial drug delivery devices disclosed herein is an immune checkpoint inhibitor. In certain embodiments, the immune checkpoint inhibitor is a Programmed Death-1 ("PD-1") pathway inhibitor, a cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 ("CTLA-4") antagonist, a lymphocyte-activation gene 3 ("LAG3") antagonist, a CD80 antagonist, a CD86 antagonist, a T-cell immunoglobulin-mucin domain ("Tim-3") antagonist, a T-cell immunoreceptor with Ig and ITIM domains ("TIGIT") antagonist, a CD20 antagonist, a CD96 antagonist, an indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase The antagonists are selected from the group consisting of an IDO1 ("IDO1") antagonist, a stimulator of interferon genes ("STING") antagonist, a GARP antagonist, a CD40 antagonist, an adenosine A2A receptor ("A2aR") antagonist, a CEACAM1 (CD66a) antagonist, a CEA antagonist, a CD47 antagonist, a protein receptor-associated immunoglobulin domain-containing ("PVRIG") antagonist, a tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase ("TDO") antagonist, a V-domain Ig inhibitor of T-cell activation ("VISTA") antagonist, and a killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor ("KIR") antagonist.

[0047] In one embodiment, the PD-1 pathway inhibitor is an anti-PD-1 antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof. In some embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody is pembrolizumab (Keytruda; MK-3475), pidilizumab (CT-011), nivolumab (Opdivo; BMS-936558), PDR001, MEDI0680 (AMP-514), TSR-042, REGN2810, JS001, AMP-224 (GSK-2661380), PF-06801591, BGB-A317, BI 754091, or SHR-1210.

[0048] In one embodiment, the PD-1 pathway inhibitor is an anti-PD-L1 antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof. In some embodiments, the anti-PD-L1 antibody is atezolizumab (Tecentriq; RG7446; MPDL3280A; RO5541267), durvalumab (MEDI4736), BMS-936559, avelumab (Bavencio), LY3300054, CX-072 (Proclaim-CX-072), FAZ053, KN035, or MDX-1105.

[0049] In one embodiment, the PD-1 pathway inhibitor is a small molecule drug. In some embodiments, the PD-1 pathway inhibitor is CA-170. In other embodiments, the PD-1 pathway inhibitor is a cell therapy. In one embodiment, the cell therapy is a MiHA-loaded PD-L1 / L2 expression-suppressing dendritic cell vaccine. In other embodiments, the cell therapy is multipotent killer T lymphocytes expressing anti-programmed cell death protein 1 antibodies, autologous PD-1-targeted chimeric switch receptor-modified T lymphocytes, or autologous PD-1 knockout T lymphocytes.

[0050] In one embodiment, the PD-1 pathway inhibitor is an anti-PD-L2 antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof, hi another embodiment, the anti-PD-L2 antibody is rHIgM12B7.

[0051] In one embodiment, the PD-1 pathway inhibitor is a soluble PD-1 polypeptide. In certain embodiments, the soluble PD-1 polypeptide is a fusion polypeptide. In some embodiments, the soluble PD-1 polypeptide comprises a ligand-binding fragment of the PD-1 extracellular domain. In other embodiments, the soluble PD-1 polypeptide comprises a ligand-binding fragment of the PD-1 extracellular domain. In other embodiments, the soluble PD-1 polypeptide further comprises an Fc domain.

[0052] In one embodiment, the immune checkpoint inhibitor is a CTLA-4 antagonist. In certain embodiments, the CTLA-4 antagonist is an anti-CTLA-4 antibody or an antigen-binding fragment thereof. In some embodiments, the anti-CTLA-4 antibody is ipilimumab (Yervoy), tremelimumab (ticilimumab; CP-675,206), AGEN-1884, or ATOR-1015. In one embodiment, any combinatorial drug administration device disclosed herein comprises a CTLA-4 antagonist, e.g., ipilimumab (Yervoy), and a PD-1 pathway inhibitor, e.g., nivolumab (Opdivo) or pembrolizumab (Keytruda).

[0053] In one embodiment, the immune checkpoint inhibitor is an antagonist of LAG3. In some embodiments, the LAG3 antagonist is an anti-LAG3 antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof. In some embodiments, the anti-LAG3 antibody is relatlimab (BMS-986016), MK-4280 (28G-10), REGN3767, GSK2831781, IMP731 (H5L7BW), BAP050, IMP-701 (LAG-5250), IMP321, TSR-033, LAG525, BI 754111, or FS-118. In one embodiment, any combinatorial drug administration device disclosed herein comprises a LAG3 antagonist, e.g., leratolimab or MK-4280, and a PD-1 pathway inhibitor, e.g., nivolumab (Opdivo) or pembrolizumab (Keytruda). In one embodiment, any combinatorial drug administration device disclosed herein comprises a LAG3 antagonist, e.g., leratolimab or MK-4280, and a CTLA-4 antagonist, e.g., ipilimumab (Yervoy). In one embodiment, any combinatorial drug administration device disclosed herein comprises a LAG3 antagonist, e.g., leratolimab or MK-4280, a CTLA-4 antagonist, e.g., ipilimumab (Yervoy), and a PD-1 pathway inhibitor, e.g., nivolumab (Opdivo) or pembrolizumab (Keytruda).

[0054] In one embodiment, the immune checkpoint inhibitor is a KIR antagonist. In certain embodiments, the KIR antagonist is an anti-KIR antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof. In some embodiments, the anti-KIR antibody is lirilumab (1-7F9, BMS-986015, IPH2101) or IPH4102.

[0055] In one embodiment, the immune checkpoint inhibitor is a TIGIT antagonist. In one embodiment, the TIGIT antagonist is an anti-TIGIT antibody or an antigen-binding fragment thereof. In some embodiments, the anti-TIGIT antibody is BMS-986207, AB 154, COM902 (CGEN-15137), or OMP-313M32.

[0056] In one embodiment, the immune checkpoint inhibitor is a Tim-3 antagonist. In certain embodiments, the Tim-3 antagonist is an anti-Tim-3 antibody or an antigen-binding fragment thereof. In some embodiments, the anti-Tim-3 antibody is TSR-022 or LY3321367.

[0057] In one embodiment, the immune checkpoint inhibitor is an IDO1 antagonist. In other embodiments, the IDO1 antagonist is indoximod (NLG8189; 1-methyl-D-TRP), epacadostat (INCB-024360, INCB-24360), KHK2455, PF-06840003, navoximod (RG6078, GDC-0919, NLG919), BMS-986205 (F001287), or a pyrrolidine-2,5-dione derivative.

[0058] In one embodiment, the immune checkpoint inhibitor is a STING antagonist, hi certain embodiments, the STING antagonist is a 2' or 3'-monofluoro substituted cyclic dinucleotide, a 2'3'-difluoro substituted mixed linkage 2',5'-3',5' cyclic dinucleotide, a 2'-fluoro substituted, bis-3',5' cyclic dinucleotide, a 2',2''-diF-Rp,Rp, bis-3',5' cyclic dinucleotide, or a fluorinated cyclic dinucleotide.

[0059] In one embodiment, the immune checkpoint inhibitor is a CD20 antagonist. In some embodiments, the CD20 antagonist is an anti-CD20 antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof. In one embodiment, the anti-CD20 antibody is rituximab (Rituxan; IDEC-102; IDEC-C2B8), ABP 798, ofatumumab, or obinutuzumab.

[0060] In one embodiment, the immune checkpoint inhibitor is a CD80 antagonist. In certain embodiments, the CD80 antagonist is an anti-CD80 antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof. In some embodiments, the anti-CD80 antibody is galiximab or AV 1142742.

[0061] In one embodiment, the immune checkpoint inhibitor is a GARP antagonist. In some embodiments, the GARP antagonist is an anti-GARP antibody or an antigen-binding fragment thereof. In one embodiment, the anti-GARP antibody is ARGX-115.

[0062] In one embodiment, the immune checkpoint inhibitor is a CD40 antagonist. In certain embodiments, the CD40 antagonist is an anti-CD40 antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof. In some embodiments, the anti-CD40 antibody is BMS3h-56, lucatumumab (HCD122 and CHIR-12.12), CHIR-5.9, or dacetuzumab (huS2C6, PRO 64553, RG 3636, SGN 14, SGN-40). In other embodiments, the CD40 antagonist is a soluble CD40 ligand (CD40-L). In one embodiment, the soluble CD40 ligand is a fusion polypeptide. In one embodiment, the soluble CD40 ligand is CD40-L / FC2 or monomeric CD40-L.

[0063] In one embodiment, the immune checkpoint inhibitor is an A2aR antagonist. In some embodiments, the A2aR antagonist is a small molecule. In certain embodiments, the A2aR antagonist is CPI-444, PBF-509, istradefylline (KW-6002), preladenant (SCH420814), tozadenant (SYN115), vipadenant (BIIB014), HTL-1071, ST1535, SCH412348, SCH442416, SCH58261, ZM241385, or AZD4635.

[0064] In one embodiment, the immune checkpoint inhibitor is a CEACAM1 antagonist. In some embodiments, the CEACAM1 antagonist is an anti-CEACAM1 antibody or an antigen-binding fragment thereof. In one embodiment, the anti-CEACAM1 antibody is CM-24 (MK-6018).

[0065] In one embodiment, the immune checkpoint inhibitor is a CEA antagonist. In one embodiment, the CEA antagonist is an anti-CEA antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof. In some embodiments, the anti-CEA antibody is sergutuzumab amnaleukin (RG7813, RO-6895882) or RG7802 (RO6958688).

[0066] In one embodiment, the immune checkpoint inhibitor is a CD47 antagonist. In some embodiments, the CD47 antagonist is an anti-CD47 antibody or an antigen-binding fragment thereof. In certain embodiments, the anti-CD47 antibody is HuF9-G4, CC-90002, TTI-621, ALX148, NI-1701, NI-1801, SRF231, or Effi-DEM.

[0067] In one embodiment, the immune checkpoint inhibitor is a PVRIG antagonist. In some embodiments, the PVRIG antagonist is an anti-PVRIG antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof. In one embodiment, the anti-PVRIG antibody is COM701 (CGEN-15029).

[0068] In one embodiment, the immune checkpoint inhibitor is a TDO antagonist. In one embodiment, the TDO antagonist is a 4-(indol-3-yl)-pyrazole derivative, a 3-indole substituted derivative, or a 3-(indol-3-yl)-pyridine derivative. In other embodiments, the immune checkpoint inhibitor is a dual IDO and TDO antagonist. In one embodiment, the dual IDO and TDO antagonist is a small molecule.

[0069] In one embodiment, the immune checkpoint inhibitor is a VISTA antagonist, hi some embodiments, the VISTA antagonist is CA-170 or JNJ-61610588.

[0070] In one embodiment, one or more of the drugs in any combinatorial drug administration device disclosed herein is an immune checkpoint enhancer or stimulator.

[0071] In one embodiment, the immune checkpoint is a CD28 agonist, a 4-1BB agonist, an OX40 agonist, a CD27 agonist, a CD80 agonist, a CD86 agonist, a CD40 agonist, an ICOS agonist, a CD70 agonist, or a GITR agonist.

[0072] In one embodiment, the immune checkpoint enhancer or stimulator is an OX40 agonist. In certain embodiments, the OX40 agonist is an anti-OX40 antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof. In some embodiments, the anti-OX40 antibody is tavolixizumab (MEDI-0562), pogalizumab (MOXR0916, RG7888), GSK3174998, ATOR-1015, MEDI-6383, MEDI-6469, BMS 986178, PF-04518600, or RG7888 (MOXR0916). In other embodiments, the OX40 agonist is a cell therapy. In certain embodiments, the OX40 agonist is GINAKIT cells (iC9-GD2-CD28-OX40-expressing T lymphocytes).

[0073] In one embodiment, the immune checkpoint enhancer or stimulator is a CD40 agonist. In some embodiments, the CD40 agonist is an anti-CD40 antibody or an antigen-binding fragment thereof. In one embodiment, the anti-CD40 antibody is ADC-1013 (JNJ-64457107), RG7876 (RO-7009789), HuCD40-M2, APX005M (EPI-0050), or Chi Lob 7 / 4. In other embodiments, the CD40 agonist is a soluble CD40 ligand (CD40-L). In one embodiment, the soluble CD40 ligand is a fusion polypeptide. In some embodiments, the soluble CD40 ligand is trimeric CD40-L (AVREND®).

[0074] In one embodiment, the immune checkpoint enhancer or stimulator is a GITR agonist. In some embodiments, the GITR agonist is an anti-GITR antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof. In one embodiment, the anti-GITR antibody is BMS-986156, TRX518, GWN323, INCAGN01876, or MEDI1873. In one embodiment, the GITR agonist is a soluble GITR ligand (GITRL). In some embodiments, the soluble GITR ligand is a fusion polypeptide. In other embodiments, the GITR agonist is a cell therapy. In one embodiment, the cell therapy is an anti-CTLA4 mAb RNA / GITRL RNA-transduced autologous dendritic cell vaccine or a GITRL RNA-transduced autologous dendritic cell vaccine.

[0075] In one embodiment, the immune checkpoint enhancer or stimulator is a 4-1BB agonist. In some embodiments, the 4-1BB agonist is an anti-4-1BB antibody or an antigen-binding fragment thereof. In one embodiment, the anti-4-1BB antibody is urelumab or PF-05082566.

[0076] In one embodiment, the immune checkpoint enhancer or stimulator is a CD80 agonist or CD86 agonist. In some embodiments, the CD80 agonist or CD86 agonist is a soluble CD80 or CD86 ligand (CTLA-4). In certain embodiments, the soluble CD80 or CD86 ligand is a fusion polypeptide. In one embodiment, the CD80 or CD86 ligand is CTLA4-Ig (CTLA4-IgG4m, RG2077, or RG1046) or abatacept (Orencia, BMS-188667). In other embodiments, the CD80 agonist or CD86 agonist is a cell therapy. In one embodiment, the cell therapy is MGN1601 (an allogeneic renal cell carcinoma vaccine).

[0077] In one embodiment, the immune checkpoint enhancer or stimulator is a CD28 agonist. In some embodiments, the CD28 agonist is an anti-CD28 antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof. In one embodiment, the anti-CD28 antibody is TGN1412.

[0078] In one embodiment, the CD28 agonist is a cell therapy. In one embodiment, the cell therapy is JCAR015 (anti-CD19-CD28-zeta engineered CAR CD3+ T lymphocytes), CD28CAR / CD137CAR expressing T lymphocytes, allogeneic CD4+ memory Th1-like T cells / microparticle-bound anti-CD3 / anti-CD28, anti-CD19 / CD28 / CD3 zeta CAR gammaretroviral vector-transduced autologous T lymphocytes KTE-C19, anti-CEA IgCD28TCR-transduced autologous T lymphocytes, anti-EGFRvIII CAR-transduced allogeneic T lymphocytes, autologous CD123CAR-CD28-CD3 zeta-EGFRt-expressing T lymphocytes, autologous CD171-specific CAR-CD28 zeta-4-1-BB-EGFRt-expressing T lymphocytes, autologous CD19CAR-CD28-CD3 zeta-EGFRt-expressing Tcm-enhanced T cells, autologous PD-1-targeted chimeric switch receptor-modified T lymphocytes (chimeras with CD28), CD19CAR-CD28-CD3 zeta-EGFRt-expressing Tcm-enhanced iC9-GD2-CD28-OX40-expressing T lymphocytes, CD19CAR-CD28-CD3 zeta-EGFRt-expressing Tn / mem-enhanced T lymphocytes, CD19CAR-CD28 zeta-4-1BB-expressing allogeneic T lymphocytes, CD19CAR-CD3 zeta-4-1BB-CD28-expressing autologous T lymphocytes, CD28CAR / CD137CAR-expressing T lymphocytes, CD3 / CD28 costimulatory vaccine-primed autologous T lymphocytes, or iC9-GD2-CD28-OX40-expressing T lymphocytes.

[0079] In one embodiment, the immune checkpoint enhancer or stimulator is a CD27 agonist. In some embodiments, the CD27 agonist is an anti-CD27 antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof. In one embodiment, the anti-CD27 antibody is varlilumab (CDX-1127).

[0080] In one embodiment, the immune checkpoint enhancer or stimulator is a CD70 agonist. In some embodiments, the CD70 agonist is an anti-CD70 antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof. In one embodiment, the anti-CD70 antibody is ARGX-110.

[0081] In one embodiment, the immune checkpoint enhancer or stimulator is an ICOS agonist. In certain embodiments, the ICOS agonist is an anti-ICOS antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof. In some embodiments, the anti-ICOS antibody is BMS986226, MEDI-570, GSK3359609, or JTX-2011. In other embodiments, the ICOS agonist is a soluble ICOS ligand. In some embodiments, the soluble ICOS ligand is a fusion polypeptide. In one embodiment, the soluble ICOS ligand is AMG 750.

[0082] In one embodiment, one or more of the drugs in any of the combinatorial drug administration devices disclosed herein is an anti-CD73 antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof. In one embodiment, the anti-CD73 antibody is MEDI9447.

[0083] In one embodiment, one or more of the drugs in any combinatorial drug administration device disclosed herein is a TLR9 agonist, hi one embodiment, the TLR9 agonist is agatolimod sodium.

[0084] In one embodiment, one or more of the drugs in any combinatorial drug delivery device disclosed herein is a cytokine. In certain embodiments, the cytokine is a chemokine, interferon, interleukin, lymphokine, or member of the tumor necrosis factor family. In some embodiments, the cytokine is IL-2, IL-15, or interferon-gamma.

[0085] In one embodiment, one or more of the drugs in any combinatorial drug delivery device disclosed herein is a TGF-β antagonist. In some embodiments, the TGF-β antagonist is fresolimumab (GC-1008), NIS793, IMC-TR1 (LY3022859), ISTH0036, travedelsen (AP 12009), recombinant transforming growth factor-β-2, autologous HPV-16 / 18 E6 / E7-specific TGF-β-resistant T lymphocytes, or TGF-β-resistant LMP-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes.

[0086] In one embodiment, one or more of the drugs in any combinatorial drug administration device disclosed herein is an iNOS antagonist, hi some embodiments, the iNOS antagonist is N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC), aminoguanidine, L-nitroarginine methyl ester, or S,S-1,4-phenylene-bis(1,2-ethanediyl)bisisothiourea).

[0087] In one embodiment, one or more of the drugs in any combinatorial drug administration device disclosed herein is an SHP-1 antagonist.

[0088] In one embodiment, one or more of the drugs in any combinatorial drug administration device disclosed herein is a colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor ("CSF1R") antagonist. In certain embodiments, the CSF1R antagonist is an anti-CSF1R antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof. In some embodiments, the anti-CSF1R antibody is emactuzumab.

[0089] In one embodiment, one or more of the drugs in any combinatorial drug administration device disclosed herein is a TNF family member agonist, hi some embodiments, the TNF family member agonist is ATOR 1016, ABBV-621, or adalimumab.

[0090] In one embodiment, one or more of the drugs in any combinatorial drug administration device disclosed herein is interleukin-2 (IL-2), such as aldesleukin. Preferably, the IL-2 or conjugated IL-2 (e.g., pegylated) is modified to selectively activate effector T cells over regulatory T cells, such as bempegaldesleukin ("T-eff IL-2"). In one embodiment, any combinatorial drug administration device disclosed herein includes a modified IL-2, such as bempegaldesleukin, that selectively activates effector T cells over regulatory T cells, and a PD-1 pathway inhibitor, such as nivolumab (Opdivo) or pembrolizumab (Keytruda). In one embodiment, any combinatorial drug administration device disclosed herein comprises a modified IL-2, such as bempegaldesleukin, that selectively activates effector T cells over regulatory T cells, and a LAG3 antagonist, e.g., leratolimab or MK-4280. In one embodiment, any combinatorial drug administration device disclosed herein comprises a modified IL-2, such as bempegaldesleukin, that selectively activates effector T cells over regulatory T cells, a PD-1 pathway inhibitor, e.g., nivolumab (Opdivo) or pembrolizumab (Keytruda), and a LAG3 antagonist, e.g., leratolimab or MK-4280. In one embodiment, any combinatorial drug administration device disclosed herein comprises a modified IL-2, such as bempegaldesleukin, that selectively activates effector T cells over regulatory T cells, and a CTLA-4 antagonist, e.g., ipilimumab (Yervoy). In one embodiment, any combinatorial drug administration device disclosed herein includes a modified IL-2, such as bempegaldesleukin, that selectively activates effector T cells over regulatory T cells, a PD-1 pathway inhibitor, e.g., nivolumab (Opdivo) or pembrolizumab (Keytruda), and a CTLA-4 antagonist, e.g., ipilimumab (Yervoy).In one embodiment, any combinatorial drug administration device disclosed herein comprises a modified IL-2, such as bempegaldesleukin, that selectively activates effector T cells over regulatory T cells, a CTLA-4 antagonist, e.g., ipilimumab (Yervoy), and a LAG3 antagonist, e.g., leratolimab or MK-4280. In one embodiment, any combinatorial drug administration device disclosed herein comprises a modified IL-2, such as bempegaldesleukin, that selectively activates effector T cells over regulatory T cells, a PD-1 pathway inhibitor, e.g., nivolumab (Opdivo) or pembrolizumab (Keytruda), a CTLA-4 antagonist, e.g., ipilimumab (Yervoy), and a LAG3 antagonist, e.g., leratolimab or MK-4280.

[0091] In one embodiment, one or more of the agents in any combinatorial drug administration device disclosed herein is a CD160 (NK1) agonist. In certain embodiments, the CD160 (NK1) agonist is an anti-CD160 antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof. In one embodiment, the anti-CD160 antibody is BY55.

[0092] In one embodiment, one or more cartridges 1 may contain a soluble CTLA-4 polypeptide. Soluble CTLA-4 polypeptides may be useful in treating T cell-mediated autoimmune diseases, such as, for example, rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, graft-versus-host disease, and transplant rejection. In one embodiment, the soluble CTLA-4 polypeptide is abatacept (Orencia), belatacept (NeuroGix), RG2077, or RG-1046. In certain embodiments, one or more of the cartridges 1 in the combinatorial drug delivery device described herein contains a soluble CTLA-4 polypeptide, e.g., abatacept (Orencia), and a Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor, e.g., branebrutinib. In some embodiments, one or more of the cartridges 1 in a combinatorial drug delivery device described herein comprises a soluble CTLA-4 polypeptide, e.g., abatacept (Orencia), and a tyrosine kinase-2 inhibitor, e.g., BMS-986165. In some embodiments, one or more of the cartridges 1 in a combinatorial drug delivery device described herein comprises a soluble CTLA-4 polypeptide, e.g., abatacept (Orencia), and interleukin-2 (IL-2) or "T-reg IL-2" that selectively activates regulatory T cells over effector T cells, e.g., BMS-986326 and NKTR-358.

Claims

1. 1. A medication delivery device for delivering medication to a patient from a plurality of medication cartridges, comprising: Each drug cartridge is an elongated body having a first end sealed by a septum and an open second end; a stopper disposed within the body; Equipped with each drug cartridge initially includes at least one drug contained within the barrel between the stopper and the septum of the drug cartridge; The drug administration device a cylindrical cassette extending along a longitudinal axis, rotatable about said longitudinal axis, and configured to house a plurality of said medication cartridges; a plurality of cannulas positioned to pierce the septa of a plurality of the drug cartridges together; a plurality of liquid passages respectively connected to the plurality of cannulas and converging into a common outlet; a reversibly advanceable plunger movable along an axis extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cassette; an indexer for incrementally rotating the cassette about the longitudinal axis to individually align a plurality of the medication cartridges with the plungers; Equipped with each of the plurality of drug cartridges is disposed within the cassette parallel to the longitudinal axis; the plunger is advanceable to urge the stopper of the aligned drug cartridge toward the septum of the aligned drug cartridge, thereby expelling at least one drug contained in the barrel of the aligned drug cartridge through the cannula that penetrates the septum of the aligned drug cartridge. Drug administration device.

2. The indexer a first shaft coupled to the cassette and rotatable with the cassette; a second shaft coaxially aligned with the first shaft and normally biased to be spaced apart from the first shaft; and the second shaft is axially displaceable into engagement with the first shaft; the first shaft and the second shaft have cooperating portions that cause the first shaft to rotate incrementally relative to the second shaft when the second shaft engages the first shaft; The drug administration device of claim 1 .

3. the indexer further includes a tubular support; the first shaft and the second shaft extend within the support; The drug administration device of claim 2 .

4. the support includes a plurality of notches defined in an interior surface of the support; the first shaft includes a plurality of angled cut teeth configured to act on the plurality of notches; the first shaft is biased so that the obliquely cut teeth normally act on a plurality of the notches; The drug administration device of claim 3 .

5. the second shaft includes a plurality of teeth; the plurality of teeth mesh with the plurality of obliquely cut teeth and move the plurality of obliquely cut teeth away from the plurality of notches with axial movement of the second shaft relative to the first shaft; 5. The drug administration device of claim 4.

6. 6. The medication delivery device of claim 5, wherein the plurality of angled cut teeth rotate progressively as the second shaft moves back away from the first shaft, and mesh with the plurality of notches.

7. the support includes a plurality of angled surfaces defined on an inner surface of the support; The inclined surfaces are located between the plurality of notches.

5. The drug administration device of claim 4.

8. A drug administration device as described in claim 1, wherein the indexer has an indexing drive motor and a spur gear coupled to the indexing drive motor.

9. A drug administration device as described in claim 1, wherein the indexer includes a ratchet pawl mechanism.

Images