Two-stage microchip drug delivery device and method

Abstract

A drug delivery device and a method for controlled drug delivery to a patient are provided. The drug delivery device may include one or two microchip elements, each having a body portion with one or more drug release openings in fluid communication with at least one storage reservoir. The drug release openings are closed by one or more reservoir caps that can be electrically activated to open the drug release openings. The drug delivery device also includes (i) a drug formulation disposed in the at least one storage reservoir, and (ii) at least one drug-permeable membrane. In some cases, an outer housing is spaced apart from an outer wall of the body portion of the microchip element, the outer housing including the at least one drug-permeable membrane, and a depot space is defined between the drug-permeable membrane and the outer wall of the body portion of the microchip element.

Description

Cross-reference of related applications

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 929,432, filed on November 1, 2019, and is incorporated herein by reference. [Technical Field]

[0002] This disclosure generally relates to medical devices, including but not limited to implantable drug delivery devices for the controlled release of therapeutic or prophylactic agents over extended periods. [Background technology]

[0003] Typical drug delivery devices provide either bolus delivery of a drug or sustained release of a drug. Often, bolus delivery generates high plasma drug levels initially before rapidly decreasing. In such cases, drug concentration levels may initially be higher than desired (potentially causing undesirable side effects) before passing through and then falling below the therapeutically effective range as the drug is processed by the patient's body. Conversely, conventional sustained-release or continuous-release drug delivery devices often rely on passive diffusion from the matrix material and / or decomposition of the matrix material to control release. In these systems, it may initially take an undesirably long time to release enough drug to reach a therapeutically effective plasma drug level, even though drug levels may remain within the therapeutically effective range for a longer period (compared to bolus delivery). For this reason, with both typical bolus drug delivery and sustained-release or continuous-release drug delivery devices, a considerable period may be outside the therapeutic window of the particular drug being delivered.

[0004] Implantable devices are known that include a microchip reservoir array containing drugs for the controlled release of hundreds of doses of drugs over several months or years. Such devices are described, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 8,403,915 by Santini et al., U.S. Patent Publication No. 2013 / 0053671 by Farra, and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2014 / 0243624 by Farra. Drug release to the patient may be pulsatile; that is, each dose may be automatically released by diffusion from its own reservoir following the opening of each reservoir, either on a predetermined schedule or at the request of the patient or clinician.

[0005] It is desirable to provide a drug delivery device, such as an implantable drug delivery device, that can maintain drug plasma levels within a selected therapeutic range for a longer period and / or avoid or reduce undesirable delays in reaching therapeutically effective drug levels. [Overview of the project]

[0006] A drug delivery device, an implantable drug delivery device, and a method of drug delivery are provided.

[0007] In one embodiment, a drug delivery device is provided, comprising: (i) a microchip element having a body portion defining at least one storage reservoir therein, wherein the body portion has an outer wall having one or more drug release openings that are in fluid communication with the at least one storage reservoir, and the one or more drug release openings are closed by one or more corresponding reservoir caps configured to be electrically activated to open one or more drug release openings; (ii) a drug formulation containing a first drug disposed within the at least one storage reservoir; and (iii) a drug-permeable membrane fixed next to the outer wall of the body portion of the microchip element, wherein the device operates in an aqueous environment and is configured to release the drug by diffusion into the aqueous environment through the drug-permeable membrane upon activation of the one or more reservoir caps. The device may further include an outer housing wall fixed next to and at a distance from the outer wall of the body portion of the microchip element, the outer housing wall comprising a drug-permeable membrane, and a deposit space defined between the drug-permeable membrane and the outer wall of the body portion of the microchip element.

[0008] For example, in one embodiment, an implantable drug delivery device is provided, comprising: a microchip element including a body portion defining a plurality of microreservoirs therein, the body portion having an outer wall having a plurality of drug release openings that are in fluid communication with the microreservoirs, the plurality of drug release openings being closed by a plurality of corresponding reservoir caps configured to rupture by electrothermal ablation to open the drug release openings; a drug disposed in each of the microreservoirs; a water-swellable filling material disposed in each of the microreservoirs; and an outer housing wall fixed adjacent to and at a distance from the outer wall of the body portion of the microchip element, the outer housing wall including a drug-permeable membrane, wherein a deposit space is defined between the drug-permeable membrane and the outer wall of the body portion of the microchip element. In this embodiment, the device is configured to operate in vivo by allowing interstitial fluid to come into contact with a water-swellable packing material disposed within a microreservoir corresponding to the activated reservoir cap, following the activation of one or more of a plurality of reservoir caps, and to be absorbed by the water-swellable packing material, thereby causing the packing material to expand and releasing the drug from the microreservoir into the depot space through a drug release opening for subsequent diffusion through a drug-permeable membrane.

[0009] In another embodiment, a method for controlled drug delivery to a patient is provided. In this embodiment, the method includes (i) implanting a drug delivery device in the patient, for example, subcutaneously; (ii) activating at least one of one or more reservoir caps to allow interstitial fluid to come into contact with the drug in a storage reservoir corresponding to an activated reservoir cap; and (iii) releasing the drug from the device by diffusion of the drug through a drug-permeable membrane. For example, contact with the drug in the activated storage reservoir may transfer the drug to a drug depot space, where it forms a drug depot, and then the drug diffuses from the device by diffusion from the drug depot through a drug-permeable membrane. The transfer of the drug from the storage reservoir to the drug depot space may include the expansion of a water-swellable filler material to discharge the drug from the storage reservoir. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] A detailed description is given with reference to the accompanying drawings. The use of the same reference numeral may indicate similar or identical items. Various embodiments may utilize elements and / or components other than those illustrated in the drawings, and some elements and / or components may not be present in various embodiments. Elements and / or components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Throughout this disclosure, singular and plural terms may be used interchangeably depending on the context.

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a drug delivery device according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a drug delivery device. [Figure 2A] Figure 2 shows a close-up of a portion of the drug delivery device. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a disassembled perspective view of a drug delivery device. [Figure 4] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a portion of a drug delivery device. [Figure 5]This is a cross-sectional exploded view of a portion of a microchip element showing two chip portions defining a single storage reservoir according to one embodiment. In a preferred embodiment, the microchip element includes a plurality of such storage reservoirs defined within an array in the two chip portions. [Figure 6] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the storage reservoir according to another embodiment. In a preferred embodiment, the microchip element includes a plurality of such storage reservoirs defined within an array in two chip portions. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional exploded view of a portion of another embodiment of a microchip element, showing two chip portions defining multiple storage reservoirs. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional exploded view of a portion of yet another embodiment of a microchip element, showing two chip portions defining multiple storage reservoirs. [Figure 9] This is a cross-sectional exploded view of a portion of yet another embodiment of a microchip element, showing two chip portions defining a single storage reservoir. In a preferred embodiment, the microchip element includes a plurality of such storage reservoirs defined within an array in the two chip portions. [Figure 10] Figure 1 is a top perspective view of the central part of the drug delivery device. [Figure 11] Figure 1 is a bottom perspective view of the central part of the drug delivery device. [Figure 12] Figure 1 is a top view of one embodiment of a printed circuit board in a drug delivery device. [Figure 13] Figure 12 is a side view of the printed circuit board. [Figure 14] Figure 12 is a bottom view of the printed circuit board. [Figure 15] Figure 1 is a perspective view of another part of the drug delivery device, showing some of the internal electronic components. [Figure 16A] This is a graph showing the cumulative amount of levonorgestrel released over time from a drug delivery device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16B]A graph of the amount of levonorgestrel released per day from a drug delivery device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 17-19] A cross-sectional view illustrating two-stage release of a drug from a reservoir of a drug delivery device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 20] A cross-sectional view of a drug delivery device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0012] An improved microchip-based drug delivery device has been developed. In embodiments, the device advantageously releases each dose of the drug in two stages. This provides an improved drug release profile over a long period of time that combines the advantages of discrete and continuous dosing, and advantageously allows the systemic drug concentration to remain within the desired therapeutic window for a longer period. In some embodiments, the drug delivery devices described herein provide a substantially linear release of the drug over time, e.g., the amount of drug released from the device is approximately the same each day over the number of days, weeks, or more that the device is in use. The device can store and release a single drug or two or more different drugs.

[0013] As used herein, the term "about" indicates that a value of a given quantity can include amounts within a range of 10% within the stated value, or optionally, within 5% of the value, or in some embodiments, within 1% of the value.

[0014] In embodiments, a drug delivery device includes (i) a microchip element having a reservoir containing a drug for controlled release of tens or hundreds of doses of the drug over several months or years; (ii) a structure defining a closed depot space adjacent to the opening of the drug reservoir; and (iii) a drug-permeable membrane for controlling the release of the drug from the depot space. The drug-permeable membrane may be part of a structure that works in cooperation with the microchip element to define / connect the depot space. Using these components, in a first stage, a certain dose of the drug is released from an activated reservoir into the depot space, and then in a second stage, that dose of the drug is released from the depot space to the patient. In the first stage, drug release may be driven by the diffusion and / or expansion of excipient material within the reservoir to move the drug out of the reservoir. In the second stage, drug release may be driven / controlled by the diffusion of the drug through the drug-permeable membrane. The membrane advantageously serves to slow and sustain the release from the bolus released into the depot space. In a preferred embodiment, a further advantage of this two-stage system is that the sustained and controlled release does not depend on the use of bioerosive or biodegradable matrix materials.

[0015] In some alternative embodiments, the drug-permeable membrane is adjacent to the microchip element such that there are no gaps or predefined depot spaces between these components. For example, the outer wall of the microchip element may be in direct mechanical contact with the drug-permeable membrane. It is still a two-stage release system, in which, in the first stage, the drug formulation in the reservoir is allowed to absorb water following activation of the reservoir cap, and then, in the second stage, the drug diffuses into the patient through the drug-permeable membrane. The first stage may optionally include an extrusion mechanism, as described below, where, if permitted by elastic deformation of the drug-permeable membrane, a portion of the wetted drug formulation (e.g., containing a water-swellable material) is extruded from the reservoir and pushed between the outer surface of the microchip element and the drug-permeable membrane.

[0016] In one embodiment, the drug delivery device includes a microchip element comprising a body portion defining at least one storage reservoir within it. In a preferred embodiment, the body portion of the microchip element defines an array of discrete storage reservoirs, which may be microreservoirs. In the embodiment, the body portion has an outer wall having one or more drug release openings that are in fluid communication with one or more storage reservoirs. The one or more drug release openings are initially closed by one or more corresponding reservoir caps, which are configured to be activated (electrically, chemically, or mechanically) to open one or more drug release openings. In a preferred embodiment, the reservoir caps are configured to rupture by electrothermal ablation, as is known to those skilled in the art. A drug formulation containing a drug is initially disposed within each of the one or more storage reservoirs. In this embodiment, the device further includes an outer housing wall fixed adjacent to and at a distance from the outer wall of the body portion of the microchip element, the outer housing wall comprising a drug-permeable membrane, and a deposit space defined between the drug-permeable membrane and the outer wall of the body portion of the microchip element.

[0017] In some embodiments, the device is configured to operate in vivo by allowing interstitial fluid to come into contact with a drug formulation in a reservoir corresponding to the activated reservoir cap(s), following the activation of one or more of a plurality of reservoir caps, and facilitating the transfer of the drug from the reservoir to a depot space through a drug release opening for subsequent diffusion through a drug-permeable membrane. In some embodiments, the drug formulation is in a solid form, for example, as a lyophilized powder or solid tablet, and the interstitial fluid comes into contact with the drug formulation, solubilizes it, and as a result the drug can diffuse from the reservoir to the depot space. In some embodiments, the reservoir further includes a water-swellable material that expands upon contact with the interstitial fluid, causing the drug to protrude (extrude) from the reservoir into the depot space. (This process may be referred to herein as the “extrusion mechanism.”) This may occur before and / or simultaneously with the solubilization of the drug. The water-swellable material may be provided in a form and location separate from the drug formulation, for example, in a layer adjacent to the drug formulation and distal to the release opening.

[0018] Drugs, drug formulations, and other reservoir contents The drug delivery devices described herein can be used to deliver any suitable drug. As used herein, the term “drug” includes prophylactic or therapeutic agents and may be used synonymously with “active pharmaceutical ingredient” or “API” as these terms are known in the art. Non-limiting examples of drugs include hormones, anti-infective agents, anti-tumor agents, biological agents, cardiovascular agents, central nervous system agents, immunoassayants, metabolites, immunomodulators, and psychotherapeutic agents. In one embodiment, the drug is an incretin gene such as exenatide.

[0019] Non-limiting examples of hormones include sex hormones, contraceptives, growth hormone, growth hormone receptor blockers, 5α-reductase inhibitors, corticosteroids, corticosteroid inhibitors, somatostatin, parathyroid hormone, and thyroid drugs, as well as appropriate analogues thereof. Hormones may be derived from animals or synthesized. Hormones may be related to the reproductive system. For example, the drug contained in the drug delivery device of the present invention may be a contraceptive hormone. In some embodiments, the drug may include levonorgestrel, testosterone, estradiol, estrone, estriol, progesterone, or their metabolites or variants.

[0020] As used herein, the term “drug formulation” refers to the drug form loaded into the reservoir of a microchip element. It may consist solely of the drug or may further include one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients. In a preferred embodiment, the drug formulation is in a dry solid form. For example, the dry solid form may be a powder, granules, or tablet (e.g., a microtablet). In other embodiments, the drug formulation may be in the form of a liquid, solution, suspension, gel, or paste. In one case, the drug formulation is a nanoparticle drug formulation. As used herein, “nanoparticle drug formulation” refers to a drug formulation in which the drug is provided in particles having an average diameter of about 1 nm to about 100 nm.

[0021] The drug particle size is important for the extrusion mechanism in which the drug is transferred from the reservoir to the depot space. The particle size may be specific to each active pharmaceutical ingredient selected for delivery. The particles must be smaller than the drug release opening or opening from the reservoir. In some embodiments, the drug release opening has a diameter of about 100 microns. In some embodiments with an extrusion mechanism, the drug particle size is in the range of about 1 micron to about 40 microns, with a median diameter of about 5 to 12 microns. In some other embodiments with an extrusion mechanism, the drug particle size is smaller than 1 micron. For example, the drug particles may be nanoparticles having size ranges of, for example, 25 nm to 950 nm, 50 nm to 800 nm, or 50 nm to 200 nm.

[0022] In some embodiments, the microchip element is configured to release a single drug. In other embodiments, the microchip element is configured to release two or more different drugs. The release of two or more drugs may be simultaneous, sequential, or an overlapping combination thereof. In one case, two or more different drugs may be combined into one drug formulation in each reservoir in an array of reservoirs within the microchip element. In another case, one of the two or more drugs is formulated into a first drug formulation, which is loaded into a first subset of reservoirs in an array of device reservoirs, and a second of the two or more drugs is formulated into a second drug formulation, which is loaded into a second subset of reservoirs (not overlapping with the first subset) in an array of device reservoirs.

[0023] As described above, the reservoir of the microchip element may further contain a water-swellable material configured to expand upon contact with a biofluid in a biological environment (after the reservoir opens in the biological environment), thereby transferring the drug from the reservoir to the depot space. In a preferred embodiment, the biofluid is interstitial fluid. As used herein, “water-swellable material” refers to biocompatible materials that expand in water, such as hygroscopic materials, hydrogels, and superabsorbent materials, as known in the art. Non-limiting examples of water-swellable materials include hydrophilic polymers and polymer networks such as poly(acrylic acid), poly(acrylic acid-coacrylamide), poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate), poly(2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate), poly(isobutylene-co-maleic acid), carbopol, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, polyethylene oxide, and hyaluronic acid.

[0024] In one embodiment, the water-swellable material is in the form of a filling layer adjacent to a drug formulation layer, the drug formulation layer being disposed between the filling layer and one or more drug release openings in a reservoir where the drug formulation layer and the filling layer are located. In one case, the charged layer and the drug formulation layer are part of the same tablet or microtablet, which are formed and then loaded into the reservoir of the microchip element. In another case, the filling layer and the drug formulation layer are generated and / or loaded in succession within the reservoir of the microchip element.

[0025] In another embodiment, the water-swellable material is combined with a drug formulation. For example, the water-swellable filler material may be dispersed together with the drug in the drug formulation, for example, as a powder mixture or mixed with the drug in a microtablet. In another embodiment, the water-swellable material may be in the form of a coating on a drug tablet or granules.

[0026] In such embodiments, certain parameters have been found to be particularly important for the efficient operation of the extrusion mechanism. These include (1) the density and dimensions of the microtablets, and (2) the ratio of drug particles to the leavening agent. In preferred embodiments, each reservoir is filled with microtablets, which are a mixture of drug particles and a leavening agent. The density and height of the microtablets can be adjusted. Ranges of these properties have been tested. In some embodiments (for example, using formulations containing levonorgestrel and hyaluronic acid), the density of the microtablets is 1 to 1.3 mg / mm³. 3 The range is 0.67 mm to 0.95 mm, and the height of the microtablets is in the range of 0.67 mm to 0.95 mm. In some other embodiments, the density may be outside these ranges, for example, if certain materials of the composition have higher or lower achievable densities, and if different heights are selected for use in reservoir designs having different dimensions. The ratio of drug particles to buffing agent is selected to provide an amount of buffing agent that is effective both (i) to expand the mixture to a deposit significantly exceeding the reservoir volume, thereby pushing the contents of the reservoir out of the reservoir as much as possible, and (ii) to maintain the separation / dispersion of the drug particles so that the drug particles cannot agglomerate and block the opening. Various ratios have been tested, including microtablet compositions containing up to 65% drug, with the remainder being buffing agent or other excipients. It has been found that the highest extrusion efficiency was obtained with drug at 42% or less by weight (e.g., in formulations containing levonorgestrel and hyaluronic acid). However, the extrusion efficiency must be balanced with respect to the amount of drug released for therapeutic effect. Therefore, in some preferred embodiments, the composition of the microtablets is about 10% to about 50% drug particles, for example, about 20% to about 45% drug particles, or about 30% to about 42% by weight, with the remainder being excipients including a bulking agent. In other embodiments, for example, together with other formulations, the preferred amounts may be outside these ranges.

[0027] Microchip element body and reservoir cap A microchip element includes a body portion defining one or more storage reservoirs. A storage reservoir may be simply referred to herein as a “reservoir.” In some embodiments, the microchip element is known in the Art, such as those described in, for example, U.S. Patent No. 8,403,915 by Santini et al., U.S. Patent Publication No. 2013 / 0053671 by Farra, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2014 / 0243624 by Farra, and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2016 / 0354780 by Farra, each of which is incorporated herein by reference. In a preferred embodiment, the microchip element includes an array of discrete reservoirs and consists of two substrate portions joined together to seal each reservoir after a drug formulation has been loaded into the reservoirs of the array. In some embodiments, the two substrate portions include a sealing chip and a reservoir chip. Non-limiting examples of the main body of the microchip element and sealing and reservoir chips that form the reservoir are shown in Figures 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9, and are described below. A reservoir cap that closes the drug release opening within the outer wall of the microchip element is also illustrated.

[0028] In some embodiments, the drug delivery device described herein includes a single microchip element. In some other embodiments, the drug delivery device described herein includes two or more microchip elements. In a preferred embodiment, the drug delivery device includes two microchip elements, with the outer walls of the microchip elements on opposite sides of the device such that the drug is released from each microchip element in opposite directions. In another embodiment, there are two microchip elements on either side, but they are positioned directly opposite each other without any other elements of the device (i.e., electronic components, sealed enclosure) in between.

[0029] Each reservoir of the microchip element includes one or more drug openings. In a preferred embodiment, these openings are (initially) closed by a reservoir cap configured to be activated to open the drug release openings. Such reservoir cap activation can be brought about by various electrical, mechanical, and / or chemical means known in the art, such as those described in, for example, U.S. Patent Nos. 7,070,590, 6,527,762, 6,491,666, 7,604,628 by Santini et al., and U.S. Patent No. 7,455,667 by Uhland et al., which are incorporated herein by reference in the relevant parts thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the reservoir cap is configured to be activated by electrothermal ablation, as described in U.S. Patent No. 7,455,667 by Uhland et al. In such cases, the reservoir cap is made of or contains a conductive material such as a thin metal film (e.g., gold), and the drug delivery device is configured to apply an electric current through the reservoir cap(s) of the reservoir, which are opened via electrical input leads and electrical output leads that are electrically connected to each reservoir cap, respectively, in order to rupture the reservoir cap.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the reservoir of the microchip element is a microreservoir. As used herein, the term “microreservoir” refers to a reservoir having a volume of 500 μL or less (e.g., less than 250 μL, less than 100 μL, less than 50 μL, less than 25 μL, less than 10 μL, etc.). In another embodiment, a “macroreservoir” generally refers to a reservoir having a volume greater than 500 μL (e.g., greater than 600 μL, greater than 750 μL, greater than 900 μL, greater than 1 mL, etc.) and less than 5 mL (e.g., less than 4 mL, less than 3 mL, less than 2 mL, less than 1 mL, etc.). The terms “reservoir” and “storage reservoir” are intended to encompass both microreservoirs and macroreservoirs unless expressly indicated that they are limited to one or the other.

[0031] Outer housing wall, drug permeable membrane, and deposit space In embodiments, the drug delivery device includes an outer housing wall containing one or more drug-permeable membranes. In preferred embodiments, the outer housing wall is spaced apart from the outer wall of the body portion of the microchip element, forming a deposit space between them. That is, the deposit space is defined between the drug-permeable membrane(s) and the outside of the microchip element having a drug release opening / reservoir cap. In preferred embodiments, the outer housing wall is part of a rigid shell structure that frames and / or supports one or more drug-permeable membranes. The shell structure may further include a housing ring on this side that is generally perpendicular to the side having the drug-permeable membrane. In various embodiments, the outer housing wall includes one, two, three, four, or more windows, each of which frames a drug-permeable membrane. If there are two or more windows, each window may have its own drug-permeable membrane or may frame a portion of a single drug-permeable membrane.

[0032] The outer wall and shell structure are made of biocompatible materials with appropriate mechanical properties, suitable for long-term patient implantation. Typically, rigid components are made of biocompatible metals or alloys such as stainless steel or titanium. In some embodiments, the shell of the drug delivery device has a maximum dimension of approximately 10 mm to approximately 50 mm in any direction.

[0033] The drug permeable membrane can be any suitable biocompatible material that can provide a desired controlled release rate of a selected drug. The drug permeable membrane may also be a biocompatible polymer membrane. In a preferred embodiment, the membrane is an elastomer material such as silicone or polyurethane. In embodiments, the drug permeability is hydropermeable, and as a result, when the drug delivery device is in an aqueous environment, for example, after in vivo implantation, water (from and / or of a biofluid, e.g., interstitial fluid) can diffuse through the drug permeable membrane into the depot space and then, in at least some embodiments, into an open drug storage reservoir. In some embodiments, the drug permeable membrane may be non-porous so that drug release is controlled by diffusion across the walls through the membrane. In some other embodiments, the drug permeable membrane may contain pores so that drug release is controlled by diffusion through pores within the membrane.

[0034] The diffusion rate of a drug through a drug-permeable membrane can be controlled in part by the membrane thickness, the surface area of ​​the membrane exposed to the drug, and the distance or "gap" from the membrane to the surface of the reservoir cap. In some embodiments, the drug-permeable membrane has a thickness of about 100 μm to about 1000 μm, for example, about 200 μm to about 600 μm, or about 250 μm to about 500 μm. In some embodiments, the drug-permeable membrane is silicone and has a thickness of about 300 μm to about 500 μm, for example, about 350 μm to about 400 μm. Various film thicknesses have been tested, including those as thin as 36 microns and as thick as 650 microns. In one preferred embodiment, the film thickness is nominally 70 microns (72 microns measured).

[0035] The speed is also partially controlled by the total surface area of ​​the film, along with the thickness and composition of the material (e.g., a specific grade of silicone material). In one embodiment, the required drug delivery rate is 200 mm with a thickness of 72 microns. 2 This is achieved in silicone film and device designs that utilize the surface area. In other embodiments, one or more of the construction material, thickness, and surface area may differ.

[0036] In alternative embodiments, there is essentially no gap between the film and the reservoir cap of the microchip element. For example, the outer surface of the device, including but not limited to the surface containing the reservoir cap of the microchip element, can be partially or completely encapsulated by the film.

[0037] Other device / system components In some embodiments, the drug delivery device further includes electronic devices for controlling and powering the activation of a reservoir, and for wirelessly transmitting power and / or data to and from the device. In some embodiments, the electrical components providing these functions are contained within / on one or more printed circuit boards (PCBs) and / or incorporated into one or more chips of microchip elements, as described in U.S. Patent Publication 2013 / 0053671 and U.S. Patent Publication 2014 / 0243624 by Farra, which are incorporated herein by reference. In some embodiments, the drug delivery device comprises two PCBs containing a sealing material, such as alumina or silicon nitride in certain embodiments, which are configured to define a sealed enclosure containing electronic components between them. As used herein, the term “sealed” means preventing the undesirable ingress or leakage of chemicals (e.g., water vapor, water, oxygen, etc.) over the lifespan of the device. For the purposes of this specification, a material / seal capable of transferring helium (He) at a rate of less than 1 × 10⁻⁹ atm*cc / sec is referred to as airtight. In one case, the distal side (outside the sealed enclosure) of these PCBs is connected to the microchip element of the device.

[0038] How to use drug delivery devices The devices described herein may be used to provide a controlled dose of a drug to a patient who requires it. The term “patient” refers to a human or other mammalian subject. In various embodiments, the devices may be adapted for use in humans, whether male or female, adult or child, or for use in animals, such as in veterinary or livestock applications.

[0039] In some embodiments, a method of controlled drug delivery to a patient includes (i) implanting the drug delivery device described herein into the patient at an implantation site within the patient's body, and then (ii) activating one or more reservoir caps of a first selected reservoir or subset of reservoirs to open those reservoirs of the microchip element. Once the device is implanted at the implantation site, interstitial fluid from the tissue at the implantation site diffuses into and fills the depot space. Once the reservoir(s) are opened, the interstitial fluid in the depot space enters the reservoir(s) and comes into contact with the drug formulation and, if any, the water-swellable material contained therein. The drug is then transferred into the drug depot space, forming a drug depot therein (first stage of drug release), which may be in the form of a mass disposed on the outer surface of the microchip element. This transfer may be driven by diffusion, extrusion (positive displacement), or a combination thereof, caused by the expansion of the water-swellable material, if present. In one case, the transfer of the drug from the storage reservoir to the drug depot space involves the expansion of a water-swellable filler material to expel the drug from the storage reservoir. The drug in the drug depot then diffuses through a drug-permeable membrane (second stage of drug release), exits the device, and enters the patient's body, where it can diffuse into the vascular system for systemic delivery. Later, step (ii) is repeated, activating one or more reservoir caps of a second selected reservoir or subset of reservoirs to open those reservoirs of the microchip element. This later time may be chosen to replenish the drug in the depot space before the release rate of the second stage decreases below therapeutic levels as the depot is depleted.

[0040] In some embodiments, the device is configured to release drug doses from a reservoir at intervals over a long period of time, such as several months or years. In some embodiments, the implanted device may be wirelessly controllable and may include reversibly turning the device off and on as needed, activating drug release on demand, reprogramming the drug release schedule, and / or collecting data if any data is sensed / recorded by the implanted device.

[0041] Drug delivery devices can be used to treat or prevent a wide range of diseases or conditions, depending on the specific drug or combination of drugs administered using the device. Non-limiting examples include reproductive health applications, including contraception.

[0042] In one embodiment, the period between reservoir activations is predetermined, for example, based on a programmed schedule. In another embodiment, the period between reservoir activations is based on a measured in vivo drug concentration (e.g., plasma drug level) or another perceived value or state in the patient. In such embodiments, the sensor used to measure drug concentration or other biometric parameters may be part of an implantable drug delivery device, or it may be part of a separate device implanted either inside or outside the patient.

[0043] The implantation step (i) may include making a small incision in the patient's skin and inserting the drug delivery device into a suitable subcutaneous tissue site. In some minimally invasive forms of the device, it may be inserted or injected into the patient's tissue site using a cannula, trocar, or other minimally invasive medical instrument. In other embodiments, the implantation step may include implanting the device into another suitable tissue site in the patient, such as the intraperitoneal space. Other tissue sites are conceivable, and the choice may depend, for example, on whether the treatment, drug, local or systemic administration of the drug is desired by the patient.

[0044] Practical Embodiments One embodiment of the drug delivery device described above is shown in Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the device, and Figure 2 is a breakaway view showing the internal structure of the device in a different perspective view. The drug delivery device 101 includes a first outer housing wall 119a, a second outer housing wall 119b, and a housing ring 130. The first outer housing wall 119a, the second outer housing wall 119b, and the housing ring 130 are fixed together to form a device shell, and the parts have a sealing gap between them. In one embodiment, the parts of the shell are metal and are fused together by a welding process, e.g., laser welding or brazing, as is known in the art. As shown, the housing ring 130 includes an optional protruding edge 147 extending perpendicularly from the housing ring 130 away from the drug delivery device 101. The protruding edge 147 includes a hole 149 suitable for use in suturing the device to nearby tissue in order to secure the device in place within the implant site of a patient. The first and second outer housing walls 119a and 119b each include rigid frames 125a and 125b, respectively, which support the drug permeable membranes 103a and 103b, respectively. As shown in Figure 1, the rigid frame 125a defines / surrounds the four windows 127 of the drug permeable membrane 103a. As shown in Figure 2, the first and second outer housing walls 119a and 119b and the housing ring 130 cover the microchip elements 105a and 105b such that the only access between the outside of the drug delivery device 101 and the microchip elements is through the windows 127 of the drug permeable membranes 103a and 103b.

[0045] The first microchip element 105a has a body portion 107a, and the second microchip element 105b has a body portion 107b. Each of the body portions 107a and 107b defines an array of storage reservoirs 109. Each of the body portions 107a and 107b has outer walls 111a and 111b, respectively. As can be seen in Figure 2, each of the first and second drug-permeable membranes 103a and 103b is fixed adjacent to and spaced apart from the outer walls 111a and 111b, respectively. In this configuration, a first deposit space 121a is created between the outer wall 111a and the microchip element 105a, and a second deposit space 121b is created between the outer wall 111b and the microchip element 105b. In this way, the drug exiting the reservoir 109 of the microchip element 105a through the drug release opening 113 enters the first depot space 121a, and the drug exiting the reservoir 109 of the microchip element 105b through the drug release opening 113 enters the first depot space 121b. As shown in Figure 2A, each storage reservoir 109 includes an array of drug release openings 113 which are closed by an array of corresponding reservoir caps 115.

[0046] The first and second microchip elements 105a and 105b are fixed to the first and second printed circuit boards (PCBs) 131a and 131b, respectively. The first and second PCBs 131a and 131b each include substrates 133a and 133b. The substrates 133a and 133b mechanically support and electrically connect the electronic components using conductive paths, tracks, or signal traces known in the art. The first and second PCBs 131a and 131b may include biocompatible and sealing substrate materials such as alumina or silicon nitride. The first and second PCBs 131a and 131b, combined with the housing ring 130, form a sealed enclosure 129.

[0047] Several electronic components are fixed to one or both of the first and second PCBs 131a and 131b and located within a sealed enclosure 129. Components illustrated in Figure 3 include a battery 145, a battery insulating film 167, a battery insulating foam 143, a capacitor 139, a real-time clock 137, and an ASIC 141.

[0048] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, each of the first and second PCBs 131a and 131b includes a number of leads 135 on each of the first and second substrates 133a and 133b, respectively. At least some of these leads connect to input and output leads electrically connected to each reservoir cap 115, so that each reservoir cap 115 can be activated by passing current through the input and output leads, resulting in the reservoir cap 115 rupturing (for example by electrothermal ablation as described above), releasing or exposing the contents of the storage reservoir 109.

[0049] Figure 3 shows the first and second outer housing walls 119a, 119b, contact springs 165, first and second rigid frames 125a, 125b, first and second drug permeable membranes 103a, 103b, and windows 127 of the drug permeable membranes 103a, 103b. Figure 3 also shows the first and second microchip elements 105a, 105b separated from the substrates 133a, 133b of the first and second PCBs 131a, 131b.

[0050] Figure 4 shows the drug delivery device of Figure 1, but without the first and second outer housing walls 119a, 119b and without the first and second drug permeable membranes 103a, 103b. Thus, a second PCB 131b can be seen with the microchip element 105b fixed in place and the outer wall 111b of the microchip element 105b facing outwards.

[0051] Figure 5 depicts the construction of one embodiment of a microchip element, focusing on a single reservoir. These two structural components, shown but not shown, extend laterally and are repeated to define an array of reservoirs. This microchip element may be used in a drug delivery device as described herein. As shown, the microchip element 505 has a body portion 507 formed from a sealing tip 551 bonded to a reservoir tip 553. The storage reservoir 509 is defined primarily within the reservoir tip 553 and is closed by the sealing tip 551 after the drug formulation 517 is loaded into the reservoir 509. The storage reservoir 509 has straight (substantially non-tapered) sidewalls. The reservoir tip 553 and the sealing tip 551 are bonded together with a sealing structure 559 which may consist of positive and negative mating features (e.g., grooves and ridges), which are joined together using compression cold welding to seal the reservoir 509. Farra's U.S. Patent Publication 2016 / 0354780 describes a compression cold welding for sealing microchip elements, which is incorporated herein by reference. The sealing chip 551 includes a plurality of reservoir caps 515 that seal a drug release opening 513. When the reservoir caps 515 burst, water enters the reservoir 509, comes into contact with the drug formulation 517, solubilizes the drug, and allows it to diffuse out of the reservoir 509 through the drug release opening 513.

[0052] Figure 6 shows a microchip element 506 which is identical to the microchip 505 shown in Figure 5, except that the reservoir 509 contains both the drug formulation 527 and a packed layer 523 containing a water-swellable material, instead of the drug formulation 517 filling the reservoir 509. The drug formulation is positioned between the drug release opening 513 and the packed layer 523, so that when the reservoir cap 515 bursts, water enters the reservoir 509 and can come into contact with the drug formulation 527 and the packed layer 523, and the packed layer expands to absorb the water and discharge the drug formulation 527 from the reservoir through the drug release opening 513.

[0053] Figures 7–9 illustrate several other possible configurations of the microchip element. Figure 7 depicts a microchip element 705 having three storage reservoirs 709 within a body portion 707 formed from a sealing tip 751 and a reservoir tip 753. The reservoir tip 753 and the sealing tip 751 are joined together with a sealing structure 759 which may consist of positive and negative mating features (e.g., grooves and ridges), which are joined together using compression cold welding to seal the reservoirs 709. The reservoirs 709 have straight (substantially non-tapered) sidewalls. The sealing tip 751 includes a reservoir cap 715, each sealing a corresponding drug release opening 713. Each storage reservoir 709 contains a drug formulation 717. Although not shown, the reservoirs 709 may further include a water-expandable material filling layer together with the drug formulation 717.

[0054] Figure 8 depicts a microchip element 805 having three storage reservoirs 809 within a body portion 807 formed from a sealing tip 851 and a reservoir tip 853. The reservoir tip 853 and the sealing tip 851 are joined together with a sealing structure 859 which may consist of positive and negative mating features (e.g., grooves and ridges), which are joined together using compression cold welding to seal the reservoirs 809. The reservoirs 809 have tapered sidewalls. In contrast to the embodiments shown in Figures 5-7, it is the reservoir tip 853 that includes a drug release opening 813 and a reservoir cap 815. The sealing tip 851 does not have an opening or a reservoir cap. Each storage reservoir 809 contains a drug formulation 817. Although not shown, the reservoirs 809 may further include a water-swellable material filling layer along with the drug formulation.

[0055] Similar to Figure 8, Figure 9 also depicts a microchip element in which the reservoir tip includes a drug release opening and a reservoir cap. It shows a microchip element 905 having a reservoir 909 housed within a body portion 907 formed from a sealing tip 951 and a reservoir tip 953. The reservoir tip 953 and the sealing tip 951 are joined together with a sealing structure 959 which may consist of positive and negative mating features (e.g., grooves and ridges), which are joined together using compression cold welding to seal the reservoir 909. The reservoir 909 has straight sidewalls. The reservoir tip 953 includes a drug release opening 913 and a reservoir cap 915. The sealing tip 951 does not have an opening or a reservoir cap. The reservoir 809 contains a drug formulation 817. Although not shown, the reservoir 809 may further include a water-swellable material filling layer together with the drug formulation.

[0056] Figures 10 and 11 show the drug delivery device of Figure 1, which lacks the first and second outer housing walls 119a, 119b, the first and second drug permeable membranes 103a, 103b, and the microchip elements 105a, 105b. Thus, in Figure 10, we can see a first PCB 131a having a substrate 133a on which a number of leads 135 are disposed, and in Figure 11, we can see a second PCB 131b having a substrate 133b on which a number of leads 135 are disposed.

[0057] Figures 12–14 show different views of the second PCB 131b, including the substrate 133b, leads 137, various electrical components, and vias for connecting the microchip element 105b to the electronic components within the sealed enclosure described above.

[0058] Figure 15 shows a partial assembly of the drug delivery device 101, depicting the housing ring 130, the second PCB 131b, the battery 145, and the battery / spring nest 163. Other electronic components include a capacitor 139, an ASIC 141, a real-time clock (RTC) 137, a crystal 161 for the RTC, an inductor 155, and various passive components 157 (resistors and capacitors).

[0059] Figures 17-19 illustrate a two-stage drug release method. The microchip element 705 includes three storage reservoirs 709 located within a body portion 707 formed from a sealing chip 751 and a reservoir chip 753 joined together by a sealing structure 759. The sealing chip 751 includes a plurality of reservoir caps 715, each sealing a corresponding drug release opening 713. The body portion 707 of the microchip element 705 has an outer wall 711. A depot space 121 is defined between the outer wall 711 and a drug-permeable membrane 103. In Figure 17, each storage reservoir 709 contains a drug formulation 717, and the reservoir caps 715 are undamaged.

[0060] Next, the left reservoir cap 715 is activated and ruptures. As shown in Figure 18, the drug formulation 713 from the activated reservoir is transferred (by diffusion or efflux / extrusion) from the left reservoir 709 and collects in the depot space 121. As shown in this figure, a portion of the drug formulation 717 begins to diffuse from the depot space 121 through the drug permeable membrane 103. Figure 19 shows the same system at a later time. As can be seen from the comparison of Figures 18 and 19, over time, the drug reservoir 709 becomes substantially empty of drug formulation 717, with most of the drug formulation 717 diffusing from the depot space 121 through the drug permeable membrane 103. The drug formulation in the depot space continues to be depleted, and the second reservoir can be activated to replenish the drug formulation in the depot space. These steps are repeated as needed to provide a therapeutically effective concentration of the drug in the patient over the desired duration.

[0061] As described above, in some embodiments, the device includes two microchip elements adjacent to each other on opposing sides of the device, without electronic components positioned between the microchip elements. One embodiment of such a device is illustrated in Figure 20. Device 200 includes two microchip elements 205a, 205b shown on the left side of the device, and electronic devices are disposed on the right side of the device. Electronic devices may include, for example, a battery 245, a capacitor 239, an ACIS 241, a microprocessor 243, and an antenna 250. The device also includes an upper / lower housing body 207 and a side housing 230. Drug permeable membranes 203a, 203b are positioned on opposing sides (upper / lower) of the device. Depot spaces 821a, 821b are defined between the microchip elements 205a, 205b and the drug permeable membranes 203a, 203b, respectively. This design advantageously allows for a thin and narrow device, and in this device, drug capacity can be increased by increasing the number of reservoirs of one or more likely both microchip elements, simply by lengthening the microchip elements without increasing the overall width or thickness of the device. This is beneficial in maintaining the narrow profile of the device so that it can be properly implanted in the patient in a minimally invasive manner, and as a result, the device can be reasonably inconspicuous and comfortable for the patient when positioned subcutaneously.

[0062] In some other embodiments, the device includes one or more microchip elements on only one side of the device, and electronic components located on the opposite side of the one or more microchip elements, or located laterally adjacent to the one or more microchip elements. Examples of such embodiments can be envisioned as device 101 in Figure 2, which does not have the microchip elements 105b and film 103b, or as device 200 in Figure 20, which does not have the microchip elements 205b and film 203b.

[0063] The devices and methods described herein will be further understood by referring to the following non-limiting examples.

[0064] Example 1 A drug delivery device was assembled according to embodiments of the present disclosure, the drug formulation comprising levonorgestrel, and the drug permeable membrane being fabricated from a semipermeable silicone material having a nominal thickness of 70 μm. The levonorgestrel formulation contained 42% spray-dried levonorgestrel with 1.8% hyaluronic acid. Each microchip element contained 100 reservoirs, each with a capacity of 2 microliters. The drug delivery device was inserted into an aqueous environment of 0.5% sodium dodecyl sulfate and 0.02% sodium azide in normal physiological saline (0.9% sodium chloride), and the four reservoirs were electrically activated and opened using an electrothermal ablation mechanism at the start of the test. The levonorgestrel drug formulation was released into the depot space between each microchip element and the drug permeable membrane, and then diffused from the drug depot space through the silicone membrane into the aqueous environment.

[0065] The aqueous environment was sampled periodically, and the amount of levonorgestrel released over time was measured. An equivalent volume selected to maintain sink conditions was removed and replaced with aqueous solution after each sample. Samples were diluted as needed and quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). All values ​​were calculated against a standard curve. Figure 16A shows the cumulative amount of levonorgestrel released from this drug delivery device, and Figure 16B shows the amount of levonorgestrel released per day as individual measurement data points on days 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 10, 11, 14, 15, 17, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28, and 30, with the solid line B representing the linear regression of these data points. The dashed line A represents a release rate of 30 μm per day, which is the minimum daily dose required for levonorgestrel to be effective as a form of contraception. As can be seen in this figure, this experimental drug delivery device releases more than the required 30 μg of levonorgestrel per day, but it favorably provides a linear release rate, as shown by solid line B. That is, the drug delivery device released approximately the same amount of levonorgestrel (μg) per day over a 30-day trial.

[0066] Exemplary Embodiments Embodiment 1. A drug delivery device comprising: a microchip element having a body portion defining at least one storage reservoir therein, wherein the body portion has an outer wall having one or more drug release openings that are in fluid communication with at least one storage reservoir, and the one or more drug release openings are closed by one or more corresponding reservoir caps configured to be electrically activated to open one or more drug release openings; a drug formulation containing a drug disposed within at least one storage reservoir; and an outer housing wall fixed adjacent to and at a distance from the outer wall of the body portion of the microchip element, wherein the outer housing wall comprises a drug-permeable membrane, and a depot space is defined between the drug-permeable membrane and the outer wall of the body portion of the microchip element. Embodiment 2. A drug delivery device according to Embodiment 1, which operates in an aqueous environment and is configured to release a drug into a depot space upon activation of one or more reservoir caps, and subsequently diffuse the drug into the aqueous environment through a drug-permeable membrane. Embodiment 3. The drug delivery device according to Embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the drug delivery device is an implantable drug delivery device, and the aqueous environment is the patient's living body. Embodiment 4. A drug delivery device according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the reservoir cap is configured to rupture by electrothermal ablation when electrically activated. Embodiment 5. A drug delivery device according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the drug-permeable membrane includes a polymer membrane. Embodiment 6. The drug delivery device according to Embodiment 5, wherein the polymer membrane comprises silicone, polyurethane, or a combination thereof. Embodiment 7. A drug delivery device according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 4, wherein at least one storage reservoir further comprises a water-swellable filling material. Embodiment 8. The drug delivery device according to Embodiment 7, wherein the water-swellable filler material is in the form of a filler layer adjacent to a layer of drug formulation, and the drug formulation layer is disposed between the filler layer and one or more drug release openings. Embodiment 9. A drug delivery device according to Embodiment 7, wherein a water-swellable filler material is dispersed together with the drug in the drug formulation. Embodiment 10. A drug delivery device according to any one of Embodiments 7 to 9, wherein the water-swellable filler material comprises hyaluronic acid. Embodiment 11. A drug delivery device according to any one of Embodiments 7 to 9, wherein the water-swellable filler material comprises a hydrophilic polymer. Embodiment 12. A drug delivery device according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 11, wherein the outer housing wall further comprises a rigid frame supporting a drug-permeable membrane. Embodiment 13. The drug delivery device according to Embodiment 12, wherein a rigid frame defines two or more windows of a drug permeable membrane. Embodiment 14. The drug delivery device according to Embodiment 12 or 13, wherein the rigid frame is part of a shell that covers at least a portion of the microchip element. Embodiment 15. A drug delivery device according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 14, wherein at least one storage reservoir is a microreservoir. Embodiment 16. A drug delivery device according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 15, wherein the drug contains a hormone such as a contraceptive hormone. Embodiment 17. The drug delivery device according to Embodiment 16, wherein the hormone comprises levonorgestrel. Embodiment 18. A drug delivery device according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 17, wherein the drug formulation is in a solid form such as a tablet. Embodiment 19. A second microchip element comprising a body portion defining at least one storage reservoir, wherein the second body portion has an outer wall having one or more drug release openings that are in fluid communication with at least one storage reservoir, and the one or more drug release openings are closed by one or more corresponding reservoir caps configured to be electrically activated to open one or more drug release openings; and a drug formulation containing a drug disposed within at least one storage reservoir of the second microchip element; and A drug delivery device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 18, further comprising: a second outer housing wall fixed adjacent to and at a distance from the outer wall of the main body portion of the microchip element, the outer housing wall comprising a second drug permeable membrane, wherein a second deposit space is defined between the second drug permeable membrane and the outer wall of the main body portion of the second microchip element, and the outer housing wall of the microchip element and the second outer housing wall of the second microchip element are on opposing sides of the drug delivery device. Embodiment 20. The drug delivery device according to Embodiment 19, further comprising a sealed enclosure disposed between a microchip element and a second microchip element. Embodiment 21. The drug delivery device according to Embodiment 20, wherein the sealed enclosure is partially defined by a pair of printed circuit boards, each containing a ceramic substrate. Embodiment 22. A drug delivery device according to Embodiment 20 or 21, wherein the sealed enclosure includes electronic components configured for the electrical activation of a microchip element and a reservoir cap of a second microchip element. Embodiment 23. A microchip element comprising a main body portion defining a plurality of microreservoirs, wherein the main body portion has an outer wall having a plurality of drug release openings that are in fluid communication with the microreservoirs, and the plurality of drug release openings are closed by a plurality of corresponding reservoir caps configured to rupture by electrothermal ablation to open the drug release openings; a drug disposed in each of the microreservoirs; a water-swellable material disposed in each of the microreservoirs; and an outer housing wall fixed adjacent to and at a distance from the outer wall of the main body portion of the microchip element, wherein the outer housing wall comprises a drug-permeable membrane. An implantable drug delivery device comprising an outer housing wall, wherein a depot space is defined between a drug-permeable membrane and the outer wall of the main body portion of a microchip element, and the device is configured to operate in vivo by allowing interstitial fluid to come into contact with a water-swellable filler material disposed within a microreservoir(s) corresponding to the activated reservoir cap(s), following activation of one or more of a plurality of reservoir caps, and to be absorbed by the water-swellable filler material, thereby expanding the filler material and releasing the drug from the microreservoir(s) into the depot space through a drug release opening for subsequent diffusion through a drug-permeable membrane. Embodiment 24. An implantable drug delivery device according to Embodiment 23, wherein the drug-permeable membrane includes a polymer membrane. Embodiment 25. An implantable drug delivery device according to Embodiment 24, wherein the polymer membrane comprises silicone, polyurethane, or a combination thereof. Embodiment 26. An embeddable drug delivery device according to any one of Embodiments 23 to 25, wherein the water-swellable filler material is in the form of a filler layer adjacent to a drug layer, and the drug layer is disposed between the filler layer and the drug release opening. Embodiment 27. An implantable drug delivery device according to any one of Embodiments 23 to 26, wherein the water-swellable filler material comprises hyaluronic acid. Embodiment 28. An implantable drug delivery device according to any one of Embodiments 23 to 26, wherein the water-swellable filler material comprises a hydrophilic polymer. Embodiment 29. An implantable drug delivery device according to any one of Embodiments 23 to 28, wherein the outer housing wall further comprises a rigid frame supporting a drug-permeable membrane. Embodiment 30. An implantable drug delivery device according to Embodiment 29, wherein a rigid frame defines two or more windows of a drug permeable membrane. Embodiment 31. An implantable drug delivery device according to Embodiment 29 or 30, wherein the rigid frame is part of a shell covering at least a portion of the microchip element. Embodiment 32. An implantable drug delivery device according to any one of Embodiments 23 to 31, wherein the drug contains a hormone such as a contraceptive hormone. Embodiment 33. An implantable drug delivery device according to Embodiment 32, wherein the hormone comprises levonorgestrel. Embodiment 34. An implantable drug delivery device according to any one of Embodiments 23 to 33, wherein the drug is in a solid form such as a tablet. Embodiment 35. An implantable drug delivery device according to any one of Embodiments 23 to 33, further comprising a sealed enclosure fixed to a microchip element on the side opposite to the outer wall and the deposit space. Embodiment 36. An implantable drug delivery device according to Embodiment 35, wherein the sealed enclosure is partially defined by a printed circuit board having a ceramic substrate. Embodiment 37. An implantable drug delivery device according to Embodiment 35 or 36, wherein the sealed enclosure includes an electronic component configured to control the rupture of the reservoir cap. Embodiment 38. An implantable drug delivery device according to any one of embodiments 23 to 37, further comprising a second outer wall having a second drug-permeable membrane defining a second microchip element and a second drug depot space. Embodiment 39. A method for controlled drug delivery to a patient, comprising: implanting a drug delivery device according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 22 in the patient; activating at least one of one or more reservoir caps to allow interstitial fluid to come into contact with the drug in a storage reservoir corresponding to the activated reservoir cap(s), thereby transporting the drug into a drug depot space where a drug depot is formed; and releasing the drug from the device by diffusion of the drug from the drug depot through a drug-permeable membrane. Embodiment 40. The method according to Embodiment 39, wherein the transfer of a drug from a storage reservoir to a drug depot space includes the expansion of a water-swellable filler material for discharging the drug from the storage reservoir. Embodiment 41. A method for controlled drug delivery to a patient, comprising: implanting one implantable drug delivery device from Embodiments 23 to 38 at an implantation site in the patient; rupturing at least one reservoir cap to expose a water-swellable filling material in a microreservoir corresponding to the activated at least one reservoir cap to the interstitial fluid at the implantation site; absorbing water from the interstitial fluid to expand the exposed water-swellable filling material, discharge the drug into a drug depot space, and form a drug depot therein; and releasing the drug from the device by diffusing the drug from the drug depot through a drug-permeable membrane. Embodiment 42. A drug delivery device comprising: a microchip element having a body portion defining at least one storage reservoir therein, wherein the body portion has an outer wall having one or more drug release openings that fluidly communicate with at least one storage reservoir, and the one or more drug release openings are closed by one or more corresponding reservoir caps configured to be electrically activated to open one or more drug release openings; a drug formulation containing a first drug disposed in at least one storage reservoir; and a drug permeable membrane fixed next to the outer wall of the body portion of the microchip element, wherein the device operates in an aqueous environment and releases the drug by diffusion into the aqueous environment through the drug permeable membrane when one or more reservoir caps are activated. Embodiment 43. The drug delivery device according to Embodiment 42, wherein the drug delivery device is an implantable drug delivery device, and the aqueous environment is the patient's living body. Embodiment 44. The drug delivery device according to Embodiment 42 or 43, wherein the reservoir cap is configured to rupture by electrothermal ablation when electrically activated. Embodiment 45. A drug delivery device according to any one of Embodiments 42 to 44, wherein the drug-permeable membrane includes a polymer membrane. Embodiment 46. The drug delivery device according to Embodiment 45, wherein the polymer film comprises silicone, polyurethane, or a combination thereof. Embodiment 47. A drug delivery device according to any one of Embodiments 42 to 46, wherein the outer wall is in direct mechanical contact with a drug-permeable membrane. Embodiment 48. A drug delivery device according to any one of Embodiments 42 to 47, configured to release a drug from at least one activated storage reservoir by a process including a drug formulation expansion and / or an extrusion process. Embodiment 49. A drug delivery device according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 48, wherein at least one storage reservoir further comprises a water-swellable filling material. Embodiment 50. The drug delivery device according to Embodiment 49, wherein the water-expandable filling material and the drug formulation in at least one storage reservoir are combined in the form of at least one tablet. Embodiment 51. The drug delivery device according to Embodiment 50, wherein at least one tablet contains a mixture of drug particles and one or more excipients including a water-expandable filling material. Embodiment 52. The drug delivery device according to Embodiment 51, wherein the drug particles have a median diameter of about 5 microns to about 12 microns. Embodiment 53. The drug delivery device according to any one of Embodiments 50 to 52, wherein at least one tablet is about 10 wt% to about 50 wt% drug particles. Embodiment 54. The drug delivery device according to any one of Embodiments 50 to 52, wherein at least one tablet is about 20 wt% to about 45 wt% drug particles. Embodiment 55. The drug delivery device according to any one of Embodiments 50 to 52, wherein at least one tablet is about 30 wt% to about 42 wt% drug particles. Embodiment 56. At least one tablet has a density of 1 mg / mm 3 ~1.3 mg / mm 3 , a height of 0.67 mm to 0.95 mm, or both a density of 1 mg / mm 3 ~1.3 mg / mm 3 and a height of 0.67 mm to 0.95 mm, and is the drug delivery device according to any one of Embodiments 50 to 55. Embodiment 57. The drug delivery device according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 56, wherein the drug-permeable membrane has a surface area of 100 mm 2 ~200 mm <00000{08]], a thickness of 70 μm to 75 μm, or both a surface area of 100 mm 2 ~200 mm 2 and a thickness of 70 μm to 75 μm. Embodiment 58. The drug delivery device according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 57, wherein the drug-permeable membrane contains silicone, has a surface area of about 200 mm <{0000011}, and has a thickness of about 72 μm. ​Embodiment 59. A drug delivery device according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 58, comprising: a second microchip element having a body portion defining at least one storage reservoir, wherein the second body portion has an outer wall having one or more drug release openings that are in fluid communication with at least one storage reservoir, and the one or more drug release openings are closed by one or more corresponding reservoir caps configured to be electrically activated to open one or more drug release openings; a drug formulation containing a second drug disposed within at least one storage reservoir of the second microchip element; and a second drug permeable membrane fixed next to the outer wall of the body portion of the second microchip element, wherein the device is configured to release the second drug by diffusion into an aqueous environment through the second drug permeable membrane when one or more reservoir caps of the second microchip element are activated. Embodiment 60. The drug delivery device according to Embodiment 59, wherein the second drug is identical to the first drug. Embodiment 61. A drug delivery device according to Embodiment 59 or 60, further comprising a sealed enclosure containing an electronic component configured for the electrical activation of one or more reservoir caps of a microchip element and a second microchip element. Embodiment 62. The drug delivery device according to Embodiment 61, wherein a sealed enclosure is disposed between a microchip element and a second microchip element. Embodiment 63. The drug delivery device according to Embodiment 61, wherein (i) a sealed enclosure is not disposed between the microchip element and the second microchip element, and (ii) the first and second microchip elements are disposed adjacent to each other and their outer walls face in opposite directions.

[0067] Publications cited herein and materials from which they are cited are incorporated specifically by reference. Modifications and variations of the methods and devices described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing detailed description. Such modifications and variations are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A drug delivery device, A microchip element comprising a body portion defining at least one storage reservoir, wherein the body portion has an outer wall having one or more drug release openings that are in fluid communication with the at least one storage reservoir, and the one or more drug release openings are closed by one or more corresponding reservoir caps configured to be electrically activated to open the one or more drug release openings, A drug formulation containing a first drug is disposed within the aforementioned storage reservoir, A drug delivery device comprising a drug-permeable membrane fixed next to the outer wall of the main body portion of the microchip element and on the outside of the at least one storage reservoir, wherein the drug delivery device is configured to operate in an aqueous environment and release the drug by diffusing through the drug-permeable membrane into the aqueous environment when one or more reservoir caps are activated.

2. The drug delivery device according to claim 1, further comprising an outer housing wall fixed adjacent to and at a distance from the outer wall of the main body portion of the microchip element, wherein the outer housing wall comprises the drug permeable membrane, and a space through which the drug is transported, released, discharged or diffused is defined between the drug permeable membrane and the outer wall of the main body portion of the microchip element.

3. The drug delivery device according to claim 2, wherein the outer housing wall further comprises a rigid frame supporting the drug permeable membrane.

4. The drug delivery device according to claim 3, wherein the rigid frame defines two or more windows of the drug permeable membrane.

5. The drug delivery device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the rigid frame is part of a shell covering at least a portion of the microchip element.

6. The drug delivery device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the drug-permeable membrane includes a polymer membrane.

7. The drug delivery device according to claim 6, wherein the polymer film comprises silicone, polyurethane, or a combination thereof.

8. The drug delivery device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the at least one storage reservoir further comprises a water-swellable filling material.

9. The drug delivery device according to claim 8, wherein the drug formulation is in the form of a drug formulation layer, the water-swellable filler material is in the form of a filler layer adjacent to the drug formulation layer, and the drug formulation layer is disposed between the filler layer and one or more drug release openings.

10. The drug delivery device according to claim 8, wherein the water-swellable filling material is dispersed together with the drug in the drug formulation.

11. The drug delivery device according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the water-swellable filling material comprises a hydrophilic polymer.

12. The drug delivery device according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the water-swellable filler material comprises hyaluronic acid.

13. The drug delivery device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the drug preparation is in a solid form such as a tablet.

14. The drug delivery device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the drug comprises a hormone.

15. The drug delivery device according to claim 14, wherein the hormone is a contraceptive hormone such as levonorgestrel.

16. The drug delivery device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the at least one storage reservoir is a microreservoir.

17. A drug delivery device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the reservoir cap is configured to rupture by electrothermal ablation when electrically activated.

18. The drug delivery device according to claim 2, configured to release the drug into the space and subsequently diffuse it into the aqueous environment through the drug-permeable membrane.

19. The drug delivery device according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the drug delivery device is an implantable drug delivery device, and the aqueous environment is the patient's living body.

20. A second microchip element comprising a second body portion defining at least one storage reservoir, wherein the second body portion has an outer wall having one or more drug release openings that are in fluid communication with the at least one storage reservoir, and the one or more drug release openings are closed by one or more corresponding reservoir caps configured to be electrically activated to open the one or more drug release openings, Disposed within the storage reservoir of the second microchip element is a drug formulation containing a drug, The drug delivery device further comprises a second drug-permeable membrane fixed next to the outer wall of the second main body portion, wherein the drug delivery device is configured to release the drug from the drug delivery device by diffusing through the second drug-permeable membrane into the aqueous environment when one or more reservoir caps of the second microchip element are activated. The drug delivery device according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the second outer housing wall comprising the second drug permeable membrane is optionally fixed adjacent to and at a distance from the outer wall of the second body portion to define a second space between the second drug permeable membrane and the outer wall of the second body portion through which the drug is transferred, released, discharged, or diffused.

21. The drug delivery device according to claim 20, further comprising a sealed enclosure disposed between the microchip element and the second microchip element.

22. The drug delivery device according to claim 21, wherein the sealed enclosure is partially defined by a pair of printed circuit boards, each having a ceramic substrate.

23. The drug delivery device according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the sealed enclosure includes an electronic component configured for the electrical activation of the reservoir cap of the microchip element and the second microchip element.

24. The microchip element comprises a plurality of microreservoirs, the main body portion has a plurality of drug release openings that are in fluid communication with the microreservoirs, and the plurality of drug release openings are closed by a plurality of corresponding reservoir caps configured to rupture by electrothermal ablation to open the drug release openings. The drug is disposed within each of the microreservoirs. A water-swellable filling material is disposed within each of the micro-reservoirs. The drug delivery device according to claim 2, which is an implantable drug delivery device configured to operate in vivo by, following the activation of one or more of the plurality of reservoir caps, allowing interstitial fluid to come into contact with the water-swellable packing material disposed in the microreservoir corresponding to the activated reservoir cap(s), and to be absorbed by the water-swellable packing material, thereby causing the water-swellable packing material to expand and to discharge the drug from the microreservoir(s) through the drug release opening into the space for subsequent diffusion through the drug-permeable membrane.

25. The drug delivery device according to claim 24, wherein the drug-permeable membrane comprises silicone, polyurethane, or a combination thereof.

26. The drug delivery device according to claim 24 or 25, wherein the water-swellable filler material is in the form of a filler layer adjacent to the drug layer, and the drug layer is disposed between the filler layer and the drug release opening.

27. The drug delivery device according to any one of claims 24 to 26, wherein the water-swellable filler material comprises a hydrophilic polymer.

28. The drug delivery device according to any one of claims 24 to 26, wherein the water-swellable filler material comprises hyaluronic acid.

29. The drug delivery device according to any one of claims 24 to 28, wherein the outer housing wall further comprises a rigid frame supporting the drug permeable membrane.

30. The drug delivery device according to claim 29, wherein the rigid frame defines two or more windows of the drug permeable membrane.

31. The drug delivery device according to claim 29 or 30, wherein the rigid frame is part of a shell covering at least a portion of the microchip element.

32. The drug delivery device according to any one of claims 24 to 31, wherein the drug is in solid form.

33. The drug delivery device according to any one of claims 24 to 32, wherein the drug comprises a hormone.

34. The drug delivery device according to claim 33, wherein the hormone comprises levonorgestrel or another contraceptive hormone.

35. A drug delivery device according to any one of claims 24 to 34, further comprising a sealed enclosure fixed to the microchip element on the side opposite to the outer wall and the space.

36. The drug delivery device according to claim 35, wherein the sealed enclosure is partially defined by a printed circuit board having a ceramic substrate.

37. A drug delivery device according to claim 35 or 36, wherein the sealed enclosure includes an electronic component configured to control the rupture of the reservoir cap.

38. A drug delivery device according to any one of claims 24 to 37, further comprising a second outer wall having a second microchip element and a second drug-permeable membrane, wherein the second outer wall optionally defines a second space through which the drug is transported, released, discharged, or diffused.

39. The drug delivery device according to claim 1, wherein the outer wall is in direct mechanical contact with the drug-permeable membrane.

40. A drug delivery device according to any one of claims 1 to 39, configured to release the drug from the activated storage reservoir by a process including the expansion of the drug formulation and / or by an extrusion process.

41. The drug delivery device according to claim 40, wherein the at least one storage reservoir further comprises a water-swellable filling material.

42. The drug delivery device according to claim 41, wherein the water-swellable filling material and the drug formulation in the at least one storage reservoir are combined in the form of at least one tablet.

43. The drug delivery device according to claim 42, wherein the at least one tablet comprises a mixture of drug particles and one or more excipients including the water-swellable filler material.

44. The drug delivery device according to claim 43, wherein the drug particles have a median diameter of 5 μm to 12 μm.

45. The drug delivery device according to any one of claims 42 to 44, wherein the at least one tablet is 10% to 50% by weight of drug particles.

46. The drug delivery device according to any one of claims 42 to 44, wherein the at least one tablet is 20% to 45% by weight of drug particles.

47. The drug delivery device according to any one of claims 42 to 44, wherein the at least one tablet is 30% to 42% by weight of drug particles.

48. The at least one of the tablets contains 1 mg / mm³ ３ ~1.3 mg / mm³ ３ Density, height of 0.67 mm to 0.95 mm, or 1 mg / mm ３ ~1.3 mg / mm³ ３ A drug delivery device according to any one of claims 42 to 47, having both a density and a height of 0.67 mm to 0.95 mm.

49. The drug-permeable membrane is 100 mm ２ ~200mm ２ Surface area, thickness of 70 μm to 75 μm, or 100 mm ２ ~200mm ２ A drug delivery device according to any one of claims 40 to 48, having both a surface area and a thickness of 70 μm to 75 μm.

50. The drug-permeable membrane contains silicone and has a surface area of 200 mm ２ and a thickness of 72 μm, and the drug delivery device according to any one of claims 40 to 49.

51. The drug delivery device according to claim 20, wherein the microchip element and the second microchip element are disposed on only one side of the drug delivery device, and the electrical components are disposed on the opposite side of the microchip element.

52. An implantable drug delivery device, A microchip element comprising a main body portion defining a plurality of microreservoirs, wherein the main body portion has an outer wall having a plurality of drug release openings that are in fluid communication with the plurality of microreservoirs, and the drug release openings are closed by corresponding reservoir caps configured to be electrically activated to open the drug release openings. A drug preparation containing a first drug is disposed within the microreservoir, An outer housing wall fixed to the main body portion of the microchip element at a position adjacent to the outer wall, comprising an outer housing wall having a drug-permeable membrane, A drug delivery device configured to operate in an aqueous environment after implantation in a living organism, to release the drug into a space defined between the drug-permeable membrane and the outer wall of the main body portion of the microchip element upon activation of the reservoir cap, and to subsequently diffuse the drug into the aqueous environment through the drug-permeable membrane.

53. The drug delivery device according to claim 52, further comprising a water-swellable filling material disposed in each of the microreservoirs, wherein the water-swellable filling material is configured to swell and discharge the drug from the microreservoirs into the space through the drug release opening.

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