Acetaldehyde-Binding Sucking Tablets for Tobacco Withdrawal

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Smokers and heavy alcohol users face significant challenges in quitting due to the addictive nature of nicotine and acetaldehyde, which increases cancer risks and health hazards, with existing methods showing limited success in long-term withdrawal.

Innovation Solution

Development of a preparation, such as sucking tablets containing L-cysteine, that binds acetaldehyde in the saliva or alimentary tract, reducing cravings and dependence on tobacco and alcohol by neutralizing acetaldehyde, combined with a program for gradual withdrawal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If nicotine replacement therapy is used to help smokers quit, then withdrawal support is provided, but long-term success rate remains low (only about 20% succeed over 12 months)

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewithdrawal success rateVSAvoidlong-term effectiveness period
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces acetaldehyde-binding substances (such as cysteine, glutathione, or their derivatives) as intermediary compounds that bind to acetaldehyde in the oral cavity and alimentary tract. This mediation prevents acetaldehyde from contributing to addiction and carcinogenesis, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of withdrawal programs beyond what nicotine replacement therapy alone can achieve.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts and neutralizes the harmful acetaldehyde component from the tobacco-alcohol consumption experience by introducing binding substances that selectively bind acetaldehyde in the mouth and upper alimentary tract, removing its addictive and carcinogenic effects while leaving other aspects of the system intact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of operation

If smoking and alcohol consumption continue, then immediate gratification and social benefits are obtained, but cancer risk increases 150-fold due to acetaldehyde formation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconvenience of consumptionVSAvoidcancer risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of acetaldehyde into a beneficial outcome by introducing binding substances that transform free acetaldehyde (a carcinogen) into bound complexes. This allows continued consumption habits while eliminating the 150-fold increased cancer risk, effectively turning a deadly combination into a safe one.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

Acetaldehyde-binding substances act as intermediaries between acetaldehyde and biological tissues, preventing direct contact between the carcinogen and DNA. The binding substances (cysteine, glutathione, etc.) serve as protective mediators that trap acetaldehyde in the oral cavity and upper alimentary tract before it can cause damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If acetaldehyde-binding substances are introduced to neutralize acetaldehyde, then cancer risk and cravings are reduced, but the complexity of the withdrawal program increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewithdrawal effectivenessVSAvoidprogram structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs substances that automatically bind acetaldehyde through their chemical properties without requiring complex delivery systems. The binding substances (cysteine, glutathione, or their derivatives) naturally occur in the body or can be easily administered, and they self-regulate by binding acetaldehyde as it is produced, simplifying the overall program structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the chemical parameter of acetaldehyde by introducing binding substances that alter its state from free (harmful) to bound (harmless). This parameter change (from free acetaldehyde to acetaldehyde-bound complex) fundamentally reduces its carcinogenic and addictive properties without requiring complex procedural changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The acetaldehyde-binding preparation effectively reduces salivary acetaldehyde levels, diminishing the formation of addictive compounds, leading to successful withdrawal from tobacco and alcohol, with significant reductions in cravings and health risks over time.

Implementation Method 1

sucking tablets containing L-cysteine, that binds acetaldehyde in the saliva or alimentary tract

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical binding: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentEP2197436B1Sucking tablet for use in reducing tobacco and/or alcohol dependence
Publication Date: 2017.11.22 BIOHIT OYJ
  • EP2197436B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2197436B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2197436B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to the use of a preparation comprising a substance that is capable of binding acetaldehyde, and to the use of a filter that is attached to a tobacco product to reduce tobacco and/or alcohol dependence.