Alginate Composition with MSM and Potassium Citrate for Reflux

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current alginate-based treatments for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) do not adequately address minor, nuanced symptoms such as hypopharyngeal and oropharyngeal burns, hypopharyngeal/laryngeal bolus sensation, sensation of external laryngeal constriction, and nocturnal cough, which are difficult to diagnose and manage.

Innovation Solution

A composition combining alginate with methylsulfonylmethane, an alkali metal salt of a carboxylic acid (preferably potassium citrate), hyaluronic acid, Emblica officinalis extract, and Stevia Rebaudiana, providing a dual barrier and anti-inflammatory effect that reduces symptoms and promotes healing of esophageal mucosa.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If alginate-based preparations are used to treat GERD, then protective action on the mucosa is achieved, but minor symptoms such as hypopharyngeal burns, laryngeal constriction, and cough are not adequately addressed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotective action on mucosaVSAvoidcoverage of symptom range
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines alginate with methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) and hyaluronic acid to create a multi-functional composition. Alginate provides the protective barrier function, while MSM adds anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, and hyaluronic acid contributes to mucosa healing. This merging of substances allows the single composition to address both the protective barrier need and the minor symptoms like cough, burns, and constriction sensations that alginate alone could not adequately treat.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite pharmaceutical composition integrating three distinct substances with complementary mechanisms of action. The alginate forms the structural barrier, MSM provides anti-inflammatory effects through its chemical properties, and hyaluronic acid enhances mucosal repair. This composite approach transforms the单一 protective function into a multi-functional system that simultaneously addresses mucosal protection and symptom relief.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-generated harmful factors

If conventional alginate formulations are administered, then gastric reflux is reduced, but inflammation and painful states of esophagus and larynx persist

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegastric refluxVSAvoidinflammation and pain
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Methylsulfonylmethane acts as an intermediary substance that bridges the gap between mechanical reflux control and inflammatory response management. While alginate controls the physical reflux, MSM mediates the inflammatory response by reducing prostaglandin synthesis and cytokine production, thereby addressing the painful and inflammatory states that persist despite reflux control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the chemical and biological parameters of the treatment by introducing MSM and hyaluronic acid. MSM alters the inflammatory parameter profile by reducing pro-inflammatory mediators, while hyaluronic acid modifies the tissue repair parameters. This parameter transformation allows the treatment to address inflammation and pain states that were not corrected by alginate alone.

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 composition effectively reduces symptoms and inflammation associated with GERD, including minor symptoms, by forming a protective barrier on the esophageal mucosa and accelerating healing, making it suitable for both erosive and non-erosive reflux disease.

Implementation Method 1

alginate-based formulations form a gelatinous foam or a sort of raft that floats on the gastric contents

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGel formation: Gel

Implementation Method 2

this 'floating' raft ascends through the esophagus first, thus preceding the gastric juices

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Data Source

PatentEP4059506A1Composition for the treatment of reflux esophagitis and related symptoms
Publication Date: 2022.09.21 EURO PHARMA SRL
  • EP4059506A1 patent drawing
  • EP4059506A1 patent drawing
  • EP4059506A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Composition for use in the treatment of acid reflux disease comprising an alginate, such as sodium alginate, methylsulfonylmethane, and an alkali metal salt of a polycarboxylic acid having 2-5 carboxylic groups, preferably potassium citrate. The composition may further contain hyaluronic acid, in particular in a salt form, an extract of Emblica officinalis and Stevia Rebaudiana.