Applicator-Based Transdermal Drug Delivery System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current transdermal drug delivery systems, such as TD patches, are limited in their ability to deliver drugs at higher rates due to the limited capacity of drug delivery medium and restricted choices for drug delivery media, making them unsuitable for active pharmaceutical ingredients requiring higher doses.
Innovation Solution
A transdermal drug delivery system comprising an applicator mounted on a medical tape via an adhesive layer, with a topical formulation filled in a sealed space between the applicator's rim and blunt spikes, allowing for adjustable drug delivery rates and increased skin contact area, using a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, stabilizers, and skin penetration enhancers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional TD patches are used, then accurate drug delivery rate control is achieved, but the drug delivery capacity is limited and manufacturing cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable applicator design that combines a medical tape substrate with a topical formulation reservoir. This disposable approach eliminates complex manufacturing equipment requirements while ensuring accurate drug delivery. The applicator is designed for single use, combining the accuracy of TD patches with the manufacturing simplicity of topical formulations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional TD patches are used, then accurate drug delivery rate control is achieved, but the choice of drug delivery media is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal delivery system where the applicator can accommodate various topical formulation types (creams, ointments, gels, solutions) rather than being restricted to specific drug delivery media. This multi-functional design allows the system to deliver different drugs at adjustable rates by simply changing the topical formulation while keeping the applicator structure the same.
3Ease of operation
If topical composition products are used, then manufacturing cost is low and ease of use is improved, but the mechanism for controlling drug delivery rate through fixed area is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the delivery system into distinct components: a medical tape substrate providing fixed contact area, a reservoir containing controlled amount of topical formulation, and an applicator mechanism. This segmentation allows the system to maintain the ease of use of topical products while incorporating the rate control capability of TD patches through the defined reservoir and contact area.
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
Enables higher and adjustable drug delivery rates compared to traditional TD patches, reducing gastrointestinal side effects of drugs like ibuprofen and expanding the range of suitable active pharmaceutical ingredients for transdermal delivery.
Implementation Method 1
an applicator which is mounted on a backing layer of a medical tape via an adhesive layer
Implementation Method 2
a topical formulation comprising a drug... in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, stabilizers, and skin penetration enhancers
Data Source
AI summary
An applicator-based transdermal drug delivery system (ABTDS) for administration of drugs to a patient to treat ailments in combination with a wide range of topical formulation classes including but not limited to creams, foams, gels, lotions, and ointments is described herein. The transdermal drug delivery system utilizes an applicator that can be in various disk-like shapes and sizes, and that contain the topical formulation in a fixed area, and is applied over the skin of the patient to ensure accurate drug delivery and protect the drug from being rubbed away. Additional features of the applicator include numerous blunt spikes present on its surface that are designed to enhance rate of drug delivery.