Combination of dextromethorphan and bupropion for treating depression in asian patients

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing treatments with bupropion are ineffective for depression in Asian patients, and dextromethorphan plasma levels are not adequately maintained, leading to potential adverse events and reduced efficacy.

Innovation Solution

A combination of bupropion and dextromethorphan is administered once or twice daily to Asian patients, with specific metabolites or prodrugs of bupropion co-administered to increase dextromethorphan plasma levels and reduce adverse events.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If bupropion is administered alone to Asian patients, then the treatment simplicity is maintained, but the therapeutic efficacy is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetherapeutic efficacyVSAvoidtreatment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines bupropion and dextromethorphan into a single medicament formulation, merging two therapeutic agents with complementary mechanisms of action. This combination approach addresses the insufficient efficacy of monotherapy while managing complexity through integrated formulation design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If dextromethorphan is administered at standard doses, then the dosage simplicity is maintained, but the plasma levels are not adequately maintained leading to adverse events

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplasma level stabilityVSAvoiddosage regimen complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the dosing parameters of dextromethorphan when combined with bupropion, adjusting frequency and timing to maintain stable plasma levels. This parameter optimization ensures therapeutic efficacy while reducing adverse events associated with fluctuating drug levels

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If bupropion is used as monotherapy, then the treatment cost is reduced, but the effectiveness for Asian patients is inadequate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment effectivenessVSAvoidmedicament composition complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite medicament containing both bupropion and dextromethorphan, leveraging their synergistic effects. This composite formulation provides enhanced therapeutic effectiveness for Asian patients while consolidating multiple substances into a single coordinated treatment regimen

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentEP3908270B1Combination of dextromethorphan and bupropion for treating depression in asian patients
Publication Date: 2025.08.27 ANTECIP BIOVENTURES II LLC
  • EP3908270B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3908270B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3908270B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Dosage forms, drug delivery systems, and methods related to sustained release of dextromethorphan or improved therapeutic effects are disclosed. Typically, bupropion or a related compound is orally administered to a human being to be treated with, or being treated with, dextromethorphan.