Low-Temperature Cannabinoid Inhalation via Propellant Atomization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods of administering cannabinoids, such as smoking and vaporizing, alter the chemical composition of cannabinoids, leading to increased psychoactive effects and require high doses due to first-pass metabolism, making them less effective for therapeutic uses beyond psychoactivity and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A formulation of cannabinoids dissolved in pharmaceutically acceptable propellants and co-solvents, delivered via a metered dose inhaler without heating above 50°C, allowing for precise microdosing and bypassing first-pass metabolism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If cannabinoids are administered by smoking or vaporizing, then delivery to the lungs is achieved, but the chemical composition changes and psychoactive effects increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter from high-heat combustion/vaporization to low-temperature atomization (below 50°C), which preserves the chemical composition of cannabinoid acids while still enabling pulmonary delivery. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by maintaining both fast delivery and compositional stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the thermal-mechanical system of combustion and high-temperature vaporization with a mechanical atomization system using propellants. This substitution eliminates the thermal degradation that causes compositional changes and increased psychoactivity, while maintaining efficient lung delivery.
2Reliability
If cannabinoids are administered orally, then first pass metabolism is avoided, but significant doses are required due to high first pass metabolism effect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the lungs as an intermediary absorption route that bypasses the liver's first-pass metabolism. By delivering cannabinoids directly to the pulmonary alveoli where they can be absorbed into the bloodstream, the system achieves both high reliability of therapeutic effect and reduced dosage requirements.
3Productivity
If heat is applied to vaporize cannabinoids, then delivery efficiency is improved, but the acid form converts to non-acid form altering in-vivo effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter from high-temperature vaporization to low-temperature atomization below 50°C. This parameter change maintains delivery efficiency through pulmonary absorption while preserving the cannabinoid acid form, thereby maintaining the desired in-vivo therapeutic effects without psychoactive conversion.
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
This method reduces psychoactive effects and therapeutic dosages, providing effective cannabinoid delivery directly to the lungs with reduced side effects and increased bioavailability compared to oral or sublingual administration.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid formulation of cannabinoids dissolved in a pharmaceutically acceptable propellant
Implementation Method 2
delivered via a metered dose inhaler device
Data Source
AI summary
A cannabinoid material as active agent containing formulation comprising the active agent, an HFA propellant, and optionally a co-solvent is disclosed. Also disclosed is an inhalation method of administration of the formulation without the use of heat greater than 50° C.