Multi-part chewing gum kit for sustained nicotine delivery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing medicated chewing gums face challenges in effectively administering active pharmaceutical ingredients like nicotine due to issues with rapid or slow nicotine release, leading to inefficient absorption and utilization, as well as unpleasant taste that discourages prolonged chewing, which can result in overdosing and poor API absorption.

Innovation Solution

A multi-part kit comprising chewing gum with a tobacco alkaloid and flavor-containing formulations, where the gum base content in the flavor-containing formulations is less than 70% of the gum base content in the chewing gum, allowing for prolonged chewing and improved taste maintenance through flavor supplementation, thereby enhancing API absorption and utilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If nicotine is added as part of the coating, then fast release of nicotine is achieved, but substantial amounts of nicotine are lost to the stomach and digested without providing relief

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenicotine release speedVSAvoidnicotine loss
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the nicotine delivery system into two separate components: a chewing gum base containing nicotine and separate flavor-containing formulations. This segmentation allows the nicotine to be released slowly from the gum base while the flavor formulations are added later to maintain taste, preventing nicotine loss to the stomach and ensuring adequate absorption through the mucous membrane.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Duration of action of moving object

If nicotine is mixed with the gum base, then prolonged nicotine release is achieved, but the release is too slow and significant nicotine is trapped in the gum base

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenicotine release durationVSAvoidtrapped nicotine
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention creates a dynamic nicotine delivery system where the release rate can be optimized by controlling the amount and type of gum base used. By using a limited amount of gum base and supplementing with flavor formulations, the system achieves both prolonged release duration and adequate nicotine availability, preventing excessive trapping while maintaining sustained delivery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If chewing gum is kept in the mouth for prolonged period to absorb sufficient nicotine, then effective API absorption is achieved, but the taste worsens over time making it unappealing

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAPI absorption effectivenessVSAvoiduser compliance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies preliminary action by providing flavor-containing formulations to be added during the chewing process. These formulations are prepared in advance and can be supplemented as needed to maintain pleasant taste throughout the prolonged chewing duration required for effective nicotine absorption, thereby ensuring user compliance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Duration of action of moving object

If flavor is added to prolong chewing time, then user compliance is improved, but the cost of manufacturing increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechewing durationVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the product into a core gum base and separate flavor formulations. This allows the manufacturer to produce a cost-effective gum base and offer flavor supplements as optional add-ons, thereby extending chewing duration and improving compliance without significantly increasing the base manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2373179B1Multi-part kit comprising a chewing gum and further a flavor containing formulation
Publication Date: 2018.08.01 FERTIN PHARMA AS
  • EP2373179B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2373179B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP2373179B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

The invention relates to a multi-part kit for administering at least one active pharmaceutical ingredient comprising at least one piece of chewing gum comprising said active pharmaceutical ingredient, said piece of chewing gum comprising gum base; and at least one further flavor-containing formulation; wherein the gum base content of said at least one further flavor-containing formulation is less than 70% by weight of the gum base content of said piece of chewing gum.