Inhaled Ivermectin Formulation for Therapeutic Lung Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oral and topical formulations of ivermectin are ineffective in achieving therapeutic concentrations in the lungs for treating parasitic infections and viruses that enter the human body via the nasal or respiratory tract, posing safety concerns with higher oral doses.
Innovation Solution
Development of inhaled formulations of ivermectin, including nebulized and dry powder inhaler (DPI) formulations, utilizing micro or nano particles with aerodynamic diameters between 0.5 μm-5 μm, combined with pharmaceutically acceptable excipients to ensure direct delivery to the lungs, and optionally incorporating antioxidants for stability and additional benefits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If oral formulations of ivermectin are used, then the drug can be administered systemically, but therapeutic concentrations in the lungs are not achieved and safety concerns arise with higher doses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses inhalation as an intermediary route of administration that directly delivers ivermectin to the lungs, bypassing the systemic circulation limitations of oral administration. This mediator approach allows localized high concentration achievement without requiring high systemic doses, thereby resolving the contradiction between achieving therapeutic lung concentrations and maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality by targeting drug delivery specifically to the lungs through inhalation. By concentrating the drug locally at the site of infection rather than distributing it systemically, the patent achieves high therapeutic concentrations in the lungs without the need for high overall doses, thus avoiding safety concerns associated with high systemic exposure.
2Ease of operation
If inhaled formulations with particles of 0.5 μm-5 μm are used, then direct delivery to the lungs is achieved, but formulation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by specifically controlling particle size within the 0.5 μm-5 μm range, which is the optimal aerodynamic diameter for lung deposition. This parameter optimization enables effective pulmonary delivery through standard inhalation devices without requiring overly complex formulation systems, balancing ease of operation with manageable formulation complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention contemplates the use of inhaled ivermectin for use in various viruses and parasitic infections (treatment and/or prophylaxis) that are present or manifest in the lungs or respiratory tract. Exemplary dosing, formulations, devices, and processing techniques are also disclosed herein.