Ketamine Microsphere Formulations for Extended Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ketamine treatments for depression and pain require frequent visits to healthcare providers, leading to inconvenience and increased costs for both patients and providers, while also posing challenges in preventing diversion.
Innovation Solution
Development of microsphere formulations comprising ketamine and biodegradable PLA polymers, which are administered via intramuscular or subcutaneous injection every 30 days, providing an extended release of ketamine for up to 30 days, thereby reducing the frequency of visits and maintaining control over the drug.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If ketamine is administered via immediate-acting injection, then the treatment effect is achieved quickly, but the patient must make frequent visits to the provider's office
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the ketamine delivery system into microsphere particles embedded in a biodegradable polymer matrix. This segmentation allows the drug to be released gradually over time as the polymer degrades, enabling a single injection to provide treatment over multiple weeks rather than requiring frequent injections
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates ketamine into biodegradable polymer microspheres in advance, creating a pre-formulated delivery system that releases the drug automatically over time. This preliminary action eliminates the need for frequent patient visits, as the pre-prepared microspheres provide sustained release after a single injection
2Reliability
If ketamine is administered under direct supervision with frequent visits, then diversion is prevented, but patient convenience and cost are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The biodegradable polymer matrix serves as an intermediary that controls ketamine release over time. This mediator allows the drug to be administered in a controlled manner that maintains security while improving patient convenience, as the polymer ensures the drug is released gradually without requiring frequent supervised visits
3Ease of manufacture
If ketamine is formulated in liquid form for immediate injection, then the drug is easily administered, but the treatment duration is limited and requires frequent re-administration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite material by combining ketamine with biodegradable polymer microspheres. This composite formulation maintains the ease of injection administration while extending the treatment duration, as the polymer matrix provides sustained release of ketamine over several weeks compared to the immediate action of liquid formulations
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
The microsphere formulations offer a convenient and cost-effective method for treating depression and pain by extending the release of ketamine for an extended period, minimizing visits and maintaining control over the medication, while ensuring effective treatment.
Implementation Method 1
a biodegradable polymer comprising a poly(lactide) ("PLA") polymer
Implementation Method 2
the polymer microspheres are characterized by a plurality of internal emulsions, each emulsion comprising water and a surfactant
Data Source
AI summary
Extended-release, injectable microsphere formulations comprising ketamine are provided. Methods for making and using the microsphere formulations are also provided.