Interventional Drug Delivery Through Localized Electric-Field Iontophoresis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drug delivery methods, such as oral, intravenous, and intramuscular administration, result in systemic distribution of therapeutic agents, lacking the ability to target and secure drugs locally at specific internal body tissues, and existing localized delivery technologies fail to embed therapeutics effectively.
Innovation Solution
A delivery system utilizing a source and counter electrode to create a localized electric field, with a reservoir interacting with this field to deliver therapeutic agents directly to target sites, enabling targeted and efficient delivery through iontophoresis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional drug delivery methods (oral, intravenous, intramuscular) are used, then drugs are delivered systemically throughout the body, but the ability to target and secure drugs locally at specific internal body tissues is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a localized electric field between source and counter electrodes positioned at the target site. This electric field confines the therapeutic agent delivery to a specific localized region of tissue, enabling high local concentration without systemic distribution. The field localization ensures that only the tissue between the electrodes receives the therapeutic agent, achieving precise spatial control of drug delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an electric field as an intermediary mechanism to transport charged therapeutic agents from the source electrode to the target tissue. The electric field acts as a mediator that enables controlled local delivery by exerting electromotive force on charged molecules, facilitating their movement through tissue without requiring systemic circulation.
2Reliability
If iontophoresis is used for localized delivery, then first-pass drug metabolism is avoided, but the ability to embed and secure therapeutics in the tissue is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by delivering the therapeutic agent directly to the target tissue site before any metabolic processing can occur. The electric field-driven delivery places the agent directly into the tissue matrix at the intended site of action, bypassing the liver and avoiding first-pass metabolism entirely. This direct placement ensures the therapeutic reaches the target in its full active form.
Solution Approach 2:
The localized electric field confines therapeutic delivery to the specific tissue region between the electrodes, preventing systemic distribution and ensuring the agent remains localized at the target site. This spatial confinement enables both avoidance of systemic metabolism and localized embedding of the therapeutic in the tissue matrix.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If high doses are delivered locally to avoid side effects, then localized treatment efficacy is improved, but the ability to securely embed the therapeutic in the tissue is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves local quality by confining high-dose therapeutic delivery to the precise tissue region between the source and counter electrodes. The localized electric field ensures that high concentrations of the therapeutic agent are delivered only to the target site without systemic distribution, thereby avoiding side effects while maintaining high local efficacy. The same localized field also enables secure embedding by directing the agent into the tissue matrix at the target site.
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 system allows for highly targeted and efficient delivery of therapeutic agents to specific internal body tissues, minimizing systemic distribution and side effects, while embedding the agents in the tissue of interest.
Implementation Method 1
The positively charged chamber (anode) repels a positively charged chemical, while the negatively charged chamber (cathode) repels a negatively charged chemical into the skin or other tissue. In the presence of an electric field, electromigration and electroosmosis are the dominant forces in mass transport.
Implementation Method 2
In the presence of an electric field, electromigration and electroosmosis are the dominant forces in mass transport.
Implementation Method 3
In the presence of an electric field, electromigration and electroosmosis are the dominant forces in mass transport.
Data Source
AI summary
A delivery system for local drug delivery to a target site of internal body tissue is provided. The delivery system comprises a source electrode adapted to be positioned proximate to a target site of internal body tissue. A counter electrode is in electrical communication with the source electrode, and is configured to cooperate with the source electrode to form a localized electric field proximate to the target site. A reservoir is configured to be disposed such that the reservoir is capable of interacting with the localized electric field. The reservoir is configured to carry a cargo capable of being delivered to the target site when exposed to the localized electric field. Associated methods are also provided.