Microparticle Formulation Cooling for Respiratory Delivery

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for methods to produce microparticle formulations with uniform size distribution for targeted delivery of active agents to specific respiratory sites, while minimizing systemic exposure and ensuring stability against degradation from packaging materials.

Innovation Solution

The method involves mixing an active agent with a counterion and an organic solvent, followed by controlled cooling to a predetermined temperature at a constant rate, which allows for the formation of microparticles with a narrow size distribution, and incorporating scavenging agents to protect against degradation from packaging materials.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If microparticles with smaller MMAD (3-8 microns) are used to increase absorption into bloodstream, then systemic exposure increases, but this poses increased risk of unwanted systemic exposure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefraction of microparticles absorbed into bloodstreamVSAvoidunwanted systemic exposure
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the MMAD of microparticles within a specific range (3-8 microns) to optimize absorption while managing systemic exposure risk. This involves adjusting formulation parameters such as particle size distribution, composition, and physical properties to achieve the desired balance between therapeutic efficacy and safety

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs partial action by delivering microparticles with controlled size distribution that achieves sufficient absorption for therapeutic effect without excessive penetration into systemic circulation. The MMAD control ensures that only the necessary fraction of particles is absorbed, avoiding over-exposure while maintaining treatment effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

2Manufacturing precision

If microparticles are made small enough to deposit in upper and central respiratory airways, then target site delivery is achieved, but they may reach deeper parts of lungs and be absorbed into bloodstream

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemicroparticle size controlVSAvoidpharmacokinetic profile safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by establishing a specific MMAD range (3-8 microns) that optimizes deposition in upper and central respiratory airways while minimizing deep lung penetration. This precise parameter control ensures particles are small enough for target site delivery but large enough to avoid excessive systemic absorption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms through rigorous characterization and control of particle size distribution during manufacturing. By continuously monitoring and adjusting the MMAD and size distribution parameters, the process ensures consistent delivery to target sites while preventing unwanted deep lung deposition and systemic absorption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Stability of the object's composition

If active agent is protected from packaging materials using scavenging agents, then stability is improved, but formulation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactive agent stabilityVSAvoidformulation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs scavenging agents as intermediary substances that protect the active agent from degradation by packaging materials. These scavenging agents act as mediators between the active agent and potential harmful components in packaging, such as peroxides or aldehydes, preventing direct harmful interactions while maintaining formulation simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 approach results in microparticles with precise size control for targeted respiratory delivery, reducing systemic absorption and maintaining stability, ensuring effective and safe administration of drugs like DAS181 for respiratory tract infections and disorders.

Implementation Method 1

cooling the feedstock solution at a constant rate to a predetermined temperature to form microparticles

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFreezing: Freezing

Data Source

PatentUS9700602B2Microparticle formulations for delivery to the lower and central respiratory tract and methods of manufacture
Publication Date: 2017.07.11 ANSUN BIOPHARMA INC

AI summary

Microparticle formulations of a sialidase fusion protein are produced by contacting an aqueous solution of a protein or other active agent with an organic solvent, a counterion and a scavenging agent, and chilling the solution. The microparticles are useful for preparing stable, uniform pharmaceuticals of predetermined defined dimensions.