Orally Disintegrating Nicotine Tablet pH Regulation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing nicotine-releasing tablets struggle to achieve a nicotine release profile that mimics smoking without causing undesirable throat irritation, known as nicotine burning.

Innovation Solution

An orally disintegrating nicotine tablet comprising nicotine and a pH regulating agent, administered between the lip and gum, which minimizes throat irritation and enhances nicotine absorption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If nicotine is released quickly to provide fast craving relief, then nicotine absorption is improved, but throat irritation (nicotine burning) increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenicotine absorption speedVSAvoidthroat irritation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the pH parameter of the oral environment by incorporating a pH-regulating agent (alkaline substance) into the tablet formulation. This pH modification alters the ionization state of nicotine, enabling faster absorption through the buccal mucosa while simultaneously reducing the harsh burning sensation in the throat, thus resolving the contradiction between fast nicotine release and throat irritation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The pH-regulating agent acts as an intermediary substance that mediates between nicotine and the oral tissues. By adjusting the local pH environment, this intermediary facilitates gentler and faster nicotine absorption without directly causing irritation, effectively bridging the gap between rapid nicotine delivery and user comfort

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If nicotine release is slowed to reduce throat irritation, then nicotine burning decreases, but nicotine absorption efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethroat irritationVSAvoidnicotine absorption efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Rather than slowing nicotine release, the patent changes the chemical environment (pH parameter) to enable fast nicotine release to proceed without causing excessive throat irritation. The pH-regulating agent creates conditions where rapid nicotine absorption and user comfort can coexist, eliminating the need to compromise absorption efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If the tablet is administered sublingually (under the tongue) to achieve fast nicotine absorption, then nicotine craving relief is improved, but the tablet may be mistaken for candy and misused by non-smokers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenicotine absorption speedVSAvoidmisuse risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the principle of local quality by selecting a specific administration site (buccal cavity between cheek and gum) that provides fast nicotine absorption similar to sublingual administration but with distinct sensory characteristics. The tingling sensation and localized effect in the buccal area create a unique user experience that clearly distinguishes the product from candy, reducing misuse risk while maintaining high absorption efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 tablet provides fast and effective nicotine craving relief while significantly reducing throat irritation, with improved nicotine absorption and a desirable mouthfeel.

Implementation Method 1

the tablet comprising nicotine and a pH regulating agent

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectpH regulation:

Implementation Method 2

the orally disintegrating nicotine tablet completely dissolves, the entire content of nicotine is released orally

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDissolution:

Implementation Method 3

significantly improved nicotine absorption

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS20250082579A1Orally disintegrating nicotine tablet for use under lip

Publication Date: 2025.03.13 FERTIN PHARMA AS

AI summary

An orally disintegrating nicotine tablet for use in alleviation of nicotine craving is disclosed, the tablet comprising nicotine and a pH regulating agent, wherein the tablet is administered between the lip and gum. Also, a method for treatment of nicotine craving is disclosed.