Polyamine Hydrogel Iontophoretic Patch for Triptan Delivery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing iontophoretic devices for transdermal delivery of therapeutic agents, such as triptan compounds, face limitations due to their two-component structure with wire connections, which can be cumbersome and expensive, and often cause skin irritation at higher dosages.

Innovation Solution

The use of polyamine hydrogel formulations in iontophoretic transdermal patches allows for higher dosages of triptan compounds to be administered with increased electrical current without significant skin irritation, using a self-contained patch design with an anode and cathode reservoirs comprising specific ratios of triptan, water, alkylated methacrylate copolymer, fatty acids, and other additives.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If higher dosages of triptan compounds are administered through iontophoresis, then the therapeutic effect is improved, but skin irritation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedosage of triptan compoundVSAvoidskin irritation
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces polyamine hydrogel as an intermediary substance in the iontophoretic formulation. This hydrogel acts as a mediator that enables higher dosages of triptan compounds to be delivered through the skin without causing substantial irritation, thereby resolving the contradiction between increasing dosage and reducing skin irritation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the chemical and physical parameters of the iontophoretic formulation by incorporating polyamine hydrogel. This modification allows the system to operate at higher current densities (up to 4 mA) without causing significant erythema, thus enabling higher drug delivery dosages while maintaining skin safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If a two-component system with wire connections is used, then the delivery control is improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedelivery controlVSAvoidtwo-component structure with wires
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the triptan compound reservoir and the polyamine hydrogel formulation into a single integrated transdermal patch unit. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate wire-connected components and external controllers, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining delivery control capabilities through the self-contained patch design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and eliminates the complex wire-connected control system from the delivery device. By removing the external controller and battery components, the invention simplifies the device structure while retaining the essential iontophoretic delivery function through a self-contained patch that requires no external power supply or wiring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Manufacturing precision

If programmable controllers are used, then the delivery precision is improved, but the cost and reliability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedelivery precisionVSAvoidcontroller reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a disposable, non-programmable iontophoretic patch design that eliminates the need for expensive and potentially unreliable programmable controllers. The simple, reliable patch unit is discarded after single use, avoiding issues associated with controller longevity, contamination, and cost, while still providing precise delivery through its straightforward electrochemical mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 enables efficient and irritation-free delivery of triptan compounds, achieving higher plasma concentrations and extended treatment duration with reduced skin irritation, making it suitable for treating migraines and other triptan-responsive states.

Implementation Method 1

The process of iontophoresis was described by LeDuc in 1908 and has since found commercial use in the delivery of ionically charged therapeutic agent molecules... In this delivery method, ions bearing a positive charge are driven across the skin at the site of an electrolytic electrical system anode while ions bearing a negative charge are driven across the skin at the site of an electrolytic system cathode.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIontophoresis: Iontophoresis

Implementation Method 2

ions bearing a positive charge are driven across the skin at the site of an electrolytic electrical system anode while ions bearing a negative charge are driven across the skin at the site of an electrolytic system cathode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrophoresis: Electrophoresis

Data Source

PatentUS8366600B2Polyamine enhanced formulations for triptan compound iontophoresis
Publication Date: 2013.02.05 TEVA PHARMACEUTICALS INTERNATIONAL GMBH

AI summary

A patch and compositions for iontophoresis of triptan compounds are described.