Polyurethane Copolymer Intravaginal Ring for Multi-Drug Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intravaginal drug delivery devices, such as IVRs, face limitations in mechanical stiffness, manufacturing costs, and inability to provide adequate release rates for hydrophilic drugs, and are restricted to single-drug delivery and high processing temperatures, which hinder the co-delivery of drugs with different hydrophilicity.
Innovation Solution
Development of intravaginal drug delivery devices using polyurethane copolymers with tailored release characteristics, allowing for the co-delivery of multiple drugs with contrasting hydrophilicity, reduced processing temperatures, and improved mechanical properties, utilizing a biostable polymer matrix with adjustable permeability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If silicone is used for IVR fabrication, then mechanical stiffness is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase due to larger cross-sectional diameters required for retention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from silicone to polyurethane copolymer, which provides comparable mechanical stiffness but allows for smaller cross-sectional diameters, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the required retractive forces for vaginal cavity retention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs polyurethane copolymers as composite materials that combine the mechanical properties needed for stiffness with the flexibility to achieve smaller diameters, resolving the contradiction between mechanical strength and device complexity
2Ease of manufacture
If EVA or silicone is used for IVR, then ease of manufacture is improved, but manufacturing costs increase and ability to deliver hydrophilic drugs is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the polymer parameter from hydrophobic (EVA/silicone) to hydrophilic polyurethane copolymer, enabling adequate release rates for hydrophilic drugs while maintaining ease of manufacture through established polymer processing techniques
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses polyurethane copolymers as composite materials that combine hydrophilic properties for drug release with manufacturability, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and drug delivery versatility
3Ease of manufacture
If high processing temperatures are used for polyurethanes, then manufacturing is achieved, but thermolabile drugs are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the processing temperature parameter to lower ranges that are sufficient for polyurethane copolymer processing while preserving thermolabile drugs, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing capability and drug stability
4Device complexity
If single-drug formulation is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to deliver multiple drugs with different hydrophilicity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the polyurethane copolymer formulation universal by enabling it to deliver both hydrophobic and hydrophilic drugs simultaneously, achieving multi-functionality without significantly increasing device complexity
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 polyurethane copolymer-based devices provide sustained and controlled release of pharmaceutically active substances, enhancing user acceptability and reducing manufacturing costs, while maintaining mechanical integrity and biocompatibility, enabling effective delivery of both hydrophobic and hydrophilic drugs.
Implementation Method 1
the drug may be absorbed by the surrounding body fluid through the vaginal tissue
Implementation Method 2
the use of polyurethanes for drug delivery devices has been limited in part due to the high processing temperatures required for polyurethanes
Data Source
AI summary
Intravaginal drug delivery device comprising at least one pharmaceutically active substance, and a polyurethane copolymer, wherein the copolymer has the structure according to formula (I):Also, method comprising administering one or more pharmaceutically active substances to a patient in need thereof.