Non-absorbable Vaginal Ring for Controlled Progesterone Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for administering progesterone vaginally to prevent premature birth require daily self-insertion of absorbable capsules, which can be non-sterile and increase the risk of infection, necessitating frequent medical visits.

Innovation Solution

A non-absorbable carrier element, such as a vaginal ring, is used to release progesterone doses over a predetermined period, eliminating the need for daily self-administration and reducing the risk of infection by allowing medical personnel to insert it in a sterile manner.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If absorbable capsules are used for progesterone administration, then the active ingredient can be delivered to the patient, but the patient must perform daily self-insertion which increases the risk of non-sterile procedure and infection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesterility of administration procedureVSAvoidconvenience of self-administration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a disposable vaginal ring that is inserted once and remains in place for an extended period (typically 2-4 weeks), eliminating the need for repeated self-insertion of capsules. The ring is designed to be used once and then discarded, ensuring sterility while maintaining convenience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The vaginal ring serves as an intermediary device that delivers progesterone directly to the vaginal tissue over an extended period. This intermediary approach replaces the need for repeated direct administration by the patient, maintaining sterility while providing continuous drug delivery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Duration of action of moving object

If absorbable capsules are administered daily, then progesterone can be supplied continuously, but frequent medical visits are necessary for monitoring and supply

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveduration of progesterone supplyVSAvoidtime spent on medical visits

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The vaginal ring provides continuous progesterone release over an extended period (2-4 weeks) through a controlled release mechanism embedded in the ring material. This continuous action eliminates the need for daily dosing and reduces the frequency of medical visits while maintaining therapeutic effect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The ring is designed for periodic replacement rather than daily insertion. A single insertion provides drug delivery for multiple weeks, creating a periodic administration schedule that significantly reduces the time lost to medical visits compared to daily capsule administration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Duration of action of stationary object

If non-absorbable carrier element is used, then the carrier can be left in place for extended periods, but the carrier must be non-resorbable requiring removal and replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveduration of carrier element retentionVSAvoidcomplexity of removal and replacement procedure

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The vaginal ring is designed as a disposable device that remains in place for an extended period (2-4 weeks) and is then removed and discarded. This approach simplifies the system by eliminating the need for complex removal mechanisms or resorbable materials, as the entire device is replaced periodically in a simple removal-and-insertion process.

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 solution provides a sterile and convenient method for prolonged progesterone administration, reducing the risk of premature birth and eliminating the need for daily medical visits, as the carrier element can be replaced every several days or weeks.

Implementation Method 1

the carrier element releases the active ingredient in doses over a predetermined period of time

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectControlled release:

Data Source

PatentEP2932961B1Method and system for intravaginal administration of progesterone

Publication Date: 2020.05.06 KAYSER ANTONIA

AI summary

A method for the intravaginal administration of progesterone comprises the steps of providing progesterone and vaginally inserting progesterone, wherein the progesterone is provided on a non-absorbable carrier element, the non-absorbable carrier element containing the progesterone is vaginally inserted, and the non-absorbable carrier element remains in place intravaginally for a predetermined period. A system for the intravaginal administration of progesterone with a carrier element that can be inserted into a patient's vagina, wherein the carrier element is impregnated with the active ingredient progesterone, is characterized in that the carrier element is non-absorbable and releases the active ingredient progesterone in a controlled dose over a predetermined period. A vaginal ring is used as the non-absorbable carrier element.