Segmented Vaginal Ring Layout to Reduce Initial Drug Burst
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Solution Overview
Problem
Long-acting drug delivery devices, such as intravaginal rings, experience an initial burst effect due to drug accumulation in the membrane, leading to an increased drug release in the first days after insertion, which is problematic for drugs with high solubility in the polymer material, and require storage at controlled temperatures to mitigate this effect.
Innovation Solution
The drug delivery device is designed with a specific segment sequence where the drug with better solubility in the polymer matrix is placed between segments containing a less soluble drug, and optionally includes an inactive segment to separate drug-containing segments, reducing the initial burst effect.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If drug delivery devices use drugs with high solubility in polymer material, then drug release efficiency is improved, but initial burst effect increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple segments with different drug compositions. Drug-containing segments are separated by inactive segments, creating a segmented structure that controls drug release. This segmentation prevents the accumulation and simultaneous release of drugs, thereby reducing the initial burst effect while maintaining efficient drug delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
Different segments of the device have different local properties - some segments contain drugs with high solubility while others contain drugs with low solubility or are inactive. This local differentiation allows the device to optimize drug release efficiency in drug-containing segments while using inactive segments as buffers to reduce the overall initial burst effect.
2Device complexity
If drug-containing segments are placed adjacent to each other, then device complexity is reduced, but initial burst effect increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses a segmented arrangement where drug-containing segments are separated by inactive segments. This creates an alternating pattern (drug-containing segment - inactive segment - drug-containing segment) that reduces the initial burst effect while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that is easy to manufacture and understand.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If drug delivery devices require controlled temperature storage, then initial burst effect is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented structure with inactive segments acts as a built-in buffer system that reduces drug accumulation and initial burst effect. This structural solution allows the device to be stored at ambient temperatures without requiring controlled temperature storage, thereby improving ease of operation and storage convenience while still controlling the initial burst effect.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If inactive segments are added to separate drug-containing segments, then initial burst effect is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a regular alternating pattern of drug-containing segments and inactive segments. This systematic segmentation creates a predictable structure that, while more complex than a single continuous drug-containing component, remains manageable and manufacturable. The inactive segments serve as simple spacers that reduce the initial burst effect without requiring complex additional features.
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 design achieves a reduced initial burst and a more consistent drug release profile over the entire wearing period, allowing storage at ambient temperatures without the need for refrigeration.
Implementation Method 1
provides controlled release of active ingredient(s) to the vagina over extended periods of time in which absorption of the drugs takes place
Implementation Method 2
the membrane ensures a more constant drug release from the polymer core segments during the wearing time
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for altering the release characteristics of a long acting drug delivery device containing at least two drugs in different segments, wherein the segments are arranged to a specific sequence.The invention furthermore relates to a drug delivery device with reduced initial burst containing two different drugs in different segments.The invention further relates to a delivery device manufactured according to the a.m. method and its use in contraception and gynecological therapies.