Single-Dose Otic Formulation With Extended Ear Canal Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for fungal ear infections, such as otitis externa, require multiple applications over several days, are inconvenient, and often fail to effectively eradicate a broad spectrum of fungal and bacterial infections due to poor adherence to the ear canal and rapid egress of liquid formulations.
Innovation Solution
A single-dose otic formulation containing antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory agents in a thickened base that maintains viscosity within the ear canal for an extended period, allowing continuous release of active ingredients for at least two to seven days.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If liquid ear drops are used to treat fungal ear infections, then the formulation can be easily applied, but the liquid egresses from the ear canal rapidly and cannot reach all infected areas effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameter of viscosity by incorporating a viscogen into the otic formulation. This transforms the liquid drops into a more viscous formulation that remains in the ear canal longer, preventing rapid egress while maintaining ease of application. The viscogen increases the formulation's ability to adhere to infected areas without requiring complex delivery devices.
2Reliability
If multiple applications of antifungal agents are administered over several days, then the treatment can be tailored to the specific fungal species, but patient adherence becomes difficult and treatment period is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a broad-spectrum antifungal agent into the formulation that provides preliminary and sustained action within the ear canal. The viscous formulation ensures the drug remains in contact with the infection for an extended period, reducing the need for multiple applications and improving patient adherence while maintaining treatment efficacy against various fungal species.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a broad-spectrum antifungal agent that can treat multiple types of fungal infections (Aspergillus, Candida, and other otomycosis-causing fungi) with a single formulation. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for species-specific treatment protocols and reduces the number of applications required, thereby improving patient adherence.
3Ease of operation
If pure liquid form of drugs is used for treating chronic otitis externa, then the formulation can be easily administered, but the liquid egresses rapidly and cannot reach upper half of the ear canal due to gravity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the viscosity parameter of the formulation by adding a viscogen, transforming it from a pure liquid into a viscous gel-like substance. This increased viscosity allows the formulation to resist gravity and remain in the ear canal, enabling it to reach and cover the upper half of the ear canal that liquid drops cannot access.
4Duration of action of moving object
If creams and ointments are used to treat ear infections, then the formulation remains in the ear canal longer, but the ENT must remove the cream or ointment after treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a viscogen to create a formulation with intermediate viscosity - not as thick as creams or ointments, but thicker than liquid drops. This optimized viscosity allows the formulation to remain in the ear canal for extended contact time while still being easily removable by the patient or provider after treatment, avoiding the need for mechanical removal.
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 formulation achieves a high cure rate of up to 100% in treating fungal and bacterial infections with minimal bacterial resistance, reducing the need for repeated applications and ensuring complete eradication of symptoms within a week.
Implementation Method 1
The formulation comprises a therapeutically effective amount of one or more antibacterial agents, one or more antifungal agents, and one or more anti-inflammatory agents, together with a thickened base that egresses from the ear in less than 7 days
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a formulation and method for treating an ear infection, especially otomycosis and otitis externa, by administering a one-time only treatment comprising an antibiotic, antifungal, and an anti-inflammatory in a thick, otic carrier. In one embodiment, the formulation comprises a therapeutically effective amount of active ingredients including a marbofloxacin, terbinafine and/or clotrimazole and dexamethasone.