Thermally Regulated Transdermal Patch for Pulsatile Drug Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transdermal drug delivery systems face limitations such as difficulty in transporting pharmaceutical agents across the skin, requiring frequent patch replacements, and lack of customizable delivery for clinical applications.
Innovation Solution
A transdermal delivery system with a temperature control element that heats and cools a portion of the transdermal membrane to provide pulsatile delivery of active agents, allowing controlled timing and amount of drug delivery through the skin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If passive transdermal delivery is used, then the skin barrier function is maintained, but the drug delivery rate is limited and frequent patch replacement is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic heating cycles to the transdermal patch to create pulsatile drug delivery. The heating element periodically increases temperature to enhance drug diffusion through the skin barrier, then reduces temperature to maintain controlled release, creating rhythmic pulses of drug delivery that overcome the limitations of passive diffusion while preserving skin integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temperature parameter of the transdermal patch to control drug delivery rate. By dynamically adjusting the temperature of the patch applied to the skin, the system modulates the diffusion coefficient of the drug through the skin barrier, enabling variable delivery rates without compromising the skin's barrier function
2Reliability
If passive transdermal delivery is used, then skin barrier function is preserved, but customizable drug delivery timing and amount cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic control to the transdermal delivery system through a controllable heating element that can be programmed with different heating profiles. This enables the system to adapt drug delivery timing and amount to match specific clinical needs, such as delivering nicotine during daytime hours when cravings occur or providing Parkinson's medication before symptom onset, while maintaining skin barrier integrity through controlled temperature cycling
3Productivity
If temperature control is added to enhance drug delivery, then drug delivery rate increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the phase transition concept by heating the transdermal patch to a temperature threshold that triggers enhanced drug diffusion through the skin. The heating element raises the patch temperature above body temperature to accelerate drug release, then allows it to cool back down, creating a thermal cycle that drives pulsatile delivery without requiring complex pumping or pressurization mechanisms
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 system enables controlled pulsatile delivery of active agents, enhancing therapeutic efficacy by matching drug delivery to specific needs, such as managing cravings or symptoms at targeted times, while minimizing discomfort and frequency of application.
Implementation Method 1
The temperature control element is configured to heat and/or cool a portion of the transdermal delivery system so as to provide pulsatile delivery of the active agent through the transdermal membrane
Implementation Method 2
the rate at which the patient receives the drug is limited by how quickly (or slowly) the drug can diffuse across the skin
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are drug and other active agent transdermal delivery systems and devices to deliver active agents to skin or mucosa of a subject, and methods of delivering such active agents. In particular, systems, methods, and devices are described that control the concentration and timing of active agent delivery. Such systems or devices may include a transdermal membrane and a temperature control element for heating and/or cooling a portion of the transdermal delivery system to provide pulsatile active agent delivery through the transdermal membrane.