Method and composition for treating sleep apnea

• US 20020099033A1
• Filed: 12/10/2001
• Published: 07/25/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 04/16/1997
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (University of Wisconsin System)
• Original Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (University of Wisconsin System)
• Inventors: Meyer, Keith C., Badr, M. Safwan
• Application Number:
  US10/016,474
• Publication Number:
  US 20020099033A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 514/76
• CPC Class Codes: A61K 31/685 one of the hydroxy compounds having nitrogen atoms, e.g. phosphatidylserine, lecithin
• CPC Class Codes: A61K 38/1709 from mammals
• CPC Class Codes: A61K 9/006 Oral mucosa, e.g. mucoadhesive forms, sublingual droplets; Buccal patches or films; Buccal sprays
• CPC Class Codes: A61P 11/00 Drugs for disorders of the respiratory system
• CPC Class Codes: A61P 43/00 Drugs for specific purposes, not provided for in groups A61P1/00-A61P41/00

Abstract

Application of synthetic or naturally occurring lung surfactant to the posterior pharyngeal region prior to a period of sleep significantly reduces episodes of sleep disturbance resulting in apnea or hypopnea. The present invention provides lung surfactant in a convenient applicator container for easy use and storage. Incidents of oxygen desaturation are reduced, thereby lowering the risks of apnea-associated pathologies.

Claims

1. A method for treating sleep apnea comprising

applying a pulmonary alveolar surfactant preparation in a pharmacologically effective dose to the posterior pharyngeal region of a patient prior to a period of sleep.

2. A method for treating sleep apnea comprising

applying a phospholipid-containing surfactant preparation capable of lowering the surface tension of water to about 15-50 mN*⁻

1 in a pharmacologically effective dose to the posterior pharyngeal region of a patient prior to a period of sleep.

3. The method of claim 2 wherein said surfactant preparation further includes a protein portion selected from the group consisting of SP-A, SP-B, SP-C, and SP-D in pharmacologically effective doses.

4. The method of claim 2 wherein said phospholipid is selected from the group consisting of saturated phosphatidylcholine, unsaturated phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol, dipalmitoylphosphatidylchloine, and combinations thereof.

5. The method of claim 2 wherein said surfactant preparation further includes neutral lipids.

6. An article of manufacture for treating sleep apnea comprising

an inhaler vessel having a reservoir portion and a nozzle portion, said inhaler vessel being capable of propelling a liquid in an aerosol;

a liquid contained in said vessel having the composition of a phospholipid surfactant; and

a label affixed to said inhaler vessel providing direction for use in treating sleep apnea

whereby when said nozzle portion is aligned to direct said aerosol to provide a coating of the posterior pharyngeal region of a patient.

7. An apparatus for treating sleep apnea comprising:

an inhaler vessel capable of propelling a liquid in an aerosol, said inhaler vessel comprising;

a reservoir portion capable of holding a liquid;

a nozzle portion capable of being aligned to direct the aerosol toward the posterior pharyngeal region of a patient;

a liquid having the composition of a phospholipid surfactant; and

a label affixed to said reservoir providing direction for use in treating sleep apnea.