Microneedle Array Applicator And Retainer

• US 20080009825A1
• Filed: 11/18/2005
• Published: 01/10/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 11/18/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Kindeva Drug Delivery L.P.
• Original Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company (3M Company)
• Inventors: Frederickson, Franklyn, Ringsred, Ted
• Granted Patent: US 9,174,035 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 604/500
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2025/0253 where the catheter is attached by straps, bands or the like secured by adhesives
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2025/026 where the straps are releasably secured, e.g. by hook and loop-type fastening devices
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2037/0023 Drug applicators using microneedles
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 37/0015 by using microneedles

Abstract

An applicator that has an elastic band to snap a microneedle array against the skin with a predetermined force and velocity. The microneedle array, which may be pre-loaded with drug(s), is attached to the elastic band such that the band can be secured in place (e.g., wrapped around a person'"'"'s arm), pulled away from the arm, and released from a suitable distance so that the microneedle array snaps back against the arm with sufficient force to cause the intended amount of penetration of the microneedles. Also, a microneedle application device that has an elastic band, a microneedle device, and means for attaching the band to the microneedle device.

Claims

1. A microneedle application device comprising:

an elastic band, and

a microneedle device, wherein the microneedle device is attached to the elastic band.

2. A microneedle application device according to claim 1 further comprising a handle connected directly or indirectly to the elastic band and a release system that releases the band at a predetermined level of stored energy:

.

4. An microneedle application device according to claim 1 wherein the elastic band is releasably attached to the microneedle device.

5. A microneedle application device according to claim 1 further comprising a handle affixed to the band, wherein the handle is adapted to allow the band to be stretched.

6. A microneedle application device according to claim 5 wherein the handle comprises a connecting:

member connected to a gripping member, characterized in that the connecting;

member is detachable from the gripping member.

7. A microneedle application device according to claim 5 wherein the handle comprises a connecting member connected to a gripping member, characterized in that the connecting member is detachable from the band.

8. A microneedle application device according to claim 7 wherein a predetermined force is required to detach the connecting member.

9. A microneedle application device according to claims 7 wherein the connecting member and gripping member are integrally formed.

10. A microneedle application device according to claims 7 wherein the handle and microneedle device are integrally, formed.

11. A microneedle application device according to claims 7 wherein the elastic band is configured so as to encircle an appendage.

12. A microneedle application device according to claims 7 wherein the device further comprises a housing and the elastic band is attached to the housing.

13. A microneedle application device according to claims 1 wherein the device further comprises a stop mechanism that allows the elastic band to be partially or fully stretched and temporarily held in place.

14. A microneedle application device according to claim 13 wherein the elastic band is partially or fully stretched and held in place by a stop mechanism, thereby protecting the microneedle ray from external contact.

3. (canceled)

15. A method for applying a microneedle device comprising;

providing an elastic band;

placing the elastic band in circumferential proximity to a body appendage having a skin surface;

placing a microneedle device in proximity to the skin surface and the elastic band;

stretching the elastic band; and

releasing the elastic band, such that the microneedle device is accelerated into the skin surface, thereby inserting at least a portion of the microneedles of the microneedle device into the skin surface.

16. A method for applying a microneedle device according to claim 15 further comprising the step of removing the elastic band from circumferential proximity to the body appendage, wherein the microneedle device remains inserted into the skin surface.

17. A method for applying a microneedle device according to claim 15, wherein the microneedle device is releasably attached to the elastic band prior to the step of stretching the elastic band.

18. A method for applying a microneedle device according to claim 15, wherein the microneedle device is placed directly against the skin prior to the steps of stretching and, releasing the elastic band, such that the elastic band impacts the microneedle device thereby inserting at least a portion of the microneedles of the microneedle device into the skin surface.

19. A method for applying a microneedle device according to claim 15, further compressing the step of attaching a handle to the elastic band and wherein the step of stretching the elastic band is effected by pulling on the handle.

20. A method for applying a microneedle device comprising:

providing an elastic band attached to a housing and a gripping member;

placing the housing adjacent to a body appendage having a skin surface;

placing a microneedle device in proximity to the skin surface and the elastic band;

stretching the elastic band; and

releasing the elastic band, such that the microneedle device is accelerated into the skin surface, thereby inserting at least a portion of the microneedles of the microneedle device into the skin surface.

21. A method for applying a microneedle device according to claim 20 wherein a person uses one hand to grasp and hold the housing adjacent to the skin surface and another hand to pull the gripping member away from the skin surface.

22. A method for applying a microneedle device according to claim 20 wherein the elastic band is at least partially stretched prior to placing the housing adjacent to a body appendage.