Method of administration of insulin
First Claim
1. A method of intrapulmonary administration of insulin, comprising:
- measuring the inspiratory flow of a patient and calculating a threshold level in an inhalation cycle at which release of drug is to take place, the threshold level being determined in a manner so as to maximize the repeatability of the amount of insulin delivered to the patient on releasing insulin;
releasing a metered dose of aerosolized insulin from a pressurized canister containing insulin in combination with a low boiling point propellant, the releasing being carried out upon reaching the threshold level generated by the patient inhaling;
inhaling the metered dose of aerosolized insulin into the lungs of a patient; and
monitoring serum glucose levels within the patient;
wherein the measuring, releasing, inhaling and monitoring steps are continuously repeated in a manner so as to maintain a desired serum glucose level in the patient.
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Abstract
A method for treating a patient suffering from diabetes mellitus and a programmed, portable, hand-held device and formulations used in such treatment methodology is disclosed. The programmed device is loaded with a container which includes a formulation comprised of insulin dispersed in a suitable propellant such as a low boiling point propellant. The container may be completely sealed and may be punctured on insertion in the device but preferably includes a single valve which can be opened to release insulin forced from the container by the propellant. A valve for releasing formulation is controlled by an electronic means for opening the valve in response to a measured threshold of airflow which airflow is measured by an airflow detection means positioned between the valve and a mouthpiece. Insulin is administered when the patient inspiratory flow exceeds a preset threshold. The airflow is measured and when a threshold amount of airflow is achieved, the valve opening means is actuated and a controlled amount of insulin is released from the container. The device includes a microprocessor connected to the means for measuring airflow and the means for opening the valve. The microprocessor is programmed to control the amount of insulin released, based on the particular needs of the patient. The device is electronically connectable to a device which measures serum glucose level and can adjust insulin release amounts based of measured glucose levels.
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Citations
15 Claims
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1. A method of intrapulmonary administration of insulin, comprising:
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measuring the inspiratory flow of a patient and calculating a threshold level in an inhalation cycle at which release of drug is to take place, the threshold level being determined in a manner so as to maximize the repeatability of the amount of insulin delivered to the patient on releasing insulin; releasing a metered dose of aerosolized insulin from a pressurized canister containing insulin in combination with a low boiling point propellant, the releasing being carried out upon reaching the threshold level generated by the patient inhaling; inhaling the metered dose of aerosolized insulin into the lungs of a patient; and monitoring serum glucose levels within the patient; wherein the measuring, releasing, inhaling and monitoring steps are continuously repeated in a manner so as to maintain a desired serum glucose level in the patient. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A method of intrapulmonary administration of insulin, comprising:
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measuring the inspiratory flow of a patient during an inhalation cycle prior to administering insulin and calculating a threshold level of airflow prior to administering insulin, wherein the threshold level of inspiratory flow is determined in a manner so as to maximize repeatability of the amount of insulin delivered to the patient on releasing insulin; administering insulin to the patient by the intrapulmonary route, the insulin being administered from a hand-held, self-contained device which releases insulin on detecting the threshold level of inspiratory flow created by patient inhalation; monitoring serum glucose levels in the patient; and repeating the measuring, administering and monitoring steps a plurality of times over a period of time so as to maintain a desired serum glucose level in the patient. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method of intrapulmonary administration of insulin, comprising:
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placing a mouthpiece of a hand-held, metered dose inhaler device in the mount of a patient, wherein the device is comprised of a container having therein insulin and a low boiling point propellant, a valve for releasing insulin and propellant from the container to the mouthpiece, a means for measuring airflow created by drawing air from the mouthpiece and a means for opening the valve in response to a measured threshold of airflow; drawing air from the mouthpiece until a threshold is reached so as to cause the valve to open and release a controlled amount of insulin and propellant which is drawn into the lungs of the patient, wherein the device includes a microprocessor connected to the means for measuring airflow and means for opening the valve, the microprocessor being programmed to control the amount of insulin released, based on the needs of the patient, wherein the threshold level is a level calculated to obtain maximum reproducibility in the amount of insulin delivered to the patient with each release of insulin.
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Specification