Ultrasound enhancement of percutaneous drug absorption

• US 6,030,374 A
• Filed: 05/29/1998
• Issued: 02/29/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 05/29/1998
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: L'Oreal SA
• Original Assignee: David H. McDaniel
• Inventors: McDaniel, David H.
• Primary Examiner(s): Coggins, Wynn Wood
• Assistant Examiner(s): Blyveis, Deborah
• Application Number:
  US09/087,146
• Time in Patent Office: 641 Days
• Field of Search: 604/46, 604/500, 604/506, 604/22, 604/20, 604/501, 604/890.1
• US Class Current: 604/506
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2037/0007 having means for enhancing the permeation of substances through the epidermis, e.g. using suction or depression, electric or magnetic fields, sound waves or chemical agents
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 31/002 Devices for releasing a drug at a continuous and controlled rate for a prolonged period of time artificial gland structures or devices A61F2/022; intra-uterine contraceptive devices A61F6/14; tampons for introducing into the vagina A61F13/20, A61L15/00; suppositories or bougies for intra-vaginal or intra-uterine application A61K9/02; physical forms of medicinal preparations for sustained or differential drug release A61K9/20, A61K9/50
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 37/0092 using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic vibrations, e.g. phonophoresis

Abstract

A system for enhancing and improving the transcutaneous or transdermal delivery of topical chemicals or drugs. A disposable container contains a substantially sterile unit dose of an active agent adapted for a single use in a medical treatment. The unit dose is formulated to enhance transport of the active agent through mammalian skin when the active agent is applied to the skin and the skin is exposed to light and/or ultrasound defined by at least one specific parameter.

Claims

1. A method for enhancing the transport of an active agent through mammalian skin, comprising:

exposing the skin to ultrasound, and

applying an active agent to the skin, wherein the step of applying an active agent to the skin comprises injecting the active agent into the skin.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the active agent comprises human fibroblasts.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the active agent comprises a preparation containing human fibroblasts.

4. A method for enhancing the transport of an active agent through mammalian skin, wherein the skin comprises a stratum corneum, the method comprising:

exposing the skin to ultrasound,

applying an active agent to the skin, and

modifying at least portion of the stratum corneum substantially prior to the step of exposing the skin to ultrasound, wherein the step of modifying at least a portion of the stratum corneum comprises at least one of the steps of;

removing at least a follicular plug from the stratum corneum,

removing at least skin debris from the stratum corneum, and

removing at least a portion of the stratum corneum.