Drug delivery device for animals

• US 6,951,215 B1
• Filed: 07/14/2000
• Issued: 10/04/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 07/14/2000
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Tufts University
• Original Assignee: Tufts University
• Inventors: Hoffman, Andrew M.
• Primary Examiner(s): PATEL, MITAL B
• Application Number:
  US09/616,483
• Time in Patent Office: 1,908 Days
• Field of Search: 128/200.14, 128/200.18, 128/200.22, 128/200.23, 128/203.18, 239/338
• US Class Current: 128/200.22
• CPC Class Codes: A61D 7/04 Devices for anaesthetising animals by gases or vapours; Inhaling devices
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 15/0016 located downstream of the dispenser, i.e. traversed by the product
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 15/0023 retractable
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 15/0086 Inhalation chambers
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 15/009 using medicine packages with incorporated spraying means, e.g. aerosol cans pocket atomiser of the injector type A61M11/08
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/0233 Conductive materials, e.g. antistatic coatings for spark prevention

Abstract

The invention features a drug delivery device which contains a cup-shaped body for enclosing a single external nare of a mammal but does not extend into the nostril of the mammal. The device is used in methods to treat pulmonary diseases. e.g., exercise intolerance, cough, and asthma-like attacks in horses and other animals.

Claims

1. A method for preventing or treating a respiratory condition of a mammal, comprising contacting one nare of said mammal with a drug delivery device for a mammal and delivering an effective dose of a therapeutic composition through said device in a single inhaled breath of said mammal, wherein said device

comprises a cup-shaped body for enclosing only one external nare, an interfacing lumen the diameter of which does not enclose a second external nare of said mammal, and a unidirectional inhalation valve;

does not extend into the nostril of said mammal; and

lacks an exhalation valve.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said mammal is selected from the group consisting of a horse, a cow, a sheep, and a goat.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein said mammal is a horse.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein said therapeutic composition is administered in the form of a plume of aerosolized particles.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein said particles do not exceed 10 microns in size and wherein said particles are delivered to small airways of the lung.

6. The method of claim 4, wherein said particles are in the size range of 3-5 microns and wherein said particles are delivered to small airways of the lung.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein said therapeutic composition is administered in the form of a dry powder.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein said device does not enclose the mouth of said mammal.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein said device comprises a patient-actuated inhalation valve.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein said cup-shaped body comprises a flexible interface for contacting the face said mammal.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein said interface is angled.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein said interface is straight.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein said device comprises a spacer holding chamber, said chamber being in communication with said cup-shaped body.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein said chamber comprises a lumen for receiving a therapeutic agent.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein said lumen is adapted to receive an aerosol container.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein said lumen is adapted to receive a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) cannister.

17. The method of claim 1, wherein said device lacks a rebreathing chamber.

18. The method of claim 1, wherein the interior volume of said device is approximately 200-500 milliliters.

19. A method for preventing or treating a respiratory condition of a mammal, comprising contacting one nare of said mammal with a drug delivery device for a mammal and delivering an effective dose of a therapeutic composition through said device in a single inhaled breath of said mammal, wherein particles of said therapeutic composition are maintained in a cloud suspension at a size suitable for gaining access to small airways of the lung in said holding chamber prior to inhalation by said mammal, wherein said device comprises a cup-shaped body for enclosing only one external nare, comprises an interfacing lumen the diameter of which does not enclose a second external nare of said mammal;

comprises a holding chamber for holding the drug in a cloud suspension, said holding chamber being in communication with said cup-shaped body and comprising a unidirectional inhalation valve located between said holding chamber and said cup-shaped body;

does not extend into the nostril or mouth of said mammal; and

lacks an exhalation valve.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein said mammal is selected from the group consisting of a horse, a cow, a sheep, and a goat.

21. The method of claim 19, wherein said mammal is a horse.

22. The method of claim 19, wherein said therapeutic composition is administered in the form of a plume of aerosolized particles.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein said particles do no exceed 10 microns in size and wherein said particles are delivered to small airways of the lung.

24. The method of claim 22, wherein said particles are in the size range of 3-5 microns and wherein said particles are delivered to small airways of the lung.

25. The method of claim 19, wherein said therapeutic composition is administered in the form of a dry powder.

26. The method of claim 19, wherein the length of said device is 6-9 inches.

27. The method of claim 19, wherein said device does not enclose the mouth of said mammal.

28. The method of claim 19, wherein said device comprises a patient-actuated inhalation valve.

29. The method of claim 19, wherein said cup-shaped body comprises a flexible interface for contacting the face said mammal.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein said interface is angled.

31. The method of claim 29, wherein said interface is straight.

32. The method of claim 19, wherein said device comprises a spacer holding chamber, said chamber being in communication with said cup-shaped body.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein said chamber comprises a lumen for receiving a therapeutic agent.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein said lumen is adapted to receive an aerosol container.

35. The method of claim 33, wherein said lumen is adapted to receive a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) cannister.

36. The method of claim 19, wherein said device lacks a rebreathing chamber.

37. The method of claim 19, wherein the interior volume of said device is approximately 200-500 milliliters.

38. The method of claim 19, wherein the length of said device is 6-9 inches.