Inhalation device and method

• US 8,991,390 B2
• Filed: 01/05/2011
• Issued: 03/31/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 01/05/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: MicroDose Therapeutx, Inc. (Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited)
• Original Assignee: MicroDose Therapeutx, Inc. (Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited)
• Inventors: Akouka, Henri M., Becker, Daniel P.
• Primary Examiner(s): Yu, Justine
• Assistant Examiner(s): SUL, DOUGLAS YOUNG
• Application Number:
  US12/985,158
• Publication Number:
  US 20110162642A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,546 Days
• Field of Search: 12820312-20315, 128/203.19, 128/203.21, 128/203.23, 128/203.27
• US Class Current: 128/203.15
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 15/001 using ultrasonic means
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 15/0021 Mouthpieces therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 15/0043 Non-destructive separation of the package, e.g. peeling
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 15/0045 using multiple prepacked dosages on a same carrier, e.g. blisters
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 15/005 the dosages being arranged on a cylindrical surface
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 15/0051 the dosages being arranged on a tape, e.g. strips
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 15/0055 the used dosages being coiled
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 15/0065 Inhalators with dosage or measuring devices A61M15/0028 takes precedence; dosage devices incorporated in aerosol cans B65D83/52
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 15/0085 using ultrasonics spraying or atomising liquids using ultrasonic vibrations in general B05B17/06
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2016/0021 with a proportional output signal, e.g. from a thermistor
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2202/0266 Nitrogen (N)
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2202/062 Desiccants
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2202/064 Powder
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/0294 Piezoelectric materials
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/12 with interchangeable cassettes forming partially or totally the fluid circuit
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/8206 battery-operated
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2250/00 Specially adapted for animals

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a method and device for delivering a pharmaceutical to the airway of a human or animal patient. In one aspect, the device includes a dose drum formed into a cylinder and including a plurality of dose compartments for containing individual doses. In another aspect, the device may include a reservoir containing a pharmaceutical material in bulk form and a metering recess for metering the pharmaceutical material to form a pharmaceutical dose. Another aspect provides an inhaler with a combined reservoir and dosing chamber configured to contain multiple doses of a pharmaceutical material.

Claims

1. An inhaler for delivering a pharmaceutical to the airway of a human or animal patient, comprising:

a housing having an air inlet, the housing containing a vibrating device and a motor or mechanical advancing mechanism;

a removable cartridge formed to interface with the housing, the cartridge forming a loop surrounding an opening formed completely through a center portion of the cartridge, wherein the removable cartridge further comprises;

a strip arranged within the loop of the cartridge having a plurality of blisters containing individual doses of a pharmaceutical;

a flow channel;

an aerosol chamber connected to the flow channel, wherein the aerosol chamber and the vibrating device form a resonance chamber for deaggregating the pharmaceutical;

a mouthpiece connected to the flow channel for delivering the pharmaceutical to the patient;

a device for advancing the strip relative to the aerosol chamber; and

a device for opening an individual blister adjacent the aerosol chamber whereupon an individual dose of the pharmaceutical is delivered to the aerosol chamber;

wherein the air inlet interfaces with the flow channel of the cartridge, and wherein the vibrating device interfaces with the aerosol chamber.

2. The inhaler of claim 1, further comprising a sealing ring positioned at the location where the air inlet of the housing interfaces with the flow channel of the cartridge.

3. The inhaler of claim 1, wherein the housing further includes a pressure sensor located in or near the air inlet.

4. The inhaler of claim 1, wherein the device for advancing the strip is driven by the motor or at least one mechanical advancing mechanism contained within the housing and selected from the group consisting of a thumb-screw, lever or clock mechanism.

5. The inhaler of claim 1, wherein the vibrating device is a piezoelectric device.

6. The inhaler of claim 1, wherein the pharmaceutical is in a powder form.

7. The inhaler of claim 1, wherein the removable cartridge is reusable.