Microneedle array applicator and retainer

• US 9,174,035 B2
• Filed: 11/18/2005
• Issued: 11/03/2015
• 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: Ringsred, Ted K., Frederickson, Franklyn L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Sirmons, Kevin C
• Assistant Examiner(s): PATEL, SHEFALI DILIP
• Application Number:
  US11/718,461
• Publication Number:
  US 20080009825A1
• Time in Patent Office: 3,637 Days
• Field of Search: 604/179, 604/272, 604/308, 604/174, 604/264, 604/181, 604/244, 604/116, 604/117, 604/118, 604/130, 604/131, 604/134, 604/136, 604/156, 604/157, 604/173, 604/177, 604/187, 604/191, 604/200, 604/258, 604/48, 604/73, 604/80, 604/93.01, 604/95.01, 604/46, 604/47, 604/95.02, 604/95.03, 604/95.04, 606/182, 606/183
• US Class Current: 1/1
• 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 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 an intended amount of penetration of microneedles. Also, a microneedle application device has an elastic band, a microneedle device, and a structure attaching the band to the microneedle device.

Claims

1. A microneedle application device comprising:

an elastic band configured so as to encircle an appendage having a skin surface, the elastic band stretchable to a stretched position;

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

a handle releasably attached to the elastic band; and

a release system,

wherein when the band is in the stretched position, the release system releases the band from the handle at a predetermined level of stored energy such that the stretched band accelerates the microneedle device into the skin surface.

2. The microneedle application device according to claim 1 wherein the elastic band is releasably attached to the microneedle device.

3. The microneedle application device according to claim 1, wherein the handle is adapted to allow the band to be stretched.

4. The microneedle application device according to claim 3 wherein the handle comprises a connecting member connected to a gripping member, characterized in that the connecting member is detachable from the band.

5. The microneedle application device according to claim 4 wherein a predetermined force is required to detach the connecting member.

6. The microneedle application device according to claim 4 wherein the connecting member and the gripping member are integrally formed.