초록 ▼

Devices, packaging and methodology for creating aerosols are provided which allow for efficient and repeatable delivery of drugs to the lungs of a patient. Devices are hand-held, self-contained units which are automatically actuated at the same release point in a patient's inspiratory flow cycle. Th

Devices, packaging and methodology for creating aerosols are provided which allow for efficient and repeatable delivery of drugs to the lungs of a patient. Devices are hand-held, self-contained units which are automatically actuated at the same release point in a patient's inspiratory flow cycle. The release point is calculated by a microprocessor which receives data from a sensor making it possible to determine inspiratory flow rate and inspiratory volume. The device is loaded with a cassette comprised of an outer housing which holds a package of individual collapsible containers of pharmaceutically active drug. Actuation of the device forces drug through a porous membrane of the container which membrane has pores having a diameter in the range of about 0.25 to 6.0 microns. The porous membrane is positioned in alignment with a surface of a channel through which a patient inhales air. The flow profile of air moving through the channel is such that the flow at the surface of the channel, and thus the surface of the porous membrane is slow. The membrane is designed in a flexible manner so that when drug formulation is forced against and through the membrane the membrane protrudes outward beyond the flow boundary layer of the channel into faster moving air.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A disposable container for use in aerosolized delivery of drugs to the lungs, comprising:a wall which is collapsible upon the application of force;an opening in the container which opening is covered at least in part by a flexible porous membrane having pores with a diame

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A disposable container for use in aerosolized delivery of drugs to the lungs, comprising:a wall which is collapsible upon the application of force;an opening in the container which opening is covered at least in part by a flexible porous membrane having pores with a diameter in the range of about 0.25 to about 6.0 microns the membrane being sufficiently flexible such that it will protrude outward in a convex configuration upon the application of force; anda formulation comprised of a pharmaceutically active drug and a carrier which formulation is characterized by its ability to form an aerosol of particles which can be inhaled into a patient's lungs when the formulation is moved through the pores of the membrane.