Device and Method for Intranasal Delivery BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001 ] Field of the Invention

[0002] The invention generally relates to a device and method for nasal route; particularly, the invention relates to a device and method for producing a mucosal response in a subject in need thereof through nasal route. [0003] Description of the Related Art

[0004] A large and highly specialized innate and adaptive mucosal immune system protects these surfaces, and thereby also the body interior, against potential insults from the environment. This local immune system contributes most of immunocytes. In view of the importance of the mucosal immune system, there is an increase in development of a delivery system through mucosa, instead of parenteral route such as subcutaneous administration, to avoid poor compliance and systemic side-effects. In particular, intranasal delivery system has been developed to provide a local (mucosal) immune response. Besides, some immuno-therapies using inhalant allergens to treat a disease or disorder in respiratory tracts were reported, i.e. local nasal immunotherapy (LNIT). For example, seasonal or perennial allergic rhinitis and asthma through an immunotherapy using inhalant allergens was reported to be clinically effective (Bousquent J, et al. Allergy (1998) 53, suppl 54).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Accordingly, the invention provides a device and method for producing a mucosal response in a subject in need thereof through nasal route, particularly in the treatment of a disease or disorder in respiratory tracts, such as allergen-induced airway inflammation, which is more easily operated and efficient in absorption than conventional methods.

[0006] In one aspect, the present invention provides a device for producing a mucosal response in a subject in need thereof through nasal route. The device of the invention comprises a nasal clip containing first and second opposed portions for releasably gripping the nasal septum of the subject to retain said clip therein, and means for loading a mixture of an active ingredient and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier at the ends of the first and second opposed portions, wherein the means for loading the mixture contact the nasal mucosa of the subject whereby the mixture of an allergen and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier can be absorbed by the nasal mucosa of the subject. In one example of the invention, a device for treatment of a disease or disorder in respiratory tracts, such as allergen-induced airway inflammation through nasal route, is provided. In one particular example of the invention, a device for treating allergen-induced airway inflammation in a subject in need thereof, in a manner consistent with local nasal immunotherapy is provided. [0007] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for producing a mucosal immune response in a subject in need thereof through nasal route The method comprises applying a device according to the invention, for delivering a mixture of an active ingredient and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier to the subject. In one example of the invention, the method for treatment of a disease or disorder in respiratory tracts, such as allergen-induced airway inflammation through , is provided. In one particular example of the invention, a method for treating allergen-induced airway inflammation in a subject in need thereof, in a manner consistent with local nasal immunotherapy is provided.

[0008] The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the description below. Other features or advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of several embodiments, and also from the appending claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. [0010] In the drawings :

[0011 ] Fig. 1 is a plan view of one embodiment of the nasal clip. [0012] Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the nasal clip shown in Fig. 1, showing the clip installed in a subject's nose.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The invention features a device and method for producing a mucosal response in a subject in need thereof through nasal route. In particular, the invention provides a device and method for the treatment of a disease or disorder in respiratory tracts, such as allergen-induced airway inflammation. One example of the invention is the method and device for treating allergen-induced airway inflammation in a manner consistent with local nasal immunotherapy. [0014] According to the present invention, the device for producing a mucosal response in a subject in need thereof through nasal route comprises a nasal clip containing first and second opposed portions for releasably gripping the nasal septum of the subject to retain said clip therein, and means for loading a mixture of an allergen and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier at the ends of the first and second opposed portions, so as to allow the means for loading a mixture of an allergen and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier to contact the nasal mucosa of the subject whereby the mixture of an allergen and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier can be absorbed by the nasal mucosa of the subject.

[0015] As used herein, the article "a" or "an" refers to both the singular and plural form of the object to which it refers.

[0016] As used herein, the term "treating" refers to administering a mixture of an active ingredient and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier to a subject with the purpose to cure, heal, alleviate, relieve, alter, remedy, ameliorate, improve, or affect either disease, the symptoms of either disease, or the predisposition toward either disease.

[0017] The term "a disease or disorder in respiratory tracts" as used herein refers any disease or disorder occurring from the nose to the pulmonary alveoli, through the pharynx, larynx, trachea, and bronchi. The disease or disorder in respiratory tracts includes but is not limited to such as asthma, respiratory tract infections, lung diseases, breathing disorders, nose and throat problems.

[0018] The "active ingredient" as used herein refers to an ingredient in the mixture according to the invention that is therapeutically or pharmaceutically active. In the invention, the active ingredient may be a drug, or an allergen.

[0019] The "pharmaceutically acceptable carrier" as used herein includes, but is not limited to, detergent, lipid solvent, glycerol, buffer solution such as phosphate buffered saline (PBS), normal saline, water, petrolatum, or vaseline.

[0020] The term "allergen-induced airway inflammation" as used herein refers to an inflammation induced an allergen, including, but not limited to, allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, or allergic bronchial asthma. The term "allergen" as used herein refers to a substance that can cause an allergic reaction in some people since the immune system recognizes it as "foreign" or "dangerous," but cause no response for most people. In the embodiments of the invention, the allergen includes, but is not limited to, dust, mite such as Dermatophoides pteronyssinus (Dp), pollen such as ragweed, mold, animal dander, cockroach, food allergen, or extract thereof, recombinant peptide thereof, or a combination of the above.

[0021] In one embodiment of the invention, the device comprises a nasal clip containing first and second opposed portions for releasably gripping the nasal septum of the subject to retain said clip therein, and means for loading a mixture of an allergen and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier at the ends of the first and second opposed portions, so as to allow the means for loading a mixture of an allergen and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier to contact the nasal mucosa of the subject whereby the mixture of an allergen and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier can be absorbed by the nasal mucosa of the subject.

[0022] The embodiments of the device according to the invention are provided in Fig. 1. Referring to Fig. 1, the device is a nasal clip 10, which is generally V-shaped or circular -shaped, comprises a first portion 12, second portion 14, and connector 16 connecting the first and second portions. The free ends 18, 19 of each portions 12, 14, respectively, are provided with the means 28, 29 for loading a mixture of an allergen and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Referring to Figs. l, the distance 30 between the means 28, 29 is preferably less than the thickness of the nasal septum of a subject wearing the clip, such that the clip must be elastically deformed by pulling apart the opposed portions to engage the septum and is retained on the septum by the elastic force of the deformed device, and the means 28, 29 must contact the nasal mucosa of the subject so as to allow the mixture to be absorbed by the nasal mucosa of the subject. According to the invention, any shape of the clip wherein opposed portions engage opposite sides of the septum to retain the clip in the nose is within the scope of the invention.

[0023] In operation, referring to Fig. 2, opposed the means 28, 29, are retracted and the clip 10 is inserted into nostrils 32, 32' with the portions 12 and 14, disposed on opposite sides of septum 34. The portions 12, 14 are released and immediately clasp septum 34 therebetween by spring force, thereby releasably retaining the clip 10 in nose 36. Removal is the reverse of installation.

[0024] In an embodiment of the invention, the device may be made from any elastically-deformable material, which is non-allergenic and non-irritating, such as polymeric resin such as polycarbonate, polyolefin, polybutyrate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyamide, polyimide, and polyvinyl chloride. Preferably, the material is medical grade. [0025] In one embodiment of the invention, the means for loading a mixture of an active ingredient and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier may be any commercially available substrate known in the art. For example, the "substrate" may include but be not limited to nitrocellulose (NC), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), nylon, filter papers, fabric, cloth, polyethylene, polypropylene, composite fibers, flexible medical grade materials, or a combination of the above mentioned materials. [0026] The invention also provides a method for producing a mucosal immune response in a subject through intranasal delivery. The method comprises applying the device according to the invention, for delivering a mixture of an active ingredient and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier to the subject. In one example of the invention, a method for treating allergen-induced airway inflammation in a subject in need thereof, in a manner consistent with local nasal immunotherapy is provided. [0027] In one example of the invention, a method for treating allergen-induced airway inflammation in a subject in need thereof, in a manner consistent with local nasal immunotherapy is provided. The method comprises applying the device according to the invention, for delivering a mixture of an allergen and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier to the subject in a manner consistent with local nasal immunotherapy (LNIT).

[0028] Previous study showed that the "local nasal immunotherapy (LNIT)" may provide a steady dosage of the allergen, as reported in Bertoni M, et al. (Ann. Allergy Asthma Immunol., 1999, 82:47-51), and nasal provocation test with allergen disc paper could cause immediate nasal allergic reaction with trivial lower airway spasm or lower airway hyperresponsibity sa reported in Tsai JJ. et al. (Int. Arch. Allergy Immunol., 1995, 106: 286-290), both of which are incorporated herein by reference. Furthermore, US Patent 6,994,870 disclosed a method for treating allergen-induced airway inflammation in a manner consistent with local nasal immunotherapy (LNIT), comprising the steps of applying a nasal strip comprising a mixture of an allergen and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier to the nostril of an individual having allergen-induced airway inflammation for local nasal immunotherapy, which is incorporated herein by reference. In view of the experimental and clinical data provided in US Patent 6,994,870, and the results of the preliminary study, the device and method according to the invention did provide the efficacy for treating allergen-induced airway inflammation in a manner consistent with local nasal immunotherapy. [0029] While the invention has been particularly shown and described with the reference to the preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.