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Title:
DEVICES AND METHODS FOR DELIVERING A SUBSTANCE TO A BODY CAVITY
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2021/176402
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
The present invention provides methods and a BFS/FFS device for delivering either one or more substances within at least one body cavity, characterized by a vial comprising Vsub [ml] of said substances; said vial selected from a pierceable container, a blow-fill-seal and a form-fill-seal, having fluid inlet and a fluid discharging outlet of diameter D [mm], configured for placement in proximity to said body cavity; said fluid inlet configured by means of size and shape to interface in a sealable manner a puncturing member, configured to, upon coupling to said fluid inlet, piercing the same, thereby providing said substances in a fluid communication, via a valve, with a chamber configured to accept pressurized fluid at volume VPF [ml] and pressure PPF [barg]; said valve is commutable from an CLOSE to an OPEN CONFIGURATION within a short period of time, <500 milliseconds (dT); at said OPEN CONFIGURATION, said pressurized fluid flows from said chamber, via said fluid inlet, entrains said substances erupts via said fluid discharging outlet to within said body cavity.

Inventors:
SHAHAF DANIEL (IL)
SHICHOR IRIS (IL)
Application Number:
PCT/IB2021/051834
Publication Date:
September 10, 2021
Filing Date:
March 04, 2021
Export Citation:
Click for automatic bibliography generation   Help
Assignee:
SIPNOSE LTD (IL)
International Classes:
A61M11/02; A61M11/00; A61M15/00; A61M15/08
Foreign References:
US20150297845A12015-10-22
US7900659B22011-03-08
US7497390B22009-03-03
US20080092887A12008-04-24
US20200306463A12020-10-01
Other References:
See also references of EP 4114485A4
Download PDF:
Claims:
CLAIMS

1. A device for delivering either one or more substances within at least one body cavity, characterized by at least one pierceable vial comprising VSub [ml or mg] of said substances; said vial having at least one fluid inlet port of diameter Din [mm]and at least one fluid discharging outlet port of diameter Dout [mm], configured for placement in proximity to said body cavity; said fluid inlet port configured by means of size and shape to interface with at least one puncturing member, configured to, upon coupling to said fluid inlet port, piercing the same, thereby providing said substances in a fluid communication, with at least one chamber configured to accept pressurized fluid at volume VPF [ml] and pressure PPF [barg]; said pressurized fluid flows from said chamber, via said fluid inlet port, entrains said substances, erupts via said fluid discharging outlet port to within said body cavity in the form of aerosol, such that the release time of said Vsub [ml or mg] of said substances and said VPF [ml] of said pressurized fluid, wherein said vial is selected from a group consisting of a pierceable container, a blow-fill-seal and a form-fill-seal and any combination thereof.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein: a. dTreiease is less than 500 milliseconds; b. VPF is in a range of 1 to 50 ml; c. Vsub is in a range of about 0.01 to about 7 ml; d. PPF is in a range of about 0 to about 10 barg; further wherein at least one of the following is held true: e. Din or Dout are in a range of 0.2 to 6 mm; f. said pressure velocity is greater than 0.001 barg /ms; g. said pressure velocity is greater than 0.01 barg /ms; h. said volume rate dVsub/dTreiease is greater than 0.0001 ml /ms; i. said volume rate dVsub/dTreiease is greater than 0.001 ml /ms; j . said volume rate dVpF/dTreiease is greater than 0.001 ml /ms; k. said volume rate dVpF/dTreiease is greater than 0.01 ml /ms; or l. any combination thereof.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein said vial comprises a cap adapted to seal said vial, such that removal thereof provides fluid communication between said vial and said body cavity through said fluid discharging outlet port.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein said at least one puncturing member is adapted to pierce said vial by means of a screw mechanism, such that rotation of said nosepiece cover along said screw mechanism in said base enables said pierce of said fluid inlet port in said vial by means of said puncturing member.

5. The device of claim 1, additionally comprising at least one piercing needle adapted to pierce said chamber to thereby enable flow of said pressurized fluid therefrom to said fluid inlet port and to entrain said substances; further wherein lateral movement of at least one element selected from a group consisting of said piercing needle, said chamber and any combination thereof results in piercing of said chamber.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein said device additionally comprising at least one plunger enclosed within said chamber, said plunger comprising at least one sealing member adapted to seal said chamber and to prevent flow of said pressurized fluid; further wherein linear movement of said plunger moves said sealing member and creates a gap throughout which said pressurized fluid exit said chamber.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein said sealing member is at least one o-ring adapted to seal reversibly seal said chamber.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein said at least one chamber is a container adapted to hold said pressured fluid at said PPF for prolong periods of time.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein said at least one puncturing member is a double-sided needle, adapted to pierce said at least one chamber and said vial, such said pressurized fluid flows from said at least one chamber to said at least one vial to entrain said substances.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein vial is made of at least one material selected from a group consisting of high- or low-density polyethylene, high- or low-density polypropylene and any combination thereof.

11. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the following is true: a. said body cavity is selected from a group consisting of nasal cavity, the mouth, the throat, an ear, the vagina, the rectum, the urethra, and any combination thereof. b. said pressurized gas is selected from a group consisting of air, nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, helium, neon, xenon and any combination thereof; c. during dispensing of said at least one substance, a mixture of said predetermined volume Vgas [ml] of said pressurized gas with said predetermined volume Vsub [ml or mg] of said substance entrained within it forms a plume of aerosol; said aerosol having a predetermined distribution, said distribution being either homogeneous or heterogeneous, said heterogeneous distribution is selected from a group consisting of: an arbitrary distribution, a distribution in which the density of said at least one substance within said mixture follows a predetermined pattern, and any combination thereof; characteristics of said aerosol selected from a group consisting of: particle size, particle shape, particle distribution, and any combination thereof, are determinable from characteristics of said device selected from a group consisting of: said predetermined volume of said pressurized gas, said predetermined volume of said substance, said predetermined pressure of said pressurized gas, said predetermined orifice size, and any combination thereof; d. at least one said substance is selected from a group consisting of a gas, a liquid, a powder, an aerosol, a slurry, a gel, a suspension and any combination thereof; e. at least one said substance is stored under either an inert atmosphere or under vacuum to prevent reactions during storage; f. a dose-response curve is substantially linear for brain concentration of said substance when administered nasally via said device; and g. a dose-response curve for brain concentration having a fit selected from a group consisting of logarithmic, parabolic, exponential, sigmoid, power-low, and any combination thereof; of said substance when administered nasally via said device.

12. The device of claim 1, wherein said vial is a capsule having a main longitudinal axis, said capsule comprising a number n of compartments, said capsule configured to contain said predetermined volume Vsub [ml or mg] of said at least one substance, said volume Vsub [ml or mg] of said at least one substance containable in at least one of said n compartments; at least one of the following being true: a. the number n of said compartments is an integer greater than or equal to 1; at least one said compartment has cross-section with shape selected from a group consisting of: wedge shaped, circular, oval, elliptical, polygonal, annular, and any combination thereof; b. for said number n of compartments being an integer greater than 1, at least two said compartments have different volumes; c. for said number n of compartments being an integer greater than 1, at least two said compartments have the same volume; d. for said number n of compartments being an integer greater than 1, at least two said compartments have different cross-sectional areas; e. for said number n of compartments being an integer greater than 1, at least two said compartments have the same cross-sectional area; f. for said number n of compartments being an integer greater than 1, at least two said compartments contain different substances; g. for said number n of compartments being an integer greater than 1, at least two said compartments contain the same substance; h. for said number n of compartments being an integer greater than 1, at least two said compartments are disposed coaxially around said main longitudinal axis of said capsule; i. for said number n of compartments being an integer greater than 1, at least two said compartments are disposed sequentially along said main longitudinal axis of said capsule; j. for said number n of compartments greater than 1, said plurality of substances mix during said dispensing; and k. for said number n of compartments greater than 1, said plurality of substances react during said dispensing.

13. The device of claim 1, wherein said vial comprises a port fluidly connectable to the exterior of said device, said port configured such that said at least one substance is insertable into said chamber via said port.

14. The device of claim 13, wherein said device comprises a port cover configured to provide an air-tight closure for said port, such that removal thereof enables fluid communication between said substance and the exterior of said device; said port cover is removable by at least one selected from a group consisting of slid along said device, rotatable around said device, rotatable around a hinge on the exterior of said device and any combination thereof.

15. The device of claim 1, wherein said pressurized fluid entrains said substance in a pulsed manner, such that a plurality of portions VPF erupts via said fluid discharging outlet port into said body cavity

16. The device of claim 1, further comprising a safety latch, adapted to prevent accidental operation of said device.

17. The device of claim 1, wherein said substance is selected from a group consisting of proteins; stem-cells; cells, organs, portions, extracts, and isolations thereof; macro molecules; RNA or other genes and proteins-encoding materials; neurotransmitters; receptor antagonists; hormones; Ketamine; Baqsimi product commercially available by Lilly (US); Glucagon; substrates to treat one of eth followings: anaphylaxis, Parkinson, seizures and opioid overdose; epinephrine; atropine; metoclopramide; commercially available Naloxone or Narcan products; Esketamine (Spravato); Radicava [edaravone]; Ingrezza [valbenazine]; Austedo [deutetrabenazine]; Ocrevus [ocrelizumab]; Xadago [safmamide]; Spinraza [nusinersen]; Zinbryta [daclizumab]; Nuplazid [pimavanserin]; Aristada [aripiprazole lauroxil]; Vraylar [cariprazine]; Rexulti [brexpiprazole]; Aptiom [eslicarbazepine acetate]; Vizamyl [flutemetamol F18 injection]; Brintellix [vortioxetine]; Tecfidera [dimethyl fumarate]; Dotarem [gadoterate meglumine]; Antibody mediated brain targeting drug delivery including aducanumab, gantenerumab, bapineuzumab, solanezumab, ofatumumab CD20, BIIB033, LCN2, HMGB1; insulin; oxytocin; orexin-A; leptin; benzodiazepine i.e. midazolam; naloxone; perillyl alcohol; camptothecin; phytochemicals including curcumin and chrysin; nucleotides; olanzapine; risperidone; Venlafaxin; GDF-5; zonisamide; ropinirole; plant-originated and synthetically-produced terpenes and cannabinoids, including THC and CBD; valproric acid; rivastigmine; estradiol; topiramate or an equivalent preparation comprising CAS No. 97240-79-4; MFSD2 or MFSD2A or sodium-dependent lysophosphatidylcholine symporter; and any esters, salts, derivatives, mixtures, combinations thereof, with or without a carrier, liposomes, lyophilic or water-miscible solvents, surfactants, cells, cells fractions, at a therapeutically effective concentration.

18. A device for delivering either one or more substances within at least one body cavity, comprising a base and a nosepiece, wherein: said nosepiece comprises:

(i) at least one pierceable vial comprising Vsub [ml or mg] of said substances; said vial having at least one fluid inlet port of diameter Din [mm] and at least one fluid discharging outlet of diameter D0ut [mm], configured for placement in proximity to said body cavity;

(ii) a nosepiece cover configured by means of size and shape to cover, in a sealable manner, at least partially said nosepiece; said base comprises:

(i) at least one chamber configured to confine pressurized fluid at volume VPF [ml] and pressure PPF [barg];

(ii) at least one puncturing member; said fluid inlet port of said vial configured by means of size and shape to interface in a sealable manner with said at least one puncturing member; wherein actuation of said nosepiece cover configured to enable piercing of said vial in said fluid inlet port, by means of said puncturing member; further wherein said volume VPF [ml] of said pressurized fluid at pressure PPF [barg] is released from said chamber within a short period of time, <500 milliseconds (dT), via said fluid inlet port, entrains said substances, erupts via said fluid discharging outlet port into said body cavity, such that the release time of said Vsub [ml or mg] of said substances and said VPF [ml] of said pressurized fluid, dTreiease is less than 500 milliseconds.

19. The device of claim 18, wherein said nosepiece cover and said nosepiece are coupled to each other.

20. The device of claim 19, wherein said coupling between nosepiece cover and said nosepiece said is reversible.

21. The device of claim 18, wherein removal of said nosepiece cover results in piercing said vial to provide said fluid discharging outlet port.

22. The device of claim 18, wherein removal of said nosepiece cover is obtained by at least one action selected from a group consisting of sliding said nosepiece cover along said device, rotating said nosepiece cover around said device, rotating said nosepiece cover around a hinge on the exterior of said device and any combination thereof.

23. The device of claim 18, wherein said nosepiece cover comprises at least one nosepiece puncturing member adapted to pierce said vial to enable said fluid discharging outlet.

24. The device of claim 18, wherein said nosepiece comprises at least one port throughout which said at least one substance exits said device, such that said nosepiece cover seals said at least one port and removal thereof removes said seal.

25. The device of claim 18, wherein said vial is selected from a group consisting of pierceable container, a blow-fill-seal and a form-fill-seal and any combination thereof.

26. The device of claim 18, wherein said actuation of said nosepiece is performed by means of rotation of said nosepiece cover over said base.

27. The device of claim 18, wherein said rotation is of at least 10 degrees.

28. The device of claim 18, wherein said at least one puncturing member is adapted to pierce said vial be means of a screw mechanism, such that rotation of said nosepiece cover along said screw mechanism in said base enables said pierce of said fluid inlet port in said vial by means of said puncturing member.

29. The device of claim 18, wherein said at least one chamber is a container adapted to hold said pressured fluid at said PPF for prolonged periods of time.

30. The device of claim 18, additionally comprising an activation mechanism adapted to enable the release of said pressurized fluid out of said chamber.

31. The device of claim 30, wherein said activation mechanism is at least one piercing member adapted to pierce said at least one chamber, such said pressurized fluid flows from said at least one chamber to said at least one vial to entrain said substances.

32. The device of claim 30, wherein said at least one puncturing member is a double-sided needle, adapted to pierce said at least one chamber and said vial, such said pressurized fluid flows from said at least one chamber to said at least one vial to entrain said substances.

33. The device of claim 18, wherein vial is made of at least one material selected from a group consisting of high- or low-density polyethylene, high- or low-density polypropylene and any combination thereof.

34. The device of claim 18, wherein said device additionally comprising at least one plunger enclosed within said chamber, said plunger comprising at least one sealing member adapted to seal said chamber and to prevent flow of said pressurized fluid; further wherein linear movement of said plunger moves said sealing member and creates a gap throughout which said pressurized fluid exit said chamber.

35. The device of claim 34, wherein said sealing member is at least one o-ring adapted to seal reversibly seal said chamber.

36. The device of claim 18, wherein said device is configured to deliver said Vsub substance and VPF pressurized fluid through said fluid discharging outlet of diameter D [mm] wherein at least one of the following is held true: a. VPF is in a range of 1 to 50 ml; b. Vsub is in a range of about 0.01 to about 7 ml; c. Din and/or D0ut is in a range of 0.2 to 6 mm; d. PPF is in a range of about 0 to about 10 barg; e. said pressure rate, ^ ® ¥; f. said pressure velocity is greater than 0.001 barg /ms; g. said pressure velocity is greater than 0.01 barg /ms; h. said volume rate dVsub/dT or dVsub/dTreiease is greater than 0.0001 ml /ms; i. said volume rate dVsub/dT or dVsub/dTreiease is greater than 0.001 ml /ms; j . said volume rate dVpF/dT or dVpF/dTreiease is greater than 0.001 ml /ms; k. said volume rate dVpF/dT or dVpF/dTreiease is greater than 0.01 ml /ms; l. said predetermined period of time, dT — 0; and m. any combination thereof.

37. The device of claim 18, wherein at least one of the following is true: a. said body cavity is selected from a group consisting of nasal cavity, the mouth, the throat, an ear, the vagina, the rectum, the urethra, and any combination thereof; b. said pressurized gas is selected from a group consisting of air, nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, helium, neon, xenon and any combination thereof; c. during dispensing of said at least one substance, a mixture of said predetermined volume Vgas [ml] of said pressurized gas with said predetermined volume Vsub [ml or mg] of said substance entrained within it forms a plume of aerosol; said aerosol having a predetermined distribution, said distribution being either homogeneous or heterogeneous, said heterogeneous distribution is selected from a group consisting of: an arbitrary distribution, a distribution in which the density of said at least one substance within said mixture follows a predetermined pattern, and any combination thereof; characteristics of said aerosol selected from a group consisting of: particle size, particle shape, particle distribution, and any combination thereof, are determinable from characteristics of said device selected from a group consisting of: said predetermined volume of said pressurized gas, said predetermined volume of said substance, said predetermined pressure of said pressurized gas, said predetermined orifice size, and any combination thereof; d. at least one said substance is selected from a group consisting of a gas, a liquid, a powder, an aerosol, a slurry, a gel, a suspension and any combination thereof; e. at least one said substance is stored under either an inert atmosphere or under vacuum to prevent reactions during storage; f. a dose-response curve is substantially linear for brain concentration of said substance when administered nasally via said device; and g. a dose-response curve for brain concentration having a fit selected from a group consisting of logarithmic, parabolic, exponential, sigmoid, power-low, and any combination thereof; of said substance when administered nasally via said device.

38. The device of claim 18, wherein said vial is a capsule having a main longitudinal axis, said capsule comprising a number n of compartments, said capsule configured to contain said predetermined volume Vsub [ml or mg] of said at least one substance, said volume Vsub [ml or mg] of said at least one substance containable in at least one of said n compartments; at least one of the following being true: a. the number n of said compartments is an integer greater than or equal to 1 ; at least one said compartment has cross-section with shape selected from a group consisting of: wedge shaped, circular, oval, elliptical, polygonal, annular, and any combination thereof; b. for said number n of compartments being an integer greater than 1, at least two said compartments have different volumes; c. for said number n of compartments being an integer greater than 1, at least two said compartments have the same volume; d. for said number n of compartments being an integer greater than 1, at least two said compartments have different cross-sectional areas; e. for said number n of compartments being an integer greater than 1, at least two said compartments have the same cross-sectional area; f. for said number n of compartments being an integer greater than 1, at least two said compartments contain different substances; g. for said number n of compartments being an integer greater than 1, at least two said compartments contain the same substance; h. for said number n of compartments being an integer greater than 1, at least two said compartments are disposed coaxially around said main longitudinal axis of said capsule; i. for said number n of compartments being an integer greater than 1, at least two said compartments are disposed sequentially along said main longitudinal axis of said capsule; j. for said number n of compartments greater than 1, said plurality of substances mix during said dispensing; and k. for said number n of compartments greater than 1, said plurality of substances react during said dispensing.

39. The device of claim 18, wherein said vial comprises a port fluidly connectable to the exterior of said device, said port configured such that said at least one substance is insertable into said chamber via said port.

40. The device of claim 18, wherein said nosepiece cover configured to provide an air-tight closure for said port, said port cover slidable along said device, rotatable around said device, rotatable around a hinge on the exterior of said device and any combination thereof.

41. The device of claim 18, wherein said pressurized fluid entrains said substance in a pulsed manner, such that a plurality of portions VPF erupts via said fluid discharging outlet to within said body cavity.

42. The device of claim 18, further comprising a safety latch, adapted to prevent accidental operation of said device.

43. The device of claim 18, wherein said substance is selected from a group consisting of proteins; stem-cells; cells, organs, portions, extracts, and isolations thereof; macro molecules; RNA or other genes and proteins-encoding materials; neurotransmitters; receptor antagonists; hormones; Ketamine; Baqsimi product commercially available by Lilly (US); Glucagon; substrates to treat one of eth followings: anaphylaxis, Parkinson, seizures and opioid overdose; epinephrine; atropine; metoclopramide; commercially available Naloxone or Narcan products; Esketamine (Spravato); Radicava [edaravone]; Ingrezza [valbenazine]; Austedo [deutetrabenazine]; Ocrevus [ocrelizumab]; Xadago [safmamide]; Spinraza [nusinersen]; Zinbryta [daclizumab]; Nuplazid [pimavanserin]; Aristada [aripiprazole lauroxil]; Vraylar [cariprazine]; Rexulti [brexpiprazole]; Aptiom [eslicarbazepine acetate]; Vizamyl [flutemetamol F18 injection]; Brintellix [vortioxetine]; Tecfidera [dimethyl fumarate]; Dotarem [gadoterate meglumine]; Antibody mediated brain targeting drug delivery including aducanumab, gantenerumab, bapineuzumab, solanezumab, ofatumumab CD20, BIIB033, LCN2, HMGB1; insulin; oxytocin; orexin-A; leptin; benzodiazepine i.e. midazolam; naloxone; perillyl alcohol; camptothecin; phytochemicals including curcumin and chrysin; nucleotides; olanzapine; risperidone; Venlafaxin; GDF-5; zonisamide; ropinirole; plant-originated and synthetically-produced terpenes and cannabinoids, including THC and CBD; valproric acid; rivastigmine; estradiol; topiramate or an equivalent preparation comprising CAS No. 97240-79-4; MFSD2 or MFSD2A or sodium-dependent lysophosphatidylcholine symporter; and any esters, salts, derivatives, mixtures, combinations thereof, with or without a carrier, liposomes, lyophilic or water-miscible solvents, surfactants, cells, cells fractions, at a therapeutically effective concentration, midazolam; naloxone; perillyl alcohol; camptothecin; phytochemicals including curcumin and chrysin; nucleotides; olanzapine; risperidone; Venlafaxin; GDF-5; zonisamide; ropinirole; plant-originated and synthetically-produced terpenes and cannabinoids, including THC and CBD; valproric acid; rivastigmine; estradiol; topiramate or an equivalent preparation comprising CAS No. 97240-79-4; MFSD2 or MFSD2A or sodium-dependent lysophosphatidylcholine symporter; and any esters, salts, derivatives, mixtures, combinations thereof, with or without a carrier, liposomes, lyophilic or water-miscible solvents, surfactants, cells, cells fractions, at a therapeutically effective concentration.

44. A method for delivering either one or more substances within at least one body cavity, characterized by the steps of a. providing at least one pierceable vial with VSub [ml or mg] of said substances; said vial having at least one fluid inlet port of diameter Din [mm] and at least one fluid discharging outlet port of diameter Dout [mm], configured for placement in proximity to said body cavity; b. configuring said fluid inlet by means of size and shape to interface a puncturing member, so that upon coupling to said fluid inlet port, piercing of the same, thereby providing said substances in a fluid communication, with at least one chamber configured to accept pressurized fluid at volume VPF [ml] and pressure PPF [barg]; and c. facilitating the flow of said pressurized fluid from said chamber, via said fluid inlet, entrains said substances, erupts via said fluid discharging outlet port into said body cavity, such that the release time of said Vsub [ml or mg] of said substances and said VPF [ml] of said pressurized fluid, wherein said step of providing said vial additionally comprising step of selecting said vial from a group consisting of a pierceable container, a blow-fill-seal and a form-fill-seal and any combination thereof.

45. The method of claim 44, wherein: a. dTreiease is less than 500 milliseconds; b. VPF is in a range of 1 to 50 ml; c. Vsub is in a range of about 0.01 to about 7 ml; d. PPF is in a range of about 0 to about 10 barg; further wherein at least one of the following is being held true: e. Din or Dout are in a range of 0.2 to 6 mm; f. said pressure velocity is greater than 0.001 barg /ms; g. said pressure velocity is greater than 0.01 barg /ms; h. said volume rate dVsub/dTreiease is greater than 0.0001 ml /ms; i. said volume rate dVsub/dTreiease is greater than 0.001 ml /ms; j . said volume rate dVpF/dTreiease is greater than 0.001 ml /ms; k. said volume rate dVpF/dTreiease is greater than 0.01 ml /ms; l. any combination thereof.

46. The method of claim 44, additionally comprising at least one of the following steps: a. selecting said body cavity from a group consisting of a nasal cavity, the mouth, the throat, an ear, the vagina, the rectum, the urethra, and any combination thereof; b. selecting said gas from a group consisting of: air, nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, helium, neon, xenon and any combination thereof; c. dispensing said at least one substance, and during said step of dispensing, forming a plume of aerosol with predetermined distribution from a mixture of said predetermined volume Vgas [ml] of said pressurized gas and said predetermined volume Vsub [ml or mg] entrained within it; selecting said predetermined distribution from a group consisting of: a homogeneous distribution, a heterogeneous distribution; selecting said heterogeneous distribution from a group consisting of: an arbitrary distribution, a distribution in which the density of said at least one substance within said mixture follows a predetermined pattern, and any combination thereof; selecting characteristics of said aerosol from a group consisting of: particle size, particle shape, particle distribution, and any combination thereof, are determinable from characteristics of said device selected from a group consisting of: said predetermined volume of said pressurized gas, said predetermined volume of said substance, said predetermined pressure of said pressurized gas, said predetermined orifice size, and any combination thereof; d. selecting said substance from a group consisting of: a gas, a liquid, a powder, a slurry, a gel, a suspension, and any combination thereof; e. storing at least one said substance under either an inert atmosphere or under vacuum, thereby preventing reactions during storage; and f. characterizing a dose-response curve for brain concentration of said substance to be of substantially linear form; and g. a dose-response curve for brain concentration having a fit selected from a group consisting of logarithmic, parabolic, exponential, sigmoid, power-low, and any combination thereof; of said substance when administered nasally via said device.

47. The method of claim 44, wherein said substance is selected from a group consisting of proteins; stem-cells; cells, organs, portions, extracts, and isolations thereof; macro molecules; RNA or other genes and proteins-encoding materials; neurotransmitters; receptor antagonists; hormones; Ketamine; Baqsimi product commercially available by Lilly (US); Glucagon; substrates to treat one of eth followings: anaphylaxis, Parkinson, seizures and opioid overdose; epinephrine; atropine; metoclopramide; commercially available Naloxone or Narcan products; Esketamine (Spravato); Radicava [edaravone]; Ingrezza [valbenazine]; Austedo [deutetrabenazine]; Ocrevus [ocrelizumab]; Xadago [safmamide]; Spinraza [nusinersen]; Zinbryta [daclizumab]; Nuplazid [pimavanserin]; Aristada [aripiprazole lauroxil]; Vraylar [cariprazine]; Rexulti [brexpiprazole]; Aptiom [eslicarbazepine acetate]; Vizamyl [flutemetamol F18 injection]; Brintellix [vortioxetine]; Tecfidera [dimethyl fumarate]; Dotarem [gadoterate meglumine]; Antibody mediated brain targeting drug delivery including aducanumab, gantenerumab, bapineuzumab, solanezumab, ofatumumab CD20, BIIB033, LCN2, HMGB1; insulin; oxytocin; orexin-A; leptin; benzodiazepine i.e. midazolam; naloxone; perillyl alcohol; camptothecin; phytochemicals including curcumin and chrysin; nucleotides; olanzapine; risperidone; Venlafaxin; GDF-5; zonisamide; ropinirole; plant-originated and synthetically-produced terpenes and cannabinoids, including THC and CBD; valproric acid; rivastigmine; estradiol; topiramate or an equivalent preparation comprising CAS No. 97240-79-4; MFSD2 or MFSD2A or sodium-dependent lysophosphatidylcholine symporter; and any esters, salts, derivatives, mixtures, combinations thereof, with or without a carrier, liposomes, lyophilic or water-miscible solvents, surfactants, cells, cells fractions, at a therapeutically effective concentration.

48. The method of claim 44, wherein said vial comprises a cap adapted to seal said vial, such that removal thereof provides fluid communication between said vial and said body cavity through said fluid discharging outlet port.

49. The method of claim 44, wherein said at least one puncturing member is adapted to pierce said vial be means of a screw mechanism, such that rotation of said nosepiece cover along said screw mechanism in said base enables said pierce of said fluid inlet port in said vial by means of said puncturing member.

50. The method of claim 44, wherein said device additionally comprising at least one piercing needle adapted to pierce said chamber to thereby enable flow of said pressurized fluid therefrom to said fluid inlet port and to entrain said substances; further wherein lateral movement of at least one element selected from a group consisting of said piercing needle, said chamber and any combination thereof results in piercing of said chamber.

51. The method of claim 44, wherein said device additionally comprising at least one plunger enclosed within said chamber, said plunger comprising at least one sealing member adapted to seal said chamber and to prevent flow of said pressurized fluid; further wherein linear movement of said plunger moves said sealing member and creates a gap throughout which said pressurized fluid exit said chamber.

52. The method of claim 51, wherein said sealing member is at least one o-ring adapted to seal reversibly seal said chamber r.

53. The method of claim 44, wherein said at least one chamber is a container adapted to hold said pressured fluid at said PPF for prolonged periods of time.

54. The method of claim 44, wherein said at least one puncturing member is a double-sided needle, adapted to pierce said at least one chamber and said vial, such said pressurized fluid flows from said at least one chamber to said at least one vial to entrain said substances.

55. The method of claim 44, wherein vial is made of at least one material selected from a group consisting of high- or low-density polyethylene, high- or low-density polypropylene and any combination thereof.

56. A method for delivering either one or more substances within at least one body cavity, characterized by steps of a. providing a nosepiece comprising: i. at least one pierceable vial comprising VSub [ml or mg] of said substances; said vial having at least one fluid inlet port of diameter Din [mm] and at least one fluid discharging outlet of diameter Dout [mm], configured for placement in proximity to said body cavity; and ii. a nosepiece cover configured by means of size and shape to cover, in a sealable manner, at least partially said nosepiece; b. providing a nosepiece comprising: i. at least one chamber configured to confine pressurized fluid at volume VPF [ml] and pressure PPF [barg]; and ii. at least one puncturing member; said fluid inlet of said vial configured by means of size and shape to interface in a sealable manner with said at least one puncturing member; c. actuating said nosepiece cover thereby piercing of said vial in said fluid inlet port, by means of said puncturing member; and d. releasing said volume VPF [ml] of said pressurized fluid at pressure PPF [barg] within a short period of time, <500 milliseconds (dT); out of said chamber, via said fluid inlet thereby entraining said substances and erupting via said fluid discharging outlet into said body cavity, such that the release time of said Vsub [ml or mg] of said substances and said VPF [ml] of said pressurized fluid, dTreiease is less than 500 milliseconds.

57. The method of claim 56, wherein said nosepiece cover and said nosepiece are coupled to each other.

58. The method of claim 57, wherein said coupling between nosepiece cover and said nosepiece said is reversible.

59. The method of claim 56, wherein removal of said nosepiece cover results in piercing said vial to provide said fluid discharging outlet.

60. The method of claim 56, wherein removal of said nosepiece cover is obtained by at least one action selected from a group consisting of sliding said nosepiece cover along said device, rotating said nosepiece cover around said device, rotating said nosepiece cover around a hinge on the exterior of said device and any combination thereof.

61. The method of claim 56, wherein said nosepiece cover comprises at least one nosepiece puncturing member adapted to pierce said vial to enable said fluid discharging outlet.

62. The method of claim 56, wherein said nosepiece comprises at least one port throughout which said at least one substance exits said device, such that said nosepiece cover seals said at least one port and removal thereof removes said seal.

63. The method of claim 56, wherein said vial is selected from a group consisting of pierceable container, a blow-fill-seal and a form-fill-seal and any combination thereof.

64. The method of claim 56, wherein said actuation is performed by means of rotation of said nosepiece cover over said base.

65. The method of claim 56, wherein said rotation is of at least 10 degrees.

66. The method of claim 56, wherein said at least one puncturing member is adapted to pierce said vial be means of a screw mechanism, such that rotation of said nosepiece cover along said screw mechanism in said base enables said pierce of said fluid inlet port in said vial by means of said puncturing member.

67. The method of claim 56, wherein said at least one chamber is a container adapted to hold said pressured fluid at said PPF for prolonged periods of time.

68. The method of claim 56, additionally comprising an activation mechanism adapted to enable the release of said pressurized fluid out of said chamber.

69. The method of claim 68, wherein said activation mechanism is at least one piercing member adapted to pierce said at least one chamber, such said pressurized fluid flows from said at least one chamber to said at least one vial to entrain said substances.

70. The method of claim 69, wherein said activation mechanism is said at least one puncturing member adapted to pierce said at least one chamber and said vial, such said pressurized fluid flows from said at least one chamber to said at least one vial to entrain said substances.

71. The method of claim 68, wherein said vial is made of at least one material selected from a group consisting of high- or low-density polyethylene, high- or low-density polypropylene and any combination thereof.

72. The method of claim 56, wherein said device additionally comprises at least one plunger enclosed within said chamber, said plunger comprising at least one sealing member adapted to seal said chamber and to prevent flow of said pressurized fluid; further wherein linear movement of said plunger moves said sealing member and creates a gap throughout which said pressurized fluid exit said chamber.

73. The method of claim 772, wherein said sealing member is at least one o-ring adapted to seal reversibly seal said chamber

74. The method of claim 56, wherein said device is configured to deliver said Vsub substance and VPF pressurized fluid through said fluid discharging outlet of diameter D [mm] wherein at least one of the following is held true: a. VPF is in a range of 1 to 50 ml; b. Vsub is in a range of about 0.01 to about 7 ml; c. Din and/or D0ut is in a range of 0.2 to 6 mm; d. PPF is in a range of about 0 to about 10 barg; e. said pressure rate, ^ ® ¥; f. said pressure velocity is greater than 0.001 barg /ms; g. said pressure velocity is greater than 0.01 barg /ms; h. said volume rate dVsub/dT or dVsub /dTreiease is greater than 0.0001 ml /ms; i. said volume rate dVsub/dT or dVsub /dTreiease is greater than 0.001 ml /ms; j . said volume rate dVpF/dT or dVpF/dTreiease is greater than 0.001 ml /ms; k. said volume rate dVpF/dT or dVpF/dTreiease is greater than 0.01 ml /ms; and

1. any combination thereof.

75. The method of claim 56, additionally comprising at least one of the following steps: a. selecting said body cavity from a group consisting of a nasal cavity, the mouth, the throat, an ear, the vagina, the rectum, the urethra, and any combination thereof; b. selecting said gas from a group consisting of: air, nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, helium, neon, xenon and any combination thereof; c. dispensing said at least one substance, and during said step of dispensing, forming a plume of aerosol with predetermined distribution from a mixture of said predetermined volume Vgas [ml] of said pressurized gas and said predetermined volume Vsub [ml or mg] entrained within it; selecting said predetermined distribution from a group consisting of: a homogeneous distribution, a heterogeneous distribution; selecting said heterogeneous distribution from a group consisting of: an arbitrary distribution, a distribution in which the density of said at least one substance within said mixture follows a predetermined pattern, and any combination thereof; selecting characteristics of said aerosol from a group consisting of: particle size, particle shape, particle distribution, and any combination thereof, are determinable from characteristics of said device selected from a group consisting of: said predetermined volume of said pressurized gas, said predetermined volume of said substance, said predetermined pressure of said pressurized gas, said predetermined orifice size, and any combination thereof; d. selecting said substance from a group consisting of: a gas, a liquid, a powder, a slurry, a gel, a suspension, and any combination thereof; e. storing at least one said substance under either an inert atmosphere or under vacuum, thereby preventing reactions during storage; and f. characterizing a dose-response curve for brain concentration of said substance to be of substantially linear form; and g. a dose-response curve for brain concentration having a fit selected from a group consisting of logarithmic, parabolic, exponential, sigmoid, power-low, and any combination thereof; of said substance when administered nasally via said device.

76. The method of claim 56, wherein said substance is selected from a group consisting of proteins; stem-cells; cells, organs, portions, extracts, and isolations thereof; macro molecules; RNA or other genes and proteins-encoding materials; neurotransmitters; receptor antagonists; hormones; Ketamine; Baqsimi product commercially available by Lilly (US); Glucagon; substrates to treat one of eth followings: anaphylaxis, Parkinson, seizures and opioid overdose; epinephrine; atropine; metoclopramide; commercially available Naloxone or Narcan products; Esketamine (Spravato); Radicava [edaravone]; Ingrezza [valbenazine]; Austedo [deutetrabenazine]; Ocrevus [ocrelizumab]; Xadago [safmamide]; Spinraza [nusinersen]; Zinbryta [daclizumab]; Nuplazid [pimavanserin]; Aristada [aripiprazole lauroxil]; Vraylar [cariprazine]; Rexulti [brexpiprazole]; Aptiom [eslicarbazepine acetate]; Vizamyl [flutemetamol F18 injection]; Brintellix [vortioxetine]; Tecfidera [dimethyl fumarate]; Dotarem [gadoterate meglumine]; Antibody mediated brain targeting drug delivery including aducanumab, gantenerumab, bapineuzumab, solanezumab, ofatumumab CD20, BIIB033, LCN2, HMGB1; insulin; oxytocin; orexin-A; leptin; benzodiazepine i.e. midazolam; naloxone; perillyl alcohol; camptothecin; phytochemicals including curcumin and chrysin; nucleotides; olanzapine; risperidone; Venlafaxin; GDF-5; zonisamide; ropinirole; plant-originated and synthetically-produced terpenes and cannabinoids, including THC and CBD; valproric acid; rivastigmine; estradiol; topiramate or an equivalent preparation comprising CAS No. 97240-79-4; MFSD2 or MFSD2A or sodium-dependent lysophosphatidylcholine symporter; and any esters, salts, derivatives, mixtures, combinations thereof, with or without a carrier, liposomes, lyophilic or water-miscible solvents, surfactants, cells, cells fractions, at a therapeutically effective concentration.

77. The method of claim 56, wherein said puncturing member comprising a plurality of holes throughout which said pressurized fluid exits said chamber and entrains said substance, after activation of said activation mechanism.

Description:
DEVICES AND METHODS FOR DELIVERING A SUBSTANCE TO A BODY CAVITY

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of and claims priority to U.S. application no. 16/809,994 filed March 5, 2020, which is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. application no. 15/982,996, filed on May 17, 2018 which is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. application no. 14/733,143 filed on Jun. 8, 2015 which claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. provisional application nos. 62/117,986 filed on Feb. 19, 2015 and 62/077,246 filed on Nov. 9, 2014. U.S. application no. 15/982,996 also claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. provisional application no. 62/526,386 filed on Jun. 29, 2017.

This Application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. application no. 16/810,096 filed on March 5, 2020, which is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. application no. 15/892,630 filed on May 17, 2018, which is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. application no. 14/733,143 filed on June 8, 2015, which claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. provisional application nos. 62/117,986 filed on February 19, 2015 and 62/077,246 filed on November 9, 2014. U.S. application no. 15/892,630 also claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. provisional application no. 62/507,816 filed on May 18, 2017.

Further, this application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. Application No. 14/433,048 filed on April 2, 2015, which is a national phase entry ofPCT/IL2014/050752 filed on August 21, 2014, which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. provisional application no. 61/868,614 filed on August 22, 2013, U.S. provisional application no. 61/868,627 filed on August 22, 2013, and German application no. 2020131057150 filed on December 16, 2013.

The contents of the above applications are all incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally pertains to a system and methods for delivering aerosolized substance to a natural orifice of the body. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Blow-Fill-Seal (BFS) technology is a manufacturing technique used to produce small (0.1ml) and large (<500 ml) liquid-filled containers. The basic concept of blow-fill-seal and form-fill- seal (referred to interchangeably hereinafter as BFS) is that a container is formed, filled and sealed in a continuous process without human intervention in a sterile or aseptic enclosed area. Thus, this technology can be used to sterile or aseptically packaging and manufacturing of pharmaceutical liquid dosage forms.

There are several ways of manufacturing. According to one method, the processes begun as pharmaceutical grade plastic resin is vertically heat-extruded through a circular throat to form a hanging tube (parison). This extruded tube is then enclosed within a two-part mold and the tube is cut above the mold. The mold is zone, or a sterile filling space, where filling needles (mandrels) are lowered and used to inflate the plastic to form a container within the mold. Following formation of the container, the mandrel is used to fill the container with the liquid. Following filling, the mandrels are retracted and a secondary top mold seals the container. All actions take place within the sterile enclosed area, a sterile shrouded chamber within the machine. The product can then be discharged to a non-sterile area for labeling, packaging and distribution.

BFS technology reduces personnel intervention, making it a more robust method for aseptic preparation of sterile pharmaceuticals. BFS is used for the filling of vials for parenteral preparations and infusion, eye drops, and inhalation products. Generally, the containers are made of polyethylene and polypropylene.

It is therefore a long felt need to provide a system which provides an efficient delivery of a substance to a target site from such BFS containers, provides sufficient material to the target site, and ensures reproducibility.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to disclose a device for delivering either one or more substances within at least one body cavity. The device is characterized by at least one pierceable vial comprising V S ub [ml or mg] of the substances; the vial having at least one fluid inlet port of diameter Din [mm]and at least one fluid discharging outlet port of diameter D ou t [mm], configured for placement in proximity to the body cavity; the fluid inlet port configured by means of size and shape to interface with at least one puncturing member, configured to, upon coupling to the fluid inlet port, piercing the same, thereby providing the substances in a fluid communication, with at least one chamber configured to accept pressurized fluid at volume VPF [ml] and pressure PPF [barg]; the pressurized fluid flows from the chamber, via the fluid inlet port, entrains the substances, erupts via the fluid discharging outlet port to within the body cavity in the form of aerosol, such that the release time of the Vsub [ml or mg] of the substances and the VPF [ml] of the pressurized fluid, dTreiease is less than 500 milliseconds; In this device, the following held: VPF is in a range of 1 to 50 ml; Vsub is in a range of about 0.01 to about 7 ml or 0.1 mg to 7 g; PPF is in a range of about 0 to about 10 barg; further wherein at least one of the following is being held true: Din or D 0 ut are in a range of 0.2 to 6 mm; the pressure velocity is greater than 0.001 barg /ms; the pressure velocity is greater than 0.01 barg /ms; the volume rate dVsub/dTreiease is greater than 0.0001 ml /ms; the volume rate dVsub/dTreiease is greater than 0.001 ml /ms; the volume rate dVpF/dTreiease is greater than 0.001 ml /ms; the volume rate dVpF/dTreiease is greater than 0.01 ml /ms; any combination thereof. The vial is further selected from a group consisting of a pierceable container, a blow-fill-seal and a form- fill-seal and any combination thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to disclose the device as disclosed above, wherein the vial comprises a cap adapted to seal the vial, such that removal thereof provides fluid communication between the vial and the body cavity through the fluid discharging outlet port.

It is another object of the present invention to disclose the device as disclosed in any of the above, wherein the at least one puncturing member is adapted to pierce the vial be means of a screw mechanism, such that rotation of the nosepiece cover along the screw mechanism in the base enables the pierce of the fluid inlet port in the vial by means of the puncturing member.

It is another object of the present invention to disclose the device as defined in any of the above, wherein at least one of the following is true: (a) The body cavity is selected from a group consisting of nasal cavity, the mouth, the throat, an ear, the vagina, the rectum, the urethra, and any combination thereof (b) The pressurized gas is selected from a group consisting of air, nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, helium, neon, xenon and any combination thereof (c) During dispensing of the at least one substance, a mixture of the predetermined volume Vgas [ml] of the pressurized gas with the predetermined volume Vsub [ml or mg] of the substance entrained within it forms a plume of aerosol; the aerosol having a predetermined distribution, the distribution being either homogeneous or heterogeneous, the heterogeneous distribution is selected from a group consisting of: an arbitrary distribution, a distribution in which the density of the at least one substance within the mixture follows a predetermined pattern, and any combination thereof; characteristics of the aerosol selected from a group consisting of: particle size, particle shape, particle distribution, and any combination thereof, are determinable from characteristics of the device selected from a group consisting of: the predetermined volume of the pressurized gas, the predetermined volume of the substance, the predetermined pressure of the pressurized gas, the predetermined orifice size, and any combination thereof (d) At least one the substance is selected from a group consisting of a gas, a liquid, a powder, an aerosol, a slurry, a gel, a suspension and any combination thereof (e) The least one the substance is stored under either an inert atmosphere or under vacuum to prevent reactions during storage (f) A dose-response curve is substantially linear for brain concentration of the substance when administered nasally via the device; and (g) A dose-response curve for brain concentration having a fit selected from a group consisting of logarithmic, parabolic, exponential, sigmoid, power-low, and any combination thereof; of the substance when administered nasally via the device.

It is another object of the present invention to disclose the device as disclosed in any of the above, wherein the vial is a capsule having a main longitudinal axis, the capsule comprising a number n of compartments, the capsule configured to contain the predetermined volume Vsub [ml or mg] of the at least one substance, the volume Vsub [ml or mg] of the at least one substance containable in at least one of the n compartments; at least one of the following being true: the number n of the compartments is an integer greater than or equal to 1; at least one the compartment has cross-section with shape selected from a group consisting of: wedge shaped, circular, oval, elliptical, polygonal, annular, and any combination thereof; for the number n of compartments being an integer greater than 1, at least two the compartments have different volumes; for the number n of compartments being an integer greater than 1, at least two the compartments have the same volume; for the number n of compartments being an integer greater than 1, at least two the compartments have different cross-sectional areas; for the number n of compartments being an integer greater than 1, at least two the compartments have the same cross-sectional area; for the number n of compartments being an integer greater than 1, at least two the compartments contain different substances; for the number n of compartments being an integer greater than 1, at least two the compartments contain the same substance; for the number n of compartments being an integer greater than 1, at least two the compartments are disposed coaxially around the main longitudinal axis of the capsule; for the number n of compartments being an integer greater than 1, at least two the compartments are disposed sequentially along the main longitudinal axis of the capsule; for the number n of compartments greater than 1, the plurality of substances mix during the dispensing; and for the number n of compartments greater than 1, the plurality of substances react during the dispensing.

It is another object of the present invention to disclose the device as disclosed in any of the above, wherein the vial comprises a port fluidly connectable to the exterior of the device, the port configured such that the at least one substance is insertable into the chamber via the port.

It is another object of the present invention to disclose the device as disclosed above, wherein the device comprises a port cover configured to provide an air-tight closure for the port, the port cover slidable along the device, rotatable around the device, rotatable around a hinge on the exterior of the device and any combination thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to disclose the device as disclosed in any of the above, wherein the pressurized fluid entrains the substance in a pulsed manner, such that a plurality of portions VPF erupts via the fluid discharging outlet to within the body cavity

It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method for delivering either one or more substances within at least one body cavity, characterized by steps of providing at least one pierceable vial with V S ub [ml or mg] of the substances; the vial having at least one fluid inlet port of diameter Din [mm] and at least one fluid discharging outlet port of diameter D ou t [mm], configured for placement in proximity to the body cavity; configuring the fluid inlet by means of size and shape to interface a puncturing member, so that upon coupling to the fluid inlet port, piercing of the same, thereby providing the substances in a fluid communication, with at least one chamber configured to accept pressurized fluid at volume VPF [ml] and pressure PPF [barg]; and facilitating the flow of the pressurized fluid from the chamber, via the fluid inlet, entrains the substances, erupts via the fluid discharging outlet port into the body cavity, such that the release time of the Vsub [ml or mg] of the substances and the VPF [ml] of the pressurized fluid, dTreiease is less than 500 milliseconds. The method further held the followings: VPF is in a range of 1 to 50 ml; Vsub is in a range of about 0.01 to about 7 ml or 0.1 mg to 1 g; PPF is in a range of about 0 to about 10 barg / The following is further being held true: Din or Dout are in a range of 0.2 to 6 mm; the pressure velocity is greater than 0.001 barg /ms; the pressure velocity is greater than 0.01 barg /ms; the volume rate or dVsub/dTreiease is greater than 0.0001 ml /ms; the volume rate dVsub/dTreiease is greater than 0.001 ml /ms; the volume rate dVpF/dTreiease is greater than 0.001 ml /ms; the volume rate dVpF/dTreiease is greater than 0.01 ml /ms; and any combination thereof. Additionally, the step of providing the vial additionally comprising step of selecting the vial from a group consisting of a pierceable container, a blow-fill-seal and a form-fill-seal and any combination thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to disclose the method as disclosed above, wherein it additionally comprising at least one of the following steps: selecting the body cavity from a group consisting of a nasal cavity, the mouth, the throat, an ear, the vagina, the rectum, the urethra, and any combination thereof; selecting the gas from a group consisting of: air, nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, helium, neon, xenon and any combination thereof; dispensing the at least one substance, and during the step of dispensing, forming a plume of aerosol with predetermined distribution from a mixture of the predetermined volume Vgas [ml] of the pressurized gas and the predetermined volume Vsub [ml] entrained within it; selecting the predetermined distribution from a group consisting of: a homogeneous distribution, a heterogeneous distribution; selecting the heterogeneous distribution from a group consisting of: an arbitrary distribution, a distribution in which the density of the at least one substance within the mixture follows a predetermined pattern, and any combination thereof; selecting characteristics of the aerosol from a group consisting of: particle size, particle shape, particle distribution, and any combination thereof, are determinable from characteristics of the device selected from a group consisting of: the predetermined volume of the pressurized gas, the predetermined volume of the substance, the predetermined pressure of the pressurized gas, the predetermined orifice size, and any combination thereof; selecting the substance from a group consisting of: a gas, a liquid, a powder, a slurry, a gel, a suspension, and any combination thereof; storing at least one the substance under either an inert atmosphere or under vacuum, thereby preventing reactions during storage; and characterizing a dose-response curve for brain concentration of the substance to be of substantially linear form; and a dose-response curve for brain concentration having a fit selected from a group consisting of logarithmic, parabolic, exponential, sigmoid, power-low, and any combination thereof; of the substance when administered nasally via the device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figs. 1A-B show an embodiment of the present invention, with Fig. 1A showing an exploded view of the device and Fig. IB showing the device fully assembled; Figs. 2A-C show another embodiment of the present invention, with Fig. 2A showing the device, Fig. 2B showing a cross section of the device and Fig. 2C showing an enlarged view of a portion of the device;

Figs. 3A-D show another embodiment of the present invention, with Fig. 3A showing a cross- section of the device, Fig. 3B showing an enlarged view a portion of the device, Fig. 3C showing the exterior of the nosepiece and Fig. 3D showing the device from the top;

Figs. 4A-C show another embodiment of the present invention, after activation, with the device shown in Fig. 4A, a cross section of the device in Fig. 4B and an enlarged view a portion of the device in Fig. 4C;

Figs. 5A-G show another embodiment of the device, with Fig. 5A showing a side view of a pre-used device carrying a BFS, Fig. 5B showing a cross section of the same, Fig. 5C and 5D depicting the device when connected to a BFS, Fig. 5E showing the same when the device is ready to use, Fig. 5F showing connection of the BFS to the device; and Fig. 5G showing the device after activation;

Figs. 6A-E show another embodiment of the present invention, with Fig. 6A illustrating a front view of a pre-used device carrying a BFS and cross sections of the same; Fig. 6B showing securing of the BFS to the device and breaking the cap; Fig. 6C presenting a cross-section view; Fig. 6D showing a button at the base of the device being pushed; and Fig 6E showing pressurized fluid flowing from the container to the BFS and carrying the drug outward;

Figs. 7A-7B illustrate a device being another embodiment of the present invention, a front and exploded view, respectively;

Figs. 8A-8E show the same device in various modes of operation; and

Fig. 9 depicts two views of the device interconnected to a safety latch according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following description is provided, alongside all chapters of the present invention, so as to enable any person skilled in the art to make use of the invention and sets forth the best modes contemplated by the inventor of carrying out this invention. Various modifications, however, will remain apparent to those skilled in the art, since the generic principles of the present invention have been defined specifically to provide a device capable of improving the transfer of medicament to a predetermined desired location and to provide a device capable of improving the delivery of medicament through the tissue.

In the present invention, a combination of parameters and forces such as pressure, gas/air volume orifice diameter enable the formation of optimized aerosol characteristics for both improved delivery of aerosol to the target area (such as the olfactory epithelium in the nasal cavity) and enhanced absorption at that area for better delivery to a desired tissue (such as the brain).

The term 'ul' or 'mΐϊΐ' hereinafter refers to the unit micro liters or micro meters, respectively.

The terms 'capsule' and 'container' interchangeably refer to a container configured to contain a flowable substance. The term flowable refers hereinafter to any liquid, gas, aerosol, powder and any combination thereof. It should be emphasized that the term capsule can also refer to a predefined volume within the same in which a flowable substance is placed. In other words, the predefined volume is sized and shaped to enclose a predefined volume of the substance.

The term 'plurality' hereinafter refers to an integer greater than or equal to one.

The term 'olfactory epithelium' hereinafter refers to a specialized epithelial tissue inside the nasal cavity. The olfactory epithelium lies in the upper top portion of the nasal cavity.

The term 'substance' hereinafter refers to any substance capable of flowing. Such a substance can be a granular material, including a powder; a liquid; a gel; a slurry; a suspension; and any combination thereof. The term further refers to one or more members of a group consisting of proteins; stem-cells; cells, organs, portions, extracts, and isolations thereof; macro-molecules; RNA or other genes and proteins-encoding materials; neurotransmitters; receptor antagonists; biologic response modifiers; hormones; Ketamine; commercially available by Lilly (US) Baqsimi product; Glucagon, biologic response modifiers; Glucagon; substrates to treat one of eth followings: anaphylaxis, Parkinson, seizures and opioid overdose; epinephrine; atropine; metoclopramide; commercially available Naloxone or Narcan products; Esketamine (Spravato); Radicava [edaravone]; Ingrezza [valbenazine]; Austedo [deutetrabenazine]; Ocrevus [ocrelizumab]; Xadago [safmamide]; Spinraza [nusinersen]; Zinbryta [daclizumab]; Nuplazid [pimavanserin]; Aristada [aripiprazole lauroxil]; Vraylar [cariprazine]; Rexulti [brexpiprazole]; Aptiom [eslicarbazepine acetate]; Vizamyl [flutemetamol F18 injection]; Brintellix [vortioxetine]; Tecfidera [dimethyl fumarate]; Dotarem [gadoterate meglumine]; Antibody mediated brain targeting drug delivery including aducanumab, gantenerumab, bapineuzumab, solanezumab, ofatumumab CD20, BIIB033, LCN2, HMGB1; insulin; oxytocin; orexin-A; leptin; benzodiazepine i.e. midazolam; naloxone; perillyl alcohol; camptothecin; phytochemicals including curcumin and chrysin; nucleotides; olanzapine; risperidone; Venlafaxin; GDF-5; zonisamide; ropinirole; plant-originated and synthetically- produced terpenes and cannabinoids, including THC and CBD; valproric acid; rivastigmine; estradiol; topiramate or an equivalent preparation comprising CAS No. 97240-79-4; MFSD2 or MFSD2A or sodium-dependent lysophosphatidylcholine symporter; and any esters, salts, derivatives, mixtures, combinations thereof, with or without a carrier, liposomes, lyophilic or water-miscible solvents, surfactants, cells, cells fractions, at a therapeutically effective concentration.

The term 'gas' refers to any fluid that can be readily compressed. Gases as used herein include, but are not limited to, air, nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, helium, neon, xenon and any combination thereof. Devices charged by hand will typically use air as the carrier gas.

The term ‘fluid’ refers to any substance or mixtures of substances that continually deforms (flows) under an applied shear stress, or external force. This term refers to gas, liquids, particulate or granulated solids (powders), aerosols, and any mixtures and combinations thereof.

The term 'about' refers hereinafter to a range of 25% below or above the referred value.

The terms “body orifice” and “body cavity” interchangeably refer to one or more of the followings: nasal cavity, a mouth, a throat, an ear, a vagina, a rectum, a urethra, and any combination thereof.

The term 'biologic' or 'biologic response modifier' hereinafter refers to material manufactured in or extracted from biological sources such as a genetically engineered protein derived from human genes, or a biologically effective combination of such proteins.

All pressures herein are gauge pressures, relative to atmospheric pressure. Pressure units will be written herein using the standard abbreviation for "gauge 1 , namely, "g". For example, atmospheric pressure is 0 barg and a pressure of 1 bar above atmospheric is 1 barg.

The term 'release time' refers hereinafter to the time for the drug and carrier gas to substantially completely exit the device. Typically, the release time is affected by the combination of the Volume of substance, volume of pressurized gas, pressure of pressurized gas, the orifice diameter, the activation time of the valve that reflects the time for the device to reconfigure from the ACTIVE configuration to the INACTIVE configuration or vice versa and any combination thereof.

The terms 'the device', 'the present device', 'the SipNose device' and 'SipNose' will be used interchangeably to refer to a device according to any embodiment of the present invention.

In all of the embodiments of the device shown hereinbelow, identical numbers refer to identical functions. All figures shown herein are illustrative and none is to scale.

The present invention teaches a device for delivering a predetermined amount of a substance, preferably comprising a medication or combination of medications, into a body orifice of a subject, the orifice comprising any of the body's natural orifices, including a nostril, the mouth, the ear, the throat, the urethra, the vagina, the rectum and any combination thereof.

In preferred embodiments of the device, the device comprises a delivery mechanism and a medicament capsule, as described hereinbelow. The device can apply a broad range of drugs and materials to the nasal cavity for local effect, deliver a broad range of drugs and materials through the nasal cavity to the systemic circulation, deliver a broad range of drugs and materials through the nasal cavity to the central nerve system (CNS) the brain, spinal cord and associated nerves, and any combination thereof.

The drugs to be applied could be, but are not limited to, pharmaceuticals, natural compounds, biologies, hormones, peptides, proteins, viruses, cells, stem cells and any combination thereof.

However, it should be emphasized that the device can be provided alone as well as in combination with a capsule.

In some cases, the capsule would be provided with a known medicament within the same and in other cases the capsule would be 'filled' with the medicament just before use.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the device operating characteristics and the substance characteristics can be jointly optimized to maximize uptake of the substance at the desired site. In preferred variants of such embodiments, uptake is further optimized by exploiting synergies between delivery characteristics generated by the device and by the formulation or composition of the delivered material

In some embodiments, the substance comprises one or more agents to optimize delivery through the mucosal membrane by means of mucoadhesive agent and/or a permeability enhancer agent and/or a particulate formulation in the nano-particle or macro-particle range, and any combination thereof. In such embodiments, the combination of the device and substance enhance the delivery of the active agent to the target area (nasal epithelium and more specifically olfactory epithelium) and from there to the target tissue (for example the brain).

A non-limiting example is a composition comprising a drug to be delivered and at least one chemical permeation enhancer (CPE). In a preferred embodiment, the composition contains two or more CPEs which, by using a nasal delivery device, affect in an additive manner or behave synergistically to increase the permeability of the epithelium, while providing an acceptably low level of cytotoxicity to the cells. The concentration of the one or more CPEs is selected to provide the greatest amount of overall potential (OP). Additionally, the CPEs are selected based on the treatment. CPEs that behave primarily by transcellular transport are preferred for delivering drugs into epithelial cells. CPEs that behave primarily by paracellular transport are preferred for delivering drugs through epithelial cells. Also provided herein are mucoadhesive agents that enable the extension of the exposure period of the target tissue/ mucus membrane to the active agent, for the enhancement of delivery of the active agent to and through the mucus membrane.

In contrast to prior-art nasal delivery devices and technologies, the devices of the present invention can produce a fine aerosol in the nasal cavity or other desired body orifice at the target area and at the location of the target tissue instead of producing the aerosol only within the device or immediately after exit from the device. Utilizing the pressure as a driving force and the air as a carrier allows the material to be released from the nozzle as a mixture of aerosol and a pre-aerosolized state. The properties of the resultant aerosol are typically dependent on the properties of the device and of the medium into which the device is discharged. The properties of the device which affect the aerosol characteristics are the delivery pressure, the volume of the delivery gas, the characteristics of its orifice and time of activate.

In some embodiments, the aerosol properties are fairly independent of the delivered substance, while, in other embodiments, the pressure, volume, orifice characteristics, and delivered substance properties can be co-optimized.

In prior-art devices the aerosol is produced in proximity exit of the device. Typically, the aerosol comprises a wide "fan" of aerosol and a low driving force. Therefore, large droplets typically deposit very close to the exit from the device, while smaller droplets tend to quickly contact the walls of the passage, so that deposition is typically predominantly close to the delivery end of the device, with little of the substance reaching desired sites deeper in the body orifice, such as the middle and superior turbinates of the nose. In the present invention the aerosol created, due to the pressurized air carrier, reaches the upper regions of the nasal cavity.

Reference is now made to Fig. 1A-B, disclosing a device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 1A shows an exploded view of the device, while Fig. IB shows the device fully assembled. As shown in Fig. 1A, the device comprises, inter alia, aBFS nose piece (1), a pressurized-fluid container (2), an air chamber gate (3) and an activation mechanism base

(4).

In the Fig. 1A, the base (4), an air chamber gate (3) has with a first gate O-ring at its proximal end and a second gate O-ring at its distal end (both shown in Figs. 7A-7B and 8A-8E, as numerical reference 77 and 78).

The pressurized-fluid container (2) will fit over the air chamber gate (3), with the first gate O- ring and the second gate O-ring providing airtight seals before activation so that compressed gas is storable between the air chamber gate (3) and the pressurized-fluid container (2).

As will be disclosed hereinafter, the pierceable drug container (1) (e.g., BFS ) in the nosepiece, where there is a puncturing element that punctures the drug container and once the compressed gas is released from the pressurized-fluid container (2), the same entrains the drug and deliver the same to the nasal cavity (see Figs. 7A-7B and 8A-8E).

As shown in the Figs, the base of the device forms the activation button (4); to activate, the activation button (4) is pressed upward, then the air chamber gate (3) is drawn downwardly, which removes the sealing of the upper O-ring (78 in Figs. 7A-7B). The movement of the air chamber gate (3) opens a gap between the pressurized-fluid container (2) and the BFF nose piece (1), allowing the pressurized-fluid to escape from container 2, enter BFF nose piece (1) (after the same has been pierced by the piercing needle 79, shown in Figs 7A-7B), and entrain the substance to the nasal cavity. Reference is now made to Figs. 2A-C, disclosing a device according to another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2B depicts a cross section along the line D-D of the device as shown in Fig. 2A. The area within the circle 2C in Fig. 2B is shown enlarged in Fig. 2C, where the device’s spike is disclosed (6). Also seen in Fig. 2C is a BSF lower BFS point at which the needle punctures the BFS(5A), BSF nosepiece which contain the drug (51) and an activation screw mechanism (5C).

Reference is now made to Figs. 3A-D, disclosing a device according to another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3A shows a cross-section of the device. Fig. 3B shows an enlarged view of the area inside the circle 3B of Fig. 3A. The piercing member (6) can be clearly seen. Fig. 3C shows the exterior of the nosepiece, showing the activation screw mechanism (5C) that is tightened in order to drive the bottom of the drug container against the spike and thereby pierce the drug container; the nosepiece cover (5D) and the main body of the nosepiece (5B). Fig. 3D shows the device from the top.

Reference is now made to Figs. 4A-C, disclosing a device according to another embodiment of the present invention. Here a device is after the activation (Fig. 4A). Fig. 4B shows a cross section of the same along the line B-B. The area within circle 4C is shown enlarged in Fig. 4C, namely a cross section of the piercing member. Drug powder and/or liquid schematically illustrated (51). Air flow through the spike holes (42) entrains the drug.

Reference is now made to Figs. 5A-G, disclosing a device according to another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 5A is a side view of a pre-used device carrying a BFS, and Fig. 5B is a cross section of the same. Fig. 5C and 5D similarly depict the device when connected to a BFS. Fig. 5E shows the same when the device is ready to use, Fig. 5F illustrates the connection between the BFS to the device; drug (51) is shown. The device after activation presents the flowing drug (51) in Fig. 5G.

Reference is now made to Figs. 6A-E disclosing a device according to another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 6A illustrates a side view (image on the top) of a pre-used device carrying a BFS. Images on the middle and in the bottom are cross sections of the same, showing BFS nosepiece and BFS air container before contact. Fig. 6B shows the second step after introducing the BFS, namely securing the BFS to the device, here by turning the nosepiece of the BFS clockwise. Upon rotation of the nosepiece, the piercing member 511 (shown in figure 6C), pierces the drug compartment. A further step is removing (e.g., breaking) the cap, the image at the bottom presents the device after breaking the said cap. The drug (51) is presented in cross section view of figure 6C. In figure 6D, a button at the base of the device is pushed. Such push actuates the base and a second piercing member 611 pierces the container 80. Subsequently, as depicted in Fig 6E, pressurized fluid (air, nitrogen etc.) flows from its container (62) to the drug-containing BFS and carries the drug (liquid phase, solid powder particles etc.) (51) outwardly.

One should also note that this example is shown for the same invention but with another kind of pressurized gas container and a different way of compressed gas discharge (by puncturing the container rather than the gate that is shown in the previous figures. Reference is now made to Fig. 7A, Fig. 7B and Figs. 8A-8E disclosing a device according to another embodiment of the present invention in a side view and exploded view, respectfully; wherein 70 is a cover holding area; 72 is a pressurized fluid container; 73 is an activation mechanism base; 74 is a cover’s body; 75 is a nosepiece; 76 is an air chamber gate; 78 and 77 are O-rings; 79 is a needle; 75 is a nosepiece one way screwing mechanism; 710 is a drug’s space; 712 is an air chamber gate’s legs; 713 is an air chamber gate’s snaps; 714 is a drug storage container locking notch; 715 is a drug storage container locking pin; 716 is an orifice- creating piercing needle; 717 is an orifice; 718 is an aerosol; 720 is a safety latch; 721 and 722 locks; 723 is a pressurized fluid container’s internal screwing mechanism. The device comprises modules 70-79 and 710-720, where 71, 74, and 713, and nozzle (orifice) 717 are related with the nosepiece; 72, 76-79, 710-712, 716, to the body and module 73 and 713 is in device’s operating button.

In the following sets of figures, namely Fig. 8A-8E, operation modes are illustrated, illustrating a method for delivering either one or more substances within at least one body cavity, characterized by steps of providing a vial with V S ub [ml] of said substances; said vial selected from a pierceable container, a blow-fill-seal and a form-fill-seal, further providing said vial with a fluid inlet and a fluid discharging outlet of diameter D [mm], configured for placement in proximity to said body cavity; configuring said fluid inlet by means of size and shape to interface a puncturing member, so that upon coupling to the fluid inlet, piercing of the same, thereby providing the substances in a fluid communication, via a valve, with a chamber configured to accept pressurized fluid at volume VPF [ml] (or mg) and pressure PPF [barg]; the valve is commutable from an CLOSE to an OPEN CONFIGURATION within a short period of time, <500 milliseconds (dT); at the OPEN CONFIGURATION, facilitating the flow of the pressurized fluid to from the chamber, via the fluid inlet, entraining the substances; and then erupting via the fluid discharging outlet to within the body cavity, such that the release time of the Vsub [ml or mg] of the substances and the VPF [ml] of the pressurized fluid, dTreiease is less than 500 milliseconds. Each pf the figures comprises a front view (left side), cross-section (A-A, middle) and isometric view (right side). Fig. 8B and 8C further depict a rotation mechanism 714-715, which allows a rotation (here, ¼ rotation) thereby enabled the piercing of the nosepiece substance container.

According to another embodiment, the rotation results in a double piercing of the nosepiece substance container and the pressurized air container.

According to another embodiment the pressurized air container is sealed by means of at least one O-ring, such that movement of the o-ring removes the sealing and enables the release of the pressurized air. In some embodiment at least 2 o-rings are used. One o-ring at the bottom of the pressurized air container and the second at the upper portion of the pressurized air container to seal and separate between the pressurized air container and the nosepiece substance container.

At final step (Fig. 8E), upon pressing the activation mechanism base 73, results in movement of the air chamber gate 76 and the upper o-ring to thereby enable the release of the pressurized air from the pressurized air container and into the nosepiece substance container to entrain the same. Once the pressurized air entrains the substance, aerosol 718 is provided throughout the orifice 717, having a narrow plume angle (Q). It is in the scope of the invention wherein the cover comprises means to protect the drug from UV, e.g., photoprotective agents, such as oxybenzone, titanium oxide and octyl methoxycinnamate.

Reference is now made to Fig. 9 disclosing a device according to another embodiment of the present invention, where the device comprises a safety latch 720 with its two locks 721-722, configured to avoid undesired or accidental operation of the device, i.e., by pressing activation mechanism base 73 and pressurized fluid container (body) 72.

It is well in the scope of the invention wherein the pressurized fluid is accommodated within container for a respectively long time, e.g., by having a pre-pressurized container (step 1A) in a fluid connection (step 2A) with the BFS and releasing the same (step 3A), or alternatively a container suitable to pressuring the fluid in situ within the container, e.g., by introducing a pump or piston mechanism that pressuring ambient air to the container in a first step (step IB) and accommodating the pressurized fluid along a relatively short time of step 2B, then free the fluid to flow in step 3B.

It is well in the scope of the invention wherein at least one of the steps 1A to 3A, IB to 3B is provided in an intermitted manner, e.g., by train of n pulses, n is an integer equals to being greater than 2, e.g., 2, 5, 10, 30 or more. Pulses are provided by various mechanisms selected in a non-limiting manner from a series of pressuring efforts (pulsated piston for example and/or series of volume changes within the container); series of releasing pressurized fluid flow, by having rapid open/closed shutting actions of the valve and/or applying blowable lips or rid(s) at the end of the orifice, e.g., as those provided in a mouthpiece of a wind instruments.

The pulses can be identical, e.g., same pressure, same period of time, same volume etc. Additionally, or alternatively, some of pulses can be different by means of e.g., pressure, time, volume etc. It is well in the scope of the invention wherein the fingerprint of the pulses is of increasing pressure, increasing time; and/or increasing pressure decreasing time; and/or decreasing pressure same time and so on and so forth.

The device of the present invention is provided useful for treatment of various indications defined below, by their efficient medicaments provided herein in a non-limiting manner:

EXAMPLE 1

Treatment of allergic rhinitis is found useful by utilizing a device of the present invention for the delivery of anti-histamines and/or gluco-corticosteroids.

EXAMPLE 2

Treatment of Cough & Cold is found useful by utilizing a device of the present invention for the delivery of various medicaments, some are defined above in the substances list.

EXAMPLE 3

Treatment of pain & central nervous system is found useful by utilizing a device of the present invention for the delivery of various medicaments.; e.g., treatment of chronic conditions such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Depression, pain, seizures, epilepsy and acute migraine, conscious sedation and sleep aids.

EXAMPLE 4

Treatment of vaccines, immunotherapy and anti-viral agents are found useful by utilizing a device of the present invention for the delivery of various medicaments, some are defined above in the substances list.

EXAMPLE 5

Treatment of asthma and COPD is found useful by utilizing a device of the present invention for the delivery of various medicaments, some are defined above in the substances list.

By the device disclosed herein, the pre-aerosolized mixture of gas and substance exits the device with a significant driving force as a mixture of aerosol and pre-aerosolized material (fluid or powder). When the pre-aerosolized material hits the walls of the nasal passages, it "explodes" into a fine aerosol that is capable of being driven by the pressure deep into the nasal passages to deposit in the desired region.

EXAMPLES 6 Rectal, trans anal and/or trans rectal administration of cannabis oil see treatment in US20190247632, is provided useful by the device presented herein. Rectal and vaginal suppositories have both been used to deliver medicine to patients for decades. Use of the device herein is effective in intravaginal and intra-anal administration of THC, provided in methods adapted from the art, see GROVE, JELENA, and ON JULY. "PROJECT CBD: DO CANNABIS SUPPOSITORIES WORK? And Elsohly, Mahmoud A., et al. “Rectal Bioavailability of Delta-9- Tetrahydrocannabinol (cannabis-terms tetrahydrocannabinol) from Various Esters.” Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior, vol. 40, no. 3, 1991, pp. 497-502.

Intravaginal device as herein disclosed is useful for delivery of an antifungal, antiviral, antibacterial, trichomonicidal and parasiticidal pharmaceutical agent intravaginally to a female vagina and transvaginally to uterus and general circulation through a vaginal mucosa. Hence, the device is especially useful is administrating miconazole, terconazole, isoconazole, fenticonazole, fluconazole, nystatin, ketoconazole, clotrimazole, butoconazole, econazole, tioconazole, itraconazole, 5-fluoracil and metronidazole, and the antiviral agent selected from the group consisting of acyclovir, femciclovir, valacyclovir and AZT, and the antibacterial agent selected from the group consisting of clindamycin, tetracycline, amoxicillin, ampicillin, erythromycin, doxycycline, lumefloxacin, norfloxacin, afloxam, ciproflaxin, azitromycin and cefltoxine present in amount from about, and the antichlamydial agent selected from the group consisting of tetracycline, doxycycline and erythromycin; and the trichomonicidal and parasiticidal agent selected from the group consisting of metronidazole and clotrimazole in methods adapted from US6416779.

In the foregoing description, embodiments of the invention, including preferred embodiments, have been presented for the purpose of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principals of the invention and its practical application, and to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.