FIELD

[001] The present disclosure relates to the field of compounding pharmaceutical compositions.

BACKGROUND

[002] Medical facilities, licensed pharmacists or physicians may produce individual compounded compositions by blending together various ingredients, such as one or more active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and pharmaceutical or cosmeceutical acceptable excipients, diluent or solvents, to create a product tailored to the needs of an individual end user or patient. Such activities are commonly referred as pharmaceutical or cosmeceutical compounding. Practically speaking, in the context of pharmacy compounding, the pharmacist will typically prepare a product tailored to the needs of an individual patient based on a medical prescription.

[003] Pharmaceutical compounding involves thorough blending of the composition ingredients, a process which often faces repeatability and quality challenges. Many mixing devices require mixing in device-specific mixing containers, which requires an additional step of decanting the compounded composition from a mixing container into a dispensing device or container. This decanting procedure increases the risk of contamination, human error, and material loss. Device specific containers also limit the volume and/or mass of materials that can be mixed to the specifications of such containers, which is not always ideal from a practical perspective. Device specific containers also require implementing strict cleaning/sterilization procedures to avoid cross-contamination risk when reusing the same mixing containers, which can be cumbersome and time-consuming. Alternatively, operation costs and waste are increased when containers are used and are discarded after each mixing procedure as single use mixing containers.

SUMMARY

[004] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key aspects or essential aspects of the claimed subject matter. [005] This description relates to a container system for mixing and dispensing individual pharmaceutical or cosmeceutical compositions. The container system can be used to contain the customized ingredients requires to blend a tailored composition for a particular patient or end user. The same container in which the ingredients were mixed can then be used to store and to dispense the composition. The container system uses exchangeable lids with a universal container base that allows the ingredients to be blended together when in a mixing configuration and then dispensed in a dispensing configuration without the need to decant or transfer the mixed customized composition to a second container for use by the user. The container system can be adapted to work with a variety of mixing devices with appropriate adapters if required, and dispensing the composition from the container in dispensing configuration is easy and convenient for the end user or patient to use.

[006] In some embodiments, described is a system for mixing, storage and dispensing of a cosmeceutical or pharmaceutical composition, the system comprising: i) a container comprising: a container body with a lower end and an attachment region at an upper end of the container body, and a moveable jar bottom proximate to the lower end and configured to seal an inside of the container while being moveable from a first position with respect to the container body to a second position with respect to the container body; ii) a mixing lid configured to removably attach to the attachment region; and iii) a dispensing lid configured to attach to the attachment region and thereby close the upper end, the dispensing lid comprising a dispensing pump attached to a lid body, the dispensing pump having a fluid line connecting the inside of the container at one end of the fluid line and a dispensing nozzle outside of the container at a second end of the fluid line, and wherein the dispensing pump comprises an activation button that when pressed is configured to generate a vacuum force sufficient to cause the jar bottom to move from the first position to the second position and thereby dispense a portion of a contents of the container through the dispensing nozzle.

[007] Embodiments can include at least one of the following features: the moveable bottom can be manually moved from the first position to the second position to remove air during mixing. The moveable bottom is configured to move in response to a change of pressure within the container during dispensing. The container is airtight during dispensing. A portion of the dispensing lid is the same as a portion of the mixing lid. The mixing lid body has threads that are connectable to threads on the upper end of the container. The mixing lid body has a central nozzle configured to receive a mixing rod.

[008] In some embodiments, described is a fluid dispensing container comprising: a cylindrical container body with an upper end and a lower end; a moveable jar bottom proximate to the lower end and configured to seal an inside of the container while being movable from a first position with respect to the container body to a second position with respect to the container body; a lid for closing the upper end that is detachable therefrom; and a dispensing pump attached to the lid, the dispensing pump having a fluid line connecting the inside of the container at one end and a dispensing nozzle outside of the container at a second end, wherein the dispensing pump comprises an activation button that when pressed is configured to generate a vacuum force sufficient to cause the jar bottom to move from the first position to the second position and thereby dispense a portion of a contents of the container through the dispensing nozzle.

[009] Embodiments can include at least one of the following features: the first position is closer to the lower end and the second position is closer to the upper end. The dispensing pump comprises valves along the fluid line. The vacuum force acts to change a pressure within the container body and thereby cause the jar bottom to move. The contents of the container fill a fluid storage space between the lid and the jar bottom. A volume of the fluid storage space reduces as the contents are dispensed through the dispensing nozzle. The fluid storage space has a maximum volume of between 15 mL and 1000 mL. The portion of the contents has a volume between 0.5 mL and 2 mL. An airtight seal around a periphery of the jar bottom and an interior surface of the container body. The lid comprises threads for attaching to the container body. A removable protective cap that connects to the dispensing pump and covers the activation button. The activation button comprises a finger grip tab shaped to receive a finger.

[010] In some embodiments, described is a container for storage and dispensing of a cosmeceutical or pharmaceutical composition, the container comprising: a container body with side walls that define a container interior; a jar bottom that is slidable with respect to the side walls; and a pump assembly releasably attached to an upper portion of the container body, the pump assembly in fluid communication with the container interior and having a dispensing nozzle, the pump assembly configured to change a pressure within the container interior and thereby generate a force sufficient to cause the jar bottom to slide with respect to the container body and dispense a portion of the composition through the dispensing nozzle.

[Oi l] Embodiments can include at least one of the following features: the container interior defines a fluid storage space. A volume of the fluid storage space reduces as the contents are dispensed through the dispensing nozzle. The fluid storage space has a maximum volume of between 15 mL and 1000 mL. The pump assembly is configured to dispense a volume between 0.5 mL and 2 mL. An airtight seal around a periphery of the jar bottom and the side walls. The container body comprises threads for attaching to a lid. The pump assembly comprises an activation button. A removable protective cap that covers the dispensing pump and covers the activation button. The activation button comprises a finger grip tab shaped to receive a finger.

[012] In some embodiments, described is a container for storage and dispensing of a cosmeceutical or pharmaceutical composition, the container comprising an outer container body with side walls that define a container interior; a jar bottom configured to move from a lower position on the side walls to a raised position on the side walls; and a vacuum pump assembly releasably attached to an upper portion of the outer container body, the pump assembly in fluid communication with the container interior and having a dispensing nozzle, the pump assembly configured to generate a vacuum within the container interior and thereby generate a force sufficient to cause the jar bottom to slide from the lower position to the raised position and thereby dispense a portion of the composition through the dispensing nozzle.

[013] Embodiments can include at least one of the following features: the container interior defines a fluid storage space. A volume of the fluid storage space reduces as a contents of the container are dispensed through the dispensing nozzle. The fluid storage space has a maximum volume of between 15 mL and 1000 mL. The vacuum pump assembly is configured to dispense a volume between 0.5 mL and 2 mL. An airtight seal around a periphery of the jar bottom and the side walls. The container body comprises threads for attaching to a lid. The vacuum pump assembly comprises an activation button. A removable protective cap that covers the activation button. The activation button comprises a finger grip tab shaped to receive a finger.

[014] In some embodiments, described is a method of mixing, storing, and dispensing a cosmeceutical or pharmaceutical composition, the method comprising: providing a container configured to mix ingredients that form the cosmeceutical or pharmaceutical composition contained within the container; mixing the ingredients in a mixer to form the composition; and reconfiguring the container for dispensing of the composition via a vacuum pump. Reconfiguring the container can include removing a mixing lid from a body portion of the container and attaching a dispensing lid to the body portion of the container. Mixing the ingredients can include placing the container in a program-controlled mixer.

[015] In some embodiments, described is a method of mixing, storing, and dispensing a cosmeceutical or pharmaceutical composition, the method comprising placing ingredients in a container; attaching a mixing lid to the container; placing the container and attached mixing lid into a mixer for the ingredients to be mixed to form the composition; removing the container and attached mixing lid from the mixer; attaching a dispensing lid to the container; and dispensing the composition through the dispensing lid via a vacuum pump.

[016] Advantages of the container systems described herein accrue due to their ability to hold the customized ingredients for a compounding composition as well as act as the final dispensing container from which a prepared compounded composition is to be dispensed. The advantages accrue at least in part due to the container having a moveable bottom that can be manually moved upwards (e.g., as a metering mechanism to remove air during mixing) when in a mixing configuration and can be pneumatically moved when in a dispensing configuration.

[017] All features of exemplary embodiments which are described in this disclosure and are not mutually exclusive can be combined with one another. Elements of one embodiment can be utilized in the other embodiments without further mention. Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying Figures. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[018] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram of a process of preparing a personalized cosmeceutical or pharmaceutical composition in a mixing and dispensing container as described herein.

[019] FIG. 2 A shows an example system for compounding a personalized cosmeceutical or pharmaceutical composition using a blade mixer with a mixing and dispensing container as described herein.

[020] FIG. 2B shows an example system for compounding a personalized cosmeceutical or pharmaceutical composition using superimposed revolution and rotation movements with a mixing and dispensing container as described herein.

[021] FIG. 3 A shows a side isometric view of a universal portion of a mixing and dispensing container.

[022] FIG. 3B shows a bottom isometric view of the universal portion of the mixing and dispensing container of FIG. 3 A.

[023] FIG. 4A shows a side isometric view of a mixing and dispensing container in a mixing configuration for use with the system of FIG. 2 A.

[024] FIG. 4B shows a side isometric view of a mixing and dispensing container in a mixing configuration for use with the system of FIG. 2B.

[025] FIG. 4C shows a side isometric view of a cap used with the mixing and dispensing container in a mixing configuration of FIG. 4 A.

[026] FIG. 5 A shows a side isometric view of the mixing and dispensing container in a dispensing configuration.

[027] FIG. 5B shows a side isometric view of the mixing and dispensing container of a second embodiment of a dispensing configuration. [028] FIG. 6 shows a side isometric view of the mixing and dispensing container in a storage configuration.

[029] In the drawings, exemplary embodiments are illustrated by way of example. It is to be expressly understood that the description and drawings are only for the purpose of illustrating certain embodiments and are an aid for understanding. They are not intended to be a definition of the limits of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[030] This description relates to a container system for mixing and dispensing individual pharmaceutical or cosmeceutical compositions. The container system includes a container that can be used to contain the customized ingredients required to blend a tailored composition for a particular patient or end user. The same container in which the ingredients were mixed can then be used to store and to dispense the composition. The container system can use exchangeable lids with a universal container base that allows the ingredients to be blended together when in a mixing configuration and then dispensed in a dispensing configuration without the need to decant or transfer the mixed customized composition to a second container for use by the end user or patient. The container system can be adapted to work with a variety of mixing devices with appropriate adapters, if required, and dispensing the composition from the container in dispensing configuration is easy and convenient for the end user or patient to use.

Mixing process overview

[031] A composition of the present disclosure includes one or more ingredient that is tailored (i.e., compounded) to medical and/or cosmeceutical needs of an individual end user or patient. In some embodiments, the composition of the present disclosure can be any one of a cream, ointment, lotion, emulsion, gel, suspension, liquid solution, colloidal dispersion, or syrup. For the purpose of the present disclosure, the mixing and dispensing container acts as a metered dose device that dispenses a portion of the contained compounded composition being metered by volume. The container encloses the compounded composition, while an actuator is manually operated to cause a metering valve to allow a metered dose of the compounded composition to be dispensed at each actuation of the actuator.

[032] In a first practical implementation, the composition of the present disclosure includes at least one active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) mixed in a pharmaceutical or cosmeceutical acceptable excipient, diluent or carrier in such a way that the composition has substantially the same API concentration throughout the volume of the composition. Such a composition can be referred to as a substantially homogeneous composition.

[033] Substantially homogeneous compositions can be time-consuming to attain. To achieve compositions having consistent concentrations of API from one composition to another and/or consistent homogeneous API concentration within one preparation, program-controlled mixers are used. Such program-controlled mixers can have different configurations, such as a lifting blade mixer, or a planetary mixer. The mixers of different types can be used with the mixing and dispensing container systems described herein. Using the container systems, a personalized compounded pharmaceutical or cosmeceutical composition can be prepared at a medical site (e.g., a compounding pharmacy) in the same container in which the end user dispenses the composition as needed at home over time.

[034] FIG. 1 is a flow chart of a general process 100 of preparing a personalized compounded pharmaceutical or cosmeceutical composition for an end user in accordance with a mixing and dispensing container of the present disclosure. In the process 100, mixing of the ingredients that form the compounded composition are typically carried out as movements implemented in a program-controlled mixer such as a planetary mixer or vertical blade mixer.

[035] At step 110, the process includes providing a container (also referred to herein as a “jar”) containing the composition ingredients. The container is configured for containing the composition ingredients during mixing as well as for storing and dispensing the composition once prepared. Typically, the composition ingredients include at least one API and at least one pharmaceutical or cosmeceutical acceptable excipient, diluent or carrier. [036] At step 120, the process includes mixing the ingredients contained in the container in a mixer, such as a program-controlled mixer. For step 120, the container provided in step 110 is in a mixing configuration. Mixing the ingredients using a program-controlled mixer can include obtaining pre-determined or determining operating parameters that are required to perform the machine-specific mixing movements to obtain a substantially homogeneous composition. The composition ingredients are mixed at least partly based on the parameters to produce the composition. The mixing movements disperse the API into the pharmaceutical or cosmeceutical acceptable excipient, diluent or carrier to obtain the substantially homogeneous personalized composition. Alternatively, or additionally, coarse flaky powder and fine crystalline components can be ground between friction surfaces of mixing blades and inner surfaces of the container and can thus be finely dispersed in the mixture.

[037] At step 130, the container is reconfigured for dispensing of the substantially homogeneous personalized composition now contained therein following the mixing step 120. In one embodiment, reconfiguring the container includes removing the container from the mixer, removing a mixing lid from the portion of the container containing the now-mixed substantially homogenous personalized composition, and attaching a dispensing lid to the container. In another embodiment, reconfiguring the container includes removing the container from the mixer, and attaching a dispensing pump on the mixing lid without removing the mixing lid from the rest of the container. The substantially homogeneous personalized composition contained within the mixing and dispensing container is ready to be dispensed as needed by the end user.

Equipment for use with the mixing and dispensing containers

[038] The mixing process carried out in step 120 may be performed in a single device such as a vertical blade mixer or a planetary mixer. Commercially available vertical blade mixers, such as the Samix™ mixer ES500 or U1000 from Medisca Pharmaceutique (Montreal, Canada) can be used as a mixing device. Commercially available planetary mixers, such as the MAZ™ mixer KK- 300SS, KK-400W or KK-1000W from Medisca Pharmaceutique, can also be used as a mixing device. [039] FIG. 2 A shows a schematic view of an example vertical blade mixing system 200 configured to carry out the mixing movements on a mixing and dispensing container 300 held within the machine 202 to generate a substantially homogeneous personalized composition. The machine is configured so that the mixing and dispensing container 300 is held on its front side via a suitable jar holder and adaptors as needed (not shown). The mixing and dispensing container engages with a mixing unit 204 that has a mixing rod 206 affixed to a mixing blade 208. The mixing unit 204 can be adjusted to the size of the mixing container to reach an optimum stirring result. The mixing unit 204 and machine 202 are configured such that the mixing rod 206 penetrates the mixing and dispensing container 300 via the top of the container and the mixing blade 208 is inserted into the ingredients held within the mixing and dispensing container 300. Action of the machine 202 causes relative axial movement between the mixing blade 208 and the mixing and dispensing container 300, that is, motion upwards and downwards. At the same time, the mixing blade 208 is rotatable and spins on the central axis of the mixing blade 208 and mixing rod 206. The two superimposed movements, e.g., the axial and rotational movements, together cause the ingredients held within the mixing and dispensing container 300 to be mixed and/or ground.

[040] FIG. 2B shows a planetary mixing system 250 configured to carry out the mixing movements on a mixing and dispensing container 300 held in a planetary mixing machine 252 to generate a substantially homogeneous personalized composition. The planetary mixing system 250 includes the planetary mixing machine 252, which is configured to effect superimposed revolution and rotation movements through rotation and revolution of the mixing and dispensing container 300 placed in ajar holder 254. Generally, a planetary mixer typically includes ajar which contains the ingredients being processed arranged eccentrically on a so-called sun wheel, at a certain distance from the center of the machine. The planetary mixer is configured to impart a revolution movement to the sun wheel and a rotational movement to the jar, where the revolution movement is in an opposite direction to that of the rotation such that the ingredients contained in the container are subjected to a pattern of motion throughout space that includes superimposed revolution and rotation movements. In some instances, the mixing and dispensing container 300 can be used with various adapters that allow the mixing and dispensing container 300 to be placed directly inside the planetary mixing machine 252, e.g., at the jar holder 254. Container description

[041] FIG. 3 A shows a side isometric view of a portion of the mixing and dispensing container 300 that can be used with program-controlled mixers such as those shown in FIGS. 2 A and 2B. The portion of the mixing and dispensing container 300 shown is the bottom or universal container portion 302 that is used in both the mixing configuration and the dispensing configuration.

[042] The mixing and dispensing container 300 includes a container body 304 that has a top portion 306, and a bottom portion 308. The container body 304 can be generally cylindrical or may have tapered walls to form a conical-like shape, for example. The top portion 306 may have threads 310, e.g., external threads that are sized and shaped to receive an internally threaded lid. The top portion 306 is generally open at the top such that items can be placed within the universal container portion 302 of the mixing and dispensing container 300. That is, the ingredients that form the composition and the mixing blade 208 (from FIG. 2A) can enter the container body 304 from the open top.

[043] FIG. 3B shows a bottom isometric view of the universal container portion 302 of the mixing and dispensing container of FIG. 3A with the bottom portion 308 in evidence. The cylindrical walls forming the container body 304 extend towards the bottom portion 308. The bottommost surface of the bottom portion 308 has a moveable jar bottom 312. The moveable jar bottom 312 is displaceable relative to the container body 304 such that it can slide up and down with respect to the container body 304. For example, the moveable jar bottom 312 can move from a position nearer to the bottom portion 308 of the mixing and dispensing container 300 to a position more proximate the top portion 306, thereby uncovering a portion of the interior wall surfaces 314 of the container body 304. In some instances, the moveable jar bottom 312 can have a protrusion 316 extending from the central portion of the moveable jar bottom 312. The protrusion 316 can have a divot or depression 318 sized and shaped to receive a thumb or fingertip.

[044] In some embodiments, the mixing and dispensing container 300 may have different interior and exterior dimensions. For example, the mixing and dispensing container 300 may have an inside diameter that changes from the top of the mixing and dispensing container 300 to the bottom of the mixing and dispensing container 300, forming a gradient. For example, the inside diameter at the top of the mixing and dispensing container 300 may be smaller than the inside diameter at the bottom of the mixing and dispensing container 300. This gradient can be achieved in two or more sections or as a gradual taper. This gradient can, in some instances, help account for the changing volume within the mixing and dispensing container 300 as the substantially homogeneous personalized composition is dispensed therefrom.

[045] The outside of the mixing and dispensing container 300 may be configured to be received in the particular program-controlled machine, for example, held within jar holder 254 or within an adapter within the jar holder 254. The outside of the mixing and dispensing container 300 is sized to be held comfortably in the hand of an average adult.

[046] The universal container portion 302 is sized and shaped to contain liquids within it. It is also configured to engage with various mixing lids including a blade mixing lid 402 or planetary mixing lid 450, for example.

[047] FIGS. 4A shows a side isometric view of the mixing and dispensing container 300 in a mixing configuration for use with a vertical blade mixing system 200 such as shown in FIG. 2A. In the mixing configuration shown, the universal container portion 302 of FIGS. 3 A and 3B has been attached to a blade mixing lid 402.

[048] The blade mixing lid 402 includes a lid body 404 and a top surface 406. The lid body 404 may have internal threads (not shown). The threads on the lid body 404 are complimentarily threads to the threads 310 of the universal container portion 302, allowing the blade mixing lid 402 to be screwed and unscrewed therefrom.

[049] The top surface 406 of the blade mixing lid 402 includes a nozzle 408. The nozzle 408 has an aperture 412 that allows fluid (e.g., air or compounded composition) to escape the interior of the mixing and dispensing container 300. The nozzle 408 may include an external thread 408A to receive an optional internally threaded cap 410. The cap 410 is shown in FIG. 4C. The cap 410 has an external diameter denoted 410A. The cap 410 can also have gripping features 414 that make it easier for a user to grasp and remove the cap 410 from the rest of the blade mixing lid 402. [050] To mix a composition using the vertical blade mixing system 200 of FIG. 2A, the cap 410 is removed from the nozzle 408 and the blade mixing lid 402 removed from the universal container portion 302. The mixing rod 206 (shown in FIG. 2A) is threaded onto the blade mixing lid 402 by inserting it through the nozzle 408 via the aperture 412 from underneath the top surface 406. With the mixing rod 206 threaded through the nozzle 408 the mixing blade 208 extends downward (away from the top surface 406) and the end of the mixing rod 206 opposite to the mixing blade 208 is connected to a motor of the mixing unit 204.

[051] Meanwhile, the universal container portion 302 is filled with the composition ingredients to be mixed. With the mixing blade 208 threaded through the blade mixing lid 402 the blade mixing lid 402 is secured onto the universal container portion 302, e.g., threads on the lid body 404 are screwed onto the threads 310 of the universal container portion 302. The superimposed axial and rotational relative movements of the vertical blade mixing system 200 then mix the ingredients within the universal container portion 302 into the substantially homogeneous personalized composition. The nozzle 408 thus acts as a guide and support for the mixing rod 206 and can also mount the mixing and dispensing container 300 on the front side of the vertical blade mixing system 200 via e.g., a lifting arm of the vertical blade mixing system 200.

[052] Once the superimposed axial and rotational movements of the mixing unit 204 are complete, the mixing rod 206 can be removed in one of two ways. In the first, the user unscrews the blade mixing lid 402 from the universal container portion 302 and removes the mixing rod 206 from the nozzle 408. This procedure is necessary for non-disposable mixing blades where the mixing blade 208 is permanently fixed to the mixing rod 206. For disposable mixing blades, e.g., those that are releasably connected to the mixing rod 206, it is possible to detach the mixing blade 208 from the mixing rod 206 while the mixing blade 208 is still within the universal container portion 302. For example, the user can rotate the mixing rod 206 in the direction opposite to the one in which the mixing rod 206 normally turns to unlock the mixing rod 206 from the mixing blade 208, which releases the mixing blade 208 and allows the mixing rod 206 to be pulled out of the nozzle 408. In this fashion, the blade remains in the universal container portion 302 and the mixing rod 206 is removed without the need to remove the blade mixing lid 402 from the universal container portion 302. [053] FIG. 4B shows a side isometric view of a mixing and dispensing container 300 in a mixing configuration for use with the planetary mixing system 250 of FIG. 2B. In this mixing configuration, the planetary mixing lid 450 can be a plain cover that that attaches to the top portion 306 of the universal container portion 302. The planetary mixing lid 450 may be a screw-on lid, having internal threads (not shown) that are complimentarily threads to the threads 310 of the universal container portion 302, allowing the planetary mixing lid 450 to be screwed onto and unscrewed therefrom. In some embodiments, the planetary mixing lid 450 may be a snap on lid, for example. The mixing and dispensing container 300 with the planetary mixing lid 450 attached is configured to fit within the jar holder 254 (of FIG. 2B) or within an adapter within the jar holder 254 within the planetary mixing machine 252.

[054] The planetary mixing lid 450 is separated from the universal container portion 302 and ingredients to be mixed placed with the universal container portion 302. The planetary mixing lid 450 is attached to the universal container portion (e.g., by screwing together or snapping together) and the filled container 300 placed within the jar holder 254 of the planetary mixing machine 252. The ingredients contained within are subjected to superimposed revolution and rotation movements through rotation and revolution of the mixing and dispensing container 300 until a substantially homogenous composition is produced.

[055] FIG. 5A shows a side isometric view of the mixing and dispensing container 300 in a dispensing configuration. In the dispensing configuration shown, the universal container portion 302 of FIGS. 3 A and 3B has been attached to a dispensing lid 502.

[056] The dispensing lid 502 includes a lid body 504 and a top surface 506. The lid body 504 may have internal threads (not shown). The internal threads on the lid body 504 are complimentarily to the threads 310 of the universal container portion 302, allowing the dispensing lid 502 to be screwed and unscrewed therefrom. The top surface 506 can have a central aperture 508 that connects to a dispensing pump 510. When the dispensing lid 502 is connected to the universal container portion 302, the material in the interior of the mixing and dispensing container 300 (e.g., the substantially homogeneous personalized composition) can travel through the central aperture 508 into the dispensing pump 510 and out to the environment. [057] The dispensing pump 510 is attached to the top surface 506 of the dispensing lid 502. In some embodiments, the dispensing pump 510 is a vacuum pump with a fluid line 512 that connects the inside of the mixing and dispensing container 300 at one end and a dispensing nozzle 514 outside of the container at the other end.

[058] The dispensing pump 510 has an activation button 518 that when pressed generates a vacuum force sufficient to cause the moveable jar bottom 312 to move from a lower position (e.g., closer to the container’s bottom portion 308) to a more raised position (further from the container’s bottom portion 308 and closer to the container’s top portion 306) and thereby dispense a portion of a contents of the container through the dispensing nozzle 514. The dispensing pump 510 has suitable valves along the fluid line 512 as is known in the art, so that when the activation button 518 is pressed (e.g., via a finger grip tab shaped to receive a fingertip) a metered volume of the composition exits the interior of the container and is dispensed. The interior of the mixing and dispensing container 300 remains airtight during dispensing.

[059] The change in pressure within the interior of the mixing and dispensing container 300 caused by pressing the activation button is sufficient to cause the moveable j ar bottom 312 (shown in FIG. 3B) to move, e.g., to rise. This pressure change initiated by the activation button 518 is sufficient to overcome the forces keeping the moveable jar bottom 312 in place. The most important of these resistance forces keeping the moveable jar bottom in place is the frictional force between the edges of the moveable jar bottom 312 and the interior wall surfaces 314 of the container (shown in FIG. 3B). The pressure change caused by the dispensing pump 510 generates an upwards force sufficient to overcome the frictional force, while at the same time the seal between the edges of the moveable jar bottom 312 and the interior wall surfaces 314 of the container is airtight. Various features can be employed to keep the frictional forces low. For example, the moveable jar bottom 312 and/or the interior wall surfaces 314 can be made of a low- friction material or have a low-friction coating on the surfaces where the two components touch when assembled. The contact area between the edges of the moveable jar bottom 312 and the interior wall surfaces 314 of the container can be made as small as possible. A lubricant can be applied the moveable jar bottom 312 and/or the interior wall surfaces 314. [060] Once mixing in a mixing configuration is completed, the dispensing lid 502 can be attached. The user can then push up on the moveable jar bottom 312 via the protrusion 316 to remove any headspace, e.g., any air remaining at the top of the mixing and dispensing container 300 following the mixing process. As the compounded contents are pushed upwards via the moveable jar bottom 312, they reach the lid (e.g., the bottom surface of the lid opposite the top surface 506). The dispensing pump 510 can be installed and primed. Only a few pumping cycles should suffice for the dispensing pump 510 to start dispensing the composition from within the mixing and dispensing container 300.

[061] In the dispensing configuration, the volume of the mixing and dispensing container 300 is minimized so that the contents within the container (e.g., the substantially homogeneous personalized composition) substantially completely fills the interior of a fluid storage space between the dispensing lid 502 and the moveable jar bottom 312. The volume of that fluid storage space gradually reduces as the contents are dispensed through the dispensing nozzle. For example, the fluid storage space can have a maximum volume of between about 15 mL and about 1000 mL. That maximum volume reduces as the contents of the container are dispensed, e.g., in doses or increments between about 0.5 mL and about 2 mL.

[062] FIG. 5B shows an embodiment of a dispensing lid 502’ that can place the mixing and dispensing container 300 in a dispensing configuration with fewer parts needed in the dispensing lid 502’ than those shown in FIG. 5A. The dispensing lid 502’ includes only a dispensing pump 510’ (e.g., a vacuum pump) with a fluid line 512’ that connects the inside of the mixing and dispensing container 300 at one end and a dispensing nozzle 514’ outside of the container at the other end. The dispensing pump 510’ has internal threads (not shown) that are complimentarily threads to the external thread 408A of the nozzle 408 of the blade mixing lid 402. The dispensing lid 502’ does not include the lid body 504 and top surface 506 as shown in FIG. 5A; to place the mixing and dispensing container 300 into a dispensing configuration the universal container portion 302 and the blade mixing lid 402 are not detached and a separate dispensing lid 502 screwed onto the universal container portion 302. Instead, the dispensing pump 510’ is threaded onto the nozzle 408 of the blade mixing lid 402 so as to be airtight. When the dispensing pump 510’ is connected to the universal container portion 302 via the nozzle 408, the material in the interior of the mixing and dispensing container 300 (e.g., the substantially homogeneous personalized composition) can travel via the aperture 412 through the dispensing pump 510’ and out to the environment at the dispensing nozzle 514’ .

[063] In other embodiments, the dispensing pump 510 is permanently mounted to the dispensing lid 502 and the mixing and dispensing container 300. That is, the mixing and dispensing container 300 is mounted to the vertical blade mixing system 200 so that during the mixing process, the dispensing pump 510 faces down. After the mixing operation, the user simply places the moveable jar bottom 312 within the universal container portion 302. For such a configuration, suitable adapters would allow mounting the mixing and dispensing container 300 in the upside- down orientation to the vertical blade mixing system 200, with an aperture to accommodate the mixing rod. For example, the threads 310 shown in FIG. 3 A could be placed at the bottom of the container rather than the top, or in addition to at the top.

[064] The various parts of the mixing and dispensing container 300 for the mixing configuration and dispensing configuration, being the universal container portion 302, the blade mixing lid 402 and/or the planetary mixing lid 450, and the dispensing lid 502 may be made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polypropylene, for example.

[065] Referring to FIG. 6, the mixing and dispensing container 300 can have a storage configuration for storing the substantially homogeneous personalized composition when the composition is not being dispensed. A removable protective cap 550 can snap around the dispensing pump 510 or 510’ and prevent accidental depression of the activation button 518.

[066] The moveable jar bottom 312 of the mixing and dispensing container 300 can move up and down with respect to the rest of container as the system switches between modes where a composition is being, stored, and dispensed. Mechanical stops such as raised ridges or projections can prevent the moveable jar bottom 312 from moving past a final position towards the bottom portion 308 and/or the top portion 306. In some instances, the moveable jar bottom 312 can be manually moved up and down. For example, in mixing mode with a vertical blade mixing system 200 (as shown in FIG. 4A), the moveable jar bottom 312 can be moved downwards by the action of the mixing rod 206 and the mixing blade 208. In another example, the moveable jar bottom 312 can be manually moved upwards by pressing on the protrusion 316 on the moveable jar bottom 312. The moveable jar bottom 312 can also be manually moved as a metering mechanism to remove the air during mixing, as air can leave the interior of the mixing and dispensing container 300 via the aperture 412 of the nozzle 408 of the blade mixing lid 402. During any of these axial motions, the edges of the moveable jar bottom 312 maintain an airtight seal with the inside of the container while being moved between positions. The airtight seal can be maintained with a gasket, O-ring, or other type of seal that surrounds the edges of the moveable jar bottom 312. In configurations where the inside diameter changes from the top of the mixing and dispensing container 300 to the bottom of the mixing and dispensing container 300, the seal or gasket can be configured to expand or shrink to account for the change in the area due to the gradient. For example, the seal or gasket can be made of a compressible rubber material that fits between the moveable jar bottom 312 and/or the interior wall surfaces 314. As the moveable jar bottom 312 slides with respect to the interior wall surfaces 314 the rubber material can expand to maintain contact with the interior wall surfaces 314.

Definitions

[067] Compounding activities, in the context of the present specification, applies to combining, mixing or altering ingredients for a cosmetical or pharmaceutical composition which may include active over the counter (OTC) ingredients or prescription pharmaceutical ingredients. Within the context of the present specification, OTC and prescription ingredients are encompassed by the expression “active pharmaceuticals ingredients” (i.e., “API”).

[068] Examples of active pharmaceuticals ingredients (APIs) include, but are not limited to, antibiotics, analgesics, vaccines, anticonvulsants; antidiabetic agents, antifungal agents, antineoplastic agents, antiparkinsonian agents, anti-rheumatic agents, appetite suppressants, biological response modifiers, cardiovascular agents, central nervous system stimulants, contraceptive agents, dietary-supplements, vitamins, minerals, lipids, saccharides, metals, amino acids (and precursors), nucleic acids and precursors, contrast agents, diagnostic agents, dopamine receptor agonists, erectile dysfunction agents, fertility agents, gastrointestinal agents, hormones, immunomodulators, antihypercalcemia agents, mast cell stabilizers, muscle relaxants, nutritional agents, ophthalmic agents, osteoporosis agents, psychotherapeutic agents, parasympathomimetic agents, parasympatholytic agents, respiratory agents, sedative hypnotic agents, skin and mucous membrane agents, smoking cessation agents, steroids, sympatholytic agents, urinary tract agents, uterine relaxants, vaginal agents, vasodilator, anti-hypertensive, hyperthyroid, anti-hyperthyroid, anti-asthmatics and vertigo agents. For example, a T3/T4 medication.

[069] In certain embodiments, the API is an extract or portion of a cannabis plant, such as a cannabinoid, a terpene, and the like. The two cannabinoids usually produced in greatest abundance are cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), although there are several dozen different cannabinoids that have been isolated from cannabis plants.

[070] For the purpose of the present disclosure, the pharmaceutical or cosmeceutical acceptable excipient, diluent or carrier may be a semi-solid (more or less viscous fluid) or fluid (for example a cream or an emulsion). The person of skill will appreciate that pharmaceutical or cosmeceutical acceptable excipients, diluents or carriers are known in the art and may include, but without being limited thereto, anti-adherents such as magnesium stearate; binders, such as saccharides and their derivatives (sucrose, lactose, starches, cellulose or modified cellulose, sugar alcohols such as xylitol, sorbitol or maltitol), proteins such as gelatins, synthetic polymers such as polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) or polyethylene glycol (PEG); coloring dyes or fragrance; glidants such as fumed silica, talc, and magnesium carbonate; hydrophilic or hydrophobic lubricants such as talc or silica, and fats, e.g. vegetable stearin, magnesium stearate or stearic acid; preservatives such as antioxidant vitamins or synthetic preservatives like parabens; sorbents or other desiccant; vehicles that serve as a medium for conveying the active ingredient such as petrolatum, gum base gelatin, dimethyl sulfoxide and mineral oil or commercial products such as VersaPro™ Gel, HRT™ Cream, OleaBase™ Plasticized, PLO Gel Mediflo™, Oral Mix™ or VersaPro™ cream, all from Medisca Pharmaceutique (Canada).

[071] For the purpose of the present disclosure, the compounding compositions of the present description may be adapted for oral, rectal, vaginal, topical, urethral, ocular, or transdermal administration. [072] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that further modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined by the claims appended hereto. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.