Inhaler

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DESCRIPTION

Inhaler

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to an inhaler for the delivery of a medicament to a patient, and more particularly, to a metered dose inhaler.

Background of the Convention

Inhalers to deliver a medication to a patient by inhalation are known. Such devices include metered dose inhalers (of both pressurized and dry powder types). Measured dose inhalers typically comprise a cartridge containing a medication and an actuator housing that has a medication delivery outlet in the form of a nasal nozzle or applicator.

The container containing the medication may be a pressurized cartridge containing a mixture of active and propellant medication. Cartridges of this type are generally formed from a deep drawing aluminum container having a cap set that supports a metering valve assembly. The metering valve assembly is provided with an outstanding valve stem which, in use, is inserted as a tight thrust adjustment into a so-called stem block in the actuator housing.

The metered dose inhalers can be either the manually operable type or the breathing-actuated type. For the manually operable type, the patient self-administers the medication by manually pressing the closed end of the cartridge into the actuator housing to cause movement of the cartridge relative to its valve stem (which is fixed in the housing stem block of the actuator). This movement is sufficient to drive the cartridge metering valve assembly, causing the pressurized contents of a dosing chamber to be vented through the stem, through the stem block and its outlet and orifice jet, and causing the medication comes out of the mouthpiece or nasal applicator like a spray mist. Simultaneously with this action, the patient inhales through the mouthpiece or nasal applicator, dragging the spray mist into the stream of inhaled air. The patient then releases the force of depression on the cartridge which, under the action of a! internal spring of the valve, moves upwards with respect to the valve stem, returning to its resting position.

A more recent development is the so-called breath-actuated metered dose inhaler, which serves to automatically displace the cartridge relative to its valve stem and release the contents of the metering chamber of the cartridge in response to the inspiration of a patient, and to provide a maximum amount of medication that is aspirated into the patient's lungs. A breathing dose metered dose inhaler is described in WO 01/93933 A2.

The actuator housing is generally considered as an integral portion of the medication delivery system, since the design of the housing can greatly affect the shape of the medication generated for inhalation by the patient. The actuator housing of a metered dose inhaler normally includes an air inlet means for producing an air flow through the actuator housing in which the medicament is released.

In addition, for breath-actuated inhalers, the flow of air through the actuator housing operates normally or at least in some way influences the mechanism operated by respiration. As a consequence, the actuator housing of such inhalers comprises air inlets designed to allow air flow through the housing. However, such air intakes present the problem that they can be covered or occluded by the patient's hand or finger during use, thus preventing or affecting the air flow through the actuator housing, with the result that the mechanism triggered by breathing may malfunction. This problem is often exacerbated by the fact that the air inlets are arranged in the actuator housing in positions that are convenient for handling the inhaler during use by the patient.

Documents US 20080196718 A1 and US 6994083 B2 describe a medication dispenser that has lowered air intakes.

Therefore, there is a need in the art to provide better airflow configurations for inhalers that are less susceptible to being occluded or blocked by the patient during use, while at the same time allowing convenient and comfortable operation by the patient. .

Also noted is US Design Patent number 395,147, which describes an ornamental design for an inhaler.

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Summary of the Convention

The invention provides a metered dose inhaler for delivering a medicament to a patient according to claim 1. The optional features of the invention are set forth in the dependent claims.

The inventors have found that the provision of multiple elongated openings having respective different openings, each extending in two different planes, minimizes the risk of the air inlet means being blocked. By different openings it is understood that the opening of each opening is defined, at least in part, by surfaces that are unique to that opening.

The embodiments of the invention can therefore prevent the air intake means from being blocked by the patient during use, particularly by the patient's finger or thumb, which each comprise soft tissues and can conform to different surface reliefs. By providing empty spaces between the patient and the openings when the patient covers the air inlet means, a substantial airflow path can be maintained that allows air to flow through the air inlet means although the inlet means of air is covered by the patient.

The invention can be applied to known inhalers with only minimal design changes, thus reducing the potential for patient confusion and avoiding the large tooling costs that are associated with more significant design changes.

The openings of the air inlet means may be arranged to be parallel to each other. In this way, it is possible to maximize the air flow through an air inlet means having a predetermined cross-sectional area. High elongated formations that have the shape of ribs may be arranged between adjacent openings to define the different openings of the openings.

The openings may have a length in the range of 2 mm to 20 mm, preferably in the range of 4 mm to 12 mm. The openings may have a width in the range of 0.5 mm to 2 mm, preferably about 1 mm. The distance between adjacent openings may be the same as the width of the openings. The elevated surface formations provided between adjacent openings may have a height in the range of 0.5 mm to 5 mm, preferably 1 mm to 3 mm.

In embodiments, each opening is in fact provided in a respective different recess in the outer surface of the housing, said recess defining the opening of the opening. The area of ​​the opening of each opening (on the outer surface of the housing) may be larger than an area of ​​the opening on the inner surface of the housing, for example the recess may surround the opening. In general, however, it is preferred that at least one dimension of the recess be the same as, or similar to, the corresponding dimension of the opening, in order to minimize the risk of the air inlet means being blocked.

As mentioned above, an essential feature of the invention is that the opening of each opening extends in two different planes, that is, the opening defines a certain curvature or an edge between angled planes. The opening of each opening extends in different planes that define an angle of at least 45 degrees, preferably of at least 60 degrees, and more preferably of at least 80 degrees.

The housing comprises an elongated body, which can be the unitary or multi-part body. The air inlet means is provided at one end of the elongated body, which may be opposite to an end where the medicament supply connection is provided. In this case, the air inlet means may comprise a pair of the groups of elongated openings arranged on opposite sides of the end face of the elongated body, with an elongated, raised surface formation provided between the clusters.

The inhaler can be a metered dose inhaler powered by breathing. The housing may be adapted to receive a pressurized cartridge containing a medication

Brief description of the drawings

An embodiment of the invention will be described below, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying diagrams, in which:

Figure 1 shows an inhaler having an air intake means according to the prior art document WO 01/93933 A2;

Figure 2 is an enlarged view of an inhaler having an air inlet means according to an embodiment of the invention; and

Figure 3 is a side view of the inhaler shown in Figure 2.

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Detailed description

The invention provides an inhaler, such as a pressurized breath-actuated metered dose inhaler, to deliver a medicament to a patient. The inhaler comprises a housing for containing the medicament, and has an air inlet means and a medicament supply connection that together define an air flow path in which the medicament is dispensed. The air inlet means comprises a series of elongated openings formed in the housing, the long sides of the openings adjacent to each other being oriented. Each opening is provided with a respective different opening in an outer surface of the housing. The opening of each opening extends in two different planes, such that, if at least a portion of the opening is covered in one of the two different planes during inhalation by the patient, an empty space is created between the cover and the opening in such a way that an air flow path is provided through the empty space to at least one opening.

Referring to FIG. 1, a pressurized metered dose inhaler 10 is shown which is breath-operated having an air inlet means 12 according to prior art document WO 01/93933 A2. A detailed explanation of the principle of operation of the inhaler 10 is not essential for the understanding of the invention, but a brief explanation will be provided by way of background information.

The inhaler 10 comprises a main body 14 and an end cap 16 which together define an elongated housing of the actuator. The main body 14, which is generally cylindrical in cross section, is provided with a nozzle that extends laterally at one end and at the other end is adapted to receive a portion of a cylindrical pressurized cartridge containing the medicament. A block rod (not shown) is disposed within the main body 14 to receive the valve stem of the cartridge, and includes an outlet jet and a hole communicating with the nozzle 18.

The end cap 16, which is also generally cylindrical in cross-section, is provided with an air inlet means 12 at one end and the other end is adapted to receive the remaining portion of the cartridge. The main body 14 and the end cap 16 are connected to each other by a threaded coupling. The components of the breathing-actuated mechanism (not shown) are contained both within the main body 14 and the end cap 16.

The breathing actuated mechanism and the cartridge contained within the housing 14,16 provide one or more air paths such that air can pass from the air inlet means 12 to the nozzle 18 through the interior of the housing 14,16.

The nozzle 18 is provided with a dust cap 20 that can rotate about an axis 22 between a first position (closed) (as shown in Figure 1) and a second position (open). In use, the patient rotates the dust cap 20 to its open position and inserts the exposed nozzle 18 into the mouth. With inhalation by the patient through the mouthpiece 18, a pressure differential in the housing 14, 16 causes the breathing actuated mechanism to automatically move the cartridge relative to its valve stem. The medicine contained within the dosing chamber of the cartridge is consequently released in response to patient inspiration.

During patient inspiration, air flows from the air inlet means 12, through the housing 14, 16, to the nozzle 18, and thus, to the patient. The medicine released from the dosing chamber of the cartridge is carried in this air flow.

After inhalation of the dose of medication by the patient, the dust cap 22 is returned to its closed position, and this causes the breathing-activated mechanism and the aerosol cartridge to return to a ready rest position. for later use.

The air inlet means 12 of the inhaler 10 shown in Figure 1 comprises a plurality of elongated openings 24 formed on the end face of the end cap 16. The openings 24 are arranged in a pair of clusters provided on opposite sides of The extreme face Although there is a limited amount of three-dimensionality 26 provided between the clusters, the openings of adjacent openings 24 in each of the clusters define a flat surface. Consequently, in the use of the inhaler, it is a problem that the openings 24 can be blocked by the patient's finger or thumb, which can lead to a malfunction of the mechanism triggered by breathing and / or an incomplete or inefficient supply of the medication to the patient.

Referring now to Figures 2 and 3, the enlarged view of an inhaler 100 having an air inlet means 102 according to an embodiment of the invention is shown. With the exception of its air intake means 102, the inhaler 100 according to the invention has the same structure and use as the known inhaler 10 shown in Figure 1. A detailed description of the individual components of the inhaler

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100, other than the end cap having the air inlet means 102, is omitted accordingly. Similarly, a detailed description of the use of the inhaler 100 will also be omitted.

The air inlet means 102 of the inhaler 100 comprises a plurality of parallel elongated openings 104 having an approximately rectangular shape. The openings 104 are formed on the end face of the end cover 106. The openings 104 are arranged in two distinct groupings provided on opposite sides of the end face, each grouping comprising five openings 104 whose long sides are oriented towards each other. The short sides of the openings 104 on one of the short sides of the groupings are oriented to the short sides of the openings 104 on the other of the groupings, and are separated by a pair of elongated surface projections 108 extending in one direction. perpendicular to the direction of the length of the openings 104.

Each of the openings 104 is effectively recessed on the surface of the end cover 106, and the recess defines an opening of the opening 104. The recesses are defined by raised surface projections, elongated in the form of molded ribs 110 disposed between the long sides of adjacent openings 104. Each recess is open at one end, a corresponding end of each rib 110 being chamfered. Thus, the opening of each opening 104 extends in two substantially perpendicular planes: a horizontal plane corresponding to the "upper" portion of the opening and a vertical plane corresponding to the "lateral" portion of the opening.

The openings 104 have lengths ranging from 5 mm to 7 mm, and a width of 1 mm. A gap between openings 104 is 1.2 mm, and the elongate ribs 104 that fill these spaces have a height of 2.5 mm.

In the use of the inhaler 100, if the patient covers at least a part of the openings of the openings 104 in one of the two different planes, for example, with his finger or thumb, then empty spaces are created between the patient and the openings 104 in order to provide an air flow path through the empty spaces to openings 104, thereby preventing openings 104 from being occluded or blocked by the patient.

In other words, if the air inlet means 102 is covered by a surface that extends in the horizontal plane that prevents vertical air flow (as illustrated by the arrows marked "V" in Figures 2 and 3) at inside the openings 104, for example, The configuration of the air inlet means 102 is such that the openings of the openings 104 extend at least partially in the vertical plane allowing horizontal air flow (as illustrated by the arrows marked "H" in Figures 2 and 3 ) within openings 104. Conversely, if the air inlet means 102 is covered by a surface that extends in the vertical plane that prevents horizontal air flow (as illustrated by the arrows marked "H") into the openings 104, The configuration of the air inlet means 102 is such that the openings of the holes 24 will extend in the horizontal plane allowing vertical air flow (as illustrated by the arrows marked "V") within the openings 104.

With specific reference to Figure 3, it can be seen that the elongated ribs 110 defining the openings of the openings 104 protrude from the surrounding surface 112 of the end cap 106. The elongated ribs 110 thus guarantee an empty space can be maintained between the patent finger or thumb and openings 104.

A specific embodiment has been described herein for illustrative purposes. Various modifications will be apparent to a person skilled in the art and can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

For example, although the embodiment described above is implemented as a breathing pressurized metered dose inhaler, it will be understood that alternative embodiments may more generally comprise an inhaler for the delivery of medication to a patient by inhalation. , in which the restriction or prevention of air intake obstruction by the patient is desirable. Such blocking prevention may be desirable, for example, in dry powder inhalers in which an air source is required for effective atomization of the medicament.

In the embodiment described above, the air inlet means is disposed on an end face of the end cap. In alternative embodiments, the air inlet means may be arranged in other places, such as on the end face of the main body, adjacent to the nozzle.

The components of an inhaler according to the invention will typically be molded plastic components. Such components may conveniently be provided with the surface features of the invention.

In embodiments, the inhaler comprises a pressurized cartridge containing a medicament, containing a medicament and a propellant.

Typically, the medicament is selected from the group consisting of anti-inflammatory agents, anti-cholinergic agents, β2-adrenoceptor agonists, anti-infective agents, anti-histamines and combinations thereof.

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Suitable anti-inflammatory agents include corticosteroids and NSAID. Suitable corticosteroids that can be used include those oral and inhaled corticosteroids and their prodrugs that have anti inflammatory activity. Examples include methyl prednisolone, prednisolone, dexamethasone, fluticasone propionatel, 6a, 9a difluoro -17a - [(2-furanylcarbonyl) oxy] -11 -hydroxy -16a -methyl -3-oxo -androsta -1, 4-diene -17 carbothioic acid S-fluoromethyl ester, 6a, 9a -difluor -11 -hydroxy -16a -methyl -3-oxo -17a -propionoloxy -androsta 1, 4-diene -17p -S-carbothioic acid - (2 -oxo -tetrahydro - furan 3S -yi) ester, beclomethasone esters (for example, the 17-propionate ester or the dipropionate -17 ester, 21), budesonide, flunisolide, mometasone esters (for example the furoate ester) triamcinolone acetonide, rofleponide, ciclesonide, butixocort propionate, RPR -106541, and ST -126. Preferred corticosteroids include fluticasone propionate, 6a, 9c -difluor -11 -hydroxy -16a -methyl -17a - [(4-methyl -1, 3-thiazole -5-carbonyl) oxy] -3 -oxo -androsta -1 , 4-diene -17, 18 -carbothioic acid S-fluoromethyl ester, more preferably 6a, 9a -difluor -17a - [(2-furanylcarbonyl) oxy] -11 hydroxy -16a methyl -3 -oxo -androsta -1, 4 -diene -17 ester of S -fluoromethyl carbothioic acid.

Suitable NSAIDs include sodium cromoglycate, nedocromil sodium, phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors (e.g., theophylline, PDE4 inhibitors or mixed PDE3 / PDE4 inhibitors), leukotriene antagonists, leukotriene synthesis inhibitors, iNOS inhibitors , tryptase and elastase inhibitors, beta -2 integrin antagonists and agonists or adenosine receptor antagonists (eg adenosine 2a agonists), cytokine antagonists (for example chemokine antagonists) or inhibitors of cytokine synthesis.

Other suitable β2-adrenoceptor agonists include salmeterol (for example, in the form of xinafoate), salbutamol (for example, in the form of sulfate or the free base), formoterol (for example, in the form of fumarate), fenoterol or terbutaline and salts of the same.

Suitable anticholinergic agents are those compounds that act as antagonists in the muscarinic receptor, in particular those compounds, which are antagonists of the M1 and M2 receptors. The compounds include the alkaloid of belladonna plants, as illustrated by those similar to atropine, scopolamine, homatropin, hiosciamine; These compounds are normally administered as a salt, being tertiary amines.

Particularly suitable anticholinergics include ipratropium (for example, in the form of bromide), sold under the name Atrovent, oxythropium (for example, in the form of bromide) and tiotropium (for example, in the form of bromide) (CAS -139404-48 - 1). Also of interest are: methantheline (CAS -53 -46 -3), propanteline bromide (CAS -50 -34 -9), methyl bromide anisotropin or Valpin 50 (CAS -80 -50-2), clidinium bromide (Quarzan, CAS -3485 -62 -9}, co-roblate (Robinul), isopropamide iodide (CAS 71 -81 -8), mepenzolate bromide (U.S. Patent No. 2,918,408}, tridihexetil chloride (Pathilone, CAS -4310 -35 -4) , and hexocyclyl methylsulfate (Tral, CAS -115 63-9). See also cyclopentolate hydrochloride (CAS -5870 -29 -1), tropicamide (CAS -1508 -75 -4), trihexyphenidyl hydrochloride (CAS -144 -11 -6), pyrenzepine (CAS -29868 -97 -1), Telenzepine (CAS -80880-90 9), AF -DX -116, or methoctramine, and the compounds described in WO 01/04118.

Suitable antihistamines (also known as H1 receptor antagonists) include any one or more of the numerous known antagonists that inhibit H1 receptors and are safe for human use. All are reversible competitive inhibitors of the interaction of histamine with H1 receptors. Examples include ethanolamines, ethylenediamines, and alkylamines. In addition, other first-generation antihistamines include those that can be characterized as based on piperizines and phenothiazines. Second generation antagonists; which are not sedating, have a similar structure-activity relationship in which they retain the core ethylene group (alkylamines) or mimic the tertiary amino group with piperazine or piperidine. Exemplary antagonists are as follows:

Ethanolamines: carbinoxamine maleate, clemastine fumarate, diphenylhydramine hydrochloride, and dimenhydrinate.

Ethylenediamines: pyrilamine maleate, tripelenamine HCI, and tripelenamine citrate.

Alkylamines: chloropheniramine and its salts such as the maleate salt, and acrivastine.

Piperazines: hydroxyzine HCI, hydroxyzine pamoate, cyclin HCI, cyclinine lactate, meclizine HCI and cetirizine HCI.

Piperidines: Astemizole, levocabastine HCI, loratadine or its decarboethoxy analog, and terfenadine and fexofenadine hydrochloride or other acceptable pharmaceutical salt.

Azelastine hydrochloride is another H1 receptor antagonist that can be used in combination with a PDE4 inhibitor.

Particularly suitable anti-histamines include metapyrilene and loratadine.

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Preferably, the medicament is presented in a formulation comprising a propellant and preferably a solvent; Other preferred ingredients include surfactants, including oleic acid. Preferred solvents include ethanol, glycerols and glycols.

Preferred propellants include hydrofluoralkanes; in particular 1, 1, 1, 2 tetrafluoroethane (HFA 134a); 1, 1, 1,

5 2, 3, 3, 3 heptafluorpropane (HFA227); or combinations thereof. Preferably, the medicament is suspended in the propellant. Alternatively, the medicament is dissolved in the propellant. The medicine can also be partially suspended and partially dissolved in the propellant.

Examples

The following drug formulations were used in the inhaler:

10 Exemplary formulation 1: Ingredient Amount / mg per ml Beclomethasone dipropionate 1.00 Ethanol 94.80 HFA 134a 1090.20

fifteen Exemplary formulation 2: Ingredient Mass / mg Salbutamol sulfate 0.1098 HFA 134a 27.8 Ethanol 3.6

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