MICROFABRICATED NANOPORE DEVICE FOR SUSTAINED RELEASE OF THERAPEUTIC AGENT

摘要

A drug delivery device that includes a capsule for implantation into the body; the capsule further includes a reservoir for containing a substance such as a therapeutic agent, at least one port for allowing the substance to diffuse from or otherwise exit the reservoir, and a nanopore membrane in communication with the capsule at or near the exit port for controlling the rate of diffusion of the substance from the exit port. The device also includes an optional screen for providing structural stability to the nanopore membrane and for keeping the pores of the nanopore membrane clear. One embodiment of the drug delivery device includes an osmotic engine internal to the device for creating fluid flow through the device.

主权项

1. A method for delivering a therapeutic agent, comprising:
providing a device comprising a capsule having a fluid impermeable wall defining a reservoir for containing a therapeutic agent; said capsule further comprising an exit port in communication with the reservoir and a nanopore membrane in communication with the exit port, said nanopore membrane comprising pores dimensioned to be between about 1 to about 5 times the Stoke's diameter of the therapeutic agent, to provide release kinetics which approach zero-order release of the therapeutic agent for a period of between about several weeks to about 6 months.