Microprojection array applicator and method

Inventors

Junger, Michael Carl • LEMAIRE, Pierre Armand Vincent

Assignees

Vaxxas Pty Ltd

Abstract

The present invention relates to applicators for administering microprojection arrays to skin and methods of administering microprojection arrays. One embodiment of the present invention is a device for applying a microprojection array to a skin surface comprising: a) a housing having an upper and lower portion and having an internal face and an external face wherein the external face a flexible section that when collapsed actuates the device; b) a patch guide having a proximal and distal end wherein the proximal end interfaces with the internal face of the housing such that when the flexible section of the external face of the housing is collapsed the patch guide is forced downward; c) a cantilevered ring having an opening through which the patch guide passes and wherein the cantilevered ring is activated by the patch guide; d) a microprojection array that is contacted by the cantilevered ring when the ring is activated; e) a skin contact membrane; and f) a skin contact applicator base that attaches to the housing. A further embodiment of the present invention also includes two or more cantilevered rings having a first and a last ring, wherein the cantilevered rings are stacked such that when the device is actuated the first ring is fired such that each successive ring is contacted by the preceding ring.

Core Innovation

The disclosed invention relates to a device for applying a microprojection array to a skin surface. The device includes a housing with an upper and lower portion and an internal face and an external face in which the external face has a flexible section that, when collapsed, actuates the device. The housing further includes a skin contact applicator base that attaches to the housing.

In the device, a cantilevered ring is provided and activated by the collapsed flexible section. The microprojection array has a mass of from about 0.1 grams to about 0.5 grams and is directly contacted by the cantilevered ring when the cantilevered ring is activated. The microprojection array achieves a velocity of greater than 20 meters/second or from 20 to 50 meters/second, and is releasably detached from the device after the microprojection array is contacted by the cantilevered ring.

The documented embodiments further describe actuation by the flexible section and urging or expelling of the microprojection array through an opening in a skin-contact configuration. In one independent embodiment, a biasing member supported by the housing moves from a first position to a second position upon deformation of the flexible section, urging the microprojection array into engagement with a skin surface through the opening so that the microprojection array achieves a velocity of from about 20 to about 26 meters/second and releasably detaches after contact. In another independent embodiment, the only contact between the cantilevered ring and the microprojection array to expel the microprojection array occurs when the ring impacts the microprojection array, sending the microprojection toward the skin.

Claims Coverage

The partial content provides three independent claims that share a common concept of actuating delivery using a housing flexible section and using a cantilevered ring or biasing member to propel a releasably detached microprojection array to a skin surface with specified microprojection mass and achieved velocity. Across the independent claims, at least four core quantitative and structural elements are covered: housing with a flexible section for actuation, a biasing/cantilevered ring mechanism, microprojection array mass in the range of about 0.1 to about 0.5 grams, and achieved microprojection array velocity ranges with releasable detachment after contact. One independent claim additionally constrains the expulsion contact relationship to impact-only contact between the ring and the microprojection array.

The independent claims collectively define devices that use a housing flexible section to actuate a cantilevered ring or biasing member, delivering a microprojection array having a mass of about 0.1-0.5 grams to a skin surface. The microprojection array achieves specified velocity ranges greater than 20 m/s, from about 20-26 m/s, or from 20-50 m/s, and is releasably detached after contact. One claim further specifies an expulsion mechanism in which the only contact to expel occurs when the cantilevered ring impacts the microprojection array.

Stated Advantages

Documented Applications

No documented applications found