Patents Represented by Attorney Barbara G. McClung
  • Patent number: 8173150
    Abstract: This invention relates to stable non-aqueous single phase viscous vehicles and to formulations utilizing such vehicles. The formulations comprise at least one beneficial agent uniformly suspended in the vehicle. The formulation is capable of being stored at temperatures ranging from cold to body temperature for long periods of time. The formulations are capable of being uniformly delivered from drug delivery systems at an exit shear rate of between about 1 to 1×10?7 reciprocal second.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Intarcia Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen A. Berry, Pamela J. Fereira, Houdin Dehnad, Anna Muchnik
  • Patent number: 8158150
    Abstract: An osmotic delivery system flow modulator includes an outer shell constructed and arranged for positioning in an opening, an inner core inserted in the outer shell, and a fluid channel having a spiral shape defined between the outer shell and the inner core. The fluid channel is adapted for delivery of an active agent formulation from the reservoir of the osmotic delivery system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Intarcia Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott D. Lautenbach, Pedro E. de la Serna, Pauline C. Zamora, Michael A. DesJardin
  • Patent number: 7407499
    Abstract: An osmotic pump includes a capsule having at least one delivery port formed at a first end and a membrane plug retained in a second end of the capsule remote from the delivery port to provide a fluid-permeable barrier between an interior and an exterior of the capsule. The membrane plug has a columnar body and at least one slot formed in the columnar body to vent pressure from the interior to the exterior of the capsule when the columnar body extends a predetermined distance relative to the second end of the capsule, thereby preventing expulsion of the membrane plug from the second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Intarcia Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph C. Trautman
  • Patent number: 6941163
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of formulating analyte data databases, the databases themselves, and methods of manipulating the same. In one aspect the present invention includes the formulation of analyte data points, derived data, and data attributes databases comprising data points collected using an analyte monitoring device capable of frequent monitoring of analyte concentrations or amounts. Such data points may comprise acquired data (e.g., values corresponding to analyte concentrations or amounts as measured by said analyte monitoring device). These data points are then associated with one or more relevant data attributes. The resulting databases may be manipulated to determine relationships among the components of the database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Cygnus, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell Ford, Matthew J. Lesho, Russell O. Potts, Michael J. Tierney, Charles W. Wei
  • Patent number: 6902905
    Abstract: This invention relates to methods for reducing the presence of a compound in an ionically conductive material, e.g., for use in iontophoretic devices, wherein the presence of the compound interferes with detecting a selected analyte. Removal of the compound can typically take place either during or after the manufacture of the ionically conductive material or an assembly comprising this material. Also disclosed are methods for generating selectively permeable barriers on the reactive faces of electrodes. Further, this invention relates to hydrogels comprising one or more biocides, as well as assemblies containing such hydrogels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Cygnus, Inc.
    Inventors: Kim K. Burson, Michelle Van Wyhe, Jeffrey Pudlo, Michael Reidy, Pravin Soni, Christopher Uhegbu, Prema Vijayakumar
  • Patent number: 6885883
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a predictive-kinetic method for use with data processing of a sensor-generated signal, as well as, microprocessors and monitoring systems employing such a predictive-kinetic method. Data from a transient region of a signal is used with suitable models and curve-fitting methods to predict the signal that would be measured for the system at the completion of the reaction. The values resulting from data processing of sensor response using the methods of the present invention are less sensitive to measurement variables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Cygnus, Inc.
    Inventors: Norman A. Parris, Russell O. Potts, Michael J. Tierney, Christopher Uhegbu
  • Patent number: 6882940
    Abstract: Described herein are methods, devices, and microprocessors useful for predicting a hypoglycemic event in a subject. The hypoglycemic predictive approach described herein utilizes information obtained from a data stream, e.g., frequently obtained glucose values (current and/or predicted), body temperature, and/or skin conductance, to predict incipient hypoglycemic events and to alert the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Cygnus, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell O. Potts, Michael J. Tierney
  • Patent number: 6862466
    Abstract: Methods of frequently monitoring glucose amounts and/or concentrations in a subject who is at risk for hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, and/or glucose level fluctuations that put the subject at risk are provided. Also provided are methods of monitoring the effects of one or more pharmaceutical compositions on the levels of glucose in a subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Cygnus, Inc.
    Inventor: Neil Ackerman
  • Patent number: 6850790
    Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for measuring the concentration of target chemical analytes present in a biological system. Device configuration and/or measurement techniques are employed in order to reduce the effect of interfering species on sensor sensitivity. One important application of the invention involves a method and device for monitoring blood glucose values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Cygnus, Inc.
    Inventors: Bret Berner, Chia-Ming Chiang, Michael D. Garrison, Janan Jona, Russell O. Potts, Janet A. Tamada, Michael J. Tierney
  • Patent number: 6816742
    Abstract: An automated system for continual transdermal extraction of analytes present in a biological system is provided. The system can be used for detecting and/or measuring the concentration of the analyte using an electrochemical biosensor detection means. The system optionally uses reverse iontophoresis to carry out the continual transdermal extraction of the analytes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Cygnus, Inc.
    Inventors: Lynn Kim, Norman A. Parris, Russell O. Potts, Janet Tamada, Michael J. Tierney, Bret Berner
  • Patent number: 6771995
    Abstract: A chemical signal-impermeable mask is positioned in the electrolyte flow such that the mask is between a source of chemical signal and a working electrode which senses the chemical signal transported from the source (e.g., by diffusion). The configuration of the mask is such that the mask prevents substantially all chemical signal transport from the chemical signal source having a radial vector component relative to a plane of the mask and the catalytic face of the working electrode, thus allowing primarily only chemical signal transport that is substantially perpendicular to the place of the mask and the catalytic surface of the working electrode. By reducing or eliminating chemical signal radial transport toward the working electrode, the mask thus significantly reduces or eliminates edge effects. By substantially reducing edge effects created by radial transport of chemical signal, it is possible to obtain a more accurate measurement of the amount (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Cygnus, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald T. Kurnik, Janet Tamada, Michael Tierney
  • Patent number: 6736777
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a sensor for use in monitoring the amount or concentration of target chemical analytes present in a biological system. For example, the invention relates to a sensor for measuring the amount or concentration of one or more analytes in a transdermally extracted sample. In one embodiment, the invention includes a sensor element comprising, a sensing electrode that reacts electrochemically with hydrogen peroxide to provide a detectable signal, wherein the sensing electrode comprises a platinum-group metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Cygnus, Inc.
    Inventors: Lynn Kim, Norman A. Parris, Russell O. Potts, Michael J. Tierney
  • Patent number: 6687522
    Abstract: A method for sampling of a substance from a subject is provided, which comprises placing one or more sampling chambers on a collection site on a tissue surface on the subject; conducting electric current through the tissue to extract a substance from the subject in a first direction in one or more sampling chambers that functions alternatively as both an anode and cathode during the course of the method; reversing the polarity to cause direct current to flow in second direction opposite the first direction; and analyzing the sampling chamber or chambers for the concentration of a substance or a substance metabolite. There is also provided a device for sampling of a substance from an organism on continuously or intermittently using alternating polarity method based on the application of low intensity electric fields of alternating polarity across the skin (iontophoresis) to enhance the transport of a substance (such as glucose, lactic acid, pyruvic acid, and the like) from body tissues to a sampling chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Cygnus, Inc.
    Inventor: Janet Tamada
  • Patent number: 6653091
    Abstract: The invention relates generally to methods, systems, and devices for measuring the concentration of target analytes present in a biological system using a series of measurements obtained from a monitoring system and a Mixtures of Experts (MOE) algorithm. In one embodiment, the present invention describes a method for measuring blood glucose in a subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Cyngnus, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy C. Dunn, Yalia Jayalakshmi, Ronald T. Kurnik, Matthew J. Lesho, Jonathan James Oliver, Russell O. Potts, Janet A. Tamada, Steven Richard Waterhouse, Charles W. Wei
  • Patent number: 6615078
    Abstract: This invention relates to methods for reducing the presence of a compound in an ionically conductive material, e.g., for use in iontophoretic devices, wherein the presence of the compound interferes with detecting a selected analyte. Removal of the compound can typically take place either during or after the manufacture of the ionically conductive material or an assembly comprising this material. Also disclosed are methods for generating selectively permeable barriers on the reactive faces of electrodes. Further, this invention relates to hydrogels comprising one or more biocides, as well as assemblies containing such hydrogels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Cygnus, Inc.
    Inventors: Kim K. Burson, Michelle Van Wyhe, Jeffrey Pudlo, Michael Reidy, Pravin Soni, Christopher Uhegbu, Prema Vijayakumar
  • Patent number: 6595919
    Abstract: A method is provided for continually or continuously measuring the concentration of target chemical analytes present in a biological system, and processing analyte-specific signals to obtain a measurement value that is closely correlated with the concentration of the target chemical analyte in the biological system. One important application of the invention involves a method for signal processing in a system for monitoring blood glucose values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Cygnus, Inc.
    Inventors: Bret Berner, Timothy C. Dunn, Kathleen C. Farinas, Michael D. Garrison, Ronald T. Kurnik, Matthew J. Lesho, Russell O. Potts, Janet A. Tamada, Michael J. Tierney
  • Patent number: 6594514
    Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for measuring the concentration of target chemical analytes present in a biological system. Device configuration and/or measurement techniques are employed in order to reduce the effect of interfering species on sensor sensitivity. One important application of the invention involves a method and device for monitoring blood glucose values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Cygnus, Inc.
    Inventors: Bret Berner, Chia-Ming Chiang, Michael D. Garrison, Janan Jona, Russell O. Potts, Janet A. Tamada, Michael J. Tierney
  • Patent number: 6561978
    Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for frequently measuring the concentration of an analyte present in a biological system. A monitoring system having at least two components is employed in order to allow separation of data collection from data processing and display. Such separation allows greater flexibility and convenience for the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Cygnus, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas E. Conn, Russell Ford, Russell O. Potts, Pravin L. Soni, Janet A. Tamada, Michael J. Tierney
  • Patent number: RE38681
    Abstract: An electrode assembly for sensing an electrochemical signal diffused from a source to a working electrode which is comprised of a plurality of substantially separated working electrode surfaces is disclosed. The electrode of the invention is comprised of 1) a working electrode made up of a plurality of working electrode surfaces or components and 2) a electrically insulating gap defined by adjacent edges of 1) insulating the working electrode surfaces or components from each other. The working electrode components are configured to receive electrochemical signal from two or preferably three dimensions simultaneously. The working electrode components configured over the same surface as a single electrode provide (1) an improved signal to noise ratio as compared to a single electrode by reducing noise, and (2) provide an overall enhanced signal after sensing for a given period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Cygnus, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald T. Kurnik, Janet Tamada, Michael J. Tierney
  • Patent number: RE38775
    Abstract: An electrode assembly for sensing an electrochemical signal diffused from a source to a working electrode which is comprised of a plurality of substantially separated working electrode surfaces is disclosed. The electrode of the invention is comprised of 1) a working electrode made up of a plurality of working electrode surfaces or components and 2) a electrically insulating gap defined by adjacent edges of 1) insulating the working electrode surfaces or components from each other. The working electrode components are configured to receive electrochemical signal from two or preferably three dimensions simultaneously. The working electrode components configured over the same surface as a single electrode provide (1) an improved signal to noise ratio as compared to a single electrode by reducing noise, and (2) provide an overall enhanced signal after sensing for a given period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Cygnus, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald T. Kurnik, Janet Tamada, Michael J. Tierney