Abstract: An intradermal drug delivery device comprises a housing (301a, 301b) having a drug reservoir (312) therewithin and a gas generation chamber (313) separated from the reservoir (312) by a displaceable membrane (311). A microprocessor-controlled electrolytic cell (316a, 316b, 319) provides gas to expand the gas generation chamber (313) and thereby contract the reservoir (312). A hollow needle (310), communicating at an inner end thereof with the reservoir (312), extends from a lower surface (308) of the housing (301) such that contraction of the reservoir (312) forces drug to escape therefrom via the needle (310). The device permits delivery of drugs of relatively large molecular weights at slow controllable rates. A displaceable protective cover (303) is mounted in means (307) allowing movement of the cover (303) between extended and retracted positions (305, 306). The cover (303) has an adhesive lower surface (309) for attachment to the skin of a subject.

Abstract: Oral drug delivery device having a housing with walls of water permeable material and having at least two chambers separated by a displaceable membrane. The first chamber receives drug and has an orifice through which the drug is expelled under pressure. The second chamber contains at least one of two spaced apart electrodes forming part of an electric circuit which is closed by the ingress of an aqueous ionic solution into the second chamber. When current flows through the circuit, gas is generated and acts on the displaceable membrane to compress the first chamber and expel the active ingredient through the orifice for progressive delivery to the gastrointestinal tract.

Abstract: An intradermal drug delivery device for delivering a liquid drug to a subject via the subject's skin includes a housing having a lower surface provided with an adhesive coating for adhering the housing to the subject's skin. An expansible-contractible chamber within the housing defines a reservoir which is expanded upon being filled with the drug and contracted to dispense the drug. A hollow needle extends through the lower surface of the housing and has an inner end which communicates with the reservoir and an outer end which projects outwardly of the housing a short distance to penetrate through the epidermis and into the dermis of the subject's skin when the housing is adhered thereto. The device permits delivery of drugs of relatively large molecular size and at slow rates which can be precisely controlled.

Abstract: A liquid delivery device comprising a housing having a lower surface for application to the skin of a subject and having a reservoir and a gas generation chamber therein separated by a displaceable membrane. Gas generated by an electrolytic cell under the control of a microprocessor causes the gas generation chamber to expand and the reservoir to contract, thereby discharging a liquid drug, such as insulin, from the reservoir via a hollow delivery needle extending from the lower surface. The delivery needle and a sensor needle both extend from the lower surface a sufficient distance so as to penetrate through the epidermis and into the dermis when the housing is pressed against the skin. The sensor needle has an enzymatic coating for the detection of an analyte, such as glucose in the subject's plasma. The delivery needle is made of platinum-iridium, and a current passes between the needles and a potentiostat circuit according to the amount of glucose detected.

Abstract: A liquid delivery device comprising a housing having a lower surface for application to the skin of a subject and having a reservoir and a gas generation chamber therein separated by a displaceable membrane. Gas generated by an electrolytic cell under the control of a microprocessor causes the gas generation chamber to expand and the reservoir to contract, thereby discharging a liquid drug, such as insulin, from the reservoir via a hollow delivery needle extending from the lower surface. The delivery needle and a sensor needle both extend from the lower surface a sufficient distance so as to penetrate through the epidermis and into the dermis when the housing is pressed against the skin. The sensor needle has an enzymatic coating for the detection of an analyte, such as glucose in the subject's plasma. The delivery needle is made of platinum-iridium, and a current passes between the needles and a potentiostat circuit according to the amount of glucose detected.

Abstract: A nicotine oral delivery device, which includes a hollow housing (10) and a hollow mouthpiece (14) which may be detachable connected to the housing (10) or may form with the housing a single piece. The mouthpiece includes a nicotine-containing material (16), in the form of a gel, on one or more of the outer surfaces of the mouthpiece. The housing (10) may also include flavoring (20), such as menthol. The nicotine-containing material (16) may be located as a layer on the mouthpiece (14), or in holes in the mouthpiece or under a permeable membrane (18) covering a portion of the mouthpiece (14). Where the mouthpiece and housing are separate pieces, the mouthpiece may be disposable while the housing reusable.

Abstract: A liquid delivery device comprising a housing having a lower surface for application to the skin of a subject and having a reservoir and a gas generation chamber therein separated by a displaceable membrane. Gas generated by an electrolytic cell under the control of a microprocessor causes the gas generation chamber to expand and the reservoir to contract, thereby discharging a liquid drug, such as insulin, from the reservoir via a hollow delivery needle extending from the lower surface. The delivery needle and a sensor needle both extend from the lower surface a sufficient distance so as to penetrate through the epidermis and into the dermis when the housing is pressed against the skin. The sensor needle has an enzymatic coating for the detection of an analyte, such as glucose in the subject's plasma. The delivery needle is made of platinum-iridium, and a current passes between the needles and a potentiostat circuit according to the amount of glucose detected.