Patents by Inventor Alejandro C. Zaffaroni

Alejandro C. Zaffaroni has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 7507398
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the delivery of physiologically active compounds through an inhalation route. Specifically, it relates to aerosols containing physiologically active compounds that are used in inhalation therapy. In a method aspect of the present invention, the physiologically active compound is delivered to a patient through an inhalation route. The method comprises: a) heating a coating of a physiologically active compound, on a solid support, to form a vapor; and, b) passing air through the heated vapor to produce aerosol particles having less than 5% physiologically active compound degradation products. In a kit aspect of the present invention, a kit for delivering a physiologically active compound through an inhalation route is provided which comprises: a) a thin coating of a physiologically active compound, and b) a device for dispensing said thin coating as a condensation aerosol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Alexza Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua D Rabinowitz, Alejandro C Zaffaroni
  • Publication number: 20090071477
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and device for rapid heating of a substance. One embodiment includes a substance including a drug to be vaporized for inhalation therapy. A sealed fuel cell containing a combustible filament is placed in a heat exchange relationship with the substance. An igniter is operatively associated with the combustible element. The substance may be vaporized inside of a housing to allow the vaporized drug to aerosolize and be inhaled by a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: ALEXZA PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
    Inventors: Ron L. Hale, Soonho Song, Reynaldo J. Quintana, Joshua D. Rabinowitz, Alejandro C. Zaffaroni
  • Patent number: 7498019
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the delivery of migraine headache drugs through an inhalation route. Specifically, it relates to aerosols containing migraine headache drugs that are used in inhalation therapy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Alexza Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Ron L. Hale, Joshua D. Rabinowitz, Dennis W. Solas, Alejandro C. Zaffaroni
  • Patent number: 7491047
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the delivery of antihistamines through an inhalation route. Specifically, it relates to aerosols containing antihistamines that are used in inhalation therapy. In a method aspect of the present invention, an antihistamine is delivered to a patient through an inhalation route. The method comprises: a) heating a composition, wherein the composition comprises an antihistamine, to form a vapor; and, b) allowing the vapor to cool, thereby forming a condensation aerosol comprising particles with less than 5% antihistamine drug degradation products. In a kit aspect of the present invention, a kit for delivering an antihistamine through an inhalation route is provided which comprises: a) a thin coating of an antihistamine drug composition and b) a device for dispensing said thin coating as a condensation aerosol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Alexza Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua D. Rabinowitz, Alejandro C. Zaffaroni
  • Patent number: 7485285
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the delivery of antidepressants through an inhalation route. Specifically, it relates to aerosols containing an antidepressant that are used in inhalation therapy. In a method aspect of the present invention, an antidepressant is administered to a patient through an inhalation route. The method comprises: a) heating a thin layer of an antidepressant, on a solid support, form a vapor; and, b) passing air through the heated vapor to produce aerosol particles having less than 5% antidepressant degradation products. In a kit aspect of the present invention, a kit for delivering an antidepressant through an inhalation route to a mammal is provided which comprises: a) a thin coating of an antidepressant composition and b) a device for dispensing said thin coating as a condensation aerosol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Alexza Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua D Rabinowitz, Alejandro C Zaffaroni
  • Patent number: 7470421
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the delivery of compounds for the treatment of anxiety disorders and symptoms of such disorders through an inhalation route. Specifically, it relates to aerosols containing diazepam that are used in inhalation therapy. In a method aspect of the present invention, diazepam is administered to a patient through an inhalation route. The method comprises: a) heating a thin layer of diazepam on a solid support to form a vapor; and, b) passing air through the heated vapor to produce aerosol particles having less than 5% drug degradation products. In a kit aspect of the present invention, a kit for delivering diazepam through an inhalation route is provided which comprises: a) a thin coating of a diazepam composition; and, b) a device for dispending said thin coating as a condensation aerosol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Alexza Pharmaceuticals, Inc
    Inventors: Joshua D Rabinowitz, Alejandro C Zaffaroni
  • Patent number: 7468179
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the delivery of opioids through an inhalation route. Specifically, it relates to aerosols containing opioids that are used in inhalation therapy. In a method aspect of the present invention, an opioid is delivered to a patient through an inhalation route. The method comprises: a) heating a thin layer of an opioid, on a solid support, to form a vapor; and, b) passing air through the heated vapor to produce aerosol particles having less than 5% opioid degradation products. In a kit aspect of the present invention, a kit for delivering an opioid through an inhalation route is provided which comprises: a) a thin layer of an opioid and b) a device for dispensing said thin layer as a condensation aerosol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: Alexza Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua D. Rabinowitz, Alejandro C. Zaffaroni
  • Publication number: 20080311176
    Abstract: The present invention provides novel condensation aerosols for the treatment of disease and/or intermittent or acute conditions. These condensation aerosols have little or no pyrolysis degradation products and are characterized by having an MMAD of between 1-3 microns. These aerosols are made by rapidly heating a substrate coated with a thin film of drug having a thickness of between 0.05 and 20 ?m, while passing a gas over the film, to form particles of a desirable particle size for inhalation. Kits comprising a drug and a device for producing a condensation aerosol are also provided. The device contained in the kit typically, has an element for heating the drug which is coated as a film on the substrate and contains a therapeutically effective dose of a drug when the drug is administered in aerosol form, and an element allowing the vapor to cool to form an aerosol. Also disclosed, are methods for using these aerosols and kits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Applicant: ALEXZA PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
    Inventors: Ron L. Hale, Craig C. Hodges, Peter M. Lloyd, Amy T. Lu, Daniel J. Myers, Joshua D. Rabinowitz, Martin J. Wensley, Jeffrey A. McKinney, Alejandro C. Zaffaroni
  • Patent number: 7465436
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the delivery of antiparkinsons drugs through an inhalation route. In a method aspect of the present invention, an antiparkinsons drug is administered to a patient through an inhalation route. The method comprises: a) heating a thin layer of an antiparkinsons drug on a solid support to form a vapor; and, b) passing air through the heated vapor to produce aerosol particles having less than 5% drug degradation products. In a kit aspect of the present invention, a kit for delivering an antiparkinsons drug through an inhalation route is provided which comprises: a) a thin coating of a an antiparkinsons drug composition; and, b) a device for dispending said thin coating as a condensation aerosol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Alexza Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua D Rabinowitz, Alejandro C Zaffaroni
  • Patent number: 7465437
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the delivery of anti-migraine compounds through an inhalation route. Specifically, it relates to aerosols containing lidocaine, verapamil, diltiazem, isometheptene, or lisuride that are used in inhalation therapy. In a method aspect of the present invention, lidocaine, verapamil, diltiazem, isometheptene, or lisuride is administered to a patient through an inhalation route. The method comprises: a) heating a thin layer of lidocaine, verapamil, diltiazem, isometheptene, or lisuride, on a solid support to form a vapor; and, b) passing air through the heated vapor to produce aerosol particles having less than 5% drug degradation products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Alexza Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua D Rabinowitz, Alejandro C Zaffaroni
  • Patent number: 7465435
    Abstract: The present invention relates to aerosols containing of atenolol, pindolol, esmolol, propranolol, or metoprolol that are used in inhalation therapy. In a method aspect of the present invention, of atenolol, pindolol, esmolol, propranolol, or metoprolol is administered to a patient through an inhalation route. The method comprises: a) heating a thin layer of atenolol, pindolol, esmolol, propranolol, or metoprolol, on a solid support to form a vapor; and, b) passing air through the heated vapor to produce aerosol particles having less than 5% drug degradation products. In a kit aspect of the present invention, a kit for delivering of atenolol, pindolol, esmolol, propranolol, or metoprolol through an inhalation route is provided which comprises: a) a thin coating of an atenolol, pindolol, esmolol, propranolol, or metoprolol composition and b) a device for dispensing said thin coating as a condensation aerosol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Alexza Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua D Rabinowitz, Alejandro C Zaffaroni
  • Patent number: 7458374
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and device for rapid heating of a coated substance which preferably includes a drug to vaporized for inhalation therapy. A device in accordance with the present invention preferably includes a substrate which has an interior surface surrounding an interior region and an exterior surface upon which the coated substance is to be adhered. Though the substrate is preferably metallic, it does not need to be. A combustible element is placed in the interior region of the rigid substrate and an igniter is connected to the combustible element. The igniter is for initiating oxidation of the combustible element. Preferably, the coated substance is vaporized inside of a housing to allow the vaporized drug to aerosolize and be inhaled by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Alexza Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Ron L. Hale, Soonho Song, Reynaldo J. Quintana, Alejandro C. Zaffaroni, Joshua D. Rabinowitz
  • Patent number: 7449173
    Abstract: The present invention relates to aerosols containing alprazolam, estazolam, midazolam or triazolam that are used in inhalation therapy. In a method aspect of the present invention, alprazolam, estazolam, midazolam or triazolam is administered to a patient through an inhalation route. The method comprises: a) heating a thin layer of alprazolam, estazolam, midazolam or triazolam, on a solid support to form a vapor; and, b) passing air through the heated vapor to produce aerosol particles having less than 5% drug degradation products. In a kit aspect of the present invention, a kit for delivering alprazolam, estazolam, midazolam or triazolam through an inhalation route is provided which comprises: a) a thin coating of an alprazolam, estazolam, midazolam, or triazolam composition and b) a device for dispensing said thin coating as a condensation aerosol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Alexza Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua D Rabinowitz, Alejandro C Zaffaroni
  • Patent number: 7449175
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the delivery of erectile dysfunction drugs through an inhalation route. Specifically, it relates to aerosols containing erectile dysfunction drugs that are used in inhalation therapy. In a method aspect of the present invention, an erectile dysfunction drug is delivered to a patient through an inhalation route. The method comprises: a) heating a thin film of an erectile dysfunction drug, on a solid support, to form a vapor; and, b) passing air through the heated vapor to produce aerosol particles having less than 5% erectile dysfunction drug degradation products. In a kit aspect of the present invention, a kit for delivering an erectile dysfunction drug through an inhalation route is provided which comprises: a) a thin film of an erectile dysfunction drug composition and b) a device for dispensing said thin film as a condensation aerosol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Alexza Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua D Rabinowitz, Alejandro C Zaffaroni
  • Patent number: 7449172
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the delivery of antiemetics through an inhalation route. Specifically, it relates to aerosols containing antiemetics that are used in inhalation therapy. In a method aspect of the present invention, an antiemetic is delivered to a patient through an inhalation route. The method comprises: a) heating a thin layer of an antiemetic, on a solid support, to form a vapor; and, b) passing air through the heated vapor to produce aerosol particles having less than 5% antiemetic degradation products. In a kit aspect of the present invention, a kit for delivering an antiemetic through an inhalation route is provided which comprises: a) a thin layer of an antiemetic drug and b) a device for dispensing said thin layer an antiemetic as a condensation aerosol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Alexza Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua D Rabinowitz, Alejandro C Zaffaroni
  • Patent number: 7449174
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the delivery of analgesics through an inhalation route. Specifically, it relates to aerosols containing acetaminophen, orphenadrine or tramadol that are used in inhalation therapy. In a method aspect of the present invention, an analgesic is administered to a patient through an inhalation route. The method comprises: a) heating a thin layer of acetaminophen, orphenadrine or tramadol, on a solid support to form a vapor; and, b) passing air through the heated vapor to produce aerosol particles having less than 5% acetaminophen, orphenadrine or tramadol degradation products. In a kit aspect of the present invention, a kit for delivering acetaminophen, orphenadrine or tramadol through an inhalation is provided which comprises: a) a thin coating of an acetaminophen, orphenadrine or tramadol composition and b) a device for dispensing said thin coating as a condensation aerosol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Alexza Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua D Rabinowitz, Alejandro C Zaffaroni
  • Patent number: 7445768
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the delivery of sedative-hypnotics through an inhalation route. Specifically, it relates to aerosols containing sedative-hypnotics that are used in inhalation therapy. In a method aspect of the present invention, a sedative-hypnotic drug is administered to a patient through an inhalation route. The method comprises: a) heating a thin layer of a sedative-hypnotic, on a solid support, to form a vapor; and, b) passing air through the heated vapor to produce aerosol particles having less than 5% sedative-hypnotic drug degradation products. In a kit aspect of the present invention, a kit for delivering a sedative-hypnotic through an inhalation route is provided which comprises: a) a thin layer of a sedative-hypnotic drug and b) a device for dispensing said thin layer a sedative-hypnotic drug as a condensation aerosol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Alexza Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua D Rabinowitz, Alejandro C Zaffaroni
  • Patent number: 7442368
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the delivery of stimulants through an inhalation route. Specifically, it relates to aerosols containing stimulants that are used in inhalation therapy. In a method aspect of the present invention, a stimulant is delivered to a patient through an inhalation route. The method comprises: a) heating a coating of a stimulant, on a solid support, to form a vapor; and, b) passing air through the heated vapor to produce aerosol particles having less than 5% stimulant degradation products. In a kit aspect of the present invention, a kit for delivering a stimulant through an inhalation route is provided which comprises: a) a coating of a stimulant drug and b) a device for dispensing said coating a stimulant as a condensation aerosol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Alexza Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua D Rabinowitz, Alejandro C Zaffaroni
  • Publication number: 20080175796
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the delivery of drug esters through an inhalation route. Specifically, it relates to aerosols containing drug esters that are used in inhalation therapy. In a method aspect of the present invention, a drug ester is delivered to a patient through an inhalation route. The method comprises: a) heating a composition, wherein the composition comprises a drug ester, to form a vapor; and, b) allowing the vapor to cool, thereby forming a condensation aerosol comprising particles with less than 5% drug ester degradation product. In a kit aspect of the present invention, a kit for delivering a drug ester through an inhalation route is provided which comprises: a) a thin coating of a drug ester composition and b) a device for dispensing said thin coating as a condensation aerosol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: ALEXZA PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
    Inventors: Joshua D. Rabinowitz, Alejandro C. Zaffaroni
  • Patent number: 7169378
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the delivery of opioids through an inhalation route. Specifically, it relates to aerosols containing opioids that are used in inhalation therapy. In a method aspect of the present invention, an opioid is delivered to a patient through an inhalation route. The method comprises: a) heating a thin layer of an opioid, on a solid support, to form a vapor; and, b) passing air through the heated vapor to produce aerosol particles having less than 5% opioid degradation products. In a kit aspect of the present invention, a kit for delivering an opioid through an inhalation route is provided which comprises: a) a thin layer of an opioid and b) a device for dispensing said thin layer as a condensation aerosol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Alexza Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua D. Rabinowitz, Alejandro C. Zaffaroni