Patents by Inventor Alejandro Zaffaroni

Alejandro 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).

  • Publication number: 20080038363
    Abstract: A device, method, and system for producing a condensation aerosol are disclosed. The device includes a chamber having an upstream opening and a downstream opening which allow gas to flow through the chamber, and a heat-conductive substrate located at a position between the upstream and downstream openings. Formed on the substrate is a drug composition film containing a therapeutically effective dose of a drug when the drug is administered in aerosol form. A heat source in the device is operable to supply heat to the substrate to produce a substrate temperature greater than 300 oC, and to substantially volatilize the drug composition film from the substrate in a period of 2 seconds or less. The device produces an aerosol containing less than about 10% by weight drug composition degradation products and at least 50% of the drug composition of said film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventors: Alejandro Zaffaroni, Joshua Rabinowitz
  • Publication number: 20070286816
    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 4, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: ALEXZA PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
    Inventors: Ron Hale, Joshua Rabinowitz, Daniel Myers, Amy Lu, Alejandro Zaffaroni
  • Publication number: 20070178052
    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: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2007
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Applicant: ALEXZA PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
    Inventors: Joshua Rabinowitz, Alejandro Zaffaroni
  • Publication number: 20070122353
    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: August 15, 2006
    Publication date: May 31, 2007
    Inventors: Ron Hale, Craig Hodges, Peter Lloyd, Amy Lu, Daniel Myers, Joshua Rabinowitz, Martin Wensley, Jeffrey McKinney, Alejandro Zaffaroni
  • Publication number: 20070014737
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the delivery of muscle relaxants through an inhalation route. Specifically, it relates to aerosols containing muscle relaxants that are used in inhalation therapy. In a method aspect of the present invention, a muscle relaxant is delivered to a patient through an inhalation route. The method comprises: a) heating a coating of a muscle relaxant, on a solid support, to form a vapor; and, b) passing air through the heated vapor to produce aerosol particles having less than 5% muscle relaxant degradation products. In a kit aspect of the present invention, a kit for delivering a muscle relaxant through an inhalation route is provided which comprises: a) a coating of a muscle relaxant and b) a device for dispensing said coating a muscle relaxant as a condensation aerosol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2006
    Publication date: January 18, 2007
    Applicant: Alexza Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua Rabinowitz, Alejandro Zaffaroni
  • Publication number: 20060286042
    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: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Publication date: December 21, 2006
    Applicant: Alexza Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua Rabinowitz, Alejandro Zaffaroni
  • Publication number: 20060286043
    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: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2006
    Publication date: December 21, 2006
    Applicant: Alexza Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua Rabinowitz, Alejandro Zaffaroni
  • Publication number: 20060280692
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the delivery of antipsychotics through an inhalation route. Specifically, it relates to aerosols containing antipsychotics that are used in inhalation therapy. In a method aspect of the present invention, an antipsychotic is delivered to a patient through an inhalation route. The method comprises: a) heating a composition, wherein the composition comprises an antipsychotic, to form a vapor; and, b) allowing the vapor to cool, thereby forming a condensation aerosol comprising particles with less than 5% antipsychotic drug degradation products. In a kit aspect of the present invention, a kit for delivering an antipsychotic through an inhalation route is provided which comprises: a) a thin coating of an antipsychotic composition and b) a device for dispensing said thin coating as a condensation aerosol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2006
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Applicant: Alexza Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua Rabinowitz, Alejandro Zaffaroni
  • Publication number: 20060269487
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the delivery of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) through an inhalation route. Specifically, it relates to aerosols containing NSAIDs that are used in inhalation therapy. In a method aspect of the present invention, an NSAID is delivered to a patient through an inhalation route. The method comprises: a) heating a coating of an NSAID, on a solid support, to form a vapor; and, b) passing air through the heated vapor to produce aerosol particle having less than 5% NSAID degradation products. In a kit aspect of the present invention, a kit for delivering an NSAID through an inhalation route is provided which comprises: a) a coating of an NSAID composition and b) a device for dispensing said coating as a condensation aerosol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Publication date: November 30, 2006
    Applicant: Alexza Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua Rabinowitz, Alejandro Zaffaroni
  • Publication number: 20060269486
    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: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Publication date: November 30, 2006
    Applicant: Alexza Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua Rabinowitz, Alejandro Zaffaroni
  • Publication number: 20060257329
    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: July 18, 2006
    Publication date: November 16, 2006
    Applicant: Alexza Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua Rabinowitz, Alejandro Zaffaroni
  • Publication number: 20060251587
    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: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Publication date: November 9, 2006
    Applicant: Alexza Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua Rabinowitz, Alejandro Zaffaroni
  • Publication number: 20060251588
    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: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2006
    Publication date: November 9, 2006
    Applicant: Alexza Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua Rabinowitz, Alejandro Zaffaroni
  • Publication number: 20060246011
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the delivery of diphenhydramine through an inhalation route. In a composition aspect of the present invention, a composition of a diphenhydramine condensation aerosol is presented. In a method aspect of the present invention, diphenhydramine aerosol is formed by: a) heating a thin layer of diphenhydramine on a solid support to form a vapor; and, b) passing air through the heated vapor to produce aerosol particles having less than 5% degradation product and an aerosol having an MMAD less than 3 microns. In a kit aspect of the present invention, a kit for delivering a condensation aerosol is provided which comprises: a) a thin coating of diphenhydramine; and b) a device for dispensing the diphenhydramine as an aerosol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Publication date: November 2, 2006
    Applicant: Alexza Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua Rabinowitz, Alejandro Zaffaroni
  • Publication number: 20060246012
    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: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Publication date: November 2, 2006
    Applicant: Alexza Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua Rabinowitz, Alejandro Zaffaroni
  • Publication number: 20060239936
    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: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Publication date: October 26, 2006
    Applicant: Alexza Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua Rabinowitz, Alejandro Zaffaroni
  • Publication number: 20060233718
    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: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Publication date: October 19, 2006
    Applicant: Alexza Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua Rabinowitz, Alejandro Zaffaroni
  • Publication number: 20060233719
    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: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Publication date: October 19, 2006
    Applicant: Alexza Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua Rabinowitz, Alejandro Zaffaroni
  • Publication number: 20060233717
    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: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2006
    Publication date: October 19, 2006
    Applicant: Alexza Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Ron Hale, Joshua Rabinowitz, Dennis Solas, Alejandro Zaffaroni
  • Publication number: 20060216244
    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: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Publication date: September 28, 2006
    Applicant: Alexza Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua Rabinowitz, Alejandro Zaffaroni