Abstract: An improved fluid collection patch is disclosed which is capable of providing a quantitative indication of the average concentration of an agent in a body fluid during a collection period. The patch covers a predetermined area of a fluid secretory body surface such as the skin or mucous membrane and is provided with means for maintaining the flow of fluid into the patch substantially constant during the collection period. Preferred flow control means comprise an osmotic agent in the fluid flow path separated from the body surface by a semipermeable membrane. In a preferred embodiment the patch is adhesively bonded to the skin to collect sweat.

Abstract: A self-driven pump that delivers a flowable composition at a constant baseline rate and may be manipulated to supplement the baseline rate with one or more pulses of the composition. One pump embodiment consists of a rigid hollow housing with one fixed end wall and one axially moveable end wall; an axially slideable water imbibing assembly mounted transversely in the housing lumen that divides the lumen into a first compartment containing the composition to be dispersed and a second liquid to be imbibed, preferably water, containing compartment. An outlet port extends through the wall of the housing into the first compartment. In operation the subassembly imbibes water from the second compartment and expands into the first compartment to displace the composition therefrom through the outlet at the baseline rate.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for producing a thermoplastic composition comprising a cellulose ester.

Abstract: A dispensing device is disclosed for delivering a beneficial agent. The device comprises (1) a housing defining an internal space, (2) heat responsive means containing a beneficial agent in the space, (3) means for increasing the amount of beneficial agent delivered from the device in the space, (4) expandable means in the space, (5) an optional dense means in the space, and (6) means in the housing for delivering the beneficial agent from the dispensing device.

Abstract: A medical device for the transdermal delivery of an active agent through sensitive intact skin is provided. The device comprises a matrix containing the drug having reinforcing means, preferably in the form of a fabric, embedded in the upper surface of the matrix. The matrix is formed of an agent permeable material which is tacky but does not adhesively bond to the skin. The device is sufficiently flexible and deformable that the combination of tackiness, flexibility, and deformation permits the device to be maintained in agent transmitting relationship upon skin at such sensitive areas as the scrotum, labia, breast, or penis, for example. In certain embodiments, the skin distal surface is provided with a layer of an agent impermeable material to reduce transfer of the agent from the patient to others.

Abstract: A device for the controlled delivery of a beneficial agent is disclosed. The device comprises (a) a formulation layer and (b) a layer comprising means for pushing the formualtion layer from said device. The formulation layer comprises the beneficial agent avermectin or ivermectin.

Abstract: A dosage form is disclosed for delivering a beneficial agent. The dosage form comprises a wall that surrounds and defines an internal space, a composition comprising a beneficial agent, means in the space for aiding in delivering the compositions from the dosage form and, at least one passageway in the wall for delivering the composition from the dosage form.

Abstract: A laminated arrangement useful for manufacturing a deliver device for delivering a beneficial agent formulation is disclosed. The laminated arrangement comprise first lamina means comprising a beneficial agent formulation in laminar arrangement with a second lamina means exhibiting a lower passage to the beneficial agent then the first lamina means.

Abstract: A dispenser is disclosed for delivering a beneficial agent to an environment of use. The dispenser comprises a semipermeable wall surrounding a compartment containing a heat responsive composition, and an expandable composition. A passageway in the wall connects the compartment with the exterior of the dispenser.

Abstract: A transdermal therapeutic system using a subsaturated matrix is provided having improved approved release characteristics. Reinforcing means preferably in the form of a fabric are embedded in the upper surface of the subsaturated matrix. At least a portion of the reinforcing means is selected such that the active agent to be delivered to the skin has a solubility, C.sub.r therein which is lower than the initial solubility C.sub.o of the agent in the matrix. In addition, the relationship between the diffusion coefficients of the agent in the matrix D.sub.m and the portion of reinforcing means D.sub.r and the solubilities is given by the relationship: D.sub.r .multidot.C.sub.r <D.sub.m .multidot.C.sub.o. In operation the agent dissolved in the reinforcing means acts as a secondary reservoir improving the release characteristics of the system. Specific embodiments of the invention are particularly adapted for scrotal and labial delivery of drugs such as testosterone and progesterone.

Abstract: A dispensing device is disclosed for delivering a beneficial agent. The device comprises (1) a housing defining an internal space, (2) an expandable composition comprising a dense member in the space, (3) a composition comprising a beneficial agent and a non-toxic heat responsive carrier in the space, and (4) a passageway in the housing for delivering the beneficial agent from the dispensing device.

Abstract: A dispenser is disclosed for delivering a beneficial agent to an environment of use. The dispenser comprises a semipermeble wall surrounding a compartment containing a heat responsive composition, and an expandable composition. A passageway in the wall connects the compartment with the exterior of the dispenser.

Abstract: A dispensing device is disclosed for delivering a beneficial agent. The device comprises (1) a housing defining an internal space, (2) a heat responsive composition containing a beneficial agent in the space, (3) an expandable member in the space, and (4) at least one passageway in the housing for delivering the beneficial agent from the dispensing device.

Abstract: A dispenser is disclosed for delivering a beneficial agent. The dispenser comprises (1) a housing defining an internal space, (2) a heat-responsive composition containing a beneficial agent in the space, (3) an osmotically effective solute in the space, and (4) at least one passageway in the housing for delivering the beneficial agent from the dispenser.

Abstract: A dispenser is disclosed for delivering a beneficial agent to an environment of use. The dispenser comprises a semipermeable wall surrounding a compartment containing a heat responsive composition, and an expandable composition. A passageway in the wall connects the compartment with the exterior of the dispenser.

Abstract: A dispensing system is disclosed for delivering a beneficial agent. The dispensing system comprises (1) a housing defining an internal space, (2) a gas-generating composition in the space, (3) a dense member in the space, (4) a composition comprising a beneficial agent and a non-toxic heat responsive carrier in the space, and (5) a passageway in the housing for delivering the beneficial agent for the dispensing system.

Abstract: A dispenser is disclosed for delivering a beneficial agent to an environment of use. The dispenser comprises a semipermeable wall surrounding a compartment containing a heat responsive composition, and an expandable composition. A passageway in the wall connects the compartment with the exterior of the dispenser.

Abstract: A dispenser is disclosed for delivering a beneficial agent to an environment of use. The dispenser comprises a semipermeable wall surrounding a compartment containing a heat responsive composition, and an expandable composition. A passageway in the wall connects the compartment with the exterior of the dispenser.

Abstract: A medical device comprising a fluid imbibing, self-regulating, skin patch drug delivery system is disclosed which includes a fluid imbibing, preferably osmotic, pump comprising a reservoir for a drug or, drug formulation or other fluid to be dispensed to the skin, 10 at least one wall of the reservoir comprising a fluid permeable membrane which is permeable to an external activating fluid. The external fluid is imbibed through the membrane at a predetermined rate thereby causing the drug to be pumped through one or more passages provided in the reservoir structure and 15 into contact with the skin. The device includes an impermeable exterior wall member which covers and extends outwardly from the fluid imbibing pump terminating in an edge portion adapted to be secured, as by adhesion, to the skin.

Abstract: A dispensing system is disclosed for delivering a beneficial agent formulation instantly and continuously over time to an environment of use. The dispensing system comprises an outer housing surrounding at least a part of a dispensing device. The dispensing device comprises a wall surrounding a compartment with a passageway in the wall connecting the compartment with the interior of the dispensing device. A beneficial agent formulation is present in the housing for instant delivery and a beneficial agent formulation is present in the compartment for continuous delivery.