Abstract: Medical devices and methods for rapid and efficient systemic drug delivery via mucous membranes, particularly oral mucosae, are described. Use of such devices and methods are particularly easy for people without any medical training to employ should they be called upon to provide emergency medical treatment for a victim suffering from anaphylactic shock, opioid overdose, or other life-threatening events. In some embodiments, the device includes an applicator tip with a porous application layer positioned on the end of an elongate handle. The device may also include various means for disrupting a barrier to facilitate mixing of compounds, including an active ingredient, and permit flow of the compounds from a reservoir to the applicator tip.

Abstract: The invention features devices and methods for treatment of pain. The drug delivery device is a drug delivery system adapted for whole implantation in a subject and to provide pain relief by delivery of fentanyl or a fentanyl congener (e.g., sufentanil) over a protracted period of time (e.g., at least 3 days or more than 3 days). The device comprises a housing defining a reservoir that contains a drug formulation, a pump operatively connected to the housing so as to facilitate movement of drug out of the reservoir and out of the device, and a thermal expansion element which defines a flow pathway comprising a thermal expansion channel to accommodate thermal expansion of formulation in the reservoir. The device can further comprise a valve positioned within the flow pathway so as to prevent movement of drug out of the reservoir prior to use.

Abstract: Devices and methods for the sustained release into a subject of an inhibitor of mast cell-mediated inflammation, specifically sustained-release of sodium cromoglycate as a prophylactic to prevent acute asthma attacks.

Abstract: The present invention provides delivery of drugs to the heart or cardiac vasculature using fully implanted sustained-release dosage forms.