Abstract: A method and system for wrinkle reduction. The method includes the steps of positioning and applying a patch to skin of a consumer and adhesively securing the patch to the skin. A chemical composition on the patch includes both active ingredients and adhesive. A pair of electrodes are connected to a battery-driven, microprocessor-based controller. A current is applied through the electrodes in the patch for a selected time. The chemical composition in the patch is propelled into the consumer through use of the current in order to relax the skin of the consumer. The patch is removed and any residue of the chemical composition is massaged into the skin.

Abstract: A device for drug release including a drug reservoir including a gate, wherein opening of the gate releases a drug stored in the drug reservoir, an electronic command and control (C & C) unit in communication with the gate that produces a gate bias voltage and time profile supplied to the gate for controlling opening of the gate, and a power source for supplying power to the electronic command and control unit.

Abstract: Iontophoretically administering a cosmetic agent requires an active electrode and a return electrode secured to the skin (150). The active electrode includes a flexible biocompatible substrate (20, 170) having a therapeutic face (106, 206) configured for disposition toward the skin (150) and an exterior periphery (32, 182) shaped to facilitate conformance of the substrate (20, 170) to the skin (150) over an intended treatment region. A flexible electrically conductive layer (110, 210) is disposed on the therapeutic face (106, 206). The side of the conductive layer (110, 210) opposite from the substrate (20, 170) defines a driving face (120, 220) to which is affixed an electrically conductive adhesive matrix (82, 192) comprised of a material capable of repeatedly releasably securing the active electrode to the skin (150) through an applied solution (156, 158) of the cosmetic agent.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to devices for material delivery, electroporation and monitoring electrophysiological activity. In particular, the present invention provides devices and systems configured to deliver therapeutic compositions, to provide electroporation to increase therapeutic efficiency, and to monitor electrophysiological activity, for example, before and after treatment.

Abstract: A device, a system, or a method is described for treating a disease or a condition of one or more joints of articulating bone in a mammalian subject. The device provides one or more medicaments to one or more joints of the mammalian subject. A device is described that includes an enclosure including one or more sensors, a controller, and one or more applicators configured to surround one or more joints of articulating bone of a mammalian subject, wherein the one or more sensors are configured to detect one or more physiological conditions of the one or more joints of the mammalian subject, and the controller, configured to communicate with the one or more sensors, is configured to activate the one or more applicators, and wherein the one or more applicators are configured to inject one or more medicaments to one or more joint tissues of the mammalian subject.

Abstract: A device, a system, or a method is described for treating a disease or a condition of one or more joints of articulating bone in a mammalian subject. The device provides one or more medicaments to one or more joints of the mammalian subject. A device is described that includes one or more substrates configured to contact one or more body contours in proximity to one or more joints of articulating bone of a mammalian subject; one or more sensors configured to monitor movement of the one or more body contours; and one or more applicators supported by the one or more substrates and configured to respond to the movement of the one or more body contours by injecting one or more medicaments to the one or more joint tissues of the mammalian subject.

Abstract: A method for local delivery of a drug is provided. The method comprises acts of: (a) implanting a medical device including a drug-containing coating in a patient for the delivery of the drug, wherein the coating comprises a drug and a polymer; and (b) applying an electric current for an interval of time to the topcoat to cause the polymer to transform from a crystalline structure to an amorphous structure so as to increase the rate of release of the drug during the time interval, wherein after the electric current is terminated, the crystallinity of the polymer returns back to essentially the same degree of crystallinity or a more crystalline structure than that of when the polymer was exposed to the current.

Abstract: A transdermal system for the delivery of an anesthetic or other active therapeutic agent directly to a selected site of injured skin tissue by iontophoresis is disclosed, which utilizes a transdermal skin-worn patch including a donor electrode chamber containing a donor electrode and an amount of an active agent in a form suitable for transdermal delivery in electrical communication with the donor electrode and a return electrode. The patch also contains a source of electric current connected in a circuit with the donor and return electrode, a current regulating device is optionally provided in the circuit for controlling the electrical output of the patch and at least the donor electrode chamber includes a provision for absorbing a quantity of fluid associated with weepage from adjacent injured skin tissue.

Abstract: A method for local delivery of a drug is provided. The method comprises the acts of (a) implanting a medical device carrying a drug-containing coating in a patient for the sustained local delivery of the drug, wherein at least a portion of the coating is transformed from crystalline structure to amorphous structure; and (b) applying an electric current for an interval of time to the device for increasing the rate of release of the drug, wherein the coating is further transformed from crystalline structure to amorphous structure; and (c) terminating the current after an interval of time, wherein at least a portion of the amorphous structure in the coating is at least partially restored to crystalline structure.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for inducing, monitoring and controlling renal neuromodulation using a pulsed electric field to effectuate electroporation or electrofusion. In some embodiments, tissue impedance, conductance or conductivity may be monitored to determine the effects of pulsed electric field therapy, e.g., to determine an extent of electroporation and its degree of irreversibility. Pulsed electric field electroporation of tissue causes a decrease in tissue impedance and an increase in tissue conductivity. If induced electroporation is reversible, upon cessation of the pulsed electric field, tissue impedance and conductivity should approximate baseline levels; however, if electroporation is irreversible, impedance and conductivity changes should persist. Thus, monitoring of impedance or conductivity may be utilized to determine the onset of electroporation and to determine the type or extent of electroporation.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for ocular application of an active principle (1) comprising a main electrode (2) including an insulating layer, an adhesive layer designed to bind the insulating layer to a conductive layer, characterized in that the main electrode comprises a zone (21, 22) designed to be urged into contact with an eyelid.

Abstract: Intralumenal devices and methods are provided for transmucosal drug delivery. The device may comprise a housing configured for intralumenal deployment into a human or animal subject; a drug-dispensing portion which contains at least one drug; and an electrically-actuatable portion configured to disrupt at least one region of a mucosal barrier adjacent to the housing at a selected time while intralumenally deployed in the human or animal subject. The device may be operable to dispense the drug from the housing to a region of the mucosal barrier disrupted by the electrically-actuatable portion.

Abstract: A disposable skin-worn device for the transdermal delivery at least one dose of charged therapeutic substances, including granisetron, by iontophoresis, the device comprising a donor reservoir containing an amount of a therapeutic substance to be delivered transdermally by iontophoresis, a counter reservoir, a source of electric power connected in a circuit between the donor reservoir and the counter reservoir and a control system for controlling current flow in the circuit to enable at least one dose of the therapeutic substance to be delivered transdermally by iontophoresis and wherein the control system includes a control element selected from the group consisting of a sensor activated by an external signal and a switch.

Abstract: In vivo methods are provided for using an electric field to delivery therapeutic or immunizing treatment to a subject by applying non-invasive, user-friendly electrodes to the surface of the skin. Thus, therapeutic or immunizing agents can be delivered into cells of skin for local and systemic treatments or for immunization with optimal gene expression and minimal tissue damage. In particular, therapeutic agents include naked or formulated nucleic acid, polypeptides and chemotherapeutic agents.

Abstract: A migration M of a drug ion in a membrane type iontophoresis device for administering the drug ion through a first ion exchange membrane is predicted on the basis of a migration C of the drug ion from the first ion exchange membrane to the outside of the device in the case where a voltage is applied to an electrode by using the device under such a condition that the first ion exchange membrane is not brought into contact with the skin of a living organism and a migration R of the drug ion to a liposome caused by mixing a liposome solution having a predetermined concentration and a drug solution containing a predetermined concentration of the drug ion.

Abstract: An electrokinetic apparatus to apply medicament to a treatment site of a mammalian user, the apparatus including: a flux concentrator including an active electrode and a counter electrode adapted to be applied to the surface of a toenail or fingernail of the user, and a medicament matrix adjacent the active electrode and arranged to be sandwiched between the active electrode and nail.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical drugs and formulations suitable for iontophoresis thereof that provide enhanced iontophoretic delivery of an anti-fungal drug to at least one body surface, such as a nail, are described. Also described are pharmaceutical formulations suitable for iontophoresis comprising terbinafine and methods for administering terbinafine to a body surface via iontophoresis. When the drug source is introduced into the nail using a mask, terbinafine concentrations in peripheral areas of nail following iontophoretic treatment are less than drug concentrations directly under the mask. Further, differences in delivered drug concentrations is effectuated by creating drug delivery gradients. Drug can be delivered to dissimilar tissues based on different transfer efficiencies exhibited by the dissimilar tissues, resulting in higher percentage delivery in one tissue vs. another tissue.

Abstract: Provided is a nail treatment device including an active delivery device for disposing on the nail and for promoting delivery of an active agent into the nail to treat a nail infection; and at least one means for preventing delivery of the active agent to the skin. Further provided is a method of treating a nail infection including applying onto an infected nail a nail treatment device including an active delivery device for promoting delivery of an active agent into the nail to treat a nail infection and at least one means for preventing delivery of the active agent to the skin.

Abstract: A method of enhancing the permeability of a biological membrane, including the skin or mucosa of an animal or the outer layer of a plant to a permeant is described utilizing microporation of selected depth and optionally one or more of sonic, electromagnetic, mechanical and thermal energy and a chemical enhancer. Microporation is accomplished to form a micropore of selected depth in the biological membrane and the porated site is contacted with the permeant. Additional permeation enhancement measures may be applied to the site to enhance both the flux rate of the permeant into the organism through the micropores as well as into targeted tissues within the organism.

Abstract: A transdermal system for the delivery of an anesthetic or other active therapeutic agent directly to a selected site of injured skin tissue by iontophoresis is disclosed, which utilizes a transdermal skin-worn patch including a donor electrode chamber containing a donor electrode and an amount of an active agent in a form suitable for transdermal delivery in electrical communication with the donor electrode and a return electrode. The patch also contains a source of electric current connected in a circuit with the donor and return electrode, a current regulating device is optionally provided in the circuit for controlling the electrical output of the patch and at least the donor electrode chamber includes a provision for absorbing a quantity of fluid associated with weepage from adjacent injured skin tissue.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for the delivery of therapeutic agents to target tissues by electromigration. The utilization of electric fields according to the methods of the invention aids in the distribution and targeting of therapeutic agents, in particular, where standard means of agent application in the target tissue is insufficient to achieve prophylactic or therapeutic results. In particular embodiments, the present invention utilizes a convective force in combination with the developed electric fields to further increase the flux of the therapeutic agent or to further improve distribution of the therapeutic agent within the target tissues.

Abstract: This invention comprises an improved electroporation electrode system comprising a single needle and a ring or donut shaped electrode wherein the difference in surface area of the electrodes provide for a substantial reduction of current density near the surface of the treated tissue and a more concentrated current density sufficient for electroporation only in tissues adjacent to the terminal portion of the single needle electrode. Thus, this invention provides for targeting specific tissue for electroporation and also should provide for lessening the sensation of electric current in the treated tissue.

Abstract: The present invention describes pharmaceutical formulations and methods suitable for iontophoretic delivery of the formulations to a subject. The formulations comprise an immunomodulator, such as imiquimod, and optionally include various agents and excipients. The formulations can be used as a treatment for skin diseases and conditions such as actinic keratosis, basal cell carcinoma and genital warts. The short term iontophoretic delivery of the formulations results in the creation of a depot effect in the skin of the subject, allowing for a sustained delivery. The shortened delivery time minimizes local side effects at the application site.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide electrode assemblies and associated methods for the iontophoretic transdermal delivery of therapeutic agents. Many embodiments provide a corrosion resistant electrode for the iontophoretic transdermal delivery of various therapeutic agents. Such embodiments allow for the iontophoretic transdermal delivery of therapeutic agents such as iron compounds for prolonged periods without any substantial corrosion of the electrode, impedance increases or discoloration or irritation of the skin. Embodiments of the invention are particularly useful for the long term treatment of various chronic medical conditions such as iron deficient anemia.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a device, system and method for the transdermal iontophoretic delivery of therapeutic agents. One embodiment provides a method comprising applying first and second patches to the skin. The first patch comprises a delivery electrode, a therapeutic agent and two lateral electrodes. The second patch comprises at least a delivery electrode. A first current is delivered to the skin and create a first driving force to transport the agent into the skin. A second current is delivered to the skin and creates a second driving force to oscillate the agent in a direction substantially parallel to the skin. The agent is transported across the skin using the first driving force to propel the agent into the skin, and the second driving force to oscillate the agent substantially parallel to the skin surface so that it is sieved through pathways of least diffusional resistance in the skin.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and an apparatus capable of noninvasively administrating vaccine through the skin, and thereby making the immune response activate. A drug product according to the present invention is characterized in that the drug product has a support medium, an electrode formed on the support medium and protected partly by an insulating material for avoiding a direct cutaneous contact, a vaccine containing layer for containing a vaccine, wherein the vaccine is an antigen for inducing an immune suppression protein. A method of administrating a vaccine according to the present invention is characterized in that the vaccine is administrated by the iontophoresis using the drug product according to the drug product of the present invention as an electrode. An apparatus for the iontophoresis according to the present invention is characterized in that the drug product according to the present invention is used as an electrode.

Abstract: A disposable skin-worn device for the transdermal delivery at least one dose of charged therapeutic substances, including granisetron, by iontophoresis, the device comprising a donor reservoir containing an amount of a therapeutic substance to be delivered transdermally by iontophoresis, a counter reservoir, a source of electric power connected in a circuit between the donor reservoir and the counter reservoir and a control system for controlling current flow in the circuit to enable at least one dose of the therapeutic substance to be delivered transdermally by iontophoresis and wherein the control system includes a control element selected from the group consisting of a sensor activated by an external signal and a switch.

Abstract: A therapeutic agent delivery device and method for eluting a therapeutic agent to a target location are disclosed. The device may comprise a first conductive element, a second conductive element, an electrochemical composition including an electrolyte and a therapeutic agent, and a permeable membrane covering the electrochemical composition. The first conductive element and the second conductive element are adapted to be connected to a voltage source. When the voltage source is connected to the first conductive element and the second conductive element, an electrochemical reaction occurs causing the therapeutic agent to pass through the permeable membrane and thereby to elute to a target location.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to internal (e.g., implantable, insertable, etc.) drug delivery devices which contain the following: (a) one or more sources of one or more therapeutic agents; (b) one or more first electrodes, (c) one or more second electrodes and (d) one or more power sources for applying voltages across the first and second electrodes. The power sources may be adapted, for example, to promote electrically assisted therapeutic agent delivery within a subject, including electroporation and/or iontophoresis. In one aspect of the invention, the first and second electrodes are adapted to have tissue of a subject positioned between them upon deployment of the medical device within the subject, such that an electric field may be generated, which is directed into the tissue. Furthermore, the therapeutic agent sources are adapted to introduce the therapeutic agents into the electric field.

Abstract: An electrode assembly for use in an iontophoresis device for the transcutaneous administration of an active therapeutic species has a base layer of including a linking conductive base material which is consumed (oxidizes or reduces) preferentially to water, a first upper layer of sacrificial material coated on a first portion of the base layer wherein the sacrificial material is consumed preferentially to the linking conductive base material of the base layer. A second upper layer of non-conducting material is coated on a second portion of the base layer, the second upper layer being spaced from the first upper layer, connected by a narrow exposed linking area of the base layer material remaining exposed therebetween.

Abstract: A dispensing device and method for forming a least partially solid or gel-like material from a liquid. At least one liquid issuing from an outlet is subjected to an electric field causing the liquid to form at least one electrically charged jet which, after formation, forms a fiber (F) or breaks up into fiber fragments (FF) or particles (D). The thus formed at least partially solid or gel-like material may be directly deposited, by virtue of the energy in the electrical field, onto a surface area, for example an area of skin enabling, for example, formation of a dressing for a wound or burn which is of high specific area and extremely absorbent. A biologically active ingredient such as a pharmaceutical ingredient or biological matter such as DNA may be incorporated into the fibers (F), fragments (FF) or particles (D). Fibrils, particles or microcapsules incorporating a biologically active ingredient may be supplied for oral or nasal administration to an animal such as a human being.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an iontophoretic device. In one aspect, the device includes a barrier layer between the drug reservoir and wearer. In another aspect, the device includes a counterelectrode opposite the driving electrode relative to the drug reservoir.

Abstract: Embodiments of a system including a remotely controlled reaction device and associated controller are described. Methods of use and control of the device are also disclosed. According to various embodiments, a reaction device is placed in an environment in order to perform a chemical reaction in an environment. Exemplary environments include a body of an organism, a body of water, or an enclosed volume of a fluid. In selected embodiments, a magnetic field, an electric field, or electromagnetic control signal may be used.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, a drug delivery device for driving an electrotransport current through a body surface of a user is provided. The device includes a patch with two electrodes and one or more reservoirs storing a therapeutic agent. The one or more reservoirs release the therapeutic agent into the body surface of the user when the reservoirs are positioned over the electrodes to form an electrical path for the electrotransport current. The device includes a controller which controls a controllable power supply to drive the electrotransport current through the body surface of the user in a predetermined profile.

Abstract: A device for treating a skin condition is provided. The device comprises a delivery system for administering a composition to the skin disorder. The delivery system includes an electrode for delivering a composition to the skin of a person and a counter electrode. The device also includes a drainage system which includes a channel for removing material from a person's skin and a pump in communication with the channel The device further includes a control system for powering and controlling the electrode system.

Abstract: A system and method for use in iontophoretic anesthesia of a tympanic membrane are disclosed. The system generally includes an earplug and an electrode device. The earplug includes at least one sealing member for sealing the earplug in an ear canal. The sealing member includes microholes which vent fluid above a certain pressure threshold. A headset may connect the earplug to a second earplug. The method involves using the system on a human or animal subject.

Abstract: The use of an iontophoresis electrode assembly for delivery of a drug formulation is described. The drug formulation includes an anaesthetic and a vasoconstrictor. It is administered to a patient prior to a procedure to produce clinically acceptable depth and duration of dermal anaesthesia at the portion of skin to subject to a painful procedure or to reduce or eliminate pain. The procedure is one selected from the group consisting of venipuncture, IV cannulation, needle aspirations, body piercings, blood donations, electrolysis, tattoo removal, tattoo application, injections, dermabrasion, skin peeling, high velocity particle ablation, pace maker implantation, pace maker replacement, epidural puncture, lumbar puncture, regional nerve blocks, skin harvesting, small skin incisions, skin biopsies, circumcisions or excisions. The iontophoresis electrode assembly may also be used to reduce or temporarily eliminate neuropathic pain.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for facilitating delivery of a substance through skin of a subject. The apparatus includes a handle and a cartridge, removably coupled to the handle. The cartridge includes one or more electrodes and a patch comprising the substance, the electrodes adapted to be applied to a region of the skin, and the patch adapted to be applied to at least a portion of the region of the skin by removal of the electrodes therefrom.

Abstract: An implant comprises a photocatalytic layer on at least one surface. In some embodiments, the photocatalytic layer is a semiconductor oxide that is doped. According to some embodiments, the implant comprises a wave guide. According to some embodiments the implant comprises a light port. According to some embodiments, the implant comprises a reflective material on a surface of the waveguide. According to some embodiments the implant comprises a composite material comprising a first material that has a transmissivity when exposed to a predetermined wavelength of light and a second material that has photocatalytic activity when exposed to the predetermined wavelength of light. According to some embodiments the implant comprises a light source adapted to irradiate the photocatalytic surface.

Abstract: A methodology and apparatus for drug, gene, siRNA, shRNA shRNA peptide, protein, antibody or any other biomedical therapeutic reagents targeting in various of solid organs of large animals and humans ex vivo and in vivo is described. The delivery is assisted with the application of a low strength electric field network (LSEN). A low strength electric field network (LSEN) system is used for ex vivo or in vivo delivery of any therapeutic gene, siRNA, shRNA shRNA protein or drugs into a lung, pleura, breast, liver, spleen, pancreas, kidney, adrenal, prostate, testicle, ovary and tumors in chest, abdominal and pelvic cavity.

Abstract: An electrotransport device (10) for delivering therapeutic agents includes an adjustable voltage boos multiple controller (100, 200) for boosting the voltage from a power source (102, 202) to a working voltage Vw having a value just sufficient to provide the desired therapeutic current level II through the electrodes (108, 112), at least of which contains the therapeutic agent to be delivered.

Abstract: A method is provided for low cost, accurate, iontophoretic fluid delivery. The method includes providing an electronic circuit coupling a plurality of electrodes, charging a chargeable electromotive cell to a selected potential and/or charge in response to a selected quantity of beneficial agent to be delivered, the chargeable electromotive cell being electronically coupled with the electronic circuit, applying the selected quantity of beneficial agent to at least one electrode, placing the at least one electrode in contact with skin, and delivering the selected quantity of beneficial agent. The method may also include preparing the skin using a skin preparation device in order to enhance the delivery of the beneficial agent.

Abstract: A method and system for the localized delivery of therapeutic agents to internal body tissues, especially the brain. In one aspect the invention is a method of delivering a therapeutic agent to a target location within an internal body tissue, the method comprising: charging the therapeutic agent; providing a plurality of polarizable microcatheters surrounding the target location; delivering the charged therapeutic agent between the microcatheters; and polarizing the microcatheters thereby generating an electrical field between the microcatheters that moves the charged therapeutic agent throughout the target location. In another aspect the invention is a system for carrying out the method.

Abstract: An electrotransport device for delivering one or more therapeutic agents through the skin includes electrodes for contacting the skin, at least one electrode containing the agent, a power source for generating electrical current (IL) for delivering the agent, a current generating and controlling means and a disabling means for permanently and irreversibly disabling the current. The disabling means may include a timer means, a counter means, or a body parameter sensor and limit comparator to effect permanent disabling. The disabling means may be a permanent transition to a disabled logic state, a permanent discharge of a power supply source, or a permanent diversion of electrotransport current from the electrodes, or a combination of the above.

Abstract: Gel compositions with adjusted conductivity are disclosed which compositions are used for directing reversible electroporation and irreversible electroporation of cells and tissue. The gel compositions are also used in a similar manner in order to carry out thermotherapy on cells and tissues.

Abstract: A system and method for use in iontophoretic anesthesia of a tympanic membrane are disclosed. The system generally includes an earplug and an electrode device. The earplug includes at least one sealing member for sealing the earplug in an ear canal. The method involves using the system on a human or animal subject.

Abstract: A method for delivering a therapeutic agent to a predetermined location in a host is disclosed, wherein a liposome-encapsulated therapeutic agent is administered to the host, and an electrical field which encompasses a predetermined region within the host is established, such that as the liposome-encapsulated agent is exposed to the electrical field the release of the agent from the liposome to the predetermined region is enhanced.

Abstract: This invention is related to compositions and methods for decreasing cholesterol levels in a subject. The method utilizes a nucleic acid expression construct that encodes a growth-hormone-releasing-hormone (“GHRH”) that is delivered into a tissue of the subject, wherein, GHRH is expressed in vivo in the subject.

Abstract: Electroporation devices and methods for use in the treatment of complications, such as thrombosis, stenotic segments, or infections, associated with an arteriovenous graft or fistula are provided. The devices include at least two electrodes. The electrodes are adapted to be positioned near the target zone of complication for applying electrical pulses and thereby causing electroporation. In a preferred embodiment, the electroporation pulses are sufficient to subject substantially all cells within the target zone to irreversible electroporation without creating a thermally damaging effect.

Abstract: An iontophoresis-based medical device comprising a positive electrode section, a negative electrode section, a power source supplying an electric current to the positive electrode section and negative electrode section and a controller controlling the current value and conduction time of the electric current, the iontrophoresis-based medical device for allowing the drug solution to permeate into a lesion based on ionphoresis obtained by conducting current between the positive electrode section and negative electrode section, wherein the positive and negative electrode section are respectively given a handleable stick shape, the positive electrode section is provided with a drug solution retainer which retains the drug solution and contacts with a lesion, and the negative electrode section is provided with a solution retainer which retains the solution and contacts with a part of the body in the vicinity of the lesion.