Abstract: The invention provides an improved electrotransport drug delivery system for analgesic drugs, namely fentanyl and sufentanil. The fentanyl/sufentanil is provided as a water soluble salt (eg, fentanyl hydrochloride) dispersed in a hydrogel formulation for use in an electrotransport device (10). In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the concentration of fentanyl/sufentanil in the donor reservoir (26) solution is above a predetermined minimum concentration, whereby the transdermal electrotransport flux of fentanyl/sufentanil is maintained independent of the concentration of fentanyl/sufentanil in solution. In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, the donor reservoir (26) of the electrotransport delivery device (10) is comprised of silver and the donor reservoir (26) contains a predetermined “excess” loading of fentanyl/sufentanil halide to prevent silver ion migration with attendant skin discoloration.

Abstract: A method may include placing a first device on a first side of a skin portion of a subject and transferring a material through the skin portion of the subject from the first device to a subdermal second device disposed on a second side of the skin portion of the subject.

Abstract: A system for iontophoretic transdermal delivery of a non-peptidic polymeric cosmetic or therapeutic agent or of a polypeptide useful for delivery of high molecular weight cosmetic or therapeutic agents. Particularly, the present invention relates to a system that includes an iontophoresis device and a pharmaceutical composition of a non-peptidic polymeric cosmetic or therapeutic agent together with a peptide, polypeptide or protein and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier having a pH below or above the isoelectric pH of the peptide, polypeptide or protein.

Abstract: A method of increasing the delivery efficiency of an agent through a body surface by electrotransport is disclosed wherein the electrotransport current is applied for durations at a higher current density values followed by durations of lower current density values wherein the higher current density applications transform the body surface to an enhanced, non-transitory agent delivery efficiency state.

Abstract: In vivo methods are provided for using an electric field to delivery therapeutic treatment to a subject while reducing inducement of histopathological change in the target muscle tissue, such as is associated with induction or amplification of an immune response caused by the pulsed electric field. Therapeutic agents can be delivered nto cells of muscle for local and systemic treatments with optimal gene expression and minimal tissue damage. In particular, therapeutic agents include naked or formulated nucleic acid, polypeptides and chemotherapeutic agents.

Abstract: Systems, devices, methods, and compositions are described for providing an actively-controllable disinfecting implantable device configured to, for example, treat or prevent an infection in a biological subject.

Abstract: An iontophoresis device transdermally administers an active agent, such as a drug ion, to a biological interface of an organism. The iontophoresis device includes a first electrode assembly having a first electrode member, which is electrically coupled to a terminal, of a main electric power source, having a first polarity that is the same polarity as that of a drug ion. The iontophoresis device includes a drug solution reservoir arranged in an electric field generated by the first electrode member and holding a drug, a counter electrode assembly electrically coupled to another terminal (of the main electric power source) having a second polarity that is opposite to the first polarity, and a vibrating portion having an ultrasonic oscillator for oscillating an ultrasonic wave and an ultrasonic vibrator vibrating due to the ultrasonic wave supplied from the ultrasonic oscillator. The ultrasonic vibrator is provided in the vicinity of the active electrode assembly.

Abstract: The use of an automated, controllable, and affixable pulsatile for treating diseases, having an automated controller for controlling the delivery of drug to a patient, an agent delivery reservoir containing an agent operatively connected to the automated controller, a reservoir controller operatively connected to the automated controller and the reservoir for controlling the delivery of agent to a patient, and a feedback control operatively connected to the automated controller for providing feedback with regard to the drug requirements of the patient for use in treating diseases.

Abstract: Microneedle devices are provided for transport of therapeutic and biological molecules across tissue barriers and for use as microflameholders. In a preferred embodiment for transport across tissue, the microneedles are formed of a biodegradable polymer. Methods of making these devices, which can include hollow and/or porous microneedles, are also provided. A preferred method for making a microneedle includes forming a micromold having sidewalls which define the outer surface of the microneedle, electroplating the sidewalls to form the hollow microneedle, and then removing the micromold from the microneedle. In a preferred method of use, the microneedle device is used to deliver fluid material into or across a biological barrier from one or more chambers in fluid connection with at least one of the microneedles. The device preferably further includes a means for controlling the flow of material through the microneedles.

Abstract: A coating for an implantable medical device is disclosed, the coating including a self-assembled molecular structure. The coating can be used for altering the release rate of a therapeutic substance from the implantable device.

Abstract: An electrotransport system for delivery of a cationic drug. The system has a donor anodic reservoir having an insoluble biocompatible polymeric anion source embedded in the reservoir. The anion source has precipitating anions that can precipitate out metal ions generated from sacrificial metal of the anode during electrotransport.

Abstract: An electrotransport system for delivery of lisuride or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The system has a donor electrode assembly, a counter electrode assembly, and a controller electrically connected to the donor electrode assembly and the counter electrode assembly. The donor electrode assembly has a donor reservoir that contains a lisuride salt. The controller is electrically connected to the donor and counter electrode assemblies and is operatable for controlling current for the electrotransport.

Abstract: A system for enhancing absorption of a substance to be provided on a region of a patient's skin, includes a probe configured to provide the substance to the region of the patient's skin, the probe including a flexible tape with a plurality of cavities, and with an electrically conductive element, such as a conductive wire, provided at one end of each of the cavities. A substance holding material, such as gauze stripes, temporarily holds the substance to be provided on the region of the patient's skin, the substance holding material being provided in each of the cavities. A pulse generator generates a sequence of bursts of electrical pulses to the electrically conductive elements provided within the cavities, so as to provide the bursts of electrical pulses to the region of the patient's skin.

Abstract: The present invention is of an electrode comprising an electrode substrate base layer and a plurality of layers of insoluble pole electroactive substance disposed on the electrode substrate base layer, wherein each of the plurality of layers of insoluble pole electroactive substance is configured to facilitate a treatment of a condition. Further, the present invention is of use of the electrode in a currant generating treatment device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catheter with an expandable distal end for delivering one or more medicaments. The catheter is manufactured with materials of construction that allow the transfer of electrical energy from the proximal end of the catheter to the distal expandable end. The catheter also has a means for controlling or manipulating the expandable distal end to expand and contract into various configurations. The distal end of the catheter is processed by a specific method of manufacturing whereby the expandable distal end is coated with one or more layers of a hydrogel copolymer wherein at least one layer of which coating encapsulates one or more medicaments and zero or more charged carriers to facilitate the electrophoretic and electro-osmostic mobilities of the medicaments.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and a method for the enhanced retinal delivery of nucleic acid therapeutics utilizing iontophoresis to evoke a transient elongation of the Müller Cells of a mammalian eye. The enhanced retinal deposition can be achieved by either a topical application, subconjunctival, or an intravitreal injection of the nucleic acid composition followed by, preceded by, or administered simultaneously with the iontophoretic application. The present invention thus provides a particularly advantageous method for the treatment of ocular diseases comprising the in vivo administration of a nucleic acid capable of alleviating the symptoms of a disease, the delivery of the nucleic acid being enhanced by using iontophoresis. This method can be applied particularly to the diseases of the retina resulting from an alteration of a gene expression and/or the over-expression of particular growth factors.

Abstract: The present invention features a device having a barrier membrane contacting surface, the device containing: a power source; a first conductive electrode; a second conductive electrode; a first light emitting diode; and a carrier containing an active agent; wherein the power source is in electric communication with the first conductive electrode, the second conductive electrode, and the light emitting diode, and wherein the device is arranged such that light from the first light emitting diode and the carrier are in communication with the barrier membrane contacting surface.

Abstract: The present invention features a device having a barrier membrane contacting surface, the device containing: a power source; a first conductive electrode; a second conductive electrode; and a carrier; wherein the power source is in electric communication with the first conductive electrode and the second conductive electrode, wherein the first conductive electrode and the second conductive electrode are in ionic communication with the carrier, and wherein the carrier is in communication with the barrier membrane contacting surface.

Abstract: The present invention features a method of treating infection in a barrier membrane by applying to the membrane a device having a barrier membrane contacting surface that administers an oxidizing agent to the barrier membrane, wherein the device contains: a power source; a first conductive electrode, wherein the first conductive electrode is an inert anode; a second conductive electrode, wherein the second conductive electrode is a cathode; and a carrier containing water; wherein the power source is in electric communication with the first conductive electrode and the second conductive electrode, wherein the first conductive electrode is in ionic communication with the carrier, wherein the oxidizing agent is generated by electric current passing from the first conductive electrode through the carrier, and wherein the carrier is in communication with the barrier membrane contacting surface.

Abstract: The present invention features a device having a barrier membrane contacting surface, the device containing: a power source; a first conductive electrode; a second conductive electrode; and a carrier; wherein the power source is in electric communication with the first conductive electrode and the second conductive electrode, wherein the first conductive electrode and the second conductive electrode are in ionic communication with the carrier, and wherein the carrier is in communication with the barrier membrane contacting surface.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a patch for use in administration of an ionic medicine into a living body by infiltration of the ionic medicine into the living body through the living body surface without voltage application, characterized in that the patch comprises an ion-exchange membrane having a surface roughness (Rz) of 7 ?m or less at its part to be brought into contact with the living body surface and an ionic medicine impregnated into the ion-exchange membrane.

Abstract: The present invention features a method of treating acne or rosacea on the skin by applying electricity to skin in need of such treatment wherein said electricity is generated by a first conductive electrode in electric communication with a second conductive electrode, wherein both the first conductive electrode and the second conductive electrode are in ionic communication with the skin, wherein the difference of the standard potentials of the first conductive electrode and the second conductive electrode is at least 0.2 V and wherein the electrons that pass between the first conductive electrode and the second conductive electrode are generated as a result of such difference of the standard potentials.

Abstract: The present invention features a device having a barrier membrane contacting surface, the device containing: a power source; a first conductive electrode; a second conductive electrode; and a carrier containing an active agent; wherein the power source is in electric communication with the first conductive electrode and the second conductive electrode, wherein the first conductive electrode and the second conductive electrode are in ionic communication with the carrier, and wherein the carrier is in communication with the barrier membrane contacting surface.

Abstract: The present invention features a method of treating acne or rosacea by applying to the skin electrochemically generated zinc ions. In one embodiment, the method includes topically applying a device including an anode containing zinc.

Abstract: The present invention features a method of reducing the appearance of pigmentation on the skin by applying electricity to skin in need of such treatment wherein said electricity is generated by a first conductive electrode in electric communication with a second conductive electrode, wherein both the first conductive electrode and the second conductive electrode are in ionic communication with the skin, wherein the difference of the standard potentials of the first conductive electrode and the second conductive electrode is at least 0.2 V and wherein the electrons that pass between the first conductive electrode and the second conductive electrode are generated as a result of such difference of the standard potentials.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating a patient having a head with a first ear and a second ear, function by mounting a support structure to the head of the patient; aligning the support structure with a target tissue in an ear canal of the first ear; stabilizing the support structure relative to the target tissue by injecting a material into the canal and hardening the material; and actuating a device while the device is supported by the support system so that the device therapeutically remodels the target tissue of the first ear.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating a patient having an ear canal and a target tissue function by positioning a fluid or gel in the ear canal, the fluid or gel comprising a therapeutic agent; retaining the fluid or gel with a support structure, the support structure supporting an electrode and a battery; and applying the agent from the fluid or gel to the target tissue by energizing the electrode with an iontophoresis potential from the battery.

Abstract: A lotion applicator which provides total, even coverage of the back of the user and does not require manual dexterity or stretching, consisting of a door mount, rotor, rotor guide, and one or more pads. The door mount is attached to a vertical surface, preferably a door, but the device can also be mounted to a wall. The user stands with her back against the device and, raising her arms to about shoulder level, grabs a handle attached to the rotor guide and pushes up, thus lifting the rotor guide. The rotor travels with the guide, whereupon one or more pads, which are impregnated with lotion and attached to the rotor in an off-center position, spin along the back of the user, spreading lotion.

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: Methods are provided for introducing a polynucleotide into healthy tissue and generating a pulsed electric field in the tissue via invasive electrodes, resulting in enhanced delivery of the polynucleotide into cells of the tissue, while minimizing local side effects to the electroporated tissue and systemic side effects to the electroporated organism due to metal contaminants released from said electrodes. In one embodiment, the invention methods Use electrodes of gold, gold alloys, or other metal that minimize the introduction of toxic amounts of the metal into electroporated tissue. In other embodiments, the invention methods are utilized for the gene therapy by administering DNA to cells of suitable target tissue, and for the induction of an immune response by administration of a DNA vaccine.

Abstract: The present invention provides a transdermal delivery system for hydrophilic anti-emetic agents and methods of using thereof. The system includes an anti-emetic hydrophilic adhesive composition of a hydrophilic polymer and hydrophilic anti-emetic agent, a patch containing at least one hydrophilic layer of the composition, and an apparatus that generates hydrophilic micro-channels in skin of a subject using the patch or composition. The system preferably avoids the use of penetration enhancers and is particularly useful for transdermal delivery of hydrophilic anti-emetic agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for transporting a molecule through a mammalian barrier membrane of at least one layer of cells comprising the steps of: ablating said membrane with a shear device; and utilizing a driving force to move said molecule through said perforated membrane.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for iontophoretic delivery of a drug to on into a tissue, comprising an arrangement that prevents operation of the device at a current density that is higher than a predetermined value, the arrangement including first means responsive to a first data item, indicative of the surface area through which the current is to pass, as to set the maximal current allowed at the surface area indicated by the data item. The present invention also provides a method for iontophorectivally administering drug to or into a tissue, comprising determination of a maximal allowed level of current density and preventing application of current density above the maximal allowed level.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for transdermal delivery of water insoluble drugs and methods using the same. The system includes a pharmaceutical composition of a water insoluble drug and a carrier molecule that enhances the solubility of the drug in aqueous solution, a medical patch containing the same and an apparatus that generates hydrophilic micro-channels in an area of skin of a subject using the composition or patch. The system preferably avoids the use of penetration enhancers and is particularly useful for transdermal delivery of steroids.

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: 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: An electrotransport system for delivery of an electrotransport cationic drug. The system has an anode that has a precipitating anion source. The precipitating anions from the precipitating anion source combines with metal ions generated from sacrificial metal of the anode during electrotransport to form precipitates. Metal that can form the metal ions are embedded in the anode.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to methods, apparatuses, and systems for the treatment of various skin conditions by delivery of piperine and/or a related structural analog of piperine (collectively referred to as piperine-based compounds) to an area of skin affected by a skin condition (e.g., vitiligo) in conjunction with irradiation of the affected area. Structural analogs of piperine include compounds such as THP, CHP, and RCHP. In various embodiments, irradiation of affected skin in conjunction with a piperine-based composition may result in stimulation of melanin synthesis by melanocytes which may induce pigmentation to a greater extent than with the use of the piperine-based compound alone.

Abstract: A transdermal delivery system (TDS) having: a carrier layer (cover layer) impermeable to the substances/active ingredients to be delivered, a membrane permeable to the substances/active ingredients to be delivered, a reservoir containing substances/active ingredients to be delivered, the reservoir being provided between the carrier layer and the membrane; and a removable film, wherein the carrier layer and the membrane comprise electrodes such that the electrode(s) of the membrane serve(s) as counterelectrode(s) to the electrode (the electrodes) of the carrier layer, is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for intradermal or transdermal delivery of oligonucleotides or polynucleotides and to methods of use thereof. Particularly, the present invention relates to a system comprising an apparatus that generates micro-channels in the skin of a subject in conjunction with a pharmaceutical composition comprising an oligonucleotide or polynucleotide, wherein the oligonucleotide or polynucleotide can be delivered into the organism through the micro-channels. The system and methods of the present invention achieve expression of target proteins encoded by the polynucleotides, and hence are useful in immunization and gene therapy.

Abstract: A coating for an implantable medical device is disclosed, the coating including a self-assembled molecular structure. The coating can be used for altering the release rate of a therapeutic substance from the implantable device.

Abstract: A device for the transdermal delivery of a therapeutic agent to a biological subject that includes a first electrode comprising a first array of electrically conductive microprojections for providing electrical communication through a skin portion of the subject to a second electrode comprising a second array of electrically conductive microprojections. Additionally, a reservoir for holding the therapeutic agent surrounding the first electrode and a pulse generator for providing an exponential decay pulse between the first and second electrodes may be provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering an agent to structures of the eye or other body sites using iontophoresis applied through the eyelid, skin, etc. of a patient. A drug is introduced into the eye or other body site. A first electrode is in electrical communication with the site and a second electrode is positioned in relation to the first electrode. The electrodes are energized to generate a current between the electrodes and through the site that facilitates the selective dissemination of the agent throughout the eye or site.

Abstract: A method for reversibly, or irreversibly, altering the permeability of cells, tissues or other biological barriers, to molecules to be transported into or through these materials, through the application of acoustic energy, is enhanced by applying the ultrasound in combination with devices for monitoring and/or implementing feedback controls. The acoustic energy is applied directly or indirectly to the cells or tissue whose permeability is to be altered, at a frequency and intensity appropriate to alter the permeability to achieve the desired effect, such as the transport of endogenous or exogenous molecules and/or fluid, for drug delivery, measurement of analyte, removal of fluid, alteration of cell or tissue viability or alteration of structure of materials such as kidney or gall bladder stones.

Abstract: A device and methods are described for a non-invasive transnasal and transocular drug delivery to the central nervous system using iontophoresis technology. By delivered through the olfactory nerve and the optical nerve, a biologically active substance of interest can be enhanced to be delivered into the CNS and CSF and bypassing the blood-brain barrier. Such drug delivery system can also be enhanced by using phonophoresis and other enhancement techniques.

Abstract: Electroactive pores, devices including one or more electroactive pores are described, and methods of delivering therapeutic agents using one or more electroactive pores are described.

Abstract: A device is provided for treating skin on the body of a subject. The device includes a plurality of electrodes, which are adapted to be placed in contact with the skin and then moved across the skin while maintaining electrical contact with the skin. The device additionally includes a power source, which is adapted to apply a current between two or more of the plurality of electrodes at the same time as the electrodes are being moved across the skin.

Abstract: An iontophoretic method for transporting compounds of interest across a body tissue is provided. The method utilizes an AC signal in conjunction with a barrier-modifying agent such as a fatty acid, fatty alcohol, bile acid, surfactant, or the like. The method enables the maintenance of a substantially constant electrical state in a localized region of the tissue through which transport occurs, thereby allowing a compound of interest to be transported across the tissue in a controlled and predictable manner. The barrier-modifying agent reduces the time as well as the voltage level required to achieve a target electrical resistance, thereby reducing patient discomfort and increasing the battery life of the iontophoresis device.

Abstract: A device, system and method for enhancing the functionality and efficiency of a chemical and/or enzymatic debriding agent with a physical debriding mechanism. The debriding agent alone and the physical mechanism alone are each capable of at least some debriding activity separately, without being used in the combination. In combination, however, they are more effective, such that the debriding efficacy is increased for the combination. Preferably, the physical debriding mechanism comprises an ultrasound source.

Abstract: A system for delivering a substance into a body at a treatment site that includes an alternating current source and a plurality of electrodes. Circuitry is connected between the alternating current source and the electrodes for supplying current to the electrodes when the electrodes are in electrical contact with said body so that a uni-directional current flow for delivering the substance into the body is maintained at the treatment site and a bi-directional current flow is maintained throughout the body. At least one of the electrodes is divided into sub-electrodes to, for example, reduce hazards associated with current concentration. These and other systems and methods are adaptable for large treatment areas and/or use a convenient and low-cost arrangement of electronics.