Device for and method of increasing the transdermal permeation of drugs

Abstract

The invention relates to a device and a method for increasing the transdermal permeation of medicaments. The invention is characterized in that a constituent which effects a local increase in temperature and/or an increase in blood flow of the skin is administered in addition to the transdermally applied active substance.

1 - 19  (cancelled)  
     
     
         20 . A method for increasing the transdermal absorption rate of an active substance to a person in need thereof said method comprises: 
 a) releasing the active substance in a controlled manner from a transdermal therapeutic system (TTS) to the skin of a person,    b) providing a local temperature increase of the skin by applying at least one substance to the skin which increases 
 i. the rate of penetration of said active substance into the skin,  
 ii. the travel of said active substance through the different layers of the skin,  
 iii. the transport of said active substance through the blood capillary system of the dermis, and/or  
 iv. the transport of the active substance through the blood vessels of the hypodermis, and  
   c) allowing said active substance to enter the circulation.    
     
     
         21 . The method according to  claim 20  wherein said active substance is a pharmaceutically active substance that is capable to exert a systemic action.  
     
     
         22 . The method according to  claim 20  wherein said active substance is selected from the group consisting of opiates, morphine, diamorphine, buprenorphine, fentanyl, estrogens, 17β-estradiol, hormones, testosterone, norethisterone, gestagens, peptides, insulin, analgetics and alkaloids.  
     
     
         23 . The method according to  claim 20  wherein said transdermal therapeutic system comprises one or more of an active substance impermeable backing layer, an active substance reservoir, an active substance release controlling membrane, an adhesive layer containing active substance, and a redetachable protective layer.  
     
     
         24 . The method according to  claim 20  wherein said method provides a long-term effect throughout the duration of the transdermal administration of said active substance.  
     
     
         25 . A method according to  claim 20  wherein said method extends over a period of at least 8 hours.  
     
     
         26 . A method for reducing the period between the application of a transdermal therapeutic system (TTS) to the skin of a person and the onset of a pharmacological effect of an active substance said method comprises: 
 a) releasing the active substance in a controlled manner from said TTS to the skin of said person,    b) providing a local temperature increase of the skin by applying at least one substance to the skin which increases 
 i. the rate of penetration of said active substance into the skin,  
 ii. the travel of said active substance through the different layers of the skin,  
 iii. the transport of said active substance through the blood capillary system of the dermis, and  
 iv. the transport of the active substance through the blood vessels of the hypodermis, and  
   c) allowing said active substance to enter the circulation.    
     
     
         27 . A method according to  claim 26  wherein said active substance is a pharmaceutically active substance that acts systematically.  
     
     
         28 . A method according to  claim 26  wherein said active substance is selected from the group consisting of opiates, morphine, diamorphine, buprenorphine, fentanyl, estrogens, 17β-estradiol, hormones, testosterone, norethisterone, gestagens, peptides, insulin, analgetics and alkaloids.  
     
     
         29 . A method according to  claim 26  wherein said transdermal therapeutic system comprises one or more of an active substance impermeable backing layer, an active substance reservoir, an active substance release controlling membrane, an adhesive layer containing active substance, and a redetachable protective layer.  
     
     
         30 . A method according to  claim 26  wherein said method provides a short-term effect up to the onset of the pharmacological effect of said active substance.