Method for providing an active agent topically to the skin

Abstract

A method of providing an active agent topically to the skin is provided and includes providing a topical preparation having an internal phase and an external phase, wherein the internal phase is dispersed within the external phase. The internal phase includes at least one hydrophilic carrier, at least one hydrophilic component, and at least one active agent, and the external phase comprises a silicone matrix. The topical preparation is placed in contact with the skin of a patient such that the active agent is released from the silicone matrix topically onto the skin of the patient.

1 . A method of providing an active agent comprising a protein or enzyme topically, comprising: 
 providing a topical preparation, wherein said topical preparation comprises an internal phase and an external phase; wherein: said internal phase is dispersed within said external phase; said internal phase comprises at least one hydrophilic carrier, at least one hydrophilic component, and at least one active agent; and said external phase comprises a silicone matrix;    placing said topical preparation in contact with the skin of a patient such that said active agent is released from said silicone matrix topically onto said skin of said patient.    
     
     
         2 . The method as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said silicone matrix is selected to have a cross-link density suitable for providing a desired rate of active agent release from said silicone matrix.  
     
     
         3 . The method as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said internal phase further comprises a hydrophilic component, and wherein said hydrophilic component is selected such that said active agent is released from said silicone matrix at a desired rate.  
     
     
         4 . The method as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said topical preparation comprises a patch having a thickness, and wherein said thickness of said patch is selected such that said active agent is released from said silicone matrix at a desired rate.  
     
     
         5 . The method as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said topical preparation has an occlusivity to fluid.  
     
     
         6 . The method as claimed in  1  further comprising: 
 providing a second topical preparation comprising an internal phase and external phase, wherein said internal phase is dispersed within said external phase; said internal phase comprises at least one hydrophilic carrier and at least one second active agent comprising a protein or enzyme selected such that said second active agent inhibits said at least one active agent; said external phase comprises a silicone matrix; and said silicone matrix comprises a silicone adhesive; and    placing said second topical preparation on said skin of said patient around said first topical preparation, wherein said skin of said patient beneath said second topical preparation is protected from said at least one active agent.    
     
     
         7 . The method as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said at least one hydrophilic carrier comprises polypropylene glycol.  
     
     
         8 . The method as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said at least one active agent comprises at least one hydrolase enzyme.  
     
     
         9 . The method as claimed in  claim 8  wherein said hydrolase enzyme is selected from lipases and proteases.  
     
     
         10 . The method as claimed in  claim 9  wherein said protease comprises LG12.  
     
     
         11 . A method of providing an active agent topically, comprising: 
 providing a topical preparation, wherein said topical preparation comprises an internal phase and an external phase; wherein said internal phase is dispersed within said external phase; said internal phase comprises at least one hydrophilic carrier and at least one active agent comprising a hydrolase enzyme; and said external phase comprises a silicone matrix;    placing said topical preparation in contact with the skin of a patient such that said active agent is released from said silicone matrix topically onto said skin of said patient.    
     
     
         12 . The method as claimed in  11  further comprising: 
 providing a second topical preparation comprising an internal phase and external phase, wherein said internal phase is dispersed within said external phase; said internal phase comprises at least one hydrophilic carrier and at least one second active agent comprising an inhibitor for said hydrolase enzyme; said external phase comprises a silicone matrix; and said silicone matrix comprises a silicone adhesive; and    placing said second topical preparation on said skin of said patient around said first topical preparation, wherein said skin of said patient beneath said second topical preparation is protected from said active agent.