Dermal patch

Abstract

The invention is generally directed to a kit and patch for transdermal or intradermal delivery of at least one substance into the skin. The kit includes a dermal patch having an electrochemical cell with two electrodes and a retainer for retaining a conductive fluid which further includes an active substance. The conductive fluid can be deposited on at least one of the two electrodes. Alternatively, the conductive fluid can be applied topically to the skin.

1 - 61 . (canceled) 
   
   
       62 . A flexible dermal patch having a top surface and a skin contacting bottom surface, the patch comprising:
 at least one negative electrode and at least one positive electrode for electrical coupling to a skin portion and/or skin appendage of a subject, wherein the at least one negative electrode or the at least one positive electrode is disposed on the skin contacting bottom surface;   an internal flexible power source electrically coupled to the at least one negative electrode and the at least one positive electrode, wherein the flexible power source powers the patch and is disposed in or on the patch; and   a separator comprising a porous non-conductive material retaining a conductive fluid/composition therein, the separator disposed on at least one of the at least one negative electrode and the at least one positive electrode, the separator being for preventing contact between at least one of the at least one negative electrode and the at least one positive electrode and the skin portion.   
   
   
       63 . The flexible dermal patch of  claim 62 , the patch configured for delivering an electric current through the skin and the conductive fluid/composition, the electric current being for introduction of current and/or voltage to the skin portion and/or transdermal or intradermal delivery of at least one substance. 
   
   
       64 . The flexible dermal patch of  claim 62  for treatment of pain. 
   
   
       65 . The flexible dermal patch of  claim 62 , wherein the patch is for delivery of at least one substance selected from the group consisting of: an anesthetic, an analgesic, analgesic combinations, an anti-migraine preparation, and a substance which causes a loss of tactile sensation or pain. 
   
   
       66 . The flexible dermal patch of  claim 65 , wherein the at least one substance is selected from the group consisting of: fentanyl, sulfentanil and buprenorphine. 
   
   
       67 . The flexible dermal patch of  claim 62 , wherein the at least one negative electrode, the at least one positive electrode and the flexible power source are disposed on a patch body in spaced relation to each other to avoid contact between the at least one negative electrode and the at least one positive electrode. 
   
   
       68 . The flexible dermal patch of  claim 62 , further comprising electrical circuitry coupled to the dermal patch for controlling the level or duration of an electric current supplied by the flexible power source. 
   
   
       69 . The flexible dermal patch of  claim 68 , wherein the patch is for delivery of at least one substance selected from the group consisting of: an anesthetic, an analgesic, analgesic combinations, an anti-migraine preparation, and a substance which causes a loss of tactile sensation or pain, and
 wherein the electrical circuitry comprises an integrated circuit configured to control a dosage of the at least one substance to be delivered.   
   
   
       70 . The flexible dermal patch of  claim 62 , wherein the dermal patch is wearable. 
   
   
       71 . The flexible dermal patch of  claim 62 , further comprising an attachment mechanism for attaching the dermal patch to the skin portion and/or skin appendage of a subject. 
   
   
       72 . The flexible dermal patch of  claim 62 , wherein the flexible power source comprises a flexible electrochemical cell comprising:
 a flexible layer open liquid state electrochemical cell which comprises a first layer of insoluble negative pole, a second layer of insoluble positive pole and a third layer of aqueous electrolyte,   the third layer being disposed between the first and second layers and including:   (a) a deliquescent material for keeping the open cell wet at all times;   (b) an electroactive soluble material for obtaining required ionic conductivity; and   (c) a water-soluble polymer for obtaining a required viscosity for adhering the first layer and the second layer to the third layer.   
   
   
       73 . The flexible dermal patch of  claim 62 , wherein the separator is attachable. 
   
   
       74 . The flexible dermal patch of  claim 62  for treatment of inflammation. 
   
   
       75 . The flexible dermal patch of  claim 74 , wherein the patch is for delivery of an anti-inflammatory. 
   
   
       76 . The flexible dermal patch of  claim 62  for delivery of at least one substance from the group consisting of: antiinfectives, antibiotics, antiviral agents, analgesics, fentanyl, sufentanil, buprenorphine, analgesic combinations, anesthetics, anorexics, antiarthritics, antiasthmatic agents, terbutaline, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, antidiabetic agents, antidiarrheals, antihistamines, antiinflammatory agents, antimigraine preparations, antimotion sickness, scopolamine, ondansetron, antinauseants, antineoplastics, antiparkinsonism drugs, cardiostimulants, dobutamine, antipruritics, antipsychotics, antipyretics, antispasmodics, anticholinergics, sympathornimetics, xanthine derivatives, cardiovascular preparations, calcium channel blockers, nifedipine, beta-blockers, beta-agonists, salbutamol, ritodrine, antiarrythmics, antihypertensives, atenolol, ACE inhibitors, diuretics, vasodilators, central nervous system stimulants, cough and cold preparations, decongestants, diagnostics, hormones, parathyroid hormone, growth hormone and insulin, hypnotics, immunosuppressives, muscle relaxants, parasympatholytics, parasympathomimetics, anti-oxidants, nicotine, prostaglandins, psychostimulants, sedatives and tranquilizers. 
   
   
       77 . The flexible dermal patch of  claim 62  for delivery of at least one substance from the group consisting of: skin acting anti-oxidants, caretenoids, ascorbic acid, vitamin E, vitamin preparations, anti-oxidants, anti wrinkling agents, retinoids, retinol, alpha-hydroxic acids, salicylic acid, combination-hydroxy acids and poly-hydroxy acids, and hydrolyzed and soluble collagen, moisturizers, hyaluronic acid and others, anticellulite agents, aminophyllines, skin bleaching agents, retinoic acid, hydroquinone and peroxides, extracts of aloe-vera, wild yam, hamamelitanin, ginseng, and green tea. 
   
   
       78 . A kit comprising:
 (a) a flexible dermal patch having a top surface and a skin contacting bottom surface, the patch comprising a power source and at least two electrodes in electrical connection with the power source, the electrodes for electrical coupling with a skin portion and/or skin appendage of a subject, wherein at least one of the at least two electrodes are disposed on the skin contacting bottom surface; and   (b) at least one retainer for retaining a conductive fluid, the conductive fluid being for deposition on at least one of the at least two electrodes and/or topical application onto the skin portion and/or skin appendage of the subject, wherein the retainer is for preventing contact between at least one of the at least two electrodes and the skin portion;   the patch being designed and configured for delivering an electric current through the skin and the conductive fluid, for introduction of current and/or voltage to the skin portion and/or skin appendage, and/or transdermal or intradermal delivery of at least one substance.   
   
   
       79 . The kit of  claim 78  for treatment of pain or inflammation. 
   
   
       80 . A flexible dermal patch having a top surface and a skin contacting bottom surface, the patch comprising:
 at least one negative electrode and at least one positive electrode for electrical coupling to the skin portion and/or skin appendage of a subject, wherein the at least one negative electrode or the at least one positive electrode is disposed on the skin contacting bottom surface;   an internal flexible power source electrically coupled to the at least one negative electrode and the at least one positive electrode, wherein the flexible power source powers the patch and is disposed in or on the patch; and   a separator comprising a porous non-conductive material retaining a conductive fluid/composition therein, the separator disposed on at least one of the at least one negative electrode and the at least one positive electrode, the separator being for preventing contact between at least one of the at least one negative electrode and the at least one positive electrode and the skin portion,   wherein the flexible patch is for treatment of pain.   
   
   
       81 . A flexible dermal patch having a top surface and a skin contacting bottom surface, the patch comprising:
 at least one negative electrode and at least one positive electrode for electrical coupling to the skin portion and/or skin appendage of a subject, wherein the at least one negative electrode or the at least one positive electrode is disposed on the skin contacting bottom surface;   an internal flexible power source electrically coupled to the at least one negative electrode and the at least one positive electrode, wherein the flexible power source powers the patch and is disposed in or on the patch; and   a separator comprising a porous non-conductive material retaining a conductive fluid/composition therein, the separator disposed on at least one of the at least one negative electrode and the at least one positive electrode, the separator being for preventing contact between at least one of the at least one negative electrode and the at least one positive electrode and the skin portion,   wherein the flexible patch is for treatment of inflammation.