Electrokinetic Delivery System for Self-Administration of Medicaments and Methods Therefor

Abstract

The invention relates to systems and methods for treating a fungal infection of the nail of an individual. In various embodiments, the methods include applying a device to at least one nail of the individual that is infected by a fungus. In various embodiments, the devices include at least one active electrode and at least one counter electrode, with the at least one counter electrode in contact with the individual.

1 . A method of treating a fungal infection of the nail of an individual, the method comprising:
 applying a device to at least one nail of the individual that is infected by a fungus, wherein the device includes at least one active electrode and at least one counter electrode, wherein the at least one counter electrode is in contact with the individual, and wherein the device is connected to at least one power source;   disposing an anti-fungal medicament between the at least one active electrode and the at least one nail of the individual infected by a fungus; and   providing an electrical current from the power source to the at least one active electrode to facilitate delivery of the anti-fungal medicament into the region of the at least one nail.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the medicament is contained within a pad. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the medicament comprises a conductive fluid. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the nail is a toenail. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the medicament is delivered directly into the nail bed. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the medicament is delivered into the nail bed and surrounding nail tissue. 
     
     
         7 . A device for delivery of a substance to a treatment site on an individual, comprising:
 a power supply;   an applicator including a first electrode and a pad for containing a substance, wherein the first electrode is connected to the power supply and the pad is positioned on a first side of the applicator with the first electrode overlying the pad; and   a second electrode connected to the power supply;   wherein, upon application of the applicator against the treatment site and the second electrode in contact with a portion of the individual's body, an electrical circuit is completed between the first electrode through the treatment site, the portion of the individual's body and the second electrode for electrokinetically driving the substance into the treatment site.   
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein the substance is an anti-fungal agent. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein the substance comprises a conductive fluid. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein the treatment site is a nail. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 10 , wherein the nail is a toenail. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 10 , wherein the medicament is delivered directly into the nailbed. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 10 , wherein the medicament is delivered into the nail bed and surrounding nail tissue. 
     
     
         14 . A system for delivering a substance to an infected nail of an individual, comprising:
 a power source;   a device connected to the power source, the device comprising at least one active electrode and at least one counter electrode, wherein the at least one counter electrode is in contact with the individual; and   a medicament disposed between the at least one active electrode of the device and the infected nail of the individual;   wherein an electrical current is provided from the power source to the at least one active electrode to electrokinetically drive the medicament into the region of the infected nail.   
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein the substance is an anti-fungal agent. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein the substance is contained within a pad. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein the substance comprises a conductive fluid. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein the nail is a toenail. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein the substance is delivered directly into the nail bed. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein the substance is delivered into the nail bed and surrounding nail tissue.