Transmucosal delivery devices with enhanced uptake

Abstract

The present invention provides methods for enhancing transmucosal uptake of a medicament, e.g., fentanyl or buprenorphine, to a subject and related devices. The method includes administering to a subject a transmucosal drug delivery device comprising the medicament. Also provided are devices suitable for transmucosal administration of a medicament to a subject and methods of their administration and use. The devices include a medicament disposed in a mucoadhesive polymeric diffusion environment and a barrier environment.

1 . A method for delivering buprenorphine to a subject comprising:
 administering a mucoadhesive biodegradable drug delivery device for transmucosal delivery, the device comprising:
 a bioerodible mucoadhesive layer comprising buprenorphine disposed in a polymeric diffusion environment, wherein the polymeric diffusion environment has a pH of between about 4 and about 7.5, and 
 a polymeric barrier environment disposed adjacent to the mucoadhesive layer, and wherein a unidirectional diffusion gradient of buprenorphine is provided upon application to a buccal surface. 
   
     
     
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