Drug Delivery Devices for Deployment in Genitourinary Sites

Abstract

Implantable drug delivery devices are provided to have a deployment shape for implantation in the body and a retention shape for retention in the body. The device may have one or more elongated drug reservoirs containing a drug, and the drug reservoir may be formed from a deformable material. In one case, a first filament is attached to the first end of the drug reservoir and second filament is attached to the second end of the drug reservoir, wherein a fastener is positioned about the first and second filaments to permit shortening and prevent lengthening of the filaments with reference to the ends of the drug reservoir, as a means for transforming the device from the implantation shape to the retention shape.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A drug delivery device comprising:
 a web which comprises a flexible polymeric sheet and a plurality of elongated relief openings extending through the sheet and being aligned with one another; and   a plurality of drug reservoirs attached to or integrated into the sheet at positions interspaced with the relief openings, each drug reservoir comprising a drug,   wherein the device is configured (i) to be rolled into a deployment shape and to unroll and automatically assume a relatively flat expanded shape following deployment to a genitourinary site within a human patient, and then (ii) to release the drug from the drug reservoirs to the site.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the polymeric sheet is bioresorbable. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein each of the drug reservoirs comprises a drug rod formed by casting or molding of the drug alone or in combination with one or more binders or other excipients. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein each of the drug reservoirs comprises a bioresorbable matrix material mixed with the drug. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein each of the drug reservoirs comprises a drug component sandwiched between two thin sheets that are stacked and adhered together about a periphery of the drug component, the two thin sheets forming the flexible polymeric sheet. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein each of the drug reservoirs comprises a drug component secured in grooves or within elongated apertures in the flexible polymeric sheet. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , which, in the deployment shape, is configured to be deployed into the bladder of the patient through a catheter or cystoscope that extends through the urethra to the bladder. 
     
     
         8 . A drug delivery device comprising:
 an elongated drug reservoir which comprises a hollow structure housing a drug; and   a retention structure comprising a number of balloons positioned about ends of the drug reservoir,   wherein the device has (i) a relatively linear deployment shape when the balloons are not inflated, and (ii) a retention shape when the balloons are inflated, and   wherein the device is configured to be deployed in a genitourinary site within a human patient and then to release the drug from the drug reservoir to the site.   
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 8 , further comprising an inflation port in communication with the balloons. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 8 , wherein the retention structure is configured to achieve the retention shape without changing the shape of the drug reservoir. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 8 , wherein the drug is in solid or semi-solid form. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 8 , wherein the balloons, when inflated, have an arched or hooked shape. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 8 , which, in the deployment shape, is configured to be deployed into the bladder of the patient through a catheter or cystoscope that extends through the urethra to the bladder. 
     
     
         14 . A drug delivery device comprising:
 an elongated drug reservoir which comprises a hollow structure housing a drug; and   a retention structure comprising a number of sponges positioned about ends of the drug reservoir,   wherein the device has (i) a relatively linear deployment shape when the sponges are in a compressed or dehydrated state, and (ii) a retention shape when the sponges are in an uncompressed or hydrated state, and   wherein the device is configured for deployment in a genitourinary site within the body of a human patient and subsequent delivery of the drug to the site.   
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 14 , wherein the sponges automatically expand upon exiting a deployment instrument or in response to contacting and absorbing fluid in vivo. 
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 14 , wherein the retention structure itself is configured to achieve the retention shape without changing the shape of the drug reservoir. 
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 14 , wherein the drug is in solid or semi-solid form. 
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 14 , which, in the deployment shape, is configured to be deployed into the bladder of the patient through a catheter or cystoscope that extends through the urethra to the bladder.