WO2010007574A1

WO2010007574A1 - Drug delivery system with a fastening band

Info

Publication number: WO2010007574A1
Application number: PCT/IB2009/053030
Authority: WO
Inventors: Giovanni Nisato; Roelf Kassies; Wilhelmus H. N. M. Van Mensvoort
Original assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
Priority date: 2008-07-18
Filing date: 2009-07-13
Publication date: 2010-01-21

Abstract

Drug delivery device (1) comprising a fastening band (2) with a case (4) with a display (5) and one or more control keys (6, 7) in communication with a control unit (17), which is programmed to lock the control keys (6, 7). The device comprises an actuator (8, 9) to be used by a user for unlocking the control keys (6, 7), such as a set of two buttons (8, 9) on opposite sides of the case (4) to be actuated by a pinching motion.

Description

Drug delivery system with a fastening band

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a drug delivery device comprising a fastening band with a case encasing a drug reservoir and a pump for transporting a drug compound from the drug reservoir to a dispensing outlet responsive to a control unit. The control unit can be programmed for a certain dosage regimen.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Controlled release drug delivery devices are used to supply a drug according to a desired pattern or dosage regimen. For example, US 2007/0191815 discloses a device for controlled transdermal drug delivery which is wearable as a watch. The disclosed device does not offer the possibility for a patient to have control over medication settings, such as the delivery rate. However, for some patients, particularly patients suffering from chronic diseases, such as Parkinson's, diabetes or chronic pain, the desirable medication settings may vary over time.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide a drug delivery system complying with the variation in need for medication.

The object of the invention is achieved with a drug delivery device comprising a fastening band with a case encasing a drug reservoir, a pump for transporting a drug compound from the drug reservoir to a dispensing outlet responsive to a control unit, and a power module for power supply to the pump, the control unit and a display on an outer surface of the case, wherein the outer surface of the case is provided with at least one control key in communication with the control unit, wherein the control unit is programmed to lock the at least one control key and wherein the device comprises an actuator to be used by a user for unlocking the at least one control key.

This offers the possibility of self-controlled adjustment of medication settings by a patient or a caregiver. The drug delivery device can be provided with an appropriate interface for the patient or a caregiver. The locking of the control keys reduces the risk of unintentional activation.

To guarantee re-locking of the control keys, the device can comprise circuitry to lock the control keys after a defined time period has passed since unlocking the control keys.

The number of control keys can be minimized, in order to provide a clearer user interface. For instance, a combination of a "+" key and a "-" key is sufficient to adjust a certain controllable value.

The actuator for unlocking the control keys can be designed in such a way that it can only be actuated by a coordinated motion by a user. This reduces the risk of unintentional activation of the actuator. The actuator can for example comprise two buttons on two opposite sides of the case. Unlocking would require a pinching motion by the user for simultaneously pressing both buttons. The risk of unintentional activation by such a motion is minimal, while patients with an impaired motor function, such as patients suffering from Parkinson's disease, are still capable of performing this motion.

Alternatively or additionally, the actuator for unlocking the control keys can comprise a finger-print recognition sensor. The finger print recognition sensor can for example be integrated in the display.

The control unit can for example be programmed to ignore unintentional multiple input actions, e.g., caused by tremor of a patient. For example, the control unit can be programmed to respond only to control key activation by a minimum activation force and / or if the activation takes place over a time exceeding a predefined lower time limit. Additionally or alternatively, the control buttons can be inactivated by the control unit during a predefined time period after a control button input, in order to prevent multiple inputs due to, e.g., tremor motion.

The dispensing outlet can for instance be a jet nozzle, such as those used in ink-jet printing technology, e.g., thermal droplet jet dispensers, which are particularly suitable for low speed jetting, and piezoelectric droplet dispensers, which can also be used for high speed jetting (above 30 m/s). High speeds jet dispensers are particularly suitable for intradermal, subcutaneous or intramuscular administration, requiring the medicament to be shot through the skin barrier. Low speed injectors can be used for topical or transdermal administration, when the medicament passes the skin by diffusion. Optionally a combination of high speed and low speed jet dispensers can be used. The fastening band can for example be a wrist band, and the case can be a watch case. This enables the user to wear the device as a watch. As a result, information on the display can readily be observed any moment by a user or by a caregiver.

Optionally, the fastening band can be provided with a light emitting strip for displaying a signal coding for status information under the control of the control unit. The light emitting strip can for example be arranged to emit light of at least two colours, coding for specific status information. The light emitting element can for instance be a light emitting diode (LED). Alternatively, the light guide, such as a glass fiber light guide or a flexible optical polymer substrate operatively connected to a light source, e.g., via an optical coupling unit, can also be used. The light source can for example comprise two or more LED's for generating light of different colours. The light from the LED's can gradually be mixed to obtain a range of colours. Alternatively, a flexible, e.g., organic, light emitting diode can be used comprising an electro-luminescent stack deposited between two conducting layers on a flexible substrates encased in an airtight coating. Depending on the used materials the stack can emit light via the coating or via the substrate made of a transparent material. The construction can be provided with two or more of such stacks forming elongated pixels generating different colors. Alternatively, a color filter can be deposited on the transparent coating to enable the generation of at least two independent colors and possible mixing combinations. Optionally, the case encases a clock unit while the control unit is programmed to control the display to show time information after a defined time has passed since the last activation of the control keys. This way the device can normally be used as a watch, which does not only provide additional functionality to the device but may also enhance the acceptability for the patient.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be elucidated with reference to the figures wherein: Fig. 1 shows a device according to the present invention when not in use; Fig. 2 shows the device of Figure 1 in a first step of use; Fig. 3 shows the device of Figure 1 in a second step of use;

Fig. 4 shows the device of Figure 1 in a third step of use; Fig. 5 shows in exploded view the interior of the device of Figure 1; Fig. 6 shows the backside of the device of Figure 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Figure 1 shows a drug delivery device according to the present invention. The drug delivery device 1 comprises a fastening band 2 applied around the wrist 3 of a user. The drug delivery device 1 comprises a case formed as a watch case 4. The watch case 4 comprises a display 5, first and second control keys 6, 7 and two opposite buttons 8, 9. The first control key 6 is marked with a "+" while second control key 7 is marked with a "-". To prevent unintentional activation, the control keys 6, 7 are locked when not in use. In this stage, the display 5 shows time information from a clock module within the watch case 4.

To unlock the control keys 6, 7 the user should simultaneously push buttons 8, 9 by a pinching movement for at least a predefined moment of time, e.g., for one second or longer. This is shown in Figure 2. This way, the buttons 8, 9 work as an actuator for unlocking the control keys 6, 7. Optionally, a finger print recognition sensor can be integrated in the display 5 as an additional actuator for unlocking the control keys 6, 7. Unlocking the control keys 6, 7 also triggers the display 5 to show desired information to the user, such as medication settings and status. In Figure 2, an alphanumerical sign 10 is displayed representing the dispense rate of a drug contained in the drug reservoir. Further, a second alphanumerical sign 11, forming the word "OK" is displayed, representing the status of the dispensing nozzle. The "OK" status means that the dispensing nozzle is properly functioning and is not clogged or blocked in any way. If the user wants to increase the dispense rate, he can push first control key 6 marked with a "+", as shown in Figure 3. If he wants to decrease the dispense rate, he can push second control key 7 marked with a "-". The control unit within the watch case 4 can be programmed to prevent unintentional multiple input by a user, e.g. caused by a tremor. To this end, the control unit may require that the control key 6, 7 is pushed for at least one second and/or with a predefined minimum force and/or the control unit may be unresponsive to a button input for a predefined time period after an input has been registered. In Figure 4, a warning sign 11 ' is displayed on the location of the "OK"-sign 11 in Figures 2 and 3. The warning sign 11 ' indicates that the nozzle for dispensing is blocked and that immediate attention is required. The watch case 4 encases a clock unit (not shown). The control unit is programmed to control the display to show time information from the clock unit during the time that the control keys 6, 7 are locked. After a defined time has passed since the last activation of the control keys 6, 7, the display 5 switches back to the mode displaying a clock as shown in Figure 1. The fastening band 2 is provided with a light emitting strip 12 for displaying colour coded information responsive to the control unit in the watch case 4. The emitted light signal can be used to draw attention to information on the display 6, or it can represent information independent from the information shown on the display 6. For instance, the light emitting strip 12 can indicate a battery status, red light being an indication that the battery is about to be finished. When there is no specific information to be displayed, the light emitting strip 12 can be turned off by the control unit.

Figure 5 shows the interior of the watch case 4 of the drug delivery device 1 according to the invention. The watch case 4 comprises a case body 13, encasing a drug reservoir 14, which can be inserted in an opening 15 in the watch case 4 and removed, e.g., for replacement or refill. The watch case 4 further encases a pump 16 for transporting a drug compound from the drug reservoir 14 to a dispensing nozzle, which is on the side opposite to the side shown in Figures 1 - 5, facing or contacting a patient's skin when in use (see Figure 6). The pump 16 is responsive to a control unit 17. An internal power module 18 serves to supply power to the pump 16 and the control unit 17. The top side of the watch case 4 is formed by a cover 18 attachable to the case body 13 by resilient snap joint members 19. The cover 18 comprises a window opening 20 through which the display 5 can be seen. Just below the display 5 is a finger print recognition sensor 21.

Figure 6 shows the backside of the drug delivery device 1. The insertable drug reservoir 14 has a number of drug dispensing nozzles 22, facing the patient's skin when the drug delivery device 1 is worn by a patient. In an alternative embodiment, the drug delivery device can for example have only a single dispensing nozzle 22.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive. The invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit may fulfill the functions of several items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. Drug delivery device (1) comprising a fastening band (2) with a case (4) for encasing a drug reservoir (14), at least one dispensing nozzle (22), a pump (16) for transporting a drug compound from the drug reservoir (14) to the at least one dispensing nozzle (22) responsive to a control unit (17), and a power module (18) for power supply to the pump (16), the control unit (17) and a display (5) on an outer surface of the case (4), wherein the outer surface of the case (4) is provided with at least one control key (6, 7) in communication with the control unit (17), wherein the control unit (17) is programmed to lock the at least one control key (6, 7) and wherein the device comprises an actuator (8, 9) to be used by a user for unlocking the at least one control key (6, 7).

2. Device according to claim 1 wherein the device (1) comprises circuitry to lock the at least one control key (6, 7) after a defined time period has passed since a last activation of the at least one control key (6, 7).

3. Device according to claim 1 wherein the actuator comprises two buttons (8, 9) on two opposite sides of the watch case (4).

4. Device according to claim 1 wherein the control unit (17) is programmed to respond to control key activation only after an activation time exceeding a lower time limit.

5. Device according to claim 1 wherein the control unit (17) is programmed to be unresponsive after a control key input to subsequent control key input for a preset time period.

6. Device according to claim 1 wherein the fastening band (2) is a wrist band and the case (4) is a watch case.

7. Device according to claim 1 wherein the fastening band (2) is provided with a light emitting strip (12) for displaying a signal coding for status information under the control of the control unit (17).

8. Device according to claim 7 wherein the light emitting strip (12) is arranged to emit light of at least two colours, coding for specific status information.

9. Device according to claim 1 wherein the actuator comprises a finger-print recognition sensor (21).

10. Device according to claim 9 wherein the finger print recognition sensor (21) is integrated in the display (5).

11. Device according to claim 1 wherein the watch case (4) encases a clock unit and wherein the control unit (14) is programmed to control the display (5) to show time information after a defined time has passed since the last activation of the at least one control key (6, 7).