WO2012068214A1

WO2012068214A1 - Medicament dispensing device

Info

Publication number: WO2012068214A1
Application number: PCT/US2011/060930
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alain Schmidlin; David Roberts
Original assignee: Novartis Ag
Priority date: 2010-11-17
Filing date: 2011-11-16
Publication date: 2012-05-24

Abstract

A selectively activated medicament dispensing device is provided. The medicament dispensing device may include one or more electrodes configured to detect contact by the operator and to detect placement of the device against a patient's skin. The medicament dispensing device may be configured to only dispense the contained medicament when proper contact is detected at the electrodes. The medicament dispensing device may be further configured to require receipt of an identification signal generated by an identification device associated with the patient or the operator before dispensing the contained medicament. The medicament dispensing device may include a data storage device for recording data associated with each dosing event. The medicament dispensing device may further include a remote to remotely activate the medicament dispensing device.

Description

MEDICAMENT DISPENSING DEVICE

BACKGROUND

1. Field

[0001] The present application relates generally to medicament dispensing devices, and more particularly, to selectively activated medicament dispensing devices.

2. Related Art

[0002] Conventional medicament dispensing devices (e.g., syringes, inhalers, and the like) are configured to dispense a contained medicament in response to manual activation by a user. These devices, however, do not contain safeguards to ensure proper use of the device. For example, current dispensing devices do not contain safeguards to require proper placement of the device before dispensing the contained medicament. Additionally, current dispensing devices do not contain safeguards to require that the device be operated by an authorized user or that the medicament be supplied to the proper patient. As a result, use of conventional medicament dispensing devices may result in a loss of the contained medicament due to inadvertent activation of the device or may injure a patient due to improper use.

[0003] Additionally, some current medicament dispensing devices include dose counters for tracking the number of doses dispensed by the device. These may be used, for example, to track a patient's compliance with a prescribed drug regimen. However, current medicament dispensing devices do not confirm that the medicament is actually being administered to the patient. Instead, these devices simply track the number of actuations of the device. As a result, it is difficult to accurately track a patient's compliance with a prescribed drug regimen using current dispensing devices.

[0004] Thus, a medicament dispensing device capable of tracking actual dosing events is desired.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0005] In one exemplary embodiment, an exemplary apparatus for dispensing a medicament to a patient is provided. One example apparatus includes a first electrode configured to electrically contact the patient and is electrically coupled to a signal generator configured to transmit an intra-body signal through the patient using the first electrode. The apparatus further includes a second electrode configured to electrically contact the patient and is electrically coupled to a signal receiver configured to receive, using the second electrode, the intra-body signal transmitted through the patient by the signal generator. The apparatus includes a dispenser configured to dispense the medicament to the patient when activated, for example in response to an activation signal received from a controller coupled to the dispenser and the signal receiver.

[0006] In another exemplary embodiment, the controller may be configured to transmit the activation signal based at least in part on receiving, by the signal receiver, the intra-body signal transmitted through the patient.

[0007] In yet another exemplary embodiment, the controller may be configured to transmit the activation signal based at least in part on receiving, by the signal receiver, the intra-body signal transmitted through the patient and an identification signal from an identification device.

[0008] In other exemplary embodiments, processes and computer-readable storage mediums are provided for dispensing a medication to a patient.

[0009] In another exemplary there is provided a medicament dispensing device to dispense a medication to a patient, the medicament dispensing device comprising: a dispenser configured to dispense the medicament to the patient when activated; a first electrode configured to electrically contact the patient; a signal generator coupled to the first electrode, wherein the signal generator is configured to transmit an intra-body signal through the patient using the first electrode; a second electrode configured to electrically contact the patient; a signal receiver coupled to the second electrode, wherein the signal receiver is configured to receive, using the second electrode, the intra-body signal transmitted through the patient by the signal generator.

[0010] In such an example the device may include a controller coupled to the dispenser and the signal receiver, wherein the controller is configured to transmit a activation signal on activation of the dispenser which may assist with compliance monitoring or on receipt of the intra-body signal by the signal receiver which may facilitates automatic delivery only when proper contact is made.

[0011] The activation signal can be used as an activation signal to activate the dispenser or to permit activation of the dispenser, for example by releasing a lock-out, or the activation signal can be recorded in a data storage medium associated with a dispenser activation in order to monitor compliance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary selectively activated medicament dispensing device. [0013] FIG. 2 illustrates the operation of the exemplary selectively activated medicament dispensing device of FIG. 1.

[0014] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary remotely activated medicament dispensing device.

[0015] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary remote for remotely activating the remotely activated medicament dispensing device of FIG. 3.

[0016] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary process for dispensing a medicament to a patient.

[0017] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary computing system that may be employed to implement some or all processing functionality of certain embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] The following description is presented to enable a person of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the various embodiments. Descriptions of specific devices, techniques, and applications are provided only as examples. Various modifications to the examples described herein will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other examples and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the various embodiments. Thus, the various embodiments are not intended to be limited to the examples described herein and shown, but are to be accorded the scope consistent with the claims.

[0019] Various embodiments are described below relating to selectively activated medicament dispensing devices. The medicament dispensing device may include one or more electrodes configured to detect contact by the operator and to detect placement of the device against a patient's skin. The medicament dispensing device may be configured to only dispense the contained medicament, or allow it to be dispensed, when proper contact is detected at the electrodes, for example when a activation signal is generated in response to the receipt of an intra-body signal by the signal receiver. In some examples, the medicament dispensing device may be further configured to require receipt of an identification signal generated by an identification device associated with the patient or the operator before dispensing the contained medicament. Alternatively, the medicament dispensing device may be configured to dispense the medicament without requiring that proper contact be detected at the electrodes or without requiring receipt of the identification signal. Instead, this information may be used to monitor drug regimen compliance, for example by recording the presence or absence of an activation signal generated in response to the receipt of an intra-body signal by the signal receiver. The medicament dispensing device may include a data storage device for recording data associated with each dosing event. The medicament dispensing device may further include a remote to remotely activate the medicament dispensing device.

[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary medicament dispensing device 100 for administering a dose of a medicament to a target subject (e.g., a patient). Medicament dispensing device 100 will be described below as an injection device, but one of ordinary skill will appreciate that other devices, such as an inhaler, may be configured in a similar manner.

[0021] Medicament dispensing device 100 may include first electrode 101 for detecting contact between the device and a patient. Contact may be detected by transmitting or receiving an intra-body signal through the skin of the patient via first electrode 101. First electrode 101 may comprise any conductive material, such as copper, brass, stainless steel, and the like. First electrode 101 may be positioned at or near the injection end of medicament dispensing device 100 such that the electrode may contact the patient's skin when positioning the device for injection. Detecting contact by the patient at or near the injection end of medicament dispensing device 100 may be performed, for example, to confirm that the device is properly positioned against the patient's skin and that activation of the device will cause the device to dispense the contained medicament to the detected patient.

[0022] Medicament dispensing device 100 may further include second electrode 103 for detecting contact between the device and an operator of the device. Contact may be detected by transmitting or receiving an intra-body signal through the skin of the operator via second electrode 103. Second electrode 103 may be similar to first electrode 101 and may comprise any conductive material, such as copper, brass, stainless steel, and the like. Second electrode 103 may be positioned at or near the activation end of medicament dispensing device 100. For example, second electrode 103 may be located at the end of activation button 111 of medicament dispensing device 100. Detecting contact by the operator at or near the activation end of dispensing device 100 may be performed, for example, to avoid accidental activation of medicament dispensing device 100 when activation button 111 is accidentally bumped against another object.

[0023] While second electrode 103 is shown and described as being positioned at the end of medicament dispensing device 100, one of ordinary skill will appreciate that second electrode 103 may be positioned at other locations along the device commonly contacted by the operator of the device during use. For example, second electrode 103 may be located along the barrel of the device to require that the operator hold the device by the barrel before dispensing the medicament. [0024J Medicament dispensing device 100 may further include electronic module 107 for performing one or more of the following operations: transmitting/receiving an intra-body signal via first and second electrodes 101 and 103, activating medicament dispenser 113, storing data associated with dosing events, and transmitting data to an external base station or computer.

[0025] Electronic module 107 may include a signal generator for generating and transmitting an intra-body signal. Such intra-body signal generation devices are well known by those of ordinary skill in the art and any such device may be used. The signal generator may be coupled to first electrode 101 and may transmit an intra-body signal through the patient via first electrode 101. The signal may be a modulated signal or may be a steady voltage resulting in a current flow between first electrode 101 and second electrode 103 when an electrical coupling is established between the two electrodes. As will be described in greater detail below with respect to FIG. 2, the electrical coupling between first electrode 101 and second electrode 103 may be established by a portion of the patient's body, when the patient is also the device operator, or a combination of a portion of the patient's body and a portion of the device operator's body, when the device operator is not the patient. In some embodiments, the signal generator may be configured to transmit the intra-body signal in response to activation button 111 being pressed. Alternatively, the signal generator may be configured to transmit the intra-body signal periodically while the device is turned on.

[0026] Electronic module 107 may further include a signal receiver for receiving the intra- body signal transmitted by the signal generator. Such intra-body signal receivers are well known by those of ordinary skill in the art and any such device may be used. The signal receiver may be coupled to second electrode 103 and may receive an intra-body signal transmitted through the patient's body via second electrode 103.

[0027] In the exemplary embodiment described above, the signal generator and signal receiver are described as being coupled to first electrode 101 and second electrode 103,

respectively. Thus, first electrode 101 transmits the intra-body signal that is received by second electrode 103. It should be recognized, however, that the signal generator and signal receiver can be coupled to second electrode 103 and first electrode 101, respectively. Thus, second electrode 103 may transmit the intra-body signal that is received by first electrode 101.

Additionally, while the signal generator and receiver are described above as separate elements, a transceiver coupled to both first electrode 101 and second electrode 103 may be used to both transmit and receive an intra-body signal. [0028] In some embodiments, electronic module 107 may further include a data recorder for recording data associated with medicament dispensing device 100. The data recorder may be used to record data such as date and time the medicament is administered, medicament type, medicament dosage, whether proper contact was detected at electrodes 101 and 103 during a dosing event, whether an identification signal was received prior to or during a dosing event, and the like. The data recorder may comprise any data storage device, such as a hard-drive, flash memory, removable memory module, and the like. The data recorder may be coupled to and store data sent from a general purpose processor located within electronic module 107.

[0029] In some embodiments, electronic module 107 of medicament dispensing device 100 further includes an external transmitter for transmitting data from medicament dispensing device 100 to an external base station or computer. The external transmitter may be coupled to and transmit data received from the data recorder or the general purpose processor of electronic module 107. The external transmitter may comprise any wired or wireless transmitter or transceiver. Such devices are well known by those of ordinary skill in the art and any such device using any transmission protocol may be used.

[0030] Electronic module 107 may further include a controller for transmitting a control, or activation, signal to activate, or allow activation of, the medicament dispenser 113. The controller may be configured to transmit the activation signal in response to a predefined condition. The medicament dispenser 113 may be electronically driven, for example by a motor drive, or may be mechanically driven, for example by a spring, to delivery medicament.

[0031] In some embodiments, the predefined condition may comprise an electrical coupling being established between first electrode 101 and second electrode 103. Coupling of first electrode 101 and second electrode 103 may be detected by receiving, by the signal receiver at either first electrode 101 or second electrode 103, the intra-body signal generated by the signal generator and sent from the other electrode. As will be described in greater detail below with respect to FIG. 2, the electrical coupling between first electrode 101 and second electrode 103 may be established by a portion of the patient's body or a combination of a portion of the patient's body and a portion of the device operator's body. In these embodiments, the controller may be configured to transmit the activation signal to medicament dispenser 113 in response to the intra-body signal being received by the signal receiver. Alternatively, the intra-body signal may be used as the activation signal and sent directly to medicament dispenser 113 from the receiving electrode and signal receiver. The predefined condition of coupling first electrode 101 and second electrode 103 may be used alone or in conjunction with a manual activation of the device by the user, for example, activation button 111 being depressed. In some embodiments, activation button 111 may initiate the transmission of the intra-body signal. Alternatively, transmission of the intra-body signal may be initiated by other means independent from depression of activation button 111, and activation button 111 may only be enabled upon receipt, by the signal receiver, of the intra-body signal generated by the signal generator.

[0032] In other embodiments, the predefined condition may further include receiving, by the controller, an identification signal associated with the patient or the operator of medicament dispensing device 100. The identification signal may be generated by an identification device, such as a watch, patch, or other device in contact with the patient or the operator of the device. The identification device may include an intra-body signal transmitter for generating an intra- body identification signal. This signal generator may be similar to the signal generator of electronic module 107. In some embodiments, transmission may occur via galvanic coupling between the identification device and medicament dispensing device 100. In these

embodiments, the signal from the identification device may be received by the controller of medicament dispensing device 100 via the signal receiver and receiver electrode. By using galvanic coupling between the identification device and medicament dispensing device 100, the identification signal may be sent through the body of the patient or operator using the body as a waveguide. This ensures that the person associated with the identification device is actually touching medicament dispensing device 100, rather than merely being in proximity of medicament dispensing device 100, as would be the case using radio-based transmission methods (e.g., Bluetooth, Infrared Data Association, and the like). The predefined condition of receipt of the identification signal and coupling between electrodes 101 and 103 may be used alone or in conjunction with a manual activation of the device by the user, for example, activation button 111 being depressed. As discussed above, activation button 111 may be used to trigger transmission of the intra-body signal or may be enabled only once the identification signal and intra-body signal have been received.

[0033] In yet other embodiments, the predefined condition may comprise a manual activation of the device by a user, for example, activation button 111 being depressed by the user. In this example, the activation signal may be transmitted by the controller in response to activation button 111 being depressed regardless of whether or not an electrical coupling is established between first electrode 101 and second electrode 103 or whether or not an identification signal has been received. In these embodiments, data associated with the dosing event may be stored in the data recorder. For example, data, such as date and time the medicament is administered, medicament type, medicament dosage, whether proper contact was detected at electrodes 101 and 103 during a dosing event, whether an identification signal was received prior to or during a dosing event, and the like may be stored. This allows the user to use the device in a similar manner as a conventional dispensing device while being able to monitor drug compliance and identify potential missed dosing events.

[0034] While the components of electronic module 107 are described above as separate functional units and processors, it will be apparent that any suitable distribution of functionality between different functional units, processors or domains may be used without detracting from the technology. For example, functionality illustrated to be performed by separate processors or controllers may be performed by the same processor or controller.

[0035] Medicament dispensing device 100 may further include medicament dispenser 113 for holding and dispensing a contained medicament. Medicament dispenser 113 may be configured to dispense the contained medicament in response to the activation signal received from electronic module 107. The medicament may be dispensed using any dispensing process, such as by using a pressurized injector, automatic plunger, and the like.

[0036] In some embodiments, medicament dispensing device 100 may be a needle-based dispensing device. In these embodiments, medicament dispenser 113 further comprises needle 115 and cover 105 for shielding the device operator from needle 115.

[0037] In some embodiments where medicament dispensing device 100 is a needle-based dispensing device, first electrode 101 may be located on the face of cover 105 surrounding needle 115. Cover 105 may be flush with, or extend past, the tip of needle 115 to make contact with the application site on the patient's skin prior to injection. Needle 115 may be configured to advance forward to penetrate the patient's skin in response to receiving the activation signal from electronic module 107. After penetrating the patient's skin, medicament dispenser 113 may actuate to dispense a contained medicament. Alternatively, needle 115 may extend past cover 105 such that needle 115 must be inserted a predefined distance before contact is made between first electrode 101 on cover 105 and the skin of the patient. Alternatively, rather than being located on cover 105, first electrode 101 may comprise needle 115.

[0038] In other embodiments (not shown), medicament dispensing device 100 may be a needleless dispensing device. In these embodiments, medicament dispenser 115 may include a pressurized injector for dispensing the contents of medicament dispensing device 100 through a nozzle using compressed air. The pressurized injector may be configured to release compressed air, thereby forcing the medicament contained in medicament dispenser 113 through the nozzle in response to receiving an activation signal. In the embodiments, first electrode 101 may be positioned on the face of medicament dispensing device 100 such that first electrode 101 may contact the application site of the patient's skin when positioning the device for injection.

[0039] FIG.2 illustrates the operation of exemplary medicament dispensing device 100 when a patient is self-administering a medicament. In this example, second electrode 103 is contacted by the patient's thumb 201 and first electrode 101 is contacted by the application site 203 of the patient. An intra-body signal may be generated by the signal generator of electronic module 107 and transmitted from first electrode 101 to second electrode 103 through the patient's body as indicated by data pathway arrow 109. In response to the signal being received by the controller of electronic module 107 via second electrode 103, the controller may transmit an activation signal to medicament dispenser 113 to cause the dispenser to administer the medicament to the patient.

[0040] As mentioned above, it should be appreciated that the intra-body signal may instead be transmitted from second electrode 103 to first electrode 101. Additionally, while the operator of medicament dispensing device 100 is also the patient in the example illustrated in FIG. 2, it should be appreciated that the device may operate in a similar manner when the operator is not the patient. For example, it is common that a health care professional may administer an injection to a patient. In this example, the health care professional may pinch the application site of the patient to insert the needle while simultaneously contacting second electrode 103 while attempting to activate the device. In doing so, a data pathway may be created between first electrode 101 and second electrode 103 via both the health care professional's body and the patient's body. Specifically, in the example where first electrode 101 is the transmitter, a signal may travel from first electrode 101 to the patient's body, from the patient's body to the health care professional's body, and from the health care professional's body to electrode 103.

[0041] While medicament dispensing device 100 is described above as an injection device, it should be appreciated that other devices, such as an inhaler, may be configured in a similar manner. For example, a first electrode may be placed at an activation end of the inhaler and a second electrode may be placed around the dispensing end of the inhaler such that the user's lips contact the electrode during use.

[0042] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary remotely activated medicament dispensing device 300. Rather than be activated by an operator depressing a portion of the dispensing device, a remote 400, shown in FIG. 4, may instead be used to activate remotely activated medicament dispensing device 300. This may be used, for example, when self-administering an injection at an awkward angle or at a location on the body that is difficult to reach. [0043] Remotely activated medicament dispensing device 300 may include first electrode 301 for detecting contact between the device and a patient. Contact may be detected by transmitting or receiving an intra-body signal through the skin of the patient via first electrode 301. First electrode 301 may comprise any conductive material, such as copper, brass, stainless steel, and the like. First electrode 301 may be positioned in a similar manner as described above with respect to first electrode 101. Specifically, first electrode 301 may be positioned at or near the injection end of remotely activated medicament dispensing device 300 such that the electrode may contact the patient's skin when positioning the device for injection. Detecting contact by the patient at or near the injection end of dispensing device 300 may be performed, for example, to confirm that the device is properly positioned against the patient's skin and that activation of the device will cause the device to dispense the contained medicament to the detected patient.

[0044] Remotely activated medicament dispensing device 300 may further include electronic module 307 for performing one or more of the following operations: transmitting/receiving an intra-body signal to/from remote 400 via first electrode 301 and second electrode 303, activating medicament dispenser 313, storing data associated with dosing events, and transmitting data to an external base station or computer.

[0045] Electronic module 307 may include a signal generator for generating and transmitting an intra-body signal for generating and transmitting an intra-body signal to remote 400. Such intra-body signal generation devices are well known by those of ordinary skill in the art and any such device may be used. The signal generator may be coupled to first electrode 301 and may transmit an intra-body signal through the patient via first electrode 301. In some embodiments, the signal may be sent to remote 400 after remotely activated medicament dispensing device 300 is turned on and contact is made between first electrode 301 and the skin of the patient. In some embodiments, a button may be pressed, or a skin sensor may be used to detect when contact has been established between remotely activated medicament dispensing device 300 and the patient.

[0046] Electronic module 307 of remotely activated medicament dispensing device 300 may further include a signal receiver for receiving an activation signal from remote 400. Such intra- body signal receivers are well known by those of ordinary skill in the art and any such device may be used. The signal receiver of electronic module 307 may be coupled to first electrode 301 and may receive an intra-body signal transmitted through the patient's body from remote 400 via first electrode 301. While the signal generator and receiver are described above as separate elements, a transceiver coupled to first electrode 301 may be used to both transmit and receive an intra-body signal. [0047] In some embodiments, electronic module 307 may further include a data recorder for recording data associated with remotely activated medicament dispensing device 300. The data recorder may be used to record data such as date and time the medicament is administered, medicament type, medicament dosage, whether proper contact was detected at electrode 301 during a dosing event, whether an identification signal was received prior to or during a dosing event, and the like. The data recorder may comprise any data storage device, such as a hard- drive, flash memory, removable memory module, and the like. The data recorder may be coupled to and store data sent from a general purpose processor located within electronic module 107.

[0048] In some embodiments, electronic module 307 of remotely activated medicament dispensing device 300 may further include an external transmitter for transmitting data from remotely activated medicament dispensing device 300 to an external base station or computer. The external transmitter may be coupled to and transmit data received from the data recorder or the general purpose processor of electronic module 307. The external transmitter may comprise any wired or wireless transmitter or transceiver. Such devices are well known by those of ordinary skill in the art and any such device using any transmission protocol may be used.

[0049] Remotely activated medicament dispensing device 300 may further include medicament dispenser 313 for holding and dispensing a contained medicament. Medicament dispenser 313 may be similar to medicament dispenser 113 of medicament dispensing device 100 described above. Medicament dispenser 313 may be configured to dispense the contained medicament in response to receiving an activation signal. In some embodiments, medicament dispenser 313 may be coupled to electronic module 307 and may receive the activation signal from a controller located in electronic module 307 in response to the module receiving a signal from remote 400. Alternatively, medicament dispenser 313 may be coupled to first electrode 301 and may receive the activation signal from remote 400 via first electrode 301.

[0050] FIG. 4 illustrates remote 400 for remotely activating remotely activated medicament dispensing device 300. Remote 400 may include remote electrode 401 for detecting contact between the remote and the operator of the device. Contact by the operator may be detected by transmitting or receiving an intra-body signal through the skin of the operator via remote electrode 401. Remote electrode 401 may comprise any conductive material, such as copper, brass, stainless steel and the like.

[0051] Remote electrode 401 may be positioned on remote 400 in a location that the operator commonly contacts the remote during use. For example, remote electrode 401 may be positioned on the back of remote 400 to contact the operator's fingers supporting the remote. Alternatively, remote electrode 401 may be placed on the front of remote 400 and may act as an activation button.

[0052] Remote 400 may include signal receiver 407 for receiving a signal generated by remotely activated medicament dispensing device 300. Such intra-body signal receivers are well known by those of ordinary skill in the art and any such device may be used. The signal receiver may be coupled to remote electrode 401 and may receive an intra-body signal transmitted through the operator's body via remote electrode 401. The signal received by signal receiver 407 may indicate that remotely activated medicament dispensing device 300 has been properly positioned against the patient's body.

[0053] Remote 400 may further include controller 403 for transmitting an activation signal. The activation signal may be used to activate medicament dispenser 313. As described above, the activation signal may be used to directly activate medicament dispensing device 313, or may be transmitted to a controller within electronic module 307, which in turn activates medicament dispensing device 313.

[0054] Controller 403 may be configured to transmit the activation signal in response to a predefined condition. In some embodiments, the predefined condition may comprise the operator pressing a button of remote 400. In some embodiments, controller 403 may be configured to initiate transmission in response to a button being pressed only after an intra-body signal from remotely activated medicament dispensing device 300 is received, indicating that the medicament dispensing device has been properly positioned against the patient's body. In other embodiments, controller 403 may be configured to initiate transmission in response to a button being pressed only while an intra-body signal from remotely activated medicament dispensing device 300 is being received, indicating that the medicament dispensing device is currently being properly positioned against the patient's body.

[0055] In some embodiments, the predefined condition may further include receiving, by remote 400, an identification signal associated with the patient or the operator of remote 400. The identification signal may be generated by an identification device, such as a watch, patch, or other device in contact with the patient or the operator of the device. The identification device may include an intra-body signal transmitter for generating an intra-body signal. This signal generator may be similar to the signal generator of electronic module 307. In some

embodiments, transmission may occur via galvanic coupling between the identification device and remote 400. In these embodiments, the signal from the identification device may be received by controller 403 of remote 400 via remote electrode 401. By using galvanic coupling between the identification device and remote 400, the identification signal may be sent through the body of the patient or operator using the body as a waveguide. This ensures that the person associated with the identification device is actually touching remote 400, rather than merely being in proximity of remote 400, as would be the case using radio-based transmission methods (e.g., Bluetooth, Infrared Data Association, and the like). In some embodiments, controller 403 may not transmit the intra-body signal to remotely activated medicament dispensing device 300 unless the identification signal is received. Alternatively, the identification signal may be sent to a controller in electronic module 307 of remotely activated medicament dispensing device 300.

[0056] Remote 400 may further include visual indicator light 405 for notifying the operator that the activation button may be pressed to initiate an injection using remotely activated medicament dispensing device 300. Visual indicator light 405 may turn on in response to remote 400 receiving the intra-body signal from remotely activated medicament dispensing device 300.

[0057] While the components of remote 400 are described as separate functional units and processors, it will be apparent that any suitable distribution of functionality between different functional units, processors or domains may be used without detracting from the technology. For example, functionality illustrated to be performed by separate processors or controllers may be performed by the same processor or controller.

[0058] The operation of remotely activated medicament dispensing device 300 will now be described using an exemplary case. In one example, a patient may hold remotely activated medicament dispensing device 300 in one hand and place the injection end of medicament dispensing device 300 against their skin. Additionally, the patient may hold remote 400 in the opposite hand for activating remotely activated medicament dispensing device 300. In this example, remotely activated medicament dispensing device 300 may be configured to communicate with remote 400 via intra-body communication through first electrode 301 and remote electrode 401. Specifically, the signal generator of remotely activated medicament dispensing device 300 may send an intra-body communication signal to remote 400 to indicate that the dispensing device has been placed against the operator's skin. Upon receipt of this signal from remotely activated medicament dispensing device 300, visual indicator light 405 may be turned on to indicate that remote 400 may be used to send an activation signal to remotely activated medicament dispensing device 300 in response to the operator pressing an activation button on the remote. The patient may then press the activation button to cause remote 400 to transmit the activation signal to remotely activated medicament dispensing device 300, causing the device to begin dispensing the contained medicament.

[0059] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary process 500 for dispensing a medicament to a patient. At block 501, an intra-body signal may be transmitted from a first electrode configured to electrically contact the patient. In some embodiments, the intra-body signal may be generated using a signal generator similar or identical to the signal generator of electronic module 107. Additionally, in some embodiments, the first electrode may be similar or identical to first electrode 101.

[0060] At block 503, an intra-body signal transmitted through the patient may be received at a second electrode configured to electrically contact the patient. The intra-body signal may be the same signal transmitted at block 501, or may be a different intra-body signal, for example, an intra-body signal received from a remote device. In some embodiments, the intra-body signal may be received using a signal receiver similar or identical to the signal receiver of electronic module 107. Additionally, in some embodiments, the second electrode may be similar or identical to second electrode 103.

[0061] At block 505, the medicament may be dispensed based at least in part on receiving the intra-body signal transmitted through the patient. In some embodiments, medicament may be dispensed by a dispenser similar or identical to medicament dispenser 113. In some

embodiments the medicament may be dispensed to the patient based at least in part on receiving the intra-body signal transmitted through the patient and an identification signal from an identification device. The identification device may be similar or identical to the identification device described above.

[0062] In some embodiments, the intra-body signal may be transmitted through the patient and an operator similar to the example described above with respect to FIG. 2.

[0063] In some embodiments, process 500 may further include recording, in a data recorder, data associated with the dispensing of the medicament. The data recorder may be similar or identical to the data recorder of electronic module 107, as described above. The data associated with the dispensing of the medicament may include data such as date and time the medicament is administered, medicament type, medicament dosage, whether proper contact was detected at the electrodes during a dosing event, whether an identification signal was received prior to or during a dosing event, and the like. The data may be transmitted to a remote location using a transmitter similar or identical to the external transmitter of electronic module 107, as described above. [0064] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary computing system 600 that may be employed to implement processing functionality for various aspects of the current technology (e.g., as a user/client device, media server, media capture server, media rules server, rules store, media asset library, activity data logic/database, combinations thereof, and the like.). Those skilled in the relevant art will also recognize how to implement the current technology using other computer systems or architectures. Computing system 600 may represent, for example, a user device such as a medicament dispensing device, desktop, mobile phone, personal entertainment device, DVR, and so on, a mainframe, server, or any other type of special or general purpose computing device as may be desirable or appropriate for a given application or environment. Computing system 600 can include one or more processors, such as a processor 604. Processor 604 can be implemented using a general or special purpose processing engine such as, for example, a microprocessor, microcontroller or other control logic. In this example, processor 604 is connected to a bus 602 or other communication medium.

[0065] Computing system 600 can also include a main memory 608, such as random access memory (RAM) or other dynamic memory, for storing information and instructions to be executed by processor 604. Main memory 608 also may be used for storing temporary variables or other intermediate information during execution of instructions to be executed by processor 604. Computing system 600 may likewise include a read only memory ("ROM") or other static storage device coupled to bus 602 for storing static information and instructions for processor 604.

[0066] The computing system 600 may also include information storage mechanism 610, which may include, for example, a media drive 612 and a removable storage interface 620. The media drive 612 may include a drive or other mechanism to support fixed or removable storage media, such as a hard disk drive, a floppy disk drive, a magnetic tape drive, an optical disk drive, a CD or DVD drive (R or RW), or other removable or fixed media drive. Storage media 618 may include, for example, a hard disk, floppy disk, magnetic tape, optical disk, CD or DVD, or other fixed or removable medium that is read by and written to by media drive 614. As these examples illustrate, the storage media 618 may include a computer-readable storage medium having stored therein particular computer software or data.

[0067] In alternative embodiments, information storage mechanism 610 may include other similar instrumentalities for allowing computer programs or other instructions or data to be loaded into computing system 600. Such instrumentalities may include, for example, a removable storage unit 622 and an interface 620, such as a program cartridge and cartridge interface, a removable memory (for example, a flash memory or other removable memory module) and memory slot, and other removable storage units 622 and interfaces 620 that allow software and data to be transferred from removable storage unit 618 to computing system 600.

[0068] Computing system 600 can also include a communications interface 624.

Communications interface 624 can be used to allow software and data to be transferred between computing system 600 and external devices. Examples of communications interface 624 can include a modem, a network interface (such as an Ethernet or other NIC card), a communications port (such as, for example, a USB port), a PCMCIA slot and card, etc. Software and data transferred via communications interface 624 are in the form of signals which can be electronic, electromagnetic, optical, or other signals capable of being received by communications interface 624. These signals are provided to communications interface 624 via a channel 628. This channel 628 may carry signals and may be implemented using a wireless medium, wire or cable, fiber optics, or other communications medium. Some examples of a channel include a phone line, a cellular phone link, an RF link, a network interface, a local or wide area network, and other communications channels.

[0069] In this document, the terms "computer program product" and "computer-readable storage medium" may be used generally to refer to media such as, for example, memory 608, storage device 618, storage unit 622, or signal(s) on channel 628. These and other forms of computer-readable media may be involved in providing one or more sequences of one or more instructions to processor 604 for execution. Such instructions, generally referred to as "computer program code" (which may be grouped in the form of computer programs or other groupings), when executed, enable the computing system 600 to perform features or functions of

embodiments of the current technology.

[0070] In an embodiment where the elements are implemented using software, the software may be stored in a computer-readable medium and loaded into computing system 600 using, for example, removable storage drive 614, drive 612 or communications interface 624. The control logic (in this example, software instructions or computer program code), when executed by processor 604, causes processor 604 to perform the functions of the technology as described herein.

[0071] It will be appreciated that, for clarity purposes, the above description has described embodiments of the technology with reference to different functional units and processors.

However, it will be apparent that any suitable distribution of functionality between different functional units, processors or domains may be used without detracting from the technology. For example, functionality illustrated to be performed by separate processors or controllers may be performed by the same processor or controller. Hence, references to specific functional units are only to be seen as references to suitable means for providing the described functionality, rather than indicative of a strict logical or physical structure or organization.

[0072] Although a feature may appear to be described in connection with a particular embodiment, one skilled in the art would recognize that various features of the described embodiments may be combined. Moreover, aspects described in connection with an

embodiment may stand alone.

Claims

1. A medicament dispensing device to dispense a medication to a patient, the medicament dispensing device comprising:

a dispenser configured to dispense the medicament to the patient when activated;

a first electrode configured to electrically contact the patient;

a signal generator coupled to the first electrode, wherein the signal generator is configured to transmit an intra-body signal through the patient using the first electrode;

a second electrode configured to electrically contact the patient; and

a signal receiver coupled to the second electrode, wherein the signal receiver is configured to receive, using the second electrode, the intra-body signal transmitted through the patient by the signal generator.

2. A medicament dispensing device as claimed in claim 1 , in which the medicament dispensing device comprises a controller coupled to the dispenser and the signal receiver, wherein the controller is configured to transmit an activation signal on activation of the dispenser or on receipt of the intra-body signal by the signal receiver

3. The medicament dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the dispenser is configured to dispense the medicament based at least in part on receiving the activation signal from the controller.

4. The medicament dispensing device of claim 1 , wherein the controller is configured to transmit the activation signal based at least in part on receiving, by the signal receiver, the intra- body signal transmitted through the patient.

5. The medicament dispensing device of claim 1 , wherein the controller is configured to transmit the activation signal based at least in part on receiving, by the signal receiver, the intra- body signal transmitted through the patient and an identification signal from an identification device.

6. The medicament dispensing device of claim 1 , wherein the intra-body signal is transmitted through the patient and an operator, wherein the operator electrically contacts the patient and the first or second electrode.

7. The medicament dispensing device of claim 1, further comprising a data recorder for storing data associated with the medicament dispensing device.

8. The medicament dispensing device of claim 7, wherein the data associated with the medicament dispensing device comprises one or more of a date the medicament is dispensed, time of day the medicament is dispensed, medicament type, medicament dosage, and whether the intra-body signal was received by the signal receiver.

9. The medicament dispensing device of claim 1, further comprising an external transmitter configured to transmit data to a location external to the medicament dispensing device.

10. The medicament dispensing device of claim 1 , wherein the first electrode is positioned at an injection end of the medicament dispensing device, and wherein the second electrode is positioned at an actuation end of the medicament dispensing device.

11. The medicament dispensing device of claim 1 , wherein the second electrode is positioned at an injection end of the medicament dispensing device, and wherein the first electrode is positioned at an actuation end of the medicament dispensing device.

12. The medicament dispensing device of claim 1 , wherein the first electrode and signal generator are located in a remote device external to the medicament dispensing device.

13. A method for dispensing a medicament to a patient, the method comprising:

transmitting an intra-body signal from a first electrode configured to electrically contact the patient;

receiving, at a second electrode configured to electrically contact the patient, the intra- body signal transmitted through the patient; and

dispensing the medicament to the patient based at least in part on receiving the intra-body signal transmitted through the patient.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the intra-body signal is transmitted through the patient and an operator, wherein the operator electrically contacts the patient and the second electrode.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein the intra-body signal is transmitted through the patient and an operator, wherein the operator electrically contacts the patient and the first electrode.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein the medicament is dispensed to the patient based at least in part on receiving the intra-body signal transmitted through the patient and an

identification signal from an identification device.

17. The method of claim 13, further comprising recording, in a data recorder, data associated with the dispensing of the medicament.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the data associated with the dispensing of the medicament comprises one or more of a date the medicament is dispensed, time of day the medicament is dispensed, medicament type, medicament dosage, and whether the intra-body signal was received.

19. The method of claim 17, further comprising transmitting the data associated with the dispensing of the medicament to a remote location.

20. The method of claim 13, wherein the first electrode is located in a first device, wherein the first device is located remotely from a second device comprising the second electrode.

21. A computer-readable storage medium encoded with computer-executable instructions for dispensing a medicament to a patient, the instructions comprising:

22. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 21, wherein the intra-body signal is transmitted through the patient and an operator, wherein the operator electrically contacts the patient and the second electrode.

23. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 21, wherein the intra-body signal is transmitted through the patient and an operator, wherein the operator electrically contacts the patient and the first electrode.

24. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 21, wherein the medicament is dispensed to the patient based at least in part on receiving the intra-body signal transmitted through the patient and an identification signal from an identification device.

25. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 21 , further comprising instructions for recording, in a data recorder, data associated with the dispensing of the medicament.

26. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 25, wherein the data associated with the dispensing of the medicament comprises one or more of a date the medicament is dispensed, time of day the medicament is dispensed, medicament type, medicament dosage, and whether the intra-body signal was received.

27. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 25, further comprising instructions for transmitting the data associated with the dispensing of the medicament to a remote location.

28. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 21 , wherein the first electrode is located in a first device, wherein the first device is located remotely from a second device comprising the second electrode.