CA2284929C - Implantable delivery device with self adjustable exit port - Google Patents

Abstract

A delivery device having a first chamber containing an osmotic agent, 'a membrane forming a wall of the first chamber through which fluid is imbibed by osmosis, a second chamber containing a beneficial agent to be delivered, and a moveable piston separating the two chambers. In fluid communiation with the second chamber is an orifice which comprises a slit valve. In the presence of pressure, the beneficial agent pushes through the slit, opening up a channel for delivery of the beneficial agent and creating flow. Because the slit remains closed in the absence of flow (or when the pressure is below the pressure required to open the slit), back diffusion of external fluids is eliminated when the slit is closed, which prevents contamination of the beneficial agent in the second chamber by external fluids. In addition, forward diffusion of the beneficial agent out of the capsule is prevented when the slit is closed. The slit valve opens only to the minimum dimension required to allow the flow generated by the osmostic pumping rate. The slit valve also allows a flow path to open around any obstruction in the slit valve to prevent clogging.

Description

WO 98/42317 PC"TNS98/04637 1 IMPLANTA$LE DELIVERY DEVICE WITH SELF ADJUSTABLE EXTf PORT

' s BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
a 1. Field of the Invention s The present invention relates generally to an implantable delivery device, and s more particularly to an exit port, such as a slit orifice for an implantable osmotic delivery device which has a variable size.

s 2. Description of the Related Art ~ o Controlled delivery of beneficial agents such as drugs in the medical and veterinary fields has been accomplished by a variety of methods. One approach for ~z delivering a beneficial agent involves the use of implantable diffusional systems.
' ~ s For example, subdermal implants for contraception are described by Philip D.
is Darney in Current Opinion in Obstetrics and Gynecology, 1991, 3:470-476.
15 Norplant~ requires the placement of 6 levonorgestrel-filled silastic capsules under ~s the skin. Protection from conception for up to 5 years is achieved. The implants operate by simple diffusion, that is, the active agent diffuses through the polymeric ~ s material at a rate that is controlled by the characteristics of the active agent ~s formulation and the polymeric material.
zo Another method for controlled prolonged delivery of a beneficial agent z1 involves the use of an implantable osmotic delivery system. Osmotic delivery zz systems are very reliable in delivering the beneficial agent over an extended period 2s of time. The osmotic pressure generated by an osmotic pump also produces a 2a delivery rate of the beneficial agent into the body which is relatively constant as z5 compared with other types of delivery systems.
zs In general, osmotic delivery systems operate by imbibing fluid from the z~ outside environment and releasing corresponding amounts of the beneficial agent.
za Osmotic delivery systems, commonly referred to as "osmotic pumps", generally zs include some type of a capsule having walls which selectively pass water into an 3o interior of the capsule which contains a water-attracting agent. The absorption of s~ water by the water-attracting agent within the capsule reservoir creates an osmotic ~ pressure within the capsule which causes the beneficial agent to be delivered from z the capsule. The water-attracting agent may be the beneficial agent delivered to the s patient, however, in most cases, a separate agent is used specifically for its ability to a draw water into the capsule.
s When a separate osmotic agent is used, the osmotic agent may be separated s from the beneficial agent within the capsule by a movable dividing member or ~ piston. The structure of the capsule is such that the capsule does not expand when s the osmotic agent takes in water. As the osmotic agent expands, it causes the s movable dividing member or piston to move, which in turn causes the beneficial 1o agent to be discharged through an orifice at the same volumetric rate that water ~ enters the osmotic agent by osmosis.
~2 The orifice controls the interaction of the beneficial agent with the external 13 fluid environment. The orifice serves the important function of isolating the ~a beneficial agent from the external fluid environment, since any contamination of the 15 beneficial agent by external fluids may adversely affect the utility of the beneficial ~s agent. For example, the inward flux of materials of the external fluid environment ~ ~ due to diffusion or osmosis may contaminate the interior of the capsule, 1s destabilizing, diluting, or otherwise altering the beneficial agent formulation.
~s Another important function of the orifice is to control or limit diffusional flow of the zo beneficial agent through the orifice into the external fluid environment.
z~ In known delivery devices, these functions have typically been performed by zz flow moderators. A flow moderator may consist of a tubular passage having a zs particular cross sectional area and length. The cross sectional area and length of the za flow moderator is chosen such that the average linear velocity of the exiting z5 beneficial agent is higher than that of the linear inward flux of materials in the 2s external environment due to diffusion or osmosis, thereby attenuating or moderating z7 back diffusion and its deleterious effects of contaminating the interior of the osmotic za pump.
zs In addition, the dimensions of the flow moderator may be chosen such that ao the diffusive flux of the beneficial agent out of the orifice is small in comparison to s~ the convective flux. Figure 1 is a graph showing the relationship between the t orifice dimensions and drug diffusion as a percentage of pumped or connective 2 delivery for one set of pumping rates and drug diffusivity. Figure 1 shows, for 3 ~RaInpIl~, that the diffusive flux of the beneficial agent can be kept to less than 10%
a of the convective flow using an orifice having a diameter of 5 mils and a length of at s least 0. ~5 cm, or an orifice having a diameter of 10 mils and a length of at least 2.4 s cm.
~(Jne problem with flow moderators, however, is that the passage may a become clogged or obstructed with particles suspended in the beneficial agent or in s fluid from the external environment. Such clogging may be reduced or eliminated ~o by incrE;asing the diameter of the passage to 5 mil or more, for example.
However, as shown in Figure 1, this increase results in a greater rate of diffusion of the ~ z beneficial agent out of the osmotic pump. A corresponding increase also occurs in ~ s the back diffusion of the external fluid into the osmotic pump which may ~4 contaminate the beneficial agent and adversely affect the desired delivery rate of the 15 beneficial agent. Tolerances during fabrication also frequently dictate that the ~s orifice diameter be greater than about 5 mils.
;systems with a long straight flow moderator are also impractical for ~s implantation applications because they increase the size of the implant significantly ~s making the system difficult to implant.
zo iCurrent flow modulators also cause separation of beneficial agents which 2~ contain suspensions of bioactive macromolecules (proteins, genes, etc.).
When such zz suspensions pass along a restriction in current flow modulators, the suspension zs separates and the delivery concentration of bioacdve macromolecules vanes.

zs SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
zs 2~ ~~ccording to one embodiment of the invention, an exemplary delivery device, may be z$ provided with the slit orifice of the present invention. The delivery device comprises a capsule zs the slit orifice of the present invention. The delivery device comprises a capsule ao containing a beneficial agent and an osmotic agent, a membrane which forms a 31 portion of a wall of the capsule, the membrane allowing fluid from an external ~ environment to pass into the capsule by osmosis to create an osmotic pressure in the 2 capsule, means for applying the osmotic pressure to the beneficial agent, and a s flexible member having therein a slit orifice which is in fluid communication with a the capsule.
s In the presence of flow, the beneficial agent pushes through the slit, opening s up a channel for delivery of the beneficial agent. Because the slit orifice remains closEd in the absence of flow, back diffusion of external fluids is eliminated when s the slit is closed, which prevents contamination of the beneficial agent. by external s fluids. Forward diffusion of the beneficial agent out of the capsule is also ~o prevented.
In addition, the slit orifice allows a flow path to open around an obstruction ~z in the slit orifice. In the event that a suspended particle becomes lodged in the slit ~s orifice, a new flow path is created around the obstacle, thereby preventing clogging.
~a The slit orifice is also very compact and easily fits inside the delivery device, which ~s is advantageous when the delivery device is implanted subcutaneously.
~s This combination uniquely addresses the complex issues presented in the ;
extremely low flow, high osmolar drug delivery systems. These issues include drug diffusion s ~s out of the orifice, back diffusion of liquid from the environment of use into the orifice, and ~ s clogging of the orifice, especially if the orifice is small enough to eliminate drug diffusion and back diffusion.
2~
zs BRIEF DESCRIPTIO1~T OF THE DRAWINGS
2a The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the present 25 invention will be more readily understood upon reading the following detailed 26 description in conjunction with the drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a graph of drug diffusion as a function of the diameter and length 2a of the orifice of a delivery device;
2s Figure 2 illustrates a delivery device which includes a slit orifice according so to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;
s~ Figure 3 illustrates a delivery device which includes a slit orifice and a -S-catheter according to another embodiment of the invention;
2 Figure 4 is a graph which shows the release rates of the delivery devices of s Figures 2 and 3 as a function of time;
a Figure 5 illustrates a delivery device which includes a slit orifice and a s conical recess according to another embodiment of the invention;
s Figure 6 is a graph which shows the release rate of the delivery device of Figure 5 as a function of time;
a Figure 7 illustrates a delivery device which includes a slit orifice and a rigid s inner cylindrical member according to another embodiment of the invention;
~o Figure 8 illustrates a delivery device which includes a plurality of slit orifices according to another embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 9 is a graph illustrating a comparison of the release rates of two ~s osmotic delivery devices having an orifice according to one embodiment of the ~4 present invention with the release rates of two osmotic delivery devices having a ~ s spiral flow moderator.
~s DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
~a Definitions ~s The term "beneficial agent" includes any physiologically or zo pharmacologically active substance or substances optionally in combination with pharmaceutically acceptable carriers and optionally additional ingredients such as 22 antioxidants, stabilizing agents, permeation enhancers, etc.
zs The term "impermeable" refers to a material that is sufficiently impermeable za to environmental fluids as well as ingredients contained within the dispensing device 2s such that the migration of such materials into or out of the device through the is impermeable material is so low as to have substantially no adverse impact on the function of the device.
is The term "semipermeable" refers to a material that is permeable to external 2s fluids but substantially impermeable to other ingredients contained within the 3o dispensing device and the environment of use.

WO 98/42317 PCTlUS98/04637 Water-attracting agents which are used to drive the osmotic flow of an z osmotic delivery device are referred to herein as "osmotic agents. "
s Figure 2 illustrates an example of an osmotic delivery device 10 according to a an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The osmotic delivery device 10 s generally includes a first chamber 20, a piston 30, and a second chamber or s reservoir 40, all of which may be enclosed within an elongated substantially ~ cylindrical capsule 15. The elongated capsule 15 is formed of a material such as s titanium which is sufficiently rigid to withstand expansion of an osmotic agent s without changing size or shape. The elongated capsule 15 is impermeable to fluids ~o and gases in the environment and to the ingredients contained therein.
The first chamber 20 contains an osmotic agent 25 which attracts water and ~ z which may be in the form of a tablet. The osmotic agent 25 may be, for example, a ~s non-volatile water soluble osmagent, an osmopolymer which swells upon contact ~4 with water, or a mixture of the two. The second chamber 40 contains a beneficial ~5 agent, such as a drug, to be delivered. The second chamber 40 is separated from ~s the first chamber 20 by a movable piston 30. The movable piston 30 is a substantially cylindrical member which is configured to fit within the capsule 15 in a ~s sealed manner and to slide along a longitudinal axis within the capsule.
The piston 19 30 preferably is formed of an impermeable resilient material which forms a seal with zo the walls of the capsule 15.
z~ The drug delivery device IO at its inlet end 12 includes a membrane 60 zz which forms at least a portion of a wall of the first chamber 20. The membrane 60 zs is formed of a semipermeable material which allows fluid to pass from an exterior z4 fluid environment into the first chamber 20 by osmosis to cause the osmotic agent to 2s swell. The membrane 60 may be in the form of a semipermeable plug which is 2s inserted in an open end 12 of the capsule 15 as shown in Figure 2. The membrane z~ 60 is impermeable to the materials within the first chamber 20 so that they do not za flow out of the capsule 15 through the membrane 60.
zs Materials from which the membrane 60 can be made are those that are so semipermeable and that can conform to the shape of the capsule 15 upon wetting and si adhere to the rigid surface of the capsule 15. The membrane 60 expands as it _7_ ~ hydrates so that a seal is generated between the surface of the membrane 60 and the z capsule 15. The materials from which the membrane 60 is made vary based on s desired pumping rates and device configuration requirements and include, but are a not limited to, plasticized cellulosic materials, enhanced polymethylmethacrylates s such as hydroxyethyhnethacrylate (HEMA) and elastomeric materials such as s polyurethanes and polyamides, polyether-polyamide copolymers, thermoplastic z copolyesters and the like.
a In operation, when the delivery device 10 is situated in an aqueous s environment, water is drawn through the membrane 60 by osmosis into the first ~o chamber 20 containing the osmotic agent. The osmotic agent swells, creating an ~ 1 osmotic pressure in the first chamber 20 which is applied to the second chamber 40 ~ z via the piston 30. The piston slides away from the membrane 60 forcing the ~ a beneficial agent in the second chamber 40 to be delivered through at least one orifice ~a 50 in the second chamber. The osmotic pump provides a relatively constant rate of ~s water intake which can be used to reliably deliver a desired quantity of the beneficial ~s agent over time.
The orifice 50, according to one embodiment of the invention, is formed in a ~s plug 52 of an elastic or semi-elastic material such as silicone, rubber, santoprene, ~ s polyurethane, or an elastomeric thermoplastic polymer such as C-FLEX ~ The plug zo 52 is retained in an outlet end 14 of the capsule 15: The orifice 50 comprises a slit z~ 54 made through the elastic or semi-elastic plug 52 which may be fluidly connected z2 to a flow moderator 56 disposed in the plug 52. The slit 54 and flow moderator 56 2s fluidly connect the interior of the second chamber 40 to the external fluid z4 environment.
2s As shown in Figure 2, the plug 52 may have two sections. The first section zs 57 has an outer diameter which is small enough to allow the plug 52 to be inserted z~ into the outlet end 14 of the capsule 15. The flow moderator 56 is disposed in the za first section 57. The second section 53 comains at least a portion of the slit 54 and 2s extends beyond the outlet end 14 of the capsule 15.
so The orifice 50 operates as a valve which opens under the pressure of the s~ beneficial agent. The slit 54 of the orifice 50 may be under slight compression, fox * 'lCrade-mark _g_ example from compressive forces which form a seal between the outside of the plug 2 52 and the inside of the reservoir 15, so that in the absence of flow, the slit 54 forms s a closed valve which prevents fluid flow in either direction. Alternatively, the a materials used and plug dimensions may be selected so that the slit seals or closes a without the need for external compression. The slit 54 is preferably formed in the s second section 53 of the plug 52 which extends beyond the capsule 15 so that the walls of the capsule 15 do not exert a significant closing force on the slit 54.
a In the presence of flow, the beneficial agent pushes through the slit 54, s opening up a channel for delivery of the beneficial agent. In the absence of flow, ~o the slit 54 remains closed. When the slit is closed, back diffusion of external fluids > > is eliminated, which prevents contamination of the beneficial agent in the second ~2 chamber 40 by external fluids. In addition, forward diffusion of the beneficial agent ~s out of the capsule 15 is prevented. In continuous flow osmotic delivery systems, the ~a slit 54 will generally remain open throughout delivery of the beneficial agent.
15 However, pulsatile and bolus type delivery systems will generally cause the slit 54 ~s to close during non-delivery periods.
i~ When the osmotic pressure is high enough to open the slit 54 in the orifice ~s 50, the slit 54 provides a flow channel of variable dimensions. The plug 52 in ~ s which the slit 54 resides preferably comprises an elastic or semi-elastic material.
2o The osmotic pressure is great enough to overcome the elasticity of the plug 52 and 2~ force open the slit 54. However, because the plug 52 is elastic, the flow channel 22 which is formed is preferably just large enough to allow passage of the beneficial 2s agent therethrough. The flow channel through the slit 54 may assume a range of 24 sizes based on the osmotic pumping rate and the viscosity of the beneficial agent, for 2s example.
2s The slit 54 generally opens to the smallest required diameter or opening to z~ allow for flow of beneficial agent through it. This is much smaller than could be is achieved with a rigid channel due to machining and tolerance limitations and/or is particulate clogging of such a small rigid channel.
so As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the dimensions and s~ composition of the plug 52 and the slit 54 can be adjusted so that the slit 54 forms an orifice of a desired size when used with a particular beneficial agent and osmotic z pump. For example, as the length of the slit 54 increases, the size of the orifice s created by the slit 54 can increase. Also, as the thickness of the plug 52 along a a longitudinal direction of the capsule 15 increases, the plug 52 becomes more resistant to forming an orifice from the slit 54. The composition of the plug 52 also s affects the tendency of the slit 54 to open into an orifice. A more elastic material will more easily form an orifice, or may form a wider orifice, than a more rigid s material. By varying these properties of the plug 52 and slit 54, the orifice can be s configured to open to a desired degree given the parameters of the delivery device, to e.g., the viscosity of the beneficial agent, the flow rate of the osmotic pump, and the pressure of the osmotic pump. By varying the parameters listed above, one can 12 achieve an orifice that "opens" at a predetermined internal pressure, e.g.
30 lbf/in2.
13 The ability to vary the size of the orifice 50 has the advantage that the cross as sectional area of the orifice 50 can be made small under the operating conditions of ~s the delivery device, which reduces diffusion of the beneficial agent out of the ~s delivery device, as shown in Figure 1, and reduces back diffusion of external fluids into the delivery device. Generally, the system is designed so that the slit 54 is forced open to the smallest possible degree to let the formulation seep through its ~s opening.
2o In addition, the requirement in prior delivery devices of a fixed dimension orifice of sufficient size to permit passage of micro-aggregates is eliminated because 22 the slit 54 allows a flow path to open around an obstruction in the orifice 50. In the 23 event that a suspended particle becomes lodged in the orifice 50, a new flow path is 24 created around the obstacle, thereby preventing clogging. In operation, the active 2s flow channel may be significantly smaller than is required in a fixed diameter orifice 2s channel to prevent clogging.
z~ Another advantage of the orifice 50 shown in Figure 2 is that the orifice is 2a very compact and easily fits inside the delivery device 10, as compared with a zs conventional flow moderator which may be from 2 to 7 cm long, for example.
The so small size of the orifice 50 is advantageous when the delivery device 10 is implanted s~ subcutaneously.

The flow moderator 56 may comprise a tube formed of a rigid or semi-rigid 2 material such as Teflon, HDPE, LDPE, or a metal, for example. The flow s moderator 56 forms a semi-rigid opening and allows compressive pressure to be 4 used to form a seal between the outside of the plug 52 and the inside of the reservoir s 15 without compressing the slit 54 shut. Thus, as illustrated in Fig. 2, the slit 54 s may be located in the uncompressed second section 53 of the plug 52 such that the slit is not subject to the compression forces which form the seal between the plug 52 s and the capsule 15. Likewise, the slit 54 may extend into the first section 57 such s that the slit is subject to these compressive forces.
~o Hence, the flow moderator 56 functions to improve the seal between the plug > > 52 and the capsule 15. As shown in Figure 2, the plug 52 may have several sealing ridges 62 which each form a seal between the plug 52 and the capsule 15 to ~s effectively isolate the beneficial agent in the second chamber 40 from the external ~a fluid environment. Because the flow moderator 56 may be formed of a rigid ~ s material, it may exert an outward radial force on the plug 52, which is preferably ~s less rigid than the flow moderator 56. This outward radial force increases the pressure exerted by the sealing ridges 62 against the inside of the capsule 15, which ~ s improves the seal between the plug 52 and the capsule 15 . In addition, the outward ~s radial force increases the resistance of the plug 52 to being pushed out of the capsule 20 15 by the osmotic pressure generated by the osmotic pump. In other embodiments of the present invention, the outward radial forces may also regulate the flow of the 22 beneficial agent and prevent back diffusion of external fluids into the capsule 15.
is According to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the slit 54 24 illustrated in Figure 2 is formed by inserting a hypodermic needle, pin, or blade 25 through the first and second sections 57, 53 of the plug 52. For example, a zs hypodermic needle have a predetermined diameter is inserted through the body of 2~ the orifice 20 along the center axis of the orifice (parallel with the longitudinal axis 28 Of the capsule 15). Thereafter, the needle is removed from the orifice 50.
After the zs slit 54 has been formed in the orifice 50, the flow moderator 56 is inserted into the so first section 57 of the plug 52. Depending upon the material of the plug 52, and the s~ dimensions of the slit 54 and flow moderator 56, it may be necessary to drill, carve, punch, or mold a cylindrical recess in the first section 57 to receive the flow z moderator. In any case, the flow moderator 56 is preferably positioned within the s first section 57, and secured to the first section 57 via an interference fit, although a adhesives, threads and other means may be used to secure the flow moderator to the s first section of the plug 52. An end of the flow moderator 56 may protrude from the s first section 57, may be located within the first section, or may be inserted in the first section such that it is flush with the first section.
a The slit 54 may also be formed after the flow moderator 56 has been inserted s into the first section 57 of the plug 52. According to this method, the flow ~o moderator 56 is first inserted into the first section 57 of the plug 52.
Thereafter, a > > needle or device for forming the slit 54 is inserted completely through the ~z cylindrical channel of the tubular flow moderator 56 and through the second section ~ s 53 of the plug 52 to form the slit.
~4 For example, an orifice 50, such as that illustrated in Figure 2, rnay be 15 formed by first inserting a 1.5 mm long portion of a 21 gauge (diameter of ~s approximately 0.8 mm) hypodermic needle into the first section 57 of a plug 52 of i~ styrene ethylene butadiene styrene block copolymer (C-FLEX LS 55A, ~a commercially available from CONSOLIDATED POLYMER TECHNOLGIES).
~s The 1.5 mm Iong portion of the 21 gauge hypodermic needle is preferably at least zo half the length of the final slit 54 to be formed. The following dimensions of the z~ plug 52 and capsule 15 are also preferred for this example: (1) the C-FLEX
plug 52 zz is approximately 3.85 mm long (measured on an axis parallel with the longitudinal is axis of the capsule into which the orifice 50 is to be inserted), although only 3.13 z4 mm of the plug is inserted into the capsule 15 after the orifice 50 has been zs fabricated; (2) the plug 52 includes four equally spaced sealing ridges 62, each zs having an outer diameter of approximately 3.24 mm and each approximately 0.26 z~ mm thick (measured on an axis parallel with the longitudinal axis of the capsule into z8 which the orifice 50 is to be inserted); (3) the diameter of the cylindrical body of the zs plug 52 at the base of the sealing ridges 62 is approximately 2.98 mm; and (4) the so inner diameter of the capsule 15 that receives the plug 52 is approximately 3.00 mm.

After the 1.5 mm long portion of the 21 gauge hypodermic needle has been z inserted into the first section 57 of the plug 52, a second hypodermic needle having s a smaller diameter than the portion of the 21 gauge hypodermic needle is inserted a into the portion of the 21 gauge hypodermic needle and completely through the first s and second sections 57, 53 of the plug 52. This step forms the slit 54, and also s removes any plug material inside the portion of the 2I gauge hypodermic needle to form the flow moderator 56. If the second hypodermic needle is sized to tightly fit a through the 21 gauge flow moderator 56, the resulting slit 54 will be approximately s 0.4 mm wide as measured perpendicular to the center axis of the orifice 50.
An ~o orifice 50 having the above dimensions is intended to be particularly useful for ~ 1 delivering high viscosity formulations of beneficial agents, such as 3 %
sodium ~z carboxymethyl cellulose in water.
Figure 9 is a graph of the release rate of beneficial agent over time and ~4 compares two osmotic delivery systems having a spiral flow moderator with two ~ s osmotic delivery systems or devices 10 having an orifice 50 according to ~s embodiments of the present invention, such as that illustrated in Figure 2.
The ~ ~ osmotic delivery devices 10 tested in Figure 9 included the capsule 15 and orifice SO
18 dimensioned and described above having the C-FLEX LS SSA plug 52 with the 0.4 ~s mm slit 54 and the 21 gauge flow moderator 56.
zo As illustrated in Figure 9, the two osmotic delivery systems having a spiral 27 flow moderator and the two osmotic delivery systems 10 having the orifice zz according to embodiments of the present invention were tested. The respective za systems were configured to deliver a beneficial agent, in this case water with blue 24 dye, over a one month and one year time period.
zs The osmotic delivery system 10 according to the present invention that was zs configured to deliver the beneficial agent over a one year time period delivered z~ approximately 0.4 uL/day of the beneficial agent. Comparatively, the osmotic zs delivery system incorporating the spiral flow modulator and configured to deliver zs the beneficial agent over a one year time period also delivered approximately 0.4 so uL/day of the beneficial agent. Thus, Figure 9 illustrates that the osmotic delivery s~ system 10 incorporating the orifice 50 and configured to deliver the beneficial agent over a one year time period performed as well as the osmotic delivery system z incorporating the spiral flow modulator.
- s The osmotic delivery system 10 according to the present invention that was 4 configured to deliver the beneficial agent over a one month time period delivered s roughly 1.3 uL/day of the beneficial agent. Comparatively, the osmotic delivery s system incorporating the spiral flow modulator and configured to deliver the beneficial agent over a one month time period also delivered roughly 1.3 uL/day of a the beneficial agent. Thus, Figure 9 illustrates that the osmotic delivery system 10 s incorporating the orifice SO and configured to deliver the beneficial agent over a one ~o month time period performed as well as the osmotic delivery system incorporating 11 the spiral flow modulator. In sum, the results depicted in Figure 9 illustrate that the ~z tested orifices 50 were as effective as the spiral flow moderators in delivering a . ~s beneficial agent at different release rates.
is Figure 3 illustrates another embodiment of the invention in which a catheter 15 156 is provided in fluid communication between the slit 154 and the capsule 115.
is As shown in Figure 3, the delivery device 110 includes a membrane 160 which may be in the form of a diffusion plug, a first chamber 120 which contains an osmotic agent 125, a second chamber 140 which contains a beneficial agent, and a moveable 19 piston 130 which separates the first chamber 120 from the second chamber 140.
zo The osmotic pump, including the first and second chambers, piston, and membrane, 21 functions in the same manner as the pump of Figure 2.
zz As shown in Figure 3, the delivery device 110 includes a plug 142 having a z3 catheter 156 fixed therein. The plug 142 fits in the outlet end 114 of the capsule 24 115 and may include a plurality of ridges 162 to seal the plug 142 to the capsule 2s 115. The plug 142 may have a first portion 147 which fits inside the walls of the zs capsule 115 and a second portion 143 which extends beyond the outlet end 114 of z7 the capsule 115. The plug 142 may be formed of an elastic or semi-elastic material zs such as silicone, rubber, santoprene, polyurethane, etc.
zs The catheter 156 is disposed in the plug 142 and is in fluid communication so with the beneficial agent in the second chamber 140. The catheter 156 is preferably 31 formed of a rigid or semi-rigid material such as Teflon, HDPE, LDPE, or a metal 1 so that it exerts a radially outward force on the plug 142 to increase the pressure of 2 the ridges 162 on the inside wall of the capsule 1 I5. The increased pressure s improves the seal between the plug 142 and the capsule 115 and increases the 4 resistance of the plug 142 to being forced out of the capsule 115 by the osmotic pressure generated by the osmotic pump.
s The catheter 156 is also in fluid communication with a slit 154 formed in a flexible member 152. The flexible member 152 preferably comprises an elastic or s semi-elastic material such as silicone, rubber, santoprene, polyurethane, etc. The s flexible member 152 may have two sections, a first section 157 in which the end of ~o the catheter 156 is disposed, and a second section 153 in which the slit 154 is > > located. The slit 154 functions in much the same manner as the slit 54 of Figure 2.
~z However, the slit 154 is not subject to compressive forces created by the seal 13 between the plug 142 and the capsule 115.
~4 The slit 154 is designed such that in the absence of flow, the slit 154 forms a ~s closed valve which prevents fluid flow in either direction. In the presence of flow, ~s the beneficial agent pushes through the slit 154, opening up a channel for delivery of the beneficial agent. The dimensions and composition of the flexible member ~s and slit 154 can be chosen so that the slit 154 forms an orifice of a desired size ~s under the operating parameters of the delivery device, e.g., the viscosity of the zo beneficial agent, the flow rate of the osmotic pump, and the pressure of the osmotic z~ pump.
22 Because the flexible member 152 is elastic, the flow channel which is formed 2s is preferably just large enough to allow passage of the beneficial agent therethrough.
24 The variability of the size of the orifice has the advantage that the cross sectional 2s area of the orifice is small (e.g., significantly smaller than a flow moderator of fixed 2s diameter), which reduces diffusion of the beneficial agent out of the delivery device, 2~ as shown in Figure 1, and reduces diffusion of external fluids into the delivery 2a device. The slit 154 also allows a flow path to open around an obstruction in the slit is 154.

The catheter 156 may have dimensions such that it performs as a flow 2 moderator, if desired, to further reduce diffusion of the beneficial agent out the slit 3 154 and back diffusion of external fluids into the second chamber 140.
a The catheter 156 is also useful when the desired point of delivery of the s beneficial agent is difficult to access. For example, it may be advantageous s therapeutically to deliver the beneficial agent at a location which cannot accommodate or tolerate the capsule 115. In this situation, the capsule 115 may be s implanted in a more acceptable location while the catheter 156 transports the s beneficial agent to the slit 154 at the delivery site. This embodiment may also be ~ o utilized to make the capsule 115 more accessible to a treating physician rather than being implanted at a location which requires an invasive procedure. For example, ~ 2 the capsule 115 may be implanted close to the surface of the skin while the catheter ~s 156 delivers the beneficial agent to a more remote location.
~a The improved performance of the exemplary delivery devices of Figures 2 and 3 is ~ s shown in Figure 4. Figure 4 is a graph of the release rate in microliters per day ~s over time of the delivery devices of Figures 2 and 3. Figure 4 also shows the 1 ~ release rate of a delivery device having a tubular flow moderator orifice in the shape ~ a of a spiral. The data used in Figure 4 were obtained by placing each delivery device is in a release rate bath. The delivery devices were filled with a 1 %
solution of blue 2o dye in deionized water. At fixed points in time, the concentration of blue dye in the 2~ release rate bath was measured. The experiment was conducted five times, and the 22 error bars shown in Figure 4 represent the standard deviation of the measurements.

1 The procedure and materials used in obtaining the data shown in Figure 4 are 2 as follows:

a Granulation Tablet Compression:
s TOWLING: 0.117" flat face s GRANULATION: 80.0 % NaCI, 5.0 % NaCMC 7H4F, 14.25 Povidone, 0.75 % Magnesium Stearate.
s TABLET WEIGHT: 0.0841 g.
s TABLET HEIGHT: 0.247 in.
1o COMPRESSION: SOOIb.

Tablet Tablet Weight Tablet Height No. (g) (in) 1 0.0955 0.309 2 0.0877 0.284 3 0.0848 0.273 4 0.0914 0.294 0.0825 0.265 Average 0.0884 0.385 1 PROCEDURE:
s 141. Lubricate large flanched piston with medical fluid 100cs CODE 80036 1s CONTROL 258887 ~ 2. Prime capsule (membrane end).
s 1 3 Insert large flanched piston into Hoechst Celanese ~ . capsule using the piston 1a inserted.

194. Push piston up & down using a rod.

205. Insert osmotic engine tablet into capsule from the membrane end and push 21 engine tablet down.

226. Insert half way the membrane plug.

z 7. Add two drops of glue in each side of membrane plug.
a 8. Press all the way down membrane plug and wipe glue residue with a paper a towel.
s 9. Add beneficial agent into capsule almost all the way to the top.
s 10. Insert orifice.
~ 11. Insert orifice half way and add two drops of glue in each side of orifice plug s (all orifices were glued except systems 26-30).
s 1o COMPONENTS:
~ 1 Formulation #1: 1 % blue dye in deionized water 12 Membrane: Fast "K" 100% hytrel 8171 1 s Engine Tablet: 80.0 % NaCI, 5 .0 % NaCMC 7H4F, 14.25 % Povidone, 0.75 %
14 Magnesium Stearate.
1 s Piston: Large santoprene flanched 1s Orifice: 1-5 screw spiral 1~ Orifice: 11-15 external flow moderator (Figure 3) 1s Orifice: 21-25 internal 1 mm duckbill (Figure 2) 2o As shown in Figure 4, the release rate of the delivery devices of Figures 2 z1 and 3 having the slit orifices is significantly more constant than the release rate of 2z the delivery device having a spiral shaped flow moderator. This characteristic is of is course very important when the delivery device is used to supply drugs to humans 2a over an extended period of time. The slit orifice may be used to alter the start-up zs beneficial agent delivery profile by changing the pressure at which the orifice opens 2s and/or decreasing the initial diffusive burst from the flow modulator.
- 2~ In assembling the delivery device of the present invention, the beneficial is agent may also be added with the capsule after the orifice has been inserted into the 2s capsule. In such an assembly, a needle is inserted through the orifice and into the so capsule such that beneficial agent is delivered into the capsule via the needle. This s1 technique is advantageous because the slit orifice allows air to escape the capsule as v the beneficial agent fills the capsule. Thus, after the delivery device is inserted into 2 the environment of use, the osmotic agent need not compress any air bubbles in the s beneficial agent which would ordinarily delay start-up of beneficial agent delivery.
4 Figure 5 illustrates another embodiment of the invention which includes a s mechanism for varying the pressure required to open the orifice. As shown in s Figure 5, the orifice 250 is located at the outlet end 214 of a capsule 215.
The delivery device 210 also includes a membrane 260, a first chamber 220 containing s an osmotic agent, a second chamber 240 containing a beneficial agent, and a s moveable piston 230 separating the first chamber 220 from the second chamber 240.
~o The membrane 260, osmotic agent, piston 230, and second chamber 240 form an ~ ~ osmotic pump which functions as described above with respect to Figures 2 and 3.
~2 The orifice 250, according to an exemplary embodiment, comprises three ~s sections. A first portion 257 is located between the slit 254 and the second chamber ~4 240 and is in fluid communication with both. A second portion 253 contains the slit ~ s 254. A third portion 259 occupies the annular space between the first and second ~s portions and the inner wall of the capsule 215.
The slit 254 is housed in the second portion 253. The second portion is ~s generally cylindrical in shape and preferably is formed of an elastic or semi-elastic ~s material such as silicone, rubber, santoprene, polyurethane, etc. The elasticity of zo the second portion 253 allows the slit 254 to open under pressure from the beneficial z~ agent.
zz Upstream of the slit 254 and second portion 253 is the first portion 257.
The zs first portion 257 is also generally cylindrical in shape and has an inner recess 252.
z4 The outer radius of the first portion 257 may be greater than the outer radius of the zs second portion 253 so that a shoulder 251 is formed to secure the first and second zs portions in the delivery device 210. The first and second portions may be integrally z~ formed as a single piece of material.
is According to a preferred embodiment, the inner recess 252 of the first z9 portion 257 has at least one wall 258 which is at an acute angle to the direction of so flow 255 of the beneficial agent. Preferably, the inner recess 252 is in the shape of s~ a cone so that its entire wall 258 is at an acute angle with respect to the direction of WO 98/42317 pCT/US98/04637 flow 255 of the beneficial agent. As the beneficial agent is forced into the inner z recess 252, the beneficial agent exerts a force on the wall 258 of the inner recess s 252 which has a radial component. The radial force operates to open the slit 254 in a the second portion 253 of the orifice. Because the first and second portions are s formed of an elastic or semi-elastic material, the force of the beneficial agent opens s the slit 254 just wide enough to deliver the beneficial agent with very little if any forward diffusion of the beneficial agent or backward diffusion of external fluids a into the second chamber 240.
s The shape and composition of the first and second portions 257 and 253 and ~o of the slit 254 may be adapted to accommodate beneficial agents of different viscosities or to adjust the pressure required to open the slit 254. For example, a ~z beneficial agent with a relatively low viscosity will more easily flow through a smaller opening of the slit 254 than a beneficial agent with a. higher viscosity. To ~a equalize this discrepancy, the angle between the wall 258 and the direction of flow ~s 255 can be adjusted for the viscous beneficial agent so that the slit is more easily ~s opened. The angle between the wall 258 and the direction of flow 255 can also be ~ ~ ~ adjusted to vary the pressure at which the slit will open and close for a beneficial ~a agent of a given viscosity. In addition the dimensions and composition of the second ~s portion 253 can be adjusted so that the slit 254 forms an orifice of a desired size zo under the operating parameters of the delivery device, e.g., the viscosity of the z~ beneficial agent, the flow rate of the osmotic pump, and the pressure of the osmotic zz pump.
z3 The third portion 259 occupies the annular space between the first and z4 second portions and the inner wall of the capsule 215. The third portion 259 may zs have grooves 272 which mate with corresponding ridges 274 projecting from the zs inner wall of the capsule 215. The grooves 272 and ridges 274 may be circular or - z~ they may be in the form of screw threads such that the third portion 259 may be za screwed into the outlet end of the capsule 215. The ridges and grooves are provided 29 to secure the third portion 259 in the end of the capsule 215 in spite of the osmotic so pressure generated by the osmotic pump.

The third portion 259 also includes an inwardly extending flange 276 which z contacts the shoulder 251 formed between the first and second portions 257 and 253.
s The flange 276 contacts the shoulder 251 to retain the first and second portions in 4 the capsule 215. The flange 276 may also function to apply a slight radial inward s pressure on the second portion 253 so that the slit 254 remains closed in the absence s of flow.
The orifice 250 provides the advantage that the flow channel may be s significantly smaller than is required in a fixed diameter orifice, since the flow s channel opens just large enough to deliver the beneficial agent. In addition, in the ~ o event that a suspended particle becomes lodged in the orifice 250, a new flow path is created around the obstacle. The orifice 250 is also very compact, as illustrated in ~z Figure 5.
13 The improved performance of the exemplary delivery device of Figure 5 is ~4 shown in Figure 6. Figure 6 is a graph of the release rate in microliters per day ~s over time of the delivery device of Figure 5. Figure 6 also shows the release rate of ~s a delivery device having a flow moderator orifice in the shape of a spiral.
The data used in Figure 6 were obtained by placing each delivery device in a release rate ~s bath. The delivery devices were filled with a 1 % solution of blue dye in deionized ~ s water. . At fixed points in time, measurements were taken of the concentration of zo blue dye in the release rate bath.
zi As shown in Figure 6, the release rate of the delivery devices of Figure 5 22 having the slit orifice is significantly more constant than the release rate of the zs delivery device having a spiral shaped flow moderator.
24 Figure 7 illustrates another embodiment of an orifice which includes an inner zs recess 352 and an inner cylindrical member 359. As shown in Figure 7, the orifice zs 350 is located at the outlet end 314 of the capsule 315. The delivery device 310 also z~ includes a membrane 360, a first chamber 320 containing an osmotic agent, a second 2a chamber 340 containing a beneficial agent, and a moveable piston 330 separating the zs first chamber 320 from the second chamber 340. The membrane 360, osmotic so agent, piston 330, and second chamber 340 form an osmotic pump which functions s~ as described above with respect to Figures 2 and 3.

The orifice 350, according to an exemplary embodiment, comprises three z components. A first portion 357 is located between the slit 354 and the second s chamber 340 and is in fluid communication with both. A second portion 353 a contains the slit 354. A third portion 359 resides in the annular space between the s first and second portions and the inner wall of the capsule 315.
s The slit 354 is housed in the second portion 353. The second portion is generally cylindrical in shape and preferably is formed of an elastic or semi-elastic a material such as silicone, rubber, santoprene, polyurethane or an elastomeric s thermoplastic polymer such as C-FLEX. The elasticity of the second portion ~o allows the slit 354 to open under pressure from the beneficial agent.
11 Upstream of the slit 354 and second portion 353 is the first portion 357.
The first portion 357 is also generally cylindrical in shape and has an inner recess 352.
~ s The outer radius of the first portion 357 may be greater than the outer radius of the ~a second portion 353 so that a shoulder 351 is formed to secure the first and second 15 portions in the delivery device 310. The first and second portions may be integrally ~s formed as a single piece of material.
According to a preferred embodiment, the inner recess 352 of the first ~s portion 357 has at least one wall 358 which is at an acute angle to the direction of ~s flow 355 of the beneficial agent. Preferably, the inner recess 352 is in the shape of 2o a cone so that its entire wall 358 is at an acute angle with respect to the direction of 21 flow 355 of the beneficial agent. As the beneficial agent is forced into the inner Zz recess 352, the beneficial agent exerts a force on the wall 358 of the inner recess is 352 which has a radial component. The radial force operates to open the slit 354 in 24 the second portion 353 of the orifice. Because the first and second portions are is formed of an elastic or semi-elastic material, the force of the beneficial agent opens zs the slit 354 just wide enough to deliver the beneficial agent with little if any forward 2~ diffusion of the beneficial agent or backward diffusion of external fluids into the is second chamber 340. The shape of the inner recess 352 {e.g., the angle of the wall 2s 358) may be adapted to accommodate beneficial agents of different viscosities or to so adjust the pressure required to open the slit 354. In addition, the dimensions and composition of the second portion 353 can be chosen so that the slit 354 forms an orifice of a desired size under the operating parameters of the delivery device, e.g., z the viscosity of the beneficial agent, the flow rate of the osmotic pump, and the s pressure of the osmotic pump.
4 The third portion 359 resides in the annular space between the first and s second portions and the inner wall of the capsule 315. The third portion 359 is s preferably formed of a rigid material such as titanium. The third portion may be generally in the form of an inner cylindrical member or "cup" with a hole 380 in its s bottom. The third portion 359 is preferably formed to have an outer diameter which s is small enough that the third portion 359 may be pressed into the outlet end 314 of ~o the capsule 315. The outer diameter of the third portion 359 is preferably large ~ i enough, however, that the third portion 359 is frictionally retained in the outlet end ~z 314 of the capsule 315 in the presence of the osmotic pressure generated by the ~s osmotic pump. When properly dimensioned, the frictional force between the third ~a portion 359 and the capsule 315 is sufficient to permanently retain the third portion ~s 359 in the capsule 315.
~s The third portion 359 also includes an inwardly extending flange 376 which contacts the shoulder 351 formed between the first and second portions 357 and 353.
~ s The flange 376 contacts the shoulder 351 to retain the first and second portions in 19 the capsule 315. The flange 376 preferably does not extend all the way inward to zo the second portion 353 so that a gap 390 exists between the second portion 2~ containing the slit 354 and the flange 376. The gap 390 is provided so that the zz flange 376 does not exert any pressure on the slit 354.
zs The orifice 350 provides the advantages that the flow channel which opens z4 under pressure from the beneficial agent may be significantly smaller than is zs required in a fixed diameter orifice, since the flow channel opens just large enough zs to deliver the beneficial agent. In addition, in the event that a suspended particle z~ becomes lodged in the orifice 350, a new flow path is created around the obstacle.
zs The rigid third portion 359 is also very effective in maintaining the orifice 350 in zs the capsule against the osmotic pressure. The orifice is also very compact, which is so advantageous for subcutaneous implantation.

Figure 8 illustrates another embodiment of an orifice 450 which includes a z plurality of slit orifices 454. As shown in Figure 8, the orifice 450 is located at the s outlet end of the capsule 415. The delivery device 400 also includes a membrane a 460, a first chamber 420 containing an osmotic agent, a second chamber 440 s containing a beneficial agent, and a movable piston 430 separating the first chamber s 420 from the second chamber 440. The membrane 460, osmotic agent, piston 430, and second chamber 440 form an osmotic pump which functions as described above s with respect to Figures 2 and 3.
s The orifice 450, according to an exemplary embodiment, includes a plurality io of slit orifices similar to those described above in reference to Figures 2, 5, and 7.
11 As shown in Figure 8, an inner cylindrical member 459 is positioned in the end of ~z the capsule 415 opposite the membrane 460. In this embodiment, a flexible member ~s 456, which contains the plurality of slit orifices 454 and inner recesses 452, has ~a been prepositioned in the inner cylindrical member 459. Similar to the embodiment ~s depicted in Figure 5, the inner cylindrical member 459 may be made of a material ~s which helps maintain the seal between the capsule 415 and the orifice 450.
For example, the inner cylindrical member 459 may be made of less resilient material 1e than the flexible member 456 which contains the plurality of slits 454. In another ~s embodiment of the present invention not depicted, the inner cylindrical member 459 2o is not included, and the flexible member 456 is adapted and configured to form a z~ seal with the capsule 415.
z2 As illustrated in Figure 8, the orifice 450 includes a plurality of slit orifices zs 454 and inner recesses 452, which are particularly useful for delivering beneficial Za agents having suspensions of bioactive macromolecules such as proteins and genes.
2s Known delivery orifices may cause such suspension formation to separate as the is formulation is moved into a small chamber such as a helical orifice prior to being 2~ released into the environment of use. The embodiment of the present invention Za which incorporates a plurality of slit orifices 454 allows such suspension zs formulations to travel relatively unrestricted, minimizing the amount of separation so before it exits the delivery device 400. In this regard, the plurality of slit orifices 31 454 in combination with the plurality of inner recesses 452 allows for a nearly constant front of beneficial agent, such as suspensions containing bioactive z macromolecules, to be released from the delivery device 400, while also minimizing s back diffusion of external fluids into the delivery device. Furthermore, the 4 embodiment of the present invention illustrated in Figure 8 also provides the many s advantages described above in reference to Figures 1 - 7.
s In the event that one or some of the slit orifices 454 becomes clogged with macromolecules or particles, the other non-clogged slit orifices of the delivery s device 400 will continue to release the beneficial agent. Thus, the plurality of slits s 454 and recesses 452 acts as a safety, ensuring that beneficial agent delivery ~ o continues .
Materials which may be used for the capsule should be sufficiently strong to ~z ensure that the capsule will not leak, crack, break, or distort under stresses to which they would be subjected during implantation or under stresses due to the pressures ~a generated during operation. The capsule may be formed of chemically inert and ~ s biocompatible, natural or synthetic materials which are known in the art.
The ~s material of the capsule is preferably a non-bioerodible material which remains in the i ~ patient after use, such as titanium. However, the material of the capsule may alternatively be of bioerodible material which bioerodes in the environment after ~s dispensing of the beneficial agent. Generally, preferred materials for the capsule are 2o those acceptable for human implants.
2~ In general, typical materials of construction suitable for the capsule zz according to the present invention include non-reactive polymers or biocompatible 2s metals or alloys. The polymers include acrylonitrile polymers such as acrylonitrile-za butadiene-styrene terpolymer, and the like; halogenated polymers such as zs polytetrafluoroethylene, polychlorotrifluoroethylene, copolymer of zs tetrafluoroethylene and hexafluoropropylene; polyimide; polysulfone;
z~ polycarbonate; polyethylene; polypropylene; polyvinylchloride-acrylic copolymer;
zs polycarbonate-acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene; polystyrene; and the like.
Metallic zs materials useful for the capsule include stainless steel, titanium, platinum, tantalum, so gold, and their alloys, as well as gold-plated ferrous alloys, platinum-plated ferrous s~ alloys, cobalt-chromium alloys and titanium nitride coated stainless steel.

In general, materials suitable for use in the piston are elastomeric materials z including the non-reactive polymers listed above, as well as elastomers in general, a such as polyurethanes and polyamides, chlorinated rubbers, styrene-butadiene 4 rubbers, and chloroprene rubbers.
s The osmotic tablet is an osmotic agent which is a fluid-attracting agent used s to drive the flow of the beneficial agent. The osmotic agent may be an osmagent, an osmopolymer, or a mixture of the two. Species which fall within the category of a osmagent, i.e., the non-volatile species which are soluble in water and create the s osmotic gradient driving the osmotic inflow of water, vary widely. Examples are ~o well known in the art and include magnesium sulfate, magnesium chloride, 11 potassium sulfate, sodium chloride, sodium sulfate, lithium sulfate, sodium ~z phosphate, potassium phosphate, d-mannitol, sorbitol, inositol, urea, magnesium ~ s succinate, tartaric acid, raffinose, and various monosaccharides, oligosaccharides ~4 and polysaccharides such as sucrose, glucose, lactose, fructose, and dextran, as well ~s as mixtures of any of these various species.
~s Species which fall within the category of osmopolymer are hydrophilic polymers that swell upon contact with water, and these vary widely as well.
~a Osmopolymers may be of plant or animal origin, or synthetic, and examples of ~s osmopolymers are well known in the art. Examples include: poly{hydroxy-alkyl zo methacrylates) with molecular weight of 30,000 to 5,000,000, z~ poly(vinylpyrrolidone) with molecular weight of 10,000 to 360,000, anionic and zz cationic hydrogels, polyelectrolyte complexes, polyvinyl alcohol) having low zs acetate residual, optionally cross-linked with glyoxal, formaldehyde or z4 glutaraldehyde and having a degree of polymerization of 200 to 30,000, a mixture of zs methyl cellulose, cross-linked agar and carboxymethylcellulose, a mixture of zs hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and sodium carboxymethylcellulose, polymers of N-z7 vinyllactams, polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene gels, polyoxybutylene-za polyethylene block copolymer gels, carob gum, polyacrylic gels, polyester gels, zs polyurea gels, polyether gels, polyamide gels, polypeptide gels, polyamino acid so gels, polycellulosic gels, carbopol acidic carboxy polymers having molecular weights of 250,000 to 4,000,000, Cyanamer polyacrylamides, cross-linked indene-malefic anhydride polymers, Good-Rite polyacrylic acids having molecular weights z of 80,000 to 200,000, Polyox polyethylene oxide polymers having molecular s weights of 100,000 to 5,000,000, starch graft copolymers, and Aqua-Keeps acrylate 4 polymer polysaccharides.
s Delivery capsules in accordance with the present invention for the delivery of s beneficial agents, may be manufactured by a variety of techniques, many of which are known in the art.
s In one such embodiment of this invention, the beneficial agents contained in s ~ the second chamber are flowable compositions such as liquids, suspension, or ~o slurries, and are poured into the capsule after the osmotic agent and the piston have » been inserted. Alternatively, such flowable compositions may be injected with a needle through a slit in the plug, which allows for filling without air bubbles. Still 13 further alternatives may include any of the wide variety of techniques known in the ~a art for forming capsules used in the pharmaceutical industry.
15 Animals to whom drugs may be administered using systems of this invention ~s include humans and other animals. The invention is of particular interest for ~~ application to humans and household, sport, and farm animals, particularly ~s mammals. For the administration of beneficial agents to animals, the devices of the ~s present invention may be implanted subcutaneously or intraperitoneally or at any zo other location in a biological environment where aqueous body fluids are available 2~ to activate the osmotic engine.
z2 The devices of this invention are also useful in environments outside of is physiological or aqueous environments. For example, the devices may be used in z4 intravenous systems (attached to an IV pump or bag or to an IV bottle, for example) zs for delivering beneficial agents to animals, primarily to humans. They may also be is utilized in blood oxygenators, kidney dialysis and electrophoresis, for example.
Additionally, devices of the present invention may be used in the biotechnology is area, such as to deliver nutrients or growth regulating compounds to cell cultures.
is The present invention applies to the administration of beneficial agents in so general, which include any physiologically or pharmacologically active substance.
s~ The beneficial agent may be any of the agents which are known to be delivered to the body of a human or an animal such as drug agents, medicaments, vitamins, z nutrients, or the like. The beneficial agent may also be an agent which is delivered s to other types of aqueous environments such as pools, tanks, reservoirs, and the a like. Included among the types of agents which meet this description are biocides, s sterilization agents, nutrients, vitamins, food supplements, sex sterilants, fertility s inhibitors and fertility promoters.
Drug agents which may be delivered by the present invention include drugs a which act on the peripheral nerves, adrenergic receptors, cholinergic receptors, the s skeletal muscles, the cardiovascular system, smooth muscles, the blood circulatory ~o system, synoptic sites, neuroeffector functional sites, endocrine and hormone systems, the immunological system, the reproductive system, the skeletal system, ~z autacoid systems, the alimentary and excretory systems, the histamine system and ~ s the central nervous system. Suitable agents may be selected from, for example, ~a proteins, enzymes, hormones, polynucleotides, nucleoproteins, polysaccharides, 15 glycoproteins, lipoproteins, polypeptides, steroids, analgesics, local anesthetics, ~s antibiotic agents, anti-inflammatory corticosteroids, ocular drugs and synthetic » analogs of these species.
~a Examples of drugs which may be delivered by devices according to this ~s invention include, but are not limited to prochlorperzine edisylate, ferrous sulfate, zo aminocaproic acid, mecamylamine hydrochloride, procainamide hydrochloride, z~ amphetamine sulfate, methamphetamine hydrochloride, benzamphetamine zz hydrochloride, isoproterenol sulfate, phenmetrazine hydrochloride, bethanechol zs chloride, methacholine chloride, pilocarpine hydrochloride, atropine sulfate, 24 scopolamine bromide, isopropamide iodide, tridihexethyl chloride, phenformin 2s hydrochloride, methylphenidate hydrochloride, theophylline cholinate, cephalexin zs hydrochloride, diphenidol, meclizine hydrochloride, prochlorperazine maleate, z~ phenoxybenzamine, thiethylperzine maleate, anisindone, diphenadione erythrityl za tetranitrate, digoxin, isoflurophate, acetazolamide, methazolamide, zs bendroflumethiazide, chloropromaide, tolazamide, chlormadinone acetate, so phenaglycodol, allopurinol, aluminum aspirin, methotrexate, acetyl sulflsoxazole, s~ erythromycin, hydrocortisone, hydrocorticosterone acetate, cortisone acetate, dexamethasone and its derivatives such as betamethasone, triamcinolone, z methyltestosterone, 17-S-estradiol, ethinyl estradiol, ethinyl estradiol 3-methyl s ether, prednisolone, 17a-hydroxyprogesterone acetate, 19-nor-progesterone, a norgestrel, norethindrone, norethisterone, norethiederone, progesterone, s norgesterone, norethynodrel, aspirin, indomethacin, naproxen, fenoprofen, sulindac, s indoprofen, nitroglycerin, isosorbide dinitrate, propranolol, timolol, atenolol, alprenolol, cimetidine, clonidine, imipramine, levodopa, chlorpromazine, s methyldopa, dihydroxyphenylalanine, theophylline, calcium gluconate, ketoprofen, s ibuprofen, cephalexin, erythromycin, haloperidol, zomepirac, ferrous lactate, ~o vincamine, diazepam, phenoxybenzamine, diltiazem, milrinone, capropril, mandol, quanbenz, hydrochlorothiazide, ranitidine, flurbiprofen, fenufen, fluprofen, ~2 tolmetin, alclofenac, mefenamic, flufenamic, difuinal, nimodipine, nitrendipine, ~s nisoldipine, nicardipine, felodipine, lidoflazine, tiapamil, gallopamil, amlodipine, ~a mioflazine, lisinolpril, enalapril, enalaprilat, captopril, ramipril, famotidine, ~ s nizatidine, sucralfate, etintidine, tetratolol, minoxidil, chlordiazepoxide, diazepam, ~s amitriptyline, and imipramine. Further examples are proteins and peptides which ~ ~ include, but are not limited to, insulin, colchicine, glucagon, thyroid stimulating is hormone, parathyroid and pituitary hormones, calcitonin, renin, prolactin, ~s corticotrophin, thyrotropic hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, chorionic Zo gonadotropin, gonadotropin releasing hormone, bovine somatotropin, porcine 2~ somatotropin, oxytocin, vasopressin, GRF, prolactin, somatostatin, lypressin, 22 pancreozymin, luteinizing hormone, LHRH, LHRH agonists and antagonists, is leuprolide, interferons, interleukins, growth hormones such as human growth 2a hormone, bovine growth hormone and porcine growth hormone, fertility inhibitors z5 such as the prostaglandins, fertility promoters, growth factors, coagultion factors, is human pancreas hormone releasing factor, analogs and derivatives of these 2~ compounds, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts of these compounds, or their 2s analogs or derivatives.
29 The beneficial agent can be present in this invention in a wide variety of so chemical and physical forms, such as solids, liquids and slurries. On the molecular s~ level, the various forms may include uncharged molecules, molecular complexes, and pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition and base addition salts such as z hydrochlorides, hydrobromides, sulfate, laurylate, oleate, and salicylate.
For acidic 3 compounds, salts of metals, amines or organic cations may be used.
Derivatives a such as esters, ethers and amides can also be used. An active agent can be used s alone or mixed with other active agents.
s According to other embodiments of the present invention, the delivery device may take different forms. For example, the piston may be replaced with a flexible s member such as a diaphragm, partition, pad, flat sheet, spheroid, or rigid metal s alloy, and may be made of any number of inert materials. Furthermore, the osmotic ~ o device may function without the piston, having simply an interface between the osmotic agent/fluid additive and the beneficial agent.
The above-described exemplary embodiments are intended to be illustrative ~ s in all respects, rather than restrictive, of the present invention. Thus the present ~a invention is capable of many variations in detailed implementation that can be 15 derived from the description contained herein by a person skilled in the art. All ~s such variations and modifications are considered to be within the scope and spirit of the present invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims (12)

Claims:

1. A delivery device comprising:
a capsule having an opening, said capsule containing a beneficial agent and an osmotic agent;
at least a portion of the capsule being permeable to fluid from an external environment to allow the fluid to pass into the capsule by osmosis to create an osmotic pressure in the capsule;
means for applying the osmotic pressure to the beneficial agent; and a flexible plug at least partially located in said opening of said capsule, at least a portion of said flexible plug located in said opening being in a state of compression through application of a compressive force, said flexible plug having therein at least one slit orifice which is in fluid communication with the capsule, the slit orifice being closed when a pressure of the beneficial agent is less than a predetermined pressure, said slit orifice having a portion not subjected to said compressive force.

2. The delivery device of Claim 1, wherein the capsule applies said compressive force to said portion of said flexible plug to produce said state of compression.

3. The delivery device of Claim 1, wherein the flexible plug includes an outer portion which extends outside of said opening, said outer portion having at least a portion of said slit orifice.

4. The delivery device of Claim 1, further comprising a tubular member at least partially located in said capsule, said tubular member applying said compressive force to said portion of said flexible plug to produce said state of compression.

5. The delivery device of Claim 1, wherein the slit orifice is located external of said capsule.

6. The delivery device of Claim 1, wherein the slit orifice is located within said capsule.

7. The delivery device of Claim 1, wherein the flexible plug includes an opening that received a tube, the tube forcing the plug outward in a radial direction.

8. The delivery device of Claim 1, wherein the portion of the capsule being permeable to fluid includes a membrane.

9. The delivery device of Claim 1, wherein said portion of said flexible plug at least partially located in said opening includes a recess, said recess having a wall which is at an acute angle with respect to a direction of flow of the beneficial agent such that the flow of the beneficial agent exerts an outward radial force on the flexible member.

10. The delivery device of claim 9, wherein the wall of the recess is in the form of a cone with the slit orifice intersecting the apex of the cone.

11. The delivery device of Claim 1, wherein the flexible plug includes a plurality of slit orifices.

12. A delivery device comprising:
a capsule containing a beneficial agent and an osmotic agent;
a portion of the capsule being permeable to fluid from an external environment to allow the fluid to pass into the capsule by osmosis to create an osmotic pressure in the capsule;
means for applying the osmotic pressure to the beneficial agent; and a flexible member located at least partially in said capsule and having therein at least one slit orifice, said slit orifice being located at least partially external of said capsule.