A Subcutaneous Patch Controls Medication Delivery

An inexpensive patch-sized miniature infusion pump promises to be able to inject both basal rates and user-initiated boluses of medications.

The PatchPump subcutaneous medication delivery button provides the convenience and simplicity of a transdermal patch, combined with the features of an infusion pump. This provides a vehicle for pharma companies to re-package existing drugs within an enhanced delivery system, extending patent protection while providing an enhanced product to their customers. The PatchPump enables the delivery of basal and bolus combinations in a choice of drug volumes ranging between 0.5 and 5 cc. Typical operation time for the patch runs between 48 hours and one week. Dispersion methods include subcutaneous, intravenous (IV) and microneedle delivery, and a soft cannula insertion mechanism is integrated into the device. The electronic controller allows varying levels of sophistication, from simple and disposable to reusable, according to the desired pharmacological profile.

The PatchPump incorporates ECell technology, which merges the two major components of disposable pumps --the power source and the motor--into one simple miniature part, enabling the fabrication of very flat and simple devices. The ECell works like a solid-state battery cell that gradually expands in a stable manner under electronic control. This cell exerts pressure against an internal drug reservoir in the device, providing controlled drug release. The PatchPump is a product of SteadyMed (Tel Aviv, Israel).


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