Topical patch preparation containing a delayed-type hypersensitivity inducer and methods for using the same

Abstract

Topical patch preparations that contain a delayed-type hypersensitivity inducer, e.g., 1-dichloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (DNCB), and methods for using the same are provided. The subject topical patch preparations are made up of an adhesive gel composition that is present on a support, where the adhesive gel composition includes the delayed-type hypersensitivity inducer, a water-soluble polymer gel, water and a water holding agent. In using the subject topical patch preparations, the topical patch preparations are applied to a skin surface of a subject and maintained at the site of application for a period of time sufficient for an effective amount of the delayed-type hypersensitivity inducer to be administered to the subject, where this maintenance period typically does not exceed about 60 minutes. The subject invention finds use in a variety of applications where the administration of a delayed-type hypersensitivity inducer is desired, and is particularly suited for use in the treatment of HIV associated disease conditions, e.g., AIDS.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method of delivering a delayed-type hypersensitivity inducer to a subject, said method comprising: 
 (a) applying a topical patch preparation comprising: 
 (i) an adhesive gel composition comprising said delayed-type hypersensitivity inducer; and  
 (b) a support; to a skin surface of said subject; and  
   (b) maintaining said topical patch preparation on said skin surface for a period of time sufficient for said delayed-type hypersensitivity inducer to be delivered to said subject.    
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said delayed-type hypersensitivity inducer is DNCB.  
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 2 , wherein said DNCB is present in said adhesive gel composition in an amount ranging from about 0.01 to 10.0% (w/w).  
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said adhesive gel composition comprises: 
 a water-soluble polymer gel;    water; and    a water retaining agent.    
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 4 , wherein said adhesive gel composition further comprises an organic solvent.  
     
     
         6 . The method according to  claim 5 , wherein said organic solvent is selected from the group consisting of n-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, polyethylene glycol and crotamiton and combinations thereof.  
     
     
         7 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said method is a method of treating an immunocompromising disease.  
     
     
         8 . A method of treating a host suffering from an immunocompromising disease, said method comprising: 
 (a) applying a topical patch preparation comprising: 
 (i) an adhesive gel composition comprising an effective amount of a delayed-type hypersensitivity inducer; and  
 (b) a support; to a skin surface of said subject; and  
   (b) maintaining said topical patch preparation on said skin surface for a period of time sufficient for said effective amount of delayed-type hypersensitivity inducer to be delivered to said subject.    
     
     
         9 . The method according to  claim 8 , wherein said delayed-type hypersensitivity inducer is DNCB.  
     
     
         10 . The method according to  claim 9 , wherein said DNCB is present in said adhesive gel composition in an amount ranging from about 0.01 to 10.0% (w/w).  
     
     
         11 . The method according to  claim 8 , wherein said adhesive gel composition comprises: 
 a water-soluble polymer gel;    water; and    a water retaining agent.    
     
     
         12 . The method according to  claim 11 , wherein said adhesive gel composition further comprises an organic solvent.  
     
     
         13 . The method according to  claim 12 , wherein said organic solvent is selected from the group consisting of n-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, polyethylene glycol and crotamiton and combinations thereof.  
     
     
         14 . The method according to  claim 8 , wherein said immunocompromising disease is an HIV infection.  
     
     
         15 . A method of treating a host suffering from an HIV infection, said method comprising: 
 (a) applying a topical patch preparation comprising: 
 (i) an adhesive gel composition comprising an effective amount of DNCB; and  
 (b) a support; to a skin surface of said subject; and  
   (b) maintaining said topical patch preparation on said skin surface.    
     
     
         16 . The method according to  claim 15 , wherein said DNCB is present in said adhesive gel composition in an amount ranging from about 0.01 to 10.0% (w/w).  
     
     
         17 . The method according to  claim 15 , wherein said adhesive gel composition comprises: 
 a water-soluble polymer gel;    water; and    a water retaining agent.    
     
     
         18 . The method according to  claim 17 , wherein said adhesive gel composition further comprises an organic solvent.  
     
     
         19 . The method according to  claim 18 , wherein said organic solvent is selected from the group consisting of n-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, polyethylene glycol and crotamiton and combinations thereof.