Drug delivery device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for insertion into a human or animal cavity, the device comprising an internally wearable plug comprising a pharmaceutically active composition; an externally wearable anchor element; and a sheath joining the plug to the anchor element such that a wearer's finger can be received in the sheath to assist insertion.

1 . A device for insertion into a human or animal cavity, the device comprising
 an internally wearable plug comprising a pharmaceutically active composition;   an externally wearable anchor element; and   a sheath joining the plug to the anchor element such that a wearer's finger can be received in the sheath to assist insertion   
     
     
         2 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the human cavity is a vaginal cavity or a rectal cavity. 
     
     
         3 . The device according to any preceding claim, wherein the composition is a topically active composition. 
     
     
         4 . The device according to any preceding claim, wherein the composition is a systemically active composition. 
     
     
         5 . The device according to any preceding claim, wherein the composition comprises a pharmaceutically active ingredient selected from an antifungal agent, an antibacterial agent and/or an anti-hemorrhoidal agent. 
     
     
         6 . The device according to any preceding claim, wherein the composition is releasable in the presence of heat and/or fluid. 
     
     
         7 . The device according to any preceding claim, wherein the composition comprises or consists of a solution, a lotion, a cream, an emulsion, a suspension, an ointment, a paste, a gel, a powder and/or a foam. 
     
     
         8 . The device according to any preceding claim, wherein the plug comprises an absorbent material. 
     
     
         9 . The device according to any preceding claim, wherein the plug is saturated with the pharmaceutically active composition. 
     
     
         10 . The device according to any preceding claim, wherein the plug comprises a heat labile membrane. 
     
     
         11 . The device according to any preceding claim, wherein the plug comprises a liquid labile membrane. 
     
     
         12 . The device according to  claim 10  or  11 , wherein the membrane comprises the pharmaceutically active composition. 
     
     
         13 . The device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device further comprises a plug cover. 
     
     
         14 . The device according to  claim 9 , wherein the plug cover is removable before insertion of the plug into the cavity. 
     
     
         15 . The device according to any preceding claim, wherein the anchor element is an externally wearable absorbent pad. 
     
     
         16 . The device according to any preceding claim, wherein the anchor element comprises an absorbent layer. 
     
     
         17 . The device according to any preceding claim, wherein the anchor element comprises a liquid impermeable layer. 
     
     
         18 . The device according to any preceding claim, wherein the sheath is flexible. 
     
     
         19 . The device according to  claim 18 , wherein the sheath is expandable only in a radial direction. 
     
     
         20 . The device according to any preceding claim, wherein the sheath comprises an impermeable layer. 
     
     
         21 . The device according to  claim 20 , wherein the impermeable layer is closed where it joins the plug. 
     
     
         22 . The device according to any preceding claim, wherein the sheath comprises an absorbent layer. 
     
     
         23 . The device according to any one of  claims 20  to  22 , wherein the impermeable layer is closed where it joins the plug. 
     
     
         24 . The device according to any preceding claim, wherein the sheath comprises an internal impermeable layer and an external absorbent layer. 
     
     
         25 . The device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device further comprises a cord attached to the plug to assist removal of the plug from the cavity. 
     
     
         26 . A device for insertion into a human or animal cavity substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
     
     
         27 . A method of using a device according to any one of  claims 1  to  26 , the method comprising the step of inserting a finger into the sheath and pushing the plug into the cavity. 
     
     
         28 . A method for the delivery of a pharmaceutically active composition into a human or animal cavity, the method comprising the use of a device according to any one of  claims 1  to  26 . 
     
     
         29 . A method for the treatment of a vaginal or rectal condition, the method comprising the use of a device according to any one of  claims 1  to  26 . 
     
     
         30 . A method for manufacturing a device according to any one of  claims 1  to  26 , the method comprising the step of joining an internally wearable plug comprising a pharmaceutically active composition to an externally wearable anchor by a sheath.