US10207066 — Aerosolization apparatus with capsule puncture alignment guide
Method of Use · Assigned to BGP Products Operations GmbH · Expires 2030-11-04 · 4y remaining
What this patent protects
This patent protects an aerosolization apparatus that helps puncture and open capsules containing pharmaceutical formulations, such as Tobi, for inhalation.
USPTO Abstract
An aerosolization apparatus comprises a housing defining a chamber having one or more air inlets. The chamber is sized to receive a capsule which contains an aerosolizable pharmaceutical formulation. The aerosolization apparatus further comprises a puncturing mechanism within the housing. The puncturing mechanism comprises an alignment guide and a puncture member, wherein the alignment guide comprises a surface adapted to contact the capsule while the puncture member is advanced into the capsule to create an opening in the capsule. At least a portion of the surface is sloped relative to the longitudinal axis of the capsule. Alternatively or additionally, the surface may comprise one or more protrusions. An end section is associated with the housing. The end section is sized and shaped to be received in a user's mouth or nose so that the user may inhale through the end section to inhale aerosolized pharmaceutical formulation that has exited the capsule through the opening created in the capsule. The alignment guide allows for more consistent puncturing of the capsule and a longer lifetime of the apparatus.
Drugs covered by this patent
- Tobi (tobramycin) · Novartis
FDA Patent Use Codes
When a patent is method-of-use, FDA lists it once per applicable indication ("U-code"). Each U-code carves out a specific therapeutic use that generic filers must either license or design around.
| Code | Description | Drug |
|---|---|---|
U-909 |
— | Tobi |
Bibliographic data sourced from FDA Orange Book + USPTO public records. Plain-English summary generated by AI grounded in source text. Patent term extensions (PTR, SPC, pediatric) may shift the effective expiry. Not legal advice.
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