AEROSOL DELIVERY SYSTEM AND USES THEREOF
A device, method, and system for producing a condensation aerosol are disclosed. The device includes a chamber having an upstream opening and a downstream opening which allow gas to flow through the chamber, and a heat-conductive substrate located at a position between the upstream and downstream openings. Formed on the substrate is a drug composition film containing a therapeutically effective dose of a drug when the drug is administered in aerosol form. A heat source in the device is operable to supply heat to the substrate to produce a substrate temperature greater than 300 oC, and to substantially volatilize the drug composition film from the substrate in a period of 2 seconds or less. The device produces an aerosol containing less than about 10% by weight drug composition degradation products and at least 50% of the drug composition of said film.
1 - 28 . (canceled)
29 . A method for treating a disorder of the central nervous system comprising administering to the respiratory tract of a patient in need of treatment benzodiazepine for treating said disorder, wherein the benzodiazepine is administered in a dose that is at least about two times less than that required by oral administration and wherein delivery is to the pulmonary system.
30 . The method of claim 29 wherein delivery is to the alveoli region of the pulmonary system.
31 . The method of claim 29 wherein administering is for rescue therapy.
32 . The method of claim 29 wherein the benzodiazepine is present in dry powder particles.
33 . The method of claim 32 wherein the benzodiazepine is present in the dry powder particles in an amount of at least 20 weight percent.
34 . The method of claim 32 wherein the benzodiazepine is present in the dry powder particles in an amount of at least 40 weight percent.
35 . The method of claim 32 wherein the benzodiazepine is present in the dry powder particles in an amount of at least 50 weight percent.
36 . The method of claim 32 wherein the particles have a tap density of less than about 0.4 g/cm.sup.3.
37 . The method of claim 32 wherein the particles have a mass median aerodynamic diameter of less than about 5 microns.
38 . The method of claim 32 wherein the particles have a mass median geometric diameter greater than about 5 microns.
39 . The method of claim 32 wherein the particles have a mass median aerodynamic diameter of less than about 3 microns.
40 . The method of claim 32 wherein the particles include a phospholipid.
41 . The method of claim 32 wherein the particles include citrate and a multivalent salt.
42 . The method of claim 32 wherein the particles include an amino acid.
43 . The method of claim 42 wherein the amino acid is leucine.
44 . The method of claim 32 wherein the particles are administered via a dry powder inhaler.
45 . The method of any one of claims 29 - 44 , wherein the benzodiazepine is alprazolam.