Acoustic Pharma-Informatics System
Compositions, systems and methods that allow for the detection of the actual physical delivery of a pharmaceutical agent to a body are provided. Embodiments of the compositions include an acoustic identifier and an active agent. The invention finds use in a variety of different applications, including but not limited to, monitoring of therapeutic regimen compliance, tracking the history of pharmaceutical agents, etc.
1 . A pharmaceutical composition comprising:
(a) a pharmaceutical active agent;
(b) an acoustic identifier that emits an acoustic signal when it contacts a target site; and
(c) a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
2 . The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1 , wherein said acoustic identifier comprises a mechanical device that produces said acoustic signal.
3 . The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 2 , wherein said mechanical device comprises one or more cavities.
4 . The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 2 , wherein said mechanical device comprises one or more microspheres.
5 . The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 2 , wherein said mechanical device comprises a whistle.
6 . The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 2 , wherein mechanical device comprises a wafer having a textured surface and a striker configured to move across said textured surface in a manner sufficient to produce said acoustic signal.
7 . The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 2 , wherein said mechanical device comprises an oscillator.
8 . The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 2 , wherein said physical device comprises a cantilever.
9 . The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 2 , wherein said identifier further comprises an electronic circuit.
10 . The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 2 , wherein said identifier does not comprise an electronic component.
11 . The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 2 , wherein said acoustic pressure signal is an acoustic pressure signature.
12 . The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 11 , wherein said acoustic pressure signature is a unique signature.
13 . The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 11 , wherein said acoustic pressure signature is a coded signal.
14 . The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1 , wherein said identifier is activated upon contact with a target site fluid present at a target site.
15 . The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 14 , wherein target site is a stomach.
16 . The composition according to claim 1 , wherein said composition is an oral formulation.
17 . The composition according to claim 16 , wherein said oral formulation is a solid oral formulation.
18 . A system comprising:
(a) a pharmaceutical composition comprising:
(i) a pharmaceutical active agent;
(ii) an identifier that emits an acoustic signal when it contacts a target site; and
(iii) a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier; and
(b) a receiver for detecting an acoustic signal produced by said identifier.
19 . The system according to claim 18 , wherein said receiver is an in vivo receiver.
20 . The system according claim 18 , wherein said receiver is an ex vivo receiver.
21 . A method comprising:
administering to a subject an effective amount of an active agent for a condition, wherein said active agent is administered as a pharmaceutical composition comprising:
(a) a pharmaceutical active agent;
(b) an acoustic identifier that emits an acoustic signal when it contacts a target site; and
(c) a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
22 . The method according to claim 21 , wherein said condition is a cardiovascular disease condition.
23 . A kit comprising:
two or more pharmaceutical compositions, wherein each of said pharmaceutical compositions comprises:
(i) a pharmaceutical active agent;
(ii) an acoustic identifier that emits an acoustic signal when it contacts a target site; and
(iii) a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.