Patents by Inventor Martin J. Wensley

Martin J. Wensley has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20140060532
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the inhalation delivery of aerosols containing small particles. Specifically, it relates to a device that forms drug containing aerosols for use in inhalation therapy. In a device aspect of the present invention, a device for delivering drug containing aerosols for inhalation therapy is provided. The device includes a housing and an airway that has a gas/vapor mixing airway. The airway further includes a subassembly, which has a metallic substrate coated on its surface with a composition comprising a drug.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: Alexza Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig C. Hodges, Peter M. Lloyd, Daniel Mufson, Daniel D. Rogers, Martin J. Wensley
  • Publication number: 20140066618
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the inhalation delivery of aerosols containing small particles. Specifically, it relates to a method of forming an aerosol for use in inhalation therapy. The method involves: (a) heating a substrate coated with a composition comprising a drug to form a vapor, wherein the coated composition is in the form of a film less than 10 ?thick; and, (b) allowing the vapor to cool, thereby forming an aerosol, which is used in inhalation therapy. In another aspect, a method of forming an aerosol for use in inhalation therapy is provided, wherein the method comprises: (a) heating a substrate coated with a composition comprising a drug to form a vapor in less than 100 milliseconds, wherein the vapor has a mass greater than 0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventors: Ron L. Hale, Craig C. Hodges, Peter M. Lloyd, Daniel Mufson, Daniel D. Rogers, Soonho Song, Martin J. Wensley, Daniel J. Myers, Jeffrey A. McKinney, Reynaldo J. Quintana, Joshua D. Rabinowitz
  • Publication number: 20140060525
    Abstract: The present invention provides novel condensation aerosols for the treatment of disease and/or intermittent or acute conditions. These condensation aerosols have little or no pyrolysis degradation products and are characterized by having an MMAD of between 1-3 microns. These aerosols are made by rapidly heating a substrate coated with a thin film of drug having a thickness of between 0.05 and 20 ?m, while passing a gas over the film, to form particles of a desirable particle size for inhalation. Kits comprising a drug and a device for producing a condensation aerosol are also provided. The device contained in the kit typically, has an element for heating the drug which is coated as a film on the substrate and contains a therapeutically effective dose of a drug when the drug is administered in aerosol form, and an element allowing the vapor to cool to form an aerosol. Also disclosed, are methods for using these aerosols and kits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: Alexza Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Ron L. Hale, Craig C. Hodges, Peter M. Lloyd, Amy T. Lu, Daniel J. Myers, Joshua D. Rabinowitz, Martin J. Wensley, Jeffrey A. McKinney, Alejandro C. Zaffaroni
  • Publication number: 20130276779
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the inhalation delivery of aerosols containing small particles. Specifically, it relates to a method of forming an aerosol for use in inhalation therapy. The method involves: (a) heating a substrate coated with a composition comprising a drug to form a vapor, wherein the coated composition is in the form of a film less than 10? thick; and, (b) allowing the vapor to cool, thereby forming an aerosol, which is used in inhalation therapy. In another aspect, a method of forming an aerosol for use in inhalation therapy is provided, wherein the method comprises: (a) heating a substrate coated with a composition comprising a drug to form a vapor in less than 100 milliseconds, wherein the vapor has a mass greater than 0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventors: Ron L. Hale, Craig C. Hodges, Peter M. Lloyd, Daniel Mufson, Daniel D. Rogers, Soonho Song, Martin J. Wensley, Daniel J. Myers, Jeffrey A. McKinney, Reynaldo J. Quintana, Joshua D. Rabinowitz
  • Patent number: 8506935
    Abstract: Described herein are respiratory drug condensation aerosols and methods of making and using them. Kits for delivering condensation aerosols are also described. The respiratory drug aerosols typically comprise respiratory drug condensation aerosol particles. In some variations the respiratory drug compound is selected from the group consisting of ?-adrenergics, methylxanthines, anticholinergics, corticosteroids, mediator-release inhibitors, anti-leukotriene drugs, asthma inhibitors, asthma antagonists, anti-endothelin drugs, prostacyclin drugs, ion channel or pump inhibitors, enhancers, or modulators and pharmaceutically acceptable analogs, derivatives, and mixtures thereof. Methods of treating a respiratory ailment using the described aerosols are also described. In general, the methods typically comprise the step of administering a therapeutically effective amount of respiratory drug condensation aerosol to a person with a respiratory ailment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Alexza Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Ron L. Hale, Peter M. Lloyd, Amy T. Lu, Joshua D. Rabinowitz, Martin J. Wensley
  • Publication number: 20130032139
    Abstract: The present invention provides novel condensation aerosols for the treatment of disease and/or intermittent or acute conditions. These condensation aerosols have little or no pyrolysis degradation products and are characterized by having an MMAD of between 1-3 microns. These aerosols are made by rapidly heating a substrate coated with a thin film of drug having a thickness of between 0.05 and 20 ?m, while passing a gas over the film, to form particles of a desirable particle size for inhalation. Kits comprising a drug and a device for producing a condensation aerosol are also provided, wherein the device, has an element for heating the drug which is coated as a film on the substrate and contains a therapeutically effective dose of a drug when the drug is administered in aerosol form, and an element allowing the vapor to cool to form an aerosol. Methods for use are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicant: ALEXZA PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
    Inventors: Ron L. Hale, Craig C. Hodges, Peter M. Lloyd, Amy T. Lu, Daniel J. Myers, Joshua D. Rabinowitz, Martin J. Wensley, Jeffrey A. McKinney, Alejandro C. Zaffaroni
  • Patent number: 8333197
    Abstract: Devices and methods of entraining a substance within an airflow are disclosed. Condensation aerosol delivery devices and methods of consistently producing multiple doses of a substance, such as a drug, having high purity, high yield, characterized by a particle size distribution appropriate for pulmonary delivery, and which can be administered to a user in a single dose are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Alexza Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen D. Cross, Mathieu Herbette, Andrew J. G. Kelly, Daniel J. Myers, William W. Shen, Ryan D. Timmons, Curtis Tom, Justin M. Virgili, Martin J. Wensley
  • Patent number: 8235037
    Abstract: The present invention provides novel condensation aerosols for the treatment of disease and/or intermittent or acute conditions. These condensation aerosols have little or no pyrolysis degradation products and are characterized by having an MMAD of between 1-3 microns. These aerosols are made by rapidly heating a substrate coated with a thin film of drug having a thickness of between 0.05 and 20 ?m, while passing a gas over the film, to form particles of a desirable particle size for inhalation. Kits comprising a drug and a device for producing a condensation aerosol are also provided. The device contained in the kit typically, has an element for heating the drug which is coated as a film on the substrate and contains a therapeutically effective dose of a drug when the drug is administered in aerosol form, and an element allowing the vapor to cool to form an aerosol. Also disclosed, are methods for using these aerosols and kits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Alexza Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Ron L. Hale, Craig C. Hodges, Peter M. Lloyd, Amy T. Lu, Daniel J. Myers, Joshua D. Rabinowitz, Martin J. Wensley, Jeffrey A. McKinney, Alejandro C. Zaffaroni
  • Patent number: 8074644
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the inhalation delivery of aerosols containing small particles. Specifically, it relates to a method of forming an aerosol for use in inhalation therapy. In a method aspect of the present invention, a method of forming an aerosol for use in inhalation therapy is provided. The method involves the following steps: (a) heating a substrate coated with a composition comprising a drug at a rate greater than 1000° C./s, thereby forming an vapor; and, (b) allowing the vapor to cool, thereby forming an aerosol, which is used in inhalation therapy. In another method aspect of the present invention, a method of forming an aerosol for use in inhalation therapy is provided. The method involves the following steps: (a) heating a substrate coated with a composition comprising a drug to form a vapor, wherein the coated composition is in the form of a film less than 10? thick; and, (b) allowing the vapor to cool, thereby forming an aerosol, which is used in inhalation therapy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Alexza Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Ron L. Hale, Craig C. Hodges, Peter M. Lloyd, Daniel Mufson, Daniel D. Rogers, Soonho Song, Martin J. Wensley, Daniel J. Myers, Jeffrey A. McKinney, Reynaldo J. Quintana, Joshua D. Rabinowitz
  • Publication number: 20110244020
    Abstract: The present invention provides novel condensation aerosols for the treatment of disease and/or intermittent or acute conditions. These condensation aerosols have little or no pyrolysis degradation products and are characterized by having an MMAD of between 1-3 microns. These aerosols are made by rapidly heating a substrate coated with a thin film of drug having a thickness of between 0.05 and 20 ?m, while passing a gas over the film, to form particles of a desirable particle size for inhalation. Kits comprising a drug and a device for producing a condensation aerosol are also provided. The device contained in the kit typically, has an element for heating the drug which is coated as a film on the substrate and contains a therapeutically effective dose of a drug when the drug is administered in aerosol form, and an element allowing the vapor to cool to form an aerosol. Also disclosed, are methods for using these aerosols and kits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: Alexza Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Ron L. HALE, Craig C. Hodges, Peter M. Lloyd, Amy T. Lu, Daniel J. Myers, Joshua D. Rabinowitz, Martin J. Wensley, Jeffrey A. McKinney, Alejandro C. Zaffaroni
  • Publication number: 20110240022
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the inhalation delivery of aerosols containing small particles. Specifically, it relates to a device that forms drug containing aerosols for use in inhalation therapy. In a device aspect of the present invention, a device for delivering drug containing aerosols for inhalation therapy is provided. The device includes a housing and an airway that has a gas/vapor mixing airway. The airway further includes a subassembly, which has a metallic substrate coated on its surface with a composition comprising a drug.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: ALEXZA PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
    Inventors: Craig C. Hodges, Peter M. Lloyd, Daniel Mufson, Daniel D. Rogers, Martin J. Wensley
  • Publication number: 20110240013
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the inhalation delivery of aerosols containing small particles. Specifically, it relates to a method of forming an aerosol for use in inhalation therapy. In a method aspect of the present invention, a method of forming an aerosol for use in inhalation therapy is provided. The method involves the following steps: (a) heating a substrate coated with a composition comprising a drug at a rate greater than 1000° C./s, thereby forming a vapor; and, (b) allowing the vapor to cool, thereby forming an aerosol, which is used in inhalation therapy. In another method aspect of the present invention, a method of forming an aerosol for use in inhalation therapy is provided. The method involves the following steps: (a) heating a substrate coated with a composition comprising a drug to form a vapor, wherein the coated composition is in the form of a film less than 10? thick; and, (b) allowing the vapor to cool, thereby forming an aerosol, which is used in inhalation therapy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: ALEXZA PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
    Inventors: Ron L. Hale, Craig C. Hodges, Peter M. Lloyd, Daniel Mufson, Daniel D. Rogers, Soonho Song, Martin J. Wensley, Daniel J. Myers, Jeffrey A. McKinney, Reynaldo J. Quintana, Joshua D. Rabinowitz
  • Publication number: 20110233043
    Abstract: Devices and methods of entraining a substance within an airflow are disclosed. Condensation aerosol delivery devices and methods of consistently producing multiple doses of a substance, such as a drug, having high purity, high yield, characterized by a particle size distribution appropriate for pulmonary delivery, and which can be administered to a user in a single dose are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: ALEXZA PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
    Inventors: Steven D. Cross, Matthieu Herbette, Andrew J.G. Kelly, Daniel J. Myers, William W. Shen, Ryan D. Timmons, Curtis Tom, Justin M. Virgili, Martin J. Wensley
  • Patent number: 7942147
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the inhalation delivery of aerosols containing small particles. Specifically, it relates to a device that forms drug containing aerosols for use in inhalation therapy. In a device aspect of the present invention, a device for delivering drug containing aerosols for inhalation therapy is provided. The device includes a housing and an airway that has a gas/vapor mixing airway. The airway further includes a subassembly, which has a metallic substrate coated on its surface with a composition comprising a drug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Alexza Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig C. Hodges, Peter M. Lloyd, Daniel Mufson, Daniel D. Rogers, Martin J. Wensley
  • Patent number: 7913688
    Abstract: A device for delivering a drug by inhalation is disclosed. The device includes a body defining an interior flow-through chamber having upstream and downstream chamber openings, and a drug supply unit contained within the chamber for producing, upon actuation, a heated drug vapor in a condensation region of the chamber. Gas drawn through the chamber region at a selected gas-flow rate is effective to form drug condensation particles from the drug vapor having a selected MMAD between 0.02 and 0.1 MMAD or between 1 and 3.5 ?m. A gas-flow control valve disposed upstream of the unit functions to limit gas-flow rate through the condensation region to the selected gas-flow rate. An actuation switch in the device activates the drug-supply unit, such that the drug-supply unit can be controlled to produce vapor when the gas-flow rate through the chamber is at the selected flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Alexza Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Cross, Craig C. Hodges, Ron L. Hale, Peter M. Lloyd, Daniel J. Myers, Reynaldo J. Quintana, Joshua D. Rabinowitz, Curtis Tom, Martin J. Wensley
  • Publication number: 20100294268
    Abstract: A method and device are provided to generate an aerosol having a desired particle sizes, i.e., from molecular to about 10 microns, which can be used to effectively deliver a physiologically active compound to organs and tissues such as the lung, eye, mucosa and skin. The aerosol is formed through vaporization of the compound while mixing the resulting vapor with a gas, in a ratio, to form the desired particle size when a stable concentration of particles in the gas is reached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: ALEXZA PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
    Inventors: Martin J. WENSLEY, Daniel MUFSON, Craig C. HODGES, Peter M. LLOYD, Daniel D. ROGERS
  • Patent number: 7766013
    Abstract: A method and device are provided to generate an aerosol having a desired particle sizes, i.e., from molecular to about 10 microns, which can be used to effectively deliver a physiologically active compound to organs and tissues such as the lung, eye, mucosa and skin. The aerosol is formed through vaporization of the compound while mixing the resulting vapor with a gas, in a ratio, to form the desired particle size when a stable concentration of particles in the gas is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Alexza Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin J. Wensley, Daniel Mufson, Craig C. Hodges, Peter M. Lloyd, Daniel D. Rogers
  • Patent number: 7645442
    Abstract: 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° C., 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Alexza Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Ron L. Hale, Peter M. Lloyd, Amy Lu, Daniel J. Myers, Reynaldo J. Quintana, Joshua D. Rabinowitz, Dennis W. Solas, Soonho Song, Curtis Tom, Martin J. Wensley
  • Publication number: 20090258075
    Abstract: Described herein are respiratory drug condensation aerosols and methods of making and using them. Kits for delivering condensation aerosols are also described. The respiratory drug aerosols typically comprise respiratory drug condensation aerosol particles. In some variations the respiratory drug compound is selected from the group consisting of ?-adrenergics, methylxanthines, anticholinergics, corticosteroids, mediator-release inhibitors, anti-leukotriene drugs, asthma inhibitors, asthma antagonists, anti-endothelin drugs, prostacyclin drugs, ion channel or pump inhibitors, enhancers, or modulators and pharmaceutically acceptable analogs, derivatives, and mixtures thereof. Methods of treating a respiratory ailment using the described aerosols are also described. In general, the methods typically comprise the step of administering a therapeutically effective amount of respiratory drug condensation aerosol to a person with a respiratory ailment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Applicant: ALEXZA PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
    Inventors: Ron L. Hale, Peter M. Lloyd, Amy T. Lu, Joshua D. Rabinowitz, Martin J. Wensley
  • Publication number: 20090235926
    Abstract: Devices and methods of entraining a substance within an airflow are disclosed. Condensation aerosol delivery devices and methods of consistently producing multiple doses of a substance, such as a drug, having high purity, high yield, characterized by a particle size distribution appropriate for pulmonary delivery, and which can be administered to a user in a single dose are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: ALEXZA PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
    Inventors: Steven D. Cross, Matthieu Herbette, Andrew J.G. Kelly, Daniel J. Myers, William W. Shen, Ryan D. Timmons, Curtis Tom, Justin M. Virgili, Martin J. Wensley