The present invention relates to the delivery of opioids through an inhalation route. Specifically, it relates to aerosols containing opioids that are used in inhalation therapy. In a method aspect of the present invention, an opioid is delivered to a patient through an inhalation route. The method comprises: a) heating a thin layer of an opioid, on a solid support, to form a vapor; and, b) passing air through the heated vapor to produce aerosol particles having less than 5% opioid degradation products. In a kit aspect of the present invention, a kit for delivering an opioid through an inhalation route is provided which comprises: a) a thin layer of an opioid and b) a device for dispensing said thin layer as a condensation aerosol.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the delivery of opioids through an inhalation route. Specifically, it relates to aerosols containing opioids that are used in inhalation therapy.

In a composition aspect of the present invention, the aerosol comprises particles comprising at least 5 percent by weight of an opioid. Preferably, the particles comprise at least 10 percent by weight of an opioid. More preferably, the particles comprise at least 20 percent, 30 percent, 40 percent, 50 percent, 60 percent, 70 percent, 80 percent, 90 percent, 95 percent, 97 percent, 99 percent, 99.5 percent or 99.97 percent by weight of an opioid.

Typically, the opioid is not morphine or heroin.

Typically, the aerosol has a mass of at least 1 .mu.g. Preferably, the aerosol has a mass of at least 10 .mu.g. More preferably, the aerosol has a mass of at least 20 .mu.g.

Typically, the particles comprise less than 10 percent by weight of opioid degradation products. Preferably, the particles comprise less than 5 percent by weight of opioid degradation products. More preferably, the particles comprise less than 2.5, 1, 0.5, 0.1 or 0.03 percent by weight of opioid degradation products.

Typically, the particles comprise less than 90 percent by weight of water. Preferably, the particles comprise less than 80 percent by weight of water. More preferably, the particles comprise less than 70 percent, 60 percent, 50 percent, 40 percent, 30 percent, 20 percent, 10 percent, or 5 percent by weight of water.

Typically, at least 50 percent by weight of the aerosol is amorphous in form, wherein crystalline forms make up less than 50 percent by weight of the total aerosol weight, regardless of the nature of individual particles. Preferably, at least 75 percent by weight of the aerosol is amorphous in form. More preferably, at least 90 percent by weight of the aerosol is amorphous in form.

Typically, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol particle density greater than 10.sup.6 particles/mL. Preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol particle density greater than 10.sup.7 particles/mL or 10.sup.8 particles/mL.

Typically, the aerosol particles have a mass median aerodynamic diameter of less than 5 microns. Preferably, the particles have a mass median aerodynamic diameter of less than 3 microns. More preferably, the particles have a mass median aerodynamic diameter of less than 2 or 1 micron(s).

Typically, the aerosol is formed by heating a composition containing an opioid to form a vapor and subsequently allowing the vapor to condense into an aerosol.

In another composition aspect of the present invention, the aerosol comprises particles comprising at least 5 percent by weight of morphine, codeine, naltrexone, buprenorphine, fentanyl, nalbuphine, naloxone, butorphanol, hydromorphone, oxycodone, meperidine, methadone, pentazocine, remifentanil, or sufentanil. Preferably, the particles comprise at least 10 percent by weight of morphine, codeine, naltrexone, buprenorphine, fentanyl, nalbuphine, naloxone, butorphanol, hydromorphone, oxycodone, meperidine, methadone, pentazocine, remifentanil, or sufentanil. More preferably, the particles comprise at least 20 percent, 30 percent, 40 percent, 50 percent, 60 percent, 70 percent, 80 percent, 90 percent, 95 percent, 97 percent, 99 percent, 99.5 percent or 99.97 percent by weight of morphine, codeine, naltrexone, buprenorphine, fentanyl, nalbuphine, naloxone, butorphanol, hydromorphone, oxycodone, meperidine, methadone, pentazocine, remifentanil, or sufentanil.

Typically, the aerosol has a mass of at least 1 .mu.g. Preferably, the aerosol has a mass of at least 10 .mu.g. More preferably, the aerosol has a mass of at least 20 .mu.g.

Typically, the particles comprise less than 10 percent by weight of morphine, codeine, naltrexone, buprenorphine, fentanyl, nalbuphine, naloxone, butorphanol, hydromorphone, oxycodone, meperidine, methadone, pentazocine, remifentanil, or sufentanil degradation products. Preferably, the particles comprise less than 5 percent by weight of morphine, codeine, naltrexone, buprenorphine, fentanyl, nalbuphine, naloxone, butorphanol, hydromorphone, oxycodone, meperidine, methadone, pentazocine, remifentanil, or sufentanil degradation products. More preferably, the particles comprise less than 2.5, 1, 0.5, 0.1 or 0.03 percent by weight of morphine, codeine, naltrexone, buprenorphine, fentanyl, nalbuphine, naloxone, butorphanol, hydromorphone, oxycodone, meperidine, methadone, pentazocine, remifentanil, or sufentanil degradation products.

Typically, the particles comprise less than 90 percent by weight of water. Preferably, the particles comprise less than 80 percent by weight of water. More preferably, the particles comprise less than 70 percent, 60 percent, 50 percent, 40 percent, 30 percent, 20 percent, 10 percent, or 5 percent by weight of water.

Typically, at least 50 percent by weight of the aerosol is amorphous in form, wherein crystalline forms make up less than 50 percent by weight of the total aerosol weight, regardless of the nature of individual particles. Preferably, at least 75 percent by weight of the aerosol is amorphous in form. More preferably, at least 90 percent by weight of the aerosol is amorphous in form.

Typically, where the aerosol comprises morphine, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 5 mg/L and 25 mg/L. Preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 7.5 mg/L and 22.5 mg/L. More preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 10 mg/L and 20 mg/L.

Typically, where the aerosol comprises codeine, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 5 mg/L and 25 mg/L. Preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 7.5 mg/L and 22.5 mg/L. More preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 10 mg/L and 20 mg/L.

Typically, where the aerosol comprises naltrexone, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 15 mg/L and 35 mg/L. Preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 17.5 mg/L and 32.5 mg/L. More preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 20 mg/L and 30 mg/L.

Typically, where the aerosol comprises buprenorphine, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 0.1 mg/L and 1 mg/L. Preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 0.15 mg/L and 0.8 mg/L. More preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 0.2 mg/L and 0.6 mg/L.

Typically, where the aerosol comprises fentanyl, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 0.01 mg/L and 0.8 mg/L. Preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 0.02 mg/L and 0.6 mg/L. More preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 0.3 mg/L and 0.4 mg/L.

Typically, where the aerosol comprises nalbuphine, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 1 mg/L and 30 mg/L. Preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 2 mg/L and 27.5 mg/L. More preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 2 mg/L and 25 mg/L.

Typically, where the aerosol comprises naloxone, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 0.05 mg/L and 3.5 mg/L. Preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 0.1 mg/L and 3 mg/L. More preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 0.2 mg/L and 2.5 mg/L.

Typically, where the aerosol comprises butorphanol, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 0.1 mg/L and 3 mg/L. Preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 0.15 mg/L and 2.75 mg/L. More preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 0.2 mg/L and 2.5 mg/L.

Typically, where the aerosol comprises hydromorphone, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 0.1 mg/L and 10 mg/L. Preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 0.2 mg/L and 7.5 mg/L. More preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 0.4 mg/L and 5 mg/L.

Typically, where the aerosol comprises oxycodone, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 0.5 mg/L and 10 mg/L. Preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 0.75 mg/L and 0.8 mg/L. More preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 1 mg/L and 0.6 mg/L.

Typically, where the aerosol comprises meperidine, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 5 mg/L and 100 mg/L. Preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 7.5 mg/L and 80 mg/L. More preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 10 mg/L and 60 mg/L.

Typically, where the aerosol comprises methadone, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 0.25 mg/L and 20 mg/L. Preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 0.5 mg/L and 17.5 mg/L. More preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 0.75 mg/L and 15 mg/L.

Typically, where the aerosol comprises pentazocine, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 3 mg/L and 50 mg/L. Preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 4 mg/L and 45 mg/L. More preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 5 mg/L and 40 mg/L.

Typically, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol particle density greater than 10.sup.6 particles/mL. Preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol particle density greater than 10.sup.7 particles/mL or 10.sup.8 particles/mL.

Typically, the aerosol particles have a mass median aerodynamic diameter of less than 5 microns. Preferably, the particles have a mass median aerodynamic diameter of less than 3 microns. More preferably, the particles have a mass median aerodynamic diameter of less than 2 or 1 micron(s).

In one embodiment, they include particles preferably of a size less than five microns in mass median aerodynamic diameter, e.g. 0.2 to 3 microns in mass median aerodynamic diameter. Aerosols can have a very fine particle size, in the range of 0.2 to 5 microns.

Typically, the aerosol is formed by heating a composition containing morphine, codeine, naltrexone, buprenorphine, fentanyl, nalbuphine, naloxone, butorphanol, hydromorphone, oxycodone, meperidine, methadone, pentazocine, remifentanil, or sufentanil to form a vapor and subsequently allowing the vapor to condense into an aerosol.

In a method aspect of the present invention, an opioid is delivered to a mammal through an inhalation route. The method comprises: a) heating a composition, wherein the composition comprises at least 5 percent by weight of an opioid, to form a vapor; and, b) allowing the vapor to cool, thereby forming a condensation aerosol comprising particles, which is inhaled by the mammal. Preferably, the composition comprises at least 10 percent by weight of an opioid. More preferably, the composition comprises at least 20 percent, 30 percent, 40 percent, 50 percent, 60 percent, 70 percent, 80 percent, 90 percent, 95 percent, 97 percent, 99 percent, 99.5 percent, 99.9 percent or 99.97 percent by weight of an opioid.

Typically, the opioid is not morphine or heroin.

Typically, the particles comprise at least 5 percent by weight of an opioid. Preferably, the particles comprise at least 10 percent by weight of an opioid. More preferably, the particles comprise at least 20 percent, 30 percent, 40 percent, 50 percent, 60 percent, 70 percent, 80 percent, 90 percent, 95 percent, 97 percent, 99 percent, 99.5 percent, 99.9 percent or 99.97 percent by weight of an opioid.

Typically, the aerosol has a mass of at least 1 .mu.g. Preferably, the aerosol has a mass of at least 10 .mu.g. More preferably, the aerosol has a mass of at least 20 .mu.g.

Typically, the particles comprise less than 10 percent by weight of opioid degradation products. Preferably, the particles comprise less than 5 percent by weight of opioid degradation products. More preferably, the particles comprise 2.5, 1, 0.5, 0.1 or 0.03 percent by weight of opioid degradation products.

Typically, the particles comprise less than 90 percent by weight of water. Preferably, the particles comprise less than 80 percent by weight of water. More preferably, the particles comprise less than 70 percent, 60 percent, 50 percent, 40 percent, 30 percent, 20 percent, 10 percent, or 5 percent by weight of water.

Typically, at least 50 percent by weight of the aerosol is amorphous in form, wherein crystalline forms make up less than 50 percent by weight of the total aerosol weight, regardless of the nature of individual particles. Preferably, at least 75 percent by weight of the aerosol is amorphous in form. More preferably, at least 90 percent by weight of the aerosol is amorphous in form.

Typically, the particles of the delivered condensation aerosol have a mass median aerodynamic diameter of less than 5 microns. Preferably, the particles have a mass median aerodynamic diameter of less than 3 microns. More preferably, the particles have a mass median aerodynamic diameter of less than 2 or 1 micron(s).

In one embodiment, they include particles preferably of a size less than five microns in mass median aerodynamic diameter, e.g. 0.2 to 3 microns in mass median aerodynamic diameter. Aerosols can have a very fine particle size, in the range of 0.2 to 5 microns.

Typically, the delivered aerosol has an inhalable aerosol particle density greater than 10.sup.6 particles/mL. Preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol particle density greater than 10.sup.7 particles/mL or 10.sup.8 particles/mL.

Typically, the rate of inhalable aerosol particle formation of the delivered condensation aerosol is greater than 10.sup.8 particles per second. Preferably, the aerosol is formed at a rate greater than 10.sup.9 inhalable particles per second. More preferably, the aerosol is formed at a rate greater than 10.sup.10 inhalable particles per second.

Typically, the delivered condensation aerosol is formed at a rate greater than 0.5 mg/second. Preferably, the aerosol is formed at a rate greater than 0.75 mg/second. More preferably, the aerosol is formed at a rate greater than 1 mg/second, 1.5 mg/second or 2 mg/second.

Typically, the delivered condensation aerosol results in a peak plasma concentration of an opioid in the mammal in less than 1 h. Preferably, the peak plasma concentration is reached in less than 0.5 h. More preferably, the peak plasma concentration is reached in less than 0.2, 0.1, 0.05, 0.02, 0.01, or 0.005 h (arterial measurement).

In another method aspect of the present invention, one of morphine, codeine, naltrexone, buprenorphine, fentanyl, nalbuphine, naloxone, butorphanol, hydromorphone, oxycodone, meperidine, methadone, pentazocine, remifentanil, or sufentanil is delivered to a mammal through an inhalation route. The method comprises: a) heating a composition, wherein the composition comprises at least 5 percent by weight of morphine, codeine, naltrexone, buprenorphine, fentanyl, nalbuphine, naloxone, butorphanol, hydromorphone, oxycodone, meperidine, methadone, pentazocine, remifentanil, or sufentanil, to form a vapor; and, b) allowing the vapor to cool, thereby forming a condensation aerosol comprising particles, which is inhaled by the mammal. Preferably, the composition comprises at least 10 percent by weight of morphine, codeine, naltrexone, buprenorphine, fentanyl, nalbuphine, naloxone, butorphanol, hydromorphone, oxycodone, meperidine, methadone, pentazocine, remifentanil, or sufentanil. More preferably, the composition comprises at least 20 percent, 30 percent, 40 percent, 50 percent, 60 percent, 70 percent, 80 percent, 90 percent, 95 percent, 97 percent, 99 percent, 99.5 percent, 99.9 percent or 99.97 percent by weight of morphine, codeine, naltrexone, buprenorphine, fentanyl, nalbuphine, naloxone, butorphanol, hydromorphone, oxycodone, meperidine, methadone, pentazocine, remifentanil, or sufentanil.

Typically, the particles comprise at least 5 percent by weight of morphine, codeine, naltrexone, buprenorphine, fentanyl, nalbuphine, naloxone, butorphanol, hydromorphone, oxycodone, meperidine, methadone, pentazocine, remifentanil, or sufentanil. Preferably, the particles comprise at least 10 percent by weight of morphine, codeine, naltrexone, buprenorphine, fentanyl, nalbuphine, naloxone, butorphanol, hydromorphone, oxycodone, meperidine, methadone, pentazocine, remifentanil, or sufentanil. More preferably, the particles comprise at least 20 percent, 30 percent, 40 percent, 50 percent, 60 percent, 70 percent, 80 percent, 90 percent, 95 percent, 97 percent, 99 percent, 99.5 percent, 99.9 percent or 99.97 percent by weight of morphine, codeine, naltrexone, buprenorphine, fentanyl, nalbuphine, naloxone, butorphanol, hydromorphone, oxycodone, meperidine, methadone, pentazocine, remifentanil, or sufentanil.

Typically, the aerosol has a mass of at least 1 .mu.g. Preferably, the aerosol has a mass of at least 10 .mu.g. More preferably, the aerosol has a mass of at least 20 .mu.g.

Typically, the particles comprise less than 10 percent by weight of morphine, codeine, naltrexone, buprenorphine, fentanyl, nalbuphine, naloxone, butorphanol, hydromorphone, oxycodone, meperidine, methadone, pentazocine, remifentanil, or sufentanil degradation products. Preferably, the particles comprise less than 5 percent by weight of morphine, codeine, naltrexone, buprenorphine, fentanyl, nalbuphine, naloxone, butorphanol, hydromorphone, oxycodone, meperidine, methadone, pentazocine, remifentanil, or sufentanil degradation products. More preferably, the particles comprise 2.5, 1, 0.5, 0.1 or 0.03 percent by weight of morphine, codeine, naltrexone, buprenorphine, fentanyl, nalbuphine, naloxone, butorphanol, hydromorphone, oxycodone, meperidine, methadone, pentazocine, remifentanil, or sufentanil degradation products.

Typically, the particles comprise less than 90 percent by weight of water. Preferably, the particles comprise less than 80 percent by weight of water. More preferably, the particles comprise less than 70 percent, 60 percent, 50 percent, 40 percent, 30 percent, 20 percent, 10 percent, or 5 percent by weight of water.

Typically, at least 50 percent by weight of the aerosol is amorphous in form, wherein crystalline forms make up less than 50 percent by weight of the total aerosol weight, regardless of the nature of individual particles. Preferably, at least 75 percent by weight of the aerosol is amorphous in form. More preferably, at least 90 percent by weight of the aerosol is amorphous in form.

Typically, the particles of the delivered condensation aerosol have a mass median aerodynamic diameter of less than 5 microns. Preferably, the particles have a mass median aerodynamic diameter of less than 3 microns. More preferably, the particles have a mass median aerodynamic diameter of less than 2 or 1 micron(s).

Typically, where the aerosol comprises morphine, the delivered aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 5 mg/L and 25 mg/L. Preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 7.5 mg/L and 22.5 mg/L. More preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 10 mg/L and 20 mg/L.

Typically, where the aerosol comprises codeine, the delivered aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 5 mg/L and 25 mg/L. Preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 7.5 mg/L and 22.5 mg/L. More preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 10 mg/L and 20 mg/L.

Typically, where the aerosol comprises naltrexone, the delivered aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 15 mg/L and 35 mg/L. Preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 17.5 mg/L and 32.5 mg/L. More preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 20 mg/L and 30 mg/L.

Typically, where the aerosol comprises buprenorphine, the delivered aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 0.1 mg/L and 1 mg/L. Preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 0.15 mg/L and 0.8 mg/L. More preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 0.2 mg/L and 0.6 mg/L.

Typically, where the aerosol comprises fentanyl, the delivered aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 0.01 mg/L and 0.8 mg/L. Preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 0.02 mg/L and 0.6 mg/L. More preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 0.3 mg/L and 0.4 mg/L.

Typically, where the aerosol comprises nalbuphine, the delivered aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 1 mg/L and 30 mg/L. Preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 2 mg/L and 27.5 mg/L. More preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 2 mg/L and 25 mg/L.

Typically, where the aerosol comprises naloxone, the delivered aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 0.05 mg/L and 3.5 mg/L. Preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 0.1 mg/L and 3 mg/L. More preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 0.2 mg/L and 2.5 mg/L.

Typically, where the aerosol comprises butorphanol, the delivered aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 0.1 mg/L and 3 mg/L. Preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 0.15 mg/L and 2.75 mg/L. More preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 0.2 mg/L and 2.5 mg/L.

Typically, where the aerosol comprises hydromorphone, the delivered aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 0.1 mg/L and 10 mg/L. Preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 0.2 mg/L and 7.5 mg/L. More preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 0.4 mg/L and 5 mg/L.

Typically, where the aerosol comprises oxycodone, the delivered aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 0.5 mg/L and 10 mg/L. Preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 0.75 mg/L and 0.8 mg/L. More preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 1 mg/L and 0.6 mg/L.

Typically, where the aerosol comprises meperidine, the delivered aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 5 mg/L and 100 mg/L. Preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 7.5 mg/L and 80 mg/L. More preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 10 mg/L and 60 mg/L.

Typically, where the aerosol comprises methadone, the delivered aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 0.25 mg/L and 20 mg/L. Preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 0.5 mg/L and 17.5 mg/L. More preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 0.75 mg/L and 15 mg/L.

Typically, where the aerosol comprises pentazocine, the delivered aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 3 mg/L and 50 mg/L. Preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 4 mg/L and 45 mg/L. More preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol drug mass density of between 5 mg/L and 40 mg/L.

Typically, the delivered aerosol has an inhalable aerosol particle density greater than 10.sup.6 particles/mL. Preferably, the aerosol has an inhalable aerosol particle density greater than 10.sup.7 particles/mL or 10.sup.8 particles/mL.

Typically, the rate of inhalable aerosol particle formation of the delivered condensation aerosol is greater than 10.sup.8 particles per second. Preferably, the aerosol is formed at a rate greater than 10.sup.9 inhalable particles per second. More preferably, the aerosol is formed at a rate greater than 10.sup.10 inhalable particles per second.

Typically, the delivered condensation aerosol is formed at a rate greater than 0.5 mg/second. Preferably, the aerosol is formed at a rate greater than 0.75 mg/second. More preferably, the aerosol is formed at a rate greater than 1 mg/second, 1.5 mg/second or 2 mg/second.

Typically, where the condensation aerosol comprises morphine, between 5 mg and 25 mg of morphine are delivered to the mammal in a single inspiration. Preferably, between 7.5 mg and 22.5 mg of morphine are delivered to the mammal in a single inspiration. More preferably, between 10 mg and 20 mg of morphine are delivered in a single inspiration.

Typically, where the condensation aerosol comprises codeine, between 5 mg and 25 mg of codeine are delivered to the mammal in a single inspiration. Preferably, between 7.5 mg and 22.5 mg of codeine are delivered to the mammal in a single inspiration. More preferably, between 10 mg and 20 mg of codeine are delivered in a single inspiration.

Typically, where the condensation aerosol comprises naltrexone, between 15 mg and 35 mg of naltrexone are delivered to the mammal in a single inspiration. Preferably, between 17.5 mg and 32.5 mg of naltrexone are delivered to the mammal in a single inspiration. More preferably, between 20 mg and 30 mg of naltrexone are delivered in a single inspiration.

Typically, where the condensation aerosol comprises buprenorphine, between 0.1 mg and 1 mg of buprenorphine are delivered to the mammal in a single inspiration. Preferably, between 0.15 mg and 0.8 mg of buprenorphine are delivered to the mammal in a single inspiration. More preferably, between 0.2 mg and 0.6 mg of naltrexone are delivered in a single inspiration.

Typically, where the condensation aerosol comprises fentanyl, between 0.01 mg and 0.8 mg of fentanyl are delivered to the mammal in a single inspiration. Preferably, between 0.02 mg and 0.6 mg of fentanyl are delivered to the mammal in a single inspiration. More preferably, between 0.03 mg and 0.4 mg of fentanyl are delivered in a single inspiration.

Typically, where the condensation aerosol comprises nalbuphine, between 1 mg and 30 mg of nalbuphine are delivered to the mammal in a single inspiration. Preferably, between 2 mg and 27.5 mg of nalbuphine are delivered to the mammal in a single inspiration. More preferably, between 3 mg and 25 mg of nalbuphine are delivered in a single inspiration.

Typically, where the condensation aerosol comprises naloxone, between 0.05 mg and 3.5 mg of naloxone are delivered to the mammal in a single inspiration. Preferably, between 0.1 mg and 3 mg of naloxone are delivered to the mammal in a single inspiration. More preferably, between 0.2 mg and 2.5 mg of naloxone are delivered in a single inspiration.

Typically, where the condensation aerosol comprises butorphanol, between 0.1 mg and 3 mg of butorphanol are delivered to the mammal in a single inspiration. Preferably, between 0.15 mg and 2.75 mg of butorphanol are delivered to the mammal in a single inspiration. More preferably, between 0.2 mg and 2.5 mg of butorphanol are delivered in a single inspiration.

Typically, where the condensation aerosol comprises hydromorphone, between 0.1 mg and 10 mg of hydromorphone are delivered to the mammal in a single inspiration. Preferably, between 0.2 mg and 7.5 mg of hydromorphone are delivered to the mammal in a single inspiration. More preferably, between 0.4 mg and 5 mg of hydromorphone are delivered in a single inspiration.

Typically, where the condensation aerosol comprises oxycodone, between 0.5 mg and 10 mg of oxycodone are delivered to the mammal in a single inspiration. Preferably, between 0.75 mg and 8 mg of oxycodone are delivered to the mammal in a single inspiration. More preferably, between 1 mg and 6 mg of oxycodonel are delivered in a single inspiration.

Typically, where the condensation aerosol comprises meperidine, between 5 mg and 100 mg of meperidine are delivered to the mammal in a single inspiration. Preferably, between 7.5 mg and 80 mg of meperidine are delivered to the mammal in a single inspiration. More preferably, between 10 mg and 60 mg of meperidine are delivered in a single inspiration.

Typically, where the condensation aerosol comprises methadone, between 0.25 mg and 20 mg of methadone are delivered to the mammal in a single inspiration. Preferably, between 0.5 mg and 17.5 mg of methadone are delivered to the mammal in a single inspiration. More preferably, between 0.75 mg and 15 mg of methadone are delivered in a single inspiration.

Typically, where the condensation aerosol comprises pentazocine, between 3 mg and 50 mg of pentazocine are delivered to the mammal in a single inspiration. Preferably, between 4 mg and 45 mg of pentazocine are delivered to the mammal in a single inspiration. More preferably, between 5 mg and 40 mg of pentazocine are delivered in a single inspiration.

Typically, the delivered condensation aerosol results in a peak plasma concentration of morphine, codeine, naltrexone, buprenorphine, fentanyl, nalbuphine, naloxone, butorphanol, hydromorphone, oxycodone, meperidine, methadone, pentazocine, remifentanil, or sufentanil in the mammal in less than 1 h. Preferably, the peak plasma concentration is reached in less than 0.5 h. More preferably, the peak plasma concentration is reached in less than 0.2, 0.1, 0.05, 0.02, 0.01, or 0.005 h (arterial measurement).

In a kit aspect of the present invention, a kit for delivering an opioid through an inhalation route to a mammal is provided which comprises: a) a composition comprising at least 5 percent by weight of an opioid; and, b) a device that forms an opioid aerosol from the composition, for inhalation by the mammal. Preferably, the composition comprises at least 20 percent, 30 percent, 40 percent, 50 percent, 60 percent, 70 percent, 80 percent, 90 percent, 95 percent, 97 percent, 99 percent, 99.5 percent, 99.9 percent or 99.97 percent by weight of an opioid.

Typically, the device contained in the kit comprises: a) an element for heating the opioid composition to form a vapor; b) an element allowing the vapor to cool to form an aerosol; and, c) an element permitting the mammal to inhale the aerosol.

In another kit aspect of the present invention, a kit for delivering morphine, codeine, naltrexone, buprenorphine, fentanyl, nalbuphine, naloxone, butorphanol, hydromorphone, oxycodone, meperidine, methadone, pentazocine, remifentanil, or sufentanil through an inhalation route to a mammal is provided which comprises: a) a composition comprising at least 5 percent by weight of morphine, codeine, naltrexone, buprenorphine, fentanyl, nalbuphine, naloxone, butorphanol, hydromorphone, oxycodone, meperidine, methadone, pentazocine, remifentanil, or sufentanil; and, b) a device that forms a morphine, codeine, naltrexone, buprenorphine, fentanyl, nalbuphine, naloxone, butorphanol, hydromorphone, oxycodone, meperidine, methadone, pentazocine, remifentanil, or sufentanil aerosol from the composition, for inhalation by the mammal. Preferably, the composition comprises at least 20 percent, 30 percent, 40 percent, 50 percent, 60 percent, 70 percent, 80 percent, 90 percent, 95 percent, 97 percent, 99 percent, 99.5 percent, 99.9 percent or 99.97 percent by weight of morphine, codeine, naltrexone, buprenorphine, fentanyl, nalbuphine, naloxone, butorphanol, hydromorphone, oxycodone, meperidine, methadone, pentazocine, remifentanil, or sufentanil.

Typically, the device contained in the kit comprises: a) an element for heating the morphine, codeine, naltrexone, buprenorphine, fentanyl, nalbuphine, naloxone, butorphanol, hydromorphone, oxycodone, meperidine, methadone, pentazocine, remifentanil, or sufentanil composition to form a vapor; b) an element allowing the vapor to cool to form an aerosol; and, c) an element permitting the mammal to inhale the aerosol.
 

Claim 1 of 62 Claims

1. A condensation aerosol for delivery of a drug selected from the group consisting of naltrexone, buprenorphine, naloxone, butorphanol, hydromorphone, oxycodone, methadone, remifentanil, sufentanil, nalbuphine and fentanyl wherein the condensation aerosol is formed by heating a thin layer containing the drug, on a solid support, to produce a vapor of the drug, and condensing the vapor to form a condensation aerosol, characterized by less than 10% drug degradation products, by weight, and an MMAD of less than 5 microns.

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