University of Pittsburgh researchers have developed an innovative transdermal patch that detects and administers naloxone for opioid overdose. Most opioid overdoses occur when the patient is alone, so the intranasal spray Narcan ® may not be able to be given. This device leverages carbon nanotubes to detect lactate levels, a marker of anaerobic metabolism due to opioid overdose, and delivers naloxone through the same patch. This dual-functionality aims to provide a more accurate and timely response to opioid overdoses, potentially saving lives by reducing the error rates associated with current mechanical detection methods.
Description
The transdermal patch is designed to detect lactate in capillary and subcutaneous tissues using carbon nanotubes. Lactate is a byproduct of anaerobic metabolism, which occurs during respiratory depression caused by opioid overdose. Upon detection, the patch administers a dose of naloxone, an opioid antagonist, through microneedles embedded in the patch. This method offers a chemical detection approach that is superior to traditional mechanical sensors, which are prone to errors. The patch features a porous microneedle array that effectively breaches the subcutaneous layer to access the dermal interstitial fluid (ISF). The ISF is then sampled at the backing layer, which is in direct contact with the lactate biosensor, allowing for real-time measurement of lactate concentrations.
Applications
Emergency response to opioid overdoses/near opioid overdoses
Continuous monitoring for high-risk patients
Continuous monitoring for elderly patients on opioids
Integration into wearable health monitoring systems
Advantages
This transdermal patch offers accurate detection by utilizing carbon nanotubes for precise lactate measurement, reducing false positives and negatives. It combines detection and administration in one device, streamlining the response process. The patch is minimally invasive, using microneedles for painless and efficient drug delivery, and is portable and easy to use, making it suitable for non-medical personnel in emergency situations. Additionally, it provides real-time monitoring of lactate levels, ensuring timely intervention.
Invention Readiness
The prototype of the transdermal patch has been developed and tested. The device has shown promising results in detecting lactate levels and the team is working on the effective delivery of naloxone. The patch uses a biocompatible and non-dissolvable polymer with interconnected porosity to create a porous microneedle patch (pMNP). This pMNP effectively breaches the subcutaneous layer to access the dermal ISF, facilitating the collection and sampling of ISF at the backing layer, which is in direct contact with the lactate biosensor. Further testing and development are ongoing to optimize the device for widespread use.
IP Status
Patent Pending
