# Tiny Epinephrine Particles for Fast-Dissolving Under-Tongue Tablets > This patent describes new compositions of extremely small epinephrine particles designed for fast-dissolving tablets that are absorbed under the tongue, aiming to treat severe allergic reactions or cardiac events more effectively with a lower dose. - **Patent:** US 12734138 - **Original title:** Epinephrine fine particles and methods for use thereof - **Granted:** 2026 - **Status:** Active - **Times cited:** 0 - **Field:** pharmaceutical, biotech, consumer_electronics ## What it does This patent describes compositions that include epinephrine in the form of very tiny particles, specifically nanoparticles or nanocrystals, and microparticles or microcrystals. These fine particles are incorporated into pharmaceutical formulations like orally-disintegrating and fast-disintegrating tablets. The primary mechanism is to significantly increase how much epinephrine is absorbed into the bloodstream when placed under the tongue, known as sublingual bioavailability. For example, a person experiencing anaphylaxis could place one of these tablets under their tongue, allowing the epinephrine to enter their system quickly and reduce the required dose compared to other methods. ## What it does NOT cover - Does not cover epinephrine delivered by injection, such as through an auto-injector like an EpiPen. - Does not cover epinephrine formulations that are not in the form of fine particles (nanoparticles, nanocrystals, microparticles, or microcrystals). - Does not cover epinephrine delivered through traditional pills that are swallowed and absorbed in the digestive tract. - Does not cover epinephrine delivery methods that do not specifically aim to increase sublingual bioavailability. - Does not cover other active pharmaceutical ingredients besides epinephrine in these fine particle formulations. ## The clever bit The novelty lies in using epinephrine as extremely fine particles (nano- or micro-sized) within fast-dissolving tablets to dramatically improve its absorption directly into the bloodstream from under the tongue, allowing for a lower, more effective dose. ## Real-world examples 1. Epinephrine auto-injectors (e.g., EpiPen, Auvi-Q) are the current standard, which this technology aims to complement or replace. 2. Sublingual drug delivery systems for other medications. ## Why it matters Epinephrine is a life-saving medication for conditions like anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction. Current delivery methods, primarily auto-injectors, can be intimidating or difficult for some users. This patent aims to provide a more accessible and potentially less invasive way to administer epinephrine, which could improve patient compliance and speed of treatment in emergencies. Improving sublingual absorption could lead to faster action and less drug waste. ## Frequently asked questions ### What does Tiny Epinephrine Particles for Fast-Dissolving Under-Tongue Tablets cover? This patent describes new compositions of extremely small epinephrine particles designed for fast-dissolving tablets that are absorbed under the tongue, aiming to treat severe allergic reactions or cardiac events more effectively with a lower dose. ### When does this patent expire? This patent is expected to expire on September 15, 2046, when the invention enters the public domain. ### What problem does this patent solve? Epinephrine is a life-saving medication for conditions like anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction. Current delivery methods, primarily auto-injectors, can be intimidating or difficult for some users. This patent aims to provide a more accessible and potentially less invasive way to administer epinephrine, which could improve patient compliance and speed of treatment in emergencies. Improving sublingual absorption could lead to faster action and less drug waste. ### What does this patent NOT cover? Does not cover epinephrine delivered by injection, such as through an auto-injector like an EpiPen. **Full plain-English explainer:** https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12734138/epinephrine-fine-particles-and-methods-for-use-thereof **Original patent:** https://patents.google.com/patent/US12734138 --- _Source: PatentBrief — https://patentbrief.org. Patent facts are from public records; the plain-English explanation is PatentBrief's._ ## Related patents Semantically similar inventions in the PatentBrief corpus: - [How Tiny Particles Make CBD Easier to Absorb](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/11260033/compositions-for-the-delivery-of-therapeutic-agents-and-methods-of-use-and-makin) — This patent describes a special mix of ingredients that creates tiny, stable CBD particles, making it easier for the body to absorb the compound and improving how long it lasts in the body. - [Tiny Lipid Balls for Precise, Better-Absorbed Cannabinoid Medicine](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/20220304938/lipid-nanoparticle-compositions-and-methods-as-carriers-of-cannabinoids-in-stand) — This patent describes a drug delivery system using tiny lipid nanoparticles to encapsulate cannabinoids, making them easier for the body to absorb and allowing for precise, smaller doses. - [Precise Medicine Delivery Device with Priming Control](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12734300/devices-and-methods-for-precision-dose-delivery) — This patent describes a device for accurately measuring and delivering liquid medicine, using a special mechanism to control how a plunger moves during both initial setup and actual delivery. - [How to Build Tiny Lipid Carriers for Delivering Nutrients](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/9925149/nanoparticle-compositions-and-methods-as-carriers-of-nutraceutical-factors-acros) — A method for creating tiny, 20-60 nanometer lipid-based particles designed to carry vitamins and nutrients into the human body more effectively. - [How Special Sugars Make Medicines Dissolve Better](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/4727064/azt-zidovudine) — This patent describes how to make poorly water-soluble drugs dissolve and absorb better by mixing them with specially modified, non-crystalline sugar molecules called cyclodextrin derivatives.