Tiny Lipid Balls for Precise, Better-Absorbed Cannabinoid Medicine

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.

What it covers

This patent describes a drug delivery system that uses very small structures called nanoparticles to deliver medicine. Each nanoparticle has a single outer layer of essential phospholipids that surrounds liquid lipids and the drug, which in this case are cannabinoids (Claim 1). These nanoparticles are specifically sized, ranging from 50 to 150 nanometers (Claim 1), and are designed to provide a consistent, accurate dose of the drug. The system increases how much of the drug the body absorbs, called bioavailability, by 2 to 8 times compared to non-encapsulated forms (Claim 9). This means a patient can take 2 to 8 times less medicine to get the same effect, potentially reducing side effects (Claim 10, Claim 11). For example, a sublingual (under the tongue) cannabinoid product using these nanoparticles could deliver a precise, effective dose with fewer adverse reactions.

What it doesn't cover

• —Does not cover nanoparticle structures that contain surfactants, as specified in claim 3.
• —Does not cover drug delivery systems where the phospholipid content is outside the 5-30% weight/volume range (claim 1).
• —Does not cover nanoparticle structures with a particle size distribution outside the 50 to 150 nm range (claim 1).
• —Does not cover systems where the drug is not encapsulated within a single layer of essential phospholipids (claim 1).
• —Does not cover drug delivery systems that do not achieve a 2-fold to 8-fold increase in bioavailability or decrease in dose (claims 9 and 10).

The clever bit

The clever bit is creating a stable, precisely sized lipid nanoparticle (50-150 nm) using a single layer of essential phospholipids to encapsulate liquid lipids and the drug, specifically *without* using surfactants (Claim 3). This unique structure dramatically increases drug bioavailability and reduces the required dose, while also mitigating adverse effects.

Why it matters

Cannabinoids are often difficult for the body to absorb efficiently, leading to inconsistent effects and the need for larger doses. This patent offers a solution by creating a highly effective delivery method that significantly boosts absorption and allows for smaller, more precise dosing. This could lead to more reliable, safer, and more effective cannabinoid-based medicines, making them more predictable for therapeutic use.

Real-world examples

• 1.Sublingual cannabinoid drops
• 2.Buccal cannabinoid sprays
• 3.Topical cannabinoid creams or patches
• 4.Nasal cannabinoid formulations
• 5.Oral cannabinoid capsules