(12) United States Patent
`Mantelle
`
`(io) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 9,724,310 B2
`*Aug. 8, 2017
`
`US009724310B2
`
`(54) TRANSDERMAL ESTROGEN DEVICE AND
`DELIVERY
`
`(71) Applicant: NOVEN PHARMACEUTICALS,
`INC., Miami, FL (US)
`
`(72)
`
`Inventor: Juan Mantelle, Miami, FL (US)
`
`(73) Assignee: Noven Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Miami,
`FL (US)
`
`( * ) Notice:
`
`the
`Subject to any disclaimer,
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`This patent is subject to a terminal dis­
`claimer.
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 14/024,985
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Sep. 12, 2013
`
`(65)
`
`Prior Publication Data
`US 2014/0200530 Al Jul. 17, 2014
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`filed on
`(63) Continuation of application No. 13/553,972,
`Jul. 20, 2012, which is a continuation of application
`No. 12/216,811,
`filed on Jul. 10, 2008, now Pat. No.
`8,231,906.
`
`term
`
`5,271,940 A
`5,300,291 A
`5,350,581 A
`5,446,070 A
`5,474,783 A
`5,474,787 A
`5,505,956 A
`5,567,488 A
`RE35,474 E
`5,656,286 A
`5,665,377 A
`5,730,999 A
`5,762,952 A
`of
`5,837,280 A
`5,902,603 A
`5,904,931 A
`5,906,830 A
`5,928,666 A
`5,958,446 A
`6,024,976 A
`6,156,335 A
`6,221,383 B1
`6,235,306 B1
`6,337,086 B1
`6,562,363 B1
`6,638,528 B1 *
`6,808,739 B2
`7,456,159 B2
`8,231,906 B2
`8,343,538 B2
`2002/0100185 Al
`2003/0099695 Al
`2003/0228354 Al
`2005/0129749 Al
`2005/0169977 Al
`
`12/1993 Cleary et al.
`4/1994 Sablotsky et al.
`9/1994 Kochinke
`8/1995 Mantelle
`12/1995 Miranda et al.
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`
`424/449
`
`(51) Int. CI.
`A61K 31/565
`A61K 9/70
`A61K 47/10
`A61K 47/32
`A61K 9/00
`(52) U.S. CI.
`CPC
`
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2017.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`
`... A61K 9/7069 (2013.01); A61K 9/0014
`(2013.01); A61K 9/7061 (2013.01); A61K
`31/565 (2013.01); A61K 47/10 (2013.01);
`A61K 47/32 (2013.01)
`(58) Field of Classification Search
`None
`See application
`
`file for complete search history.
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`4,390,520 A
`4,559,222 A
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`4,624,665 A *
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`
`EP
`
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`
`12/1998
`
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`
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`
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`
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`(Continued)
`
`
`
`and Opin­
`
`Written
`
`Primary Examiner — Melissa Fisher
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm — Foley & Lardner LLP
`
`604/307
`
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`Described are transdermal drug delivery systems for the
`transdermal administration of estrogen, comprising a poly­
`
`mer matrix and estrogen. Methods of making using such and
`
`systems also are described.
`
`15 Claims, 1 Drawing Sheet
`
`MYLAN - EXHIBIT 1037
`
`

`

`US 9,724,310 B2
`Page 2
`
`(56)
`
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`• cited by examiner
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 8, 2017
`
`US 9,724,310 B2
`
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`

`1
`TRANSDERMAL ESTROGEN DEVICE AND
`DELIVERY
`
`This application is a continuation of U.S. patent applica­
`tion Ser. No. 13/553,972, filed Jul. 20, 2012, which is a 5
`continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/216,811,
`filed Jul. 10, 2008 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,231,906), which are
`incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
`
`US 9,724,310 B2
`
`2
`ment, labor costs relative to product yield per run time, etc.)
`and patients generally prefer smaller systems to larger ones
`(both for aesthetic reasons and comfort, since a smaller
`surface may permit the use of less aggressive adhesives),
`there is a need for smaller transdermal drug delivery sys-
`tems.
`
`SUMMARY
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`10
`
`Described herein are compositions and methods for the
`transdermal delivery of estrogen.
`
`In accordance with one embodiment, there is provided a
`transdermal drug delivery system comprising a drug con­
`taining layer defusing an active surface area and comprising
`a polymer matrix comprising estradiol, wherein the system
`includes greater than 0.156 mg/cm2 estradiol and achieves
`15 an estradiol flux that is greater than 0.01 mg/cm2/day, based
`on the active surface area. In some embodiments, the
`This invention relates generally to transdermal drug deliv­
`polymer matrix comprises a polymer blend comprising an
`ery systems, and more particularly, to transdermal drug
`acrylic adhesive, a silicone adhesive, and soluble PVP. In
`delivery systems for the delivery of estrogen. The use of a
`some embodiments, the polymer matrix comprises about
`transdermal system, for example, a patch comprising a 20 2-25% by weight acrylic adhesive, about 45-70% by weight
`silicone adhesive, about 2-25% by weight soluble PVP,
`pressure-sensitive adhesive containing a drug, as a means of
`delivering drug through the skin is well known. However,
`about 5-15% penetration enhancer, and about 0.1-10% by
`weight estradiol, all based on the total dry weight of the
`there remains a need for transdermal drug delivery systems
`polymer matrix. In some embodiments, the polymer matrix
`designed for the delivery of specific drugs, such as estrogen,
`and there remains a particular need for smaller transdermal 25 comprises about 20% by weight acrylic adhesive, about
`56.9% by weight silicone adhesive, about 7.5% by weight
`drug delivery systems that exhibit desired pharmacokinetic
`soluble PVP, about 6.0% by weight oleyl alcohol, about
`properties.
`Transdermal delivery systems (adhesive patches) as dos­
`8.0% by weight dipropylene glycol, and about 1.6% by
`age forms have been the subject of a vast number of patent
`weight estradiol. In some embodiments, the acrylic adhesive
`applications over the last 25 years, yielding many patents but 30 and silicone adhesive are present in a ratio of from about 1:2
`few commercial products in comparison. To those working
`to about 1:6, based on the total weight of the acrylic and
`in the field,
`the relatively small number of commercial
`silicone adhesives.
`products is not surprising. Although regulatory, economic,
`In some embodiments, the penetration enhancer com­
`and market hurdles play a role in limiting the number of
`prises oleyl alcohol or dipropylene glycol, or both.
`products on the market, the task of developing a transdermal 35
`In some embodiments, the polymer matrix comprises an
`delivery system that achieves desired physical and pharma­
`amount of estradiol effective to deliver a therapeutically
`cokinetic parameters to satisfy physician and patient demand
`effective amount of estradiol over a period of time selected
`is more daunting. Parameters to be considered during com­
`from the group consisting of at least 1 day, at least 2 days,
`mercial product development may include drug solubility,
`at least 3 days, at least 4 days, at least 5 days, at least 6 days
`drug stability (e.g., as may arise from interaction with other 40 and at least 7 days. In some embodiments, the polymer
`matrix comprises an amount of estradiol effective to deliver
`component materials and/or the environment), delivery of a
`an amount of estradiol selected from the group consisting of
`therapeutic amount of drug at a desired delivery rate over the
`about 0.025, 0.0375, 0.05, 0.075 and 0.1 mg/day.
`intended duration of use, adequate adhesion at the anatomi­
`In some embodiments, the polymer matrix has a coat
`cal site of application, integrity (e.g., minimal curling,
`wrinkling, delaminating and slippage) with minimal discom- 45 weight of greater than about 10 mg/cm2. In some embodi-
`ments, the polymer matrix has a coat weight selected from
`fort, irritation and sensitization both during use and during
`the group consisting of about 12.5 and about 15 mg/cm2.
`and after removal, and minimal residual adhesive (or other
`In accordance with some embodiments, there is provided
`components) after removal. Size also may be important from
`a transdermal drug delivery system comprising a polymer
`a manufacturing and patient viewpoint, and appearance may
`be important from a patient viewpoint. The physical manu- 50 matrix comprising estradiol, wherein the system has an
`active surface area that is about 60% of a size selected from
`facturing and production aspects of commercial product
`the group consisting of 2.5, 3.75, 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0 cm2 and
`development (e.g., the identity and costs of materials, equip­
`is effective to deliver an amount of estradiol per day of about
`ment, and labor) and supporting analytical methods required
`0.025, 0.0375, 0.05, 0.075 and 0.1 mg/day, respectively.
`for regulatory compliance also can be significant.
`Of the physical parameters that are considered when 55
`In accordance with some embodiments, there is provided
`developing a commercial transdermal drug delivery system,
`a method for administering estradiol, comprising applying to
`size, e.g., surface area at the site of application, is often
`the skin or mucosa of a subject in need thereof a transdermal
`drug delivery system comprising a drug-containing layer
`dictated and limited by other physical and pharmacokinetic
`defining an active surface area and comprising a polymer
`requirements, such as desired drug delivery rates and daily
`dosages. In general, it is easier to develop a relatively 60 matrix comprising estradiol, wherein the system includes
`greater than 0.156 mg/cm2 estradiol and achieves an estra­
`"large" transdermal drug delivery system that will achieve
`diol flux that is greater than 0.01 mg/cm2/day, based on the
`drug delivery at target therapeutic levels over an intended
`active surface area. In some embodiments, the system has an
`duration of therapy, than it is to develop a smaller transder­
`active surface area that is about 60% of a size selected from
`mal drug delivery system that still exhibits acceptable phar­
`macokinetic properties. Still, because size directly impacts 65 the group consisting of 2.5, 3.75, 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0 cm2 and
`is effective to deliver an amount of estradiol per day of about
`costs (e.g., costs of component materials, costs of packaging
`materials, costs for production and manufacturing equip-
`0.025, 0.0375, 0.05, 0.075 and 0.1 mg/day, respectively.
`
`

`

`US 9,724,310 B2
`
`3
`4
`In accordance with some embodiments, there is provided
`In accordance with some aspects, there are provided
`a method of making a transdermal drug delivery system for
`transdermal drug delivery systems and methods for the
`administering estrogen, comprising forming a polymer
`transdermal delivery of estrogen. In specific embodiments,
`the systems exhibit increased flux than other known estrogen
`matrix comprising estrogen and a polymer blend comprising
`an acrylic adhesive, a silicone adhesive, and soluble PVP, 5 devices (such as Vivelle-Dot®, manufactured by Noven
`Pharmaceutcials Inc.) and, therefore, exhibit increased drug
`and applying the polymer matrix to a support layer such that
`delivery per unit area. For example, in some embodiments,
`the system includes greater than 0.156 mg/cm2 estradiol. In
`the systems exhibit a flux greater than the 0.01 mg/cm2/day
`some embodiments, the system has an active surface area
`exhibited by the Vivelle-Dot® products, such as a flux that
`that is about 60% of a size selected from the group consist­
`ing of 2.5, 3.75, 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0 cm2. In some embodi- 10 is about L25' L33' L5' 1£1> ln5> 2' 3' 4' or 5 times the flux
`of the Vivelle-Dot® products. In some embodiments, the
`ments, the polymer matrix comprises about 20% by weight
`systems have a greater coat weight than other known estro­
`acrylic adhesive, about 56.9% by weight silicone adhesive,
`gen devices. For example, in some embodiments, the sys­
`about 7.5% by weight soluble PVP, about 6.0% by weight
`tems have a coat weight such that the amount of estradiol per
`oleyl alcohol, about 8.0% by weight dipropylene glycol, and
`15 unit area is greater than the 0.156 mg/cm2 estradiol of the
`about 1.6% by weight estradiol. In some embodiments, the
`Vivelle-Dot® products, such as a coat weight that is about
`polymer matrix is applied to the support layer at a coat
`1.25, 1.33, 1.5, 1.67, 1.75, 2, or 3 times the coat weight of
`weight of greater than about 10 mg/cm2. In some embodi­
`the Vivelle-Dot® products, or greater. Thus, in accordance
`ments, the polymer matrix coat weight is selected from the
`with some aspects, the invention permits the use of smaller
`group consisting of about 12.5 and about 15 mg/cm2.
`20 devices to achieve comparable drug delivery.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`DEFINITIONS
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`FIG. 1 illustrates the estradiol flux ((xg/cm2/hr) over time
`Technical and scientific terms used herein have the mean-
`(0-81 hours) from transdermal delivery systems according to 25 ings commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art
`the invention (A & •), as compared to Vivelle-Dot® (•).
`to which the present invention pertains, unless otherwise
`defined. Reference is made herein to various methodologies
`known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Publications and
`other materials setting forth such known methodologies to
`The field of transdermal delivery systems suffers from the 30 which reference is made are incorporated herein by refer­
`problem of needing to balance many different competing
`ence in their entireties as though set forth in full. Any
`factors to develop a commercial product that exhibits, for
`suitable materials and/or methods known to those of ordi-
`nary skill in the art can be utilized in carrying out the present
`example both clinical efficacy and satisfactory wear prop­
`erties while remaining acceptable to patients. For example,
`invention. However, specific materials and methods are
`when selecting the size of a transdermal delivery system, it 35 described. Materials, reagents and the like to which refer-
`ence is made in the following description and examples are
`is necessary to balance factors that favor a smaller size (such
`obtainable from commercial sources, unless otherwise
`as lower cost, better adhesive performance and improved
`noted.
`aesthetics) against factors that favor a larger size (such as the
`As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the"
`target delivery rate (flux) and daily dose). The Vivelle-Dot®
`transdermal estradiol product (manufactured by Noven 40 designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly
`stated to designate the singular only.
`Pharmaceutcials Inc.) is available in five different active
`surface areas (2.5, 3.75, 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0 cm2) which each
`The term "about" and the use of ranges in general,
`whether or not qualified by the term about, means that the
`deliver different amounts of drug per day (0.025, 0.0375,
`number comprehended is not limited to the exact number set
`0.05, 0.075 and 0.1 mg/day, respectively). Each of the
`Vivelle-Dot® products include 0.156 mg/cm2 estradiol.
`45 forth herein, and is intended to refer to ranges substantially
`within the quoted range while not departing from the scope
`In accordance with some embodiments, the present inven­
`tion provides transdermal drug delivery systems for the
`of the invention. As used herein, "about" will be understood
`transdermal delivery of estrogen that have a smaller active
`by persons of ordinary skill in the art and will vary to some
`surface area than Vivelle-Dot® but achieve daily dosages
`extent on the context in which it is used. If there are uses of
`that are about equal to or greater than the Vivelle-Dot® 50 the term which are not clear to persons of ordinary skill in
`products. For example, the present invention includes trans­
`the art given the context in which it is used, "about" will
`dermal drug delivery systems that achieve daily dosages that
`mean up to plus or minus 10% of the particular term.
`are about equal to a Vivelle-Dot® product, in a smaller sized
`The phrase "substantially free" as used herein generally
`system. The ability to provide a smaller system without
`means that the described composition (e.g., transdermal
`sacrificing daily dosage represents a significant advance.
`55 drug delivery system, polymer matrix, etc.) comprises less
`Applicant surprisingly discovered that increasing the coat
`than about 5%, less than about 3%, or less than about 1% by
`weight of the drug-containing adhesive layer resulted in an
`weight, based on the total weight of the composition at issue,
`increased flux per unit area, and thus permitted the devel­
`of the excluded component.
`opment of smaller transdermal drug delivery systems that
`As used herein "subject" denotes any animal in need of
`achieve comparable daily dosages. This result was surpris- 60 drug therapy, including humans. For example, a subject may
`ing because coat weight is typically selected to control the
`be suffering from or at risk of developing a condition that
`duration of delivery, but is not generally understood to
`can be treated or prevented with estrogen, or may be taking
`impact delivery rate. Thus, while it is known in the art to
`estrogen for health maintenance purposes.
`increase coat weight to provide delivery over a longer period
`As used herein, the phrases "therapeutically effective
`of time, it was not known that increasing coat weight could 65 amount" and "therapeutic level" mean that drug dosage or
`increase delivery rate or flux, and thus permit the develop­
`plasma concentration in a subject, respectively, that provides
`ment of a smaller system while maintaining daily dosage.
`the specific pharmacological response for which the drug is
`
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`

`US 9,724,310 B2
`
`15
`
`5
`6
`is an "adhesive" if it has the properties of an adhesive per se,
`administered in a subject in need of such treatment. It is
`emphasized that a therapeutically effective amount or thera­
`or if it functions as an adhesive by the addition of tackifiers,
`peutic level of a drug will not always be effective in treating
`plasticizers, crosslinking agents or other additives. Thus, in
`the conditions/diseases described herein, even though such
`some embodiments, the polymer matrix comprises a pres­
`dosage is deemed to be a therapeutically effective amount by 5
`sure-sensitive adhesive polymer or a bioadhesive polymer,
`those of skill in the art. For convenience only, exemplary
`with estrogen dissolved or dispersed therein. The polymer
`dosages, drug delivery amounts, therapeutically effective
`matrix also may comprise tackifiers, plasticizers, crosslink­
`amounts and therapeutic levels are provided below with
`ing agents or other additives described herein. U.S. Pat. No.
`reference to adult human subjects. Those skilled in the art
`6,024,976 describes polymer blends that are useful in accor­
`can adjust such amounts in accordance with standard prac- 10
`dance with the transdermal systems described herein. The
`tices as needed to treat a specific subject and/or condition/
`entire contents of U.S. Pat. No. 6,024,976 is incorporated
`disease.
`herein by reference.
`As used herein, "active surface area" means the surface
`As used herein, the term "pressure-sensitive adhesive"
`area of the drug-containing layer of the transdermal drug
`refers to a viscoelastic material which adheres instanta-
`delivery system.
`neously to most substrates with the application of very slight
`As used herein, "coat weight" refers to the weight of the
`pressure and remains permanently tacky. A polymer is a
`drug-containing layer per unit area of the active surface area
`pressure-sensitive adhesive within the meaning of the term
`of the transdermal drug delivery system.
`as used herein if it has the properties of a pressure-sensitive
`As used herein, "estrogen" includes estrogenic steroids
`such as estradiol (17-|3-estradiol), estradiol benzoate, estra- 20 adhesive per se or functions as a pressure-sensitive adhesive
`by admixture with tackifiers, plasticizers or other additives.
`diol 17p-cypionate, estropipate, equilenin, equilin, estriol,
`The term pressure-sensitive adhesive also includes mix­
`estrone, ethinyl estradiol, conjugated estrogens, esterified
`tures of different polymers and mixtures of polymers, such
`estrogens, and mixtures thereof.
`As used herein, "flux" (also called "permeation rate") is
`as polyisobutylenes (PIB), of different molecular weights,
`defined as the absorption of a drug through skin or mucosal 25 wherein each resultant mixture is a pressure-sensitive adhe-
`tissue, and is described by Pick's first law of diffusion:
`sive. In the last case, the polymers of lower molecular
`weight in the mixture are not considered to be "tackifiers,"
`J=-D{dCm/dx)
`said term being reserved for additives which differ other than
`where J is the flux in g/cm2/sec, D is the diffusion coefficient
`in molecular weight from the polymers to which they are
`of the drug through the skin or mucosa in cm2/sec and 30 added.
`dCm/dx is the concentration gradient of the drug across the
`In some embodiments, the polymer matrix is a pressure-
`skin or mucosa.
`sensitive adhesive at room temperature and has other desir­
`As used herein, the term "transdermal" refers to delivery,
`able characteristics for adhesives used in the transdermal
`drug delivery art. Such characteristics include good adher-
`administration or application of a drug by means of direct
`contact with skin or mucosa. Such delivery, administration 35 ence to skin, ability to be peeled or otherwise removed
`without substantial trauma to the skin, retention of tack with
`or application is also known as dermal, percutaneous, trans-
`aging, etc. In some embodiments, the polymer matrix has a
`mucosal and buccal. As used herein, "dermal" includes skin
`glass transition temperature (T ), measured using a differ­
`and mucosa, which includes oral, buccal, nasal, rectal and
`ential scanning calorimeter, of between about -70° C. and 0°
`vaginal mucosa.
`As used herein, "transdermal drug delivery system" refers 40 C.
`to a system (e.g., a device) comprising a composition that
`As used herein, the term "rubber-based pressure-sensitive
`releases estrogen upon application to the skin (or any other
`adhesive" refers to a viscoelastic material which has the
`properties of a pressure-sensitive adhesive and which con­
`surface noted above). A transdermal drug delivery system
`tains at least one natural or synthetic elastomeric polymer.
`may comprise a backing layer, a drug-containing layer, and
`In some embodiments, the transdermal drug delivery
`a release liner layer. In some embodiments, the transdermal 45
`system includes one or more additional layers, such as one
`drug delivery system is a substantially non-aqueous, solid
`or more additional polymer matrix layers, or one or more
`form, capable of conforming to the surface with which it
`adhesive layers that adhere the transdermal drug delivery
`comes into contact, and capable of maintaining such contact
`system to the user's skin. In other embodiments, the trans-
`so as to facilitate topical application without adverse physi­
`ological response, and without being appreciably decom- 50 dermal drug delivery system is monolithic, meaning that it
`comprises a single polymer matrix layer comprising a pres­
`posed by aqueous contact during topical application to a
`sure-sensitive adhesive or bioadhesive with drug dissolved
`subject. Many such systems are known in the art and
`or dispersed therein, and no rate-controlling membrane.
`commercially available, such as transdermal drug delivery
`The transdermal drug delivery system also may include a
`patches. As described below, in one embodiment, the trans­
`dermal drug delivery system comprises a drug-containing 55 drug impermeable backing layer or film. In some embodi-
`ments, the backing layer is adjacent one face of the polymer
`polymer matrix that comprises a pressure-sensitive adhesive
`matrix layer. When present, the backing layer protects the
`or bioadhesive, and is adopted for direct application to a
`polymer matrix layer (and any other layers present) from the
`user's (e.g., a subject's) skin. In other embodiments, the
`environment and prevents loss of the drug and/or release of
`polymer matrix is non-adhesive and may be provided with
`separate adhesion means (such as a separate adhesive layer) 60 other components to the environment during use. Materials
`suitable for use as backing layers are well-known known in
`for application and adherence to the user's skin.
`As used herein, "polymer matrix" refers to a polymer
`the art and can comprise films of polyester, polyethylene,
`composition which contains one or more drugs. In some
`vinyl acetate resins, ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymers,
`embodiments, the matrix comprises a pressure-sensitive
`polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, and the like, metal foils,
`adhesive polymer or a bioadhesive polymer. In other 65 non-woven fabric, cloth and commercially available lami-
`embodiments, the matrix does not comprise a pressure-
`nates. A typical backing material has a thickness in the range
`sensitive adhesive or bioadhesive. As used herein, a polymer
`of 2 to 1000 micrometers.
`
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`

`US 9,724,310 B2
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`8
`7
`Non-functional acrylic-based polymers can include any
`The transdermal drug delivery system also may include a