Development of an Implantable On-Demand Drug Delivery Device for Behavioral Studies in Small Animals

Development of an Implantable On Demand Drug DeliveryDevice for Behavioral Studies in Small Animals Project SummaryThe Specific Aims of this Phase II project are to finalize the development of the minePumpTMa low costbattery operatedwirelessly controlledon demand or programmable drug delivery systemand to establish its use in improving drug addiction and drug development modelsDuring Yearthe min ePump will be optimized for reliable implantation and comfortable wear in animals as small as a ratDuring the second half of Phase IIthe pump will be tested extensively to validate this enabling technology for use in drug addiction researchin pre clinical drug development research and for delivery of therapeutics in veterinary medicineThe end of Phase II will see the definition of manufacturing and operating parameters for minePump and publication of research resultsThe following Objectives will allow for completion of the Phase II projectObjectiveMiniaturize and optimize min ePump for ease of use and comfort during implantation in a rat modelObjectiveCompare efficacy of min ePump to traditional tethered pump in selfadministration drug addiction research and test social and behavioral effects of an implanted pump in a rat modelObjectiveShow efficacy for use of min ePump in PK PD research using a drug addiction therapeutic in a rat modelObjectiveShow efficacy for use of min ePump in veterinary medicine using a dog modelObjectiveFinalize the design of the min ePump to best meet the needs of each target market segment and define the manufacturing processThis project will address two high need technology gaps identified by the NIDAUnder the original Phase I solicitationthis project directly addresses a special needs topic forDevelopment of pre clinical models for addictionMin ePump also applies to the programmatic priority released by NIDA in January offor preclinical drug development enabling technologies