Electronic Module and Drug Delivery Device

Abstract

The invention relates to an electronic module for recording information of a drug delivery device, the electronic module comprising at least one connector, wherein at least one connector is adapted to be connected to a port of the drug delivery device and wherein at least one connector is adapted to be connected to a port of a computer. Furthermore, the invention relates to a drug delivery device, comprising a port for connecting to the connector of the electronic module.

Claims

1. Electronic module (2) for recording information of a drug delivery device (1), the electronic module (2) comprising at least one connector (7, 7′), wherein at least one connector (7, 7′) is adapted to be connected to a port (6) of the drug delivery device (1) and wherein at least one connector (7, 7′) is adapted to be connected to a port of a computer distinct from the port of the drug delivery device (1).

2. Electronic module (2) according to claim 1, comprising one connector (7, 7′) adapted to be connected to the port (6) of the drug delivery device (1) and adapted to be connected to the port of the computer.

3. Electronic module (2) according to claim 1, comprising two connectors (7, 7′), wherein a first one of the connectors (7) is adapted to be connected to the port (6) of the drug delivery device (1) and wherein a second one of the connectors (7′) is adapted to be connected to the port of the computer.

4. Electronic module (2) according to claim 2, wherein the connector (7, 7′) comprises at least one slot (7.5) or recess (7.6) adapted to be engaged by a protrusion (6.5) arranged on the port (6) of the drug delivery device (1).

5. Electronic module (2) according to claim 4, wherein the connector (7) comprises a contact carrier (7.1) retaining a plurality of electric contacts (7.2) arranged within a frame (7.3), wherein a portion (7.4) of a space within the frame (7.3) is empty and dimensioned to allow insertion of a contact carrier (6.4) of the correspondingly shaped port (6) of the drug delivery device (1) retaining a plurality of electric contacts (6.2) for contacting the electric contacts (7.2) of the connector (7).

6. Electronic module (2) according to claim 5, wherein the slot (7.5.) is formed in the frame (7.3).

7. Electronic module (2) according to claim 5, wherein the recess (7.6) is arranged in the electronic module (2) or in the connector (7) behind the contact carrier (7.1).

8. Electronic module (2) according to one of the claims 5 to 7, wherein the plurality of electric contacts (7.2) is located so as to allow contacting each electric contact of the port of the computer by at least two electric contacts (7.2) of the connector (7) of the electronic module (2) and to allow contacting each electric contact (6.2) of the port (6) of the drug delivery device (1) by one respective electric contact (7.2) of the connector (7) of the electronic module (2).

9. Electronic module (2) according to one of the claims 5 to 7, wherein the plurality of electric contacts (7.2) is located so as to allow contacting the electric contacts of the port of the computer by a first one (7.8) of two subsets (7.8, 7.9) of the electric contacts (7.2) of the connector (7) of the electronic module (2) and to allow contacting each electric contact (7.2) of the two subsets (7.8, 7.9) by one respective electric contact (6.2) of the port (6) of the drug delivery device (1).

10. Electronic module (2) according to claim 9, wherein the electric contacts (7.2) of the first subset (7.8) are narrower than the electric contacts of the port of the computer, wherein each electric contact (7.2) of a second one (7.9) of the two subsets (7.8, 7.9) is arranged between two contacts (7.2) of the first subset (7.8).

11. Electronic module (2) according to claim 9, wherein the electric contacts (7.2) of the first subset (7.8) are arranged on a first plane (7.7) of the contact carrier (7.1) and wherein the electric contacts (7.2) of the second subset (7.9) are arranged on at least one further plane (7.7) of the contact carrier (7.1).

12. Drug delivery device (1), comprising a port (6) for connecting to a connector (7) of an electronic module (2) according to one of the claims 1 to 11 for recording information of the drug delivery device (1).

13. Drug delivery device (1) according to claim 12, wherein the port comprises at least one protrusion (6.5) adapted to engage a slot (7.5) or recess (7.6) in the connector (7) of the electronic module (2).

14. Drug delivery device (1) according to one of the claim 12 or 13, wherein the port (6) comprises a contact carrier (6.4) retaining a plurality of electric contacts (6.2) arranged within a frame (6.3), wherein a portion (6.1) of a space within the frame (6.3) is empty and dimensioned to allow insertion of a contact carrier (7.1) of the correspondingly shaped connector (7) of the electronic module (2) retaining a plurality of electric contacts (7.2) for contacting the electric contacts (6.2) of the port (6).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus, are not limitive of the present invention, and wherein:

[0044] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a drug delivery device and an electronic module,

[0045] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of the electronic module and a corresponding drug delivery device,

[0046] FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the electronic module having a connector with a slot,

[0047] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a drug delivery device with a port having a protrusion for engaging the slot of the connector of the electronic module of FIG. 3,

[0048] FIG. 5 is a detail side view of an exemplary embodiment of the electronic module having a connector with two slots,

[0049] FIG. 6 is a detail side view of an exemplary embodiment of the electronic module having a connector with three slots,

[0050] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the electronic module, wherein a recess is arranged in the electronic module behind the connector,

[0051] FIG. 8 is a perspective detail view of an exemplary embodiment of the drug delivery device with a port having a protrusion for engaging the recess of the connector of the electronic module of FIG. 7,

[0052] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the electronic module having a bespoke or customized first connector and a universal second connector,

[0053] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of the electronic module having a bespoke or customized first connector and a universal second connector,

[0054] FIG. 11 is a schematic sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of the electronic module with a modified connector,

[0055] FIG. 12 is a schematic sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of the electronic module with a modified connector,

[0056] FIG. 13 is a schematic sectional view of yet another exemplary embodiment of the electronic module with a modified connector,

[0057] FIG. 14 is a schematic sectional view of yet another exemplary embodiment of the electronic module with a modified connector, and

[0058] FIG. 15 is a schematic sectional view of yet another exemplary embodiment of the electronic module with a modified connector having a contact carrier with two different horizontal planes.

[0059] Corresponding parts are marked with the same reference symbols in all figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] FIG. 1 shows a drug delivery device 1 and an electronic module 2.

[0061] The drug delivery device 1 comprises a body 3 adapted to receive a drug cartridge 4 or syringe having or adapted to be connected to a hypodermic injection needle 5 or needle arrangement. Furthermore, the drug delivery device 1 comprises a port 6 for interfacing with the electronic module 2.

[0062] The electronic module 2 comprises a connector 7 adapted to be directly connected to the port 6 of the drug delivery device 1 and/or to a port of a blood glucose meter (not illustrated). The blood glucose meter may likewise be integrated with the drug delivery device 1. Furthermore, the electronic module 2 is adapted to interface with a computer, such as a PC or Laptop via a universal connection. The drug delivery device 1 and/or the electronic module 2 are/is adapted to record therapy information, such as quantities of drug dialed and/or dispensed, dispense time and date etc., to aid health care professionals' understanding of a patient's medicinal requirements. In connection with the blood glucose meter the electronic module 2 is adapted to record blood glucose values and, if applicable, time and date of performed blood glucose measurements.

[0063] The electronic module 2 is adapted to record the date and time of any treatment related activity, in addition to recording the blood glucose reading or the drug dose size taken.

[0064] The electronic module 2 comprises a display 8 for displaying information to a user. The electronic module 2 may be arranged to collect and display to the user information such as: [0065] type of drug in the current cartridge 4 (long acting insulin, short acting insulin, GLP-1, etc.), [0066] drug volume remaining in the cartridge 4, [0067] use-by date of the drug in the current cartridge 4, [0068] time of next recommended blood glucose test, and [0069] number of blood glucose measurement strips remaining.

[0070] The drug delivery device 1 may comprise sensors for acquiring this information.

[0071] The electronic module 2 aims to reduce the complexity of diabetes care and provide a complete therapy history for both health care professionals and patients. The electronic module 2 may be arranged to run on-board software for displaying the data collected in a clear manner, highlighting trends in the patient's medication. The electronic module 2 is arranged as a re-useable device. The electronic module 2 may have stored software allowing it to interface with any computational device such as a computer, e.g. a PC or laptop, without losing functionality.

[0072] The re-useable electronic module 2 also allows the compatible drug delivery device 1 to be disposable; as a significant amount of complexity can be removed from the drug delivery device 1 with a limited number of metallic components.

[0073] The connector 7 of the electronic module 2 may be arranged as a universal or standard connector, for example in one of the formats USB, USB-B, Mini USB, Micro USB, IEEE1394, computer serial port (RS232), or a standard or proprietary connector of a flash memory card, such as SD Card, Mini SD Card, Micro SD Card, MultiMediaCard, CompactFlash, Memory Stick, and/or the like.

[0074] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the electronic module 2 and a corresponding drug delivery device 1. The electronic module 2 is adapted to be laterally arranged on the body 3 of the drug delivery device 1 and interface to the port 6 in a rear end of the drug delivery device 1 such that the drug delivery device 1 and the electronic module 2 form an ergonomic and functional unit when connected.

[0075] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of the electronic module 2 and a corresponding drug delivery device 1. The electronic module 2 is shaped as a button and arranged to be assembled to a rear end of the drug delivery device 1 such that the drug delivery device 1 and the electronic module 2 form an ergonomic and functional unit when connected.

[0076] The electronic module 2 preferably comprises a connector 7, such as a USB connector, to have the ability to directly interface with any computer having a universal port. If the same connector 7 is used to connect to the drug delivery device 1 and/or a blood glucose meter the ports 6 of these devices should comply with the same standard as the connector 7, e.g. USB. This may result in attempts of the user to assemble generic devices of this standard, e.g. USB sticks, to the drug delivery device 1. This should be avoided in order to ensure users do not think data is being recorded when a generic device is connected and to avoid potential data corruption.

[0077] In order to address this problem the electronic module 2 and the drug delivery device 1 may be modified as illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 10.

[0078] FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the electronic module 2. FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a corresponding drug delivery device 1. The connector 7 substantially complies with a standard form such as USB. In this case the connector 7 comprises a contact carrier 7.1 retaining four electric contacts 7.2 arranged within a connector frame 7.3, which may be rectangular and comprise or consist of sheet metal. The electric contacts 7.2 are accessible through an opening in the connector frame 7.3. The contact carrier 7.1 and the electric contacts 7.2 fill only a portion of the space within the connector frame 7.3 while another portion 7.4 is empty.

[0079] The port 6 on the drug delivery device 1 likewise comprises a contact carrier 6.4 which corresponds to empty portion 7.4 of the connector 7. The contact carrier 6.4 retains four electric contacts 6.2 arranged within an empty connector frame 6.3 within body 3. The empty connector frame 6.3 corresponds to and is configured to receive connector frame 7.3 of the connector 7. Empty connector frame 7.3 may be rectangular and be shielded by sheet metal. The electric contacts 6.2 are accessible through an opening in the connector frame 6.3. The contact carrier 6.4 and the electric contacts 6.2 fill only a portion of the space within the connector frame 6.3 while another portion 6.1 is empty. The connector frame 6.3 of the port 6 is dimensioned to allow insertion of the connector frame 7.3 of the connector 7 wherein the contact carrier 7.1 of the connector 7 enters the empty portion 6.1 within the connector frame 6.3 of the port 6 while the contact carrier 6.4 of the port 6 enters the empty portion 7.4 within the connector frame 7.3 of the connector 7 such that each electric contact 6.2 of the port 6 contacts a respective electric contact 7.2 of the connector 7.

[0080] In order to ensure only the correct electronic module 2 is connected to the drug delivery device 1 at least one slot 7.5 is cut into the connector frame 7.3 of the connector 7 on the electronic module 2. The port 6 on the drug delivery device 1 and/or on the blood glucose meter comprises a protrusion 6.5 arranged to engage the slot 7.5. The protrusion 6.5 may be part of the body 3 protruding through a slot into the connector frame 7.3. The protrusion 6.5 in the port 6 blocks the fitting of a standard connector while the slot 7.5 in the modified connector 7 does not prevent fitting to standard ports 6.

[0081] In alternative embodiments the connector 7 of the electronic module 2 may have more than one slot 7.5 and the port 6 of the drug delivery device 1 may have a corresponding number of protrusions 6.5.

[0082] FIG. 5 is a detail side view of an exemplary embodiment of the electronic module 2 having a connector 7 with two slots 7.5.

[0083] FIG. 6 is a detail side view of an exemplary embodiment of the electronic module 2 having a connector 7 with three slots 7.5.

[0084] In alternative embodiments the connector 7 of the module 2 may comprise at least one different recess feature for interfacing with a corresponding protrusion on the port 6 of the drug delivery device 1.

[0085] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the electronic module 2, wherein a recess 7.6 is arranged in the electronic module 2 behind the connector 7. FIG. 8 is a perspective detail view of an exemplary embodiment of the drug delivery device 1, wherein a protrusion 6.5 passing through and extending from the connector frame 6.3 of the port 6 is arranged to engage in the recess 7.6 of the electronic module 2 in the electronic module 2 behind the connector 7. The protrusion 6.5 on the port 6 blocks the fitting of a standard connector while the recess 7.6 in the modified connector 7 does not prevent fitting to standard ports 6.

[0086] Another option for preventing the user from assembling generic devices to the drug delivery device 1 is illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10.

[0087] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the electronic module 2 having a bespoke or customized first connector 7 adapted to interface with a correspondingly shaped port in the drug delivery device (not illustrated) and a universal second connector 7′ adapted to interface with universal ports in other equipment such as a computer. The electronic module 2 is suitable to be laterally arranged on the body 3 of a drug delivery device 1 similar to the one illustrated in FIG. 1 and interface with the first connector 7 to the port 6 in a rear end of the drug delivery device 1 such that the drug delivery device 1 and the electronic module 2 form an ergonomic and functional unit when connected. The connectors 7, 7′ are arranged on opposed ends of the electronic module 2.

[0088] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the electronic module 2 having a bespoke or customized first connector 7 adapted to interface with a correspondingly shaped port in the drug delivery device (not illustrated) and a universal second connector 7′ adapted to interface with universal ports in other equipment such as a computer. The electronic module 2 is shaped as a button and suited to be assembled to a rear end of a drug delivery device 1 similar to the one illustrated in FIG. 2 such that the drug delivery device 1 and the electronic module 2 form an ergonomic and functional unit when connected. The first connector 7 is arranged on an end of the electronic module 2 arranged to connect to the drug delivery device 1 while the second connector 7′ is aligned at right angles relative to the first connector 7.

[0089] A dose size delivered or to be delivered may be acquired and encoded so that it can be stored and processed by the electronic module 2. Acquisition and encoding of the dose size has to be performed within the drug delivery device 1, e.g. by means of mechanical contacts. In order to encode an 80 unit dose 7 bits and accordingly 7 contacts are needed as 80 is greater than 26=64 but smaller than 27=128. However, the connectors 7 of the electronic module 2 described above comply with the USB standard and therefore comprise four electric contacts 7.2 thus limiting the number of units that can be transferred from the drug delivery device 1 to the electronic module 2 without further circuitry in the drug delivery device 1 to 24=16. Transferring a wider range of unit values over the port 6 may be achieved by serializing the acquired values by respective circuitry in the drug delivery device 1. However, it may be preferred to arrange the drug delivery device 1 as a disposable device wherein as much of the electronic circuitry as possible would be arranged in the reusable electronic module 2 to reduce the cost of the drug delivery device 1. In this situation the injection device would preferably have no or as little circuitry as possible and comprise conductive track and contact arms, which could be connected to the circuitry in the electronic module 2 via the port 6 and the connector 7. In this case transferring a wider range of values requires a greater number of electric contacts 6.2, 7.2.

[0090] For example in order to encode an 80 unit dose 7 bits and accordingly 7 contacts are needed as 80 is greater than 26=64 and smaller than 27=128.

[0091] In order to address this problem the connector 7 may be modified as illustrated in FIGS. 11 to 15.

[0092] FIG. 11 is a schematic sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of the electronic module 2 with a modified connector 7. As opposed to the embodiments of FIGS. 3 and 7 which have four electric contacts 7.2 the contacts 7.2 in the embodiment of FIG. 11 are split transversally thus obtaining eight electric contacts 7.2. The port 6 of the drug delivery device 1 would also be modified to have eight corresponding electric contacts 6.2.

[0093] FIG. 12 is a schematic sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of the electronic module 2 with a modified connector 7. As opposed to the embodiments of FIGS. 3 and 7 which have four electric contacts 7.2 the contacts 7.2 in the embodiment of FIG. 12 are split twice transversally thus obtaining twelve electric contacts 7.2. The port 6 of the drug delivery device 1 would also be modified to have twelve corresponding electric contacts 6.2.

[0094] FIG. 13 is a schematic sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of the electronic module 2 with a modified connector 7. As opposed to the embodiments of FIGS. 3 and 7 which have four electric contacts 7.2 the contacts 7.2 in the embodiment of FIG. 13 are split longitudinally thus obtaining eight electric contacts 7.2. The port 6 of the drug delivery device 1 would also be modified to have eight corresponding electric contacts 6.2.

[0095] The electric contacts 7.2, 6.2 could be split more than twice thus obtaining 16 or another multiple of the number of electric contacts 7.2, 6.2 of the generic universal connector. This solution may be applied to other connectors 7 having a different generic number of electric contacts 7.2. The number of obtainable electric contacts 7.2 would then be a multiple of the generic number.

[0096] FIG. 14 is a schematic sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of the electronic module 2 with a modified connector 7. As opposed to the embodiments of FIGS. 3 and 7 which have four relatively wide electric contacts 7.2 in a first subset 7.8 of the generic electric contacts 7.2 in the embodiment of FIG. 14 the electric contacts 7.2 are narrowed and additional electric contacts 7.2 of a second subset 7.9 are arranged between the generic ones of the first subset 7.8 thus obtaining seven electric contacts 7.2. The port 6 of the drug delivery device 1 would also be modified to have seven corresponding electric contacts 6.2. In this solution, additional electric contacts 7.2 are placed in a region outside the standard four contact zones.

[0097] FIG. 15 is a schematic sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of the electronic module 2 with a modified connector 7. As opposed to the embodiments of FIGS. 3 and 7 which have four relatively wide electric contacts 7.2 arranged on the contact carrier 7.1 in one plane the modified connector 7 in FIG. 15 comprises a contact carrier 7.1 with two different horizontal planes 7.7 on which four electric contacts 7.2 of a first subset 7.8 and a second subset 7.9, are arranged, respectively thus obtaining eight electric contacts 7.2. The port 6 of the drug delivery device 1 would also be modified to have a contact carrier 6.4 with two different planes and eight electric contacts 6.2 corresponding to the electric contacts 7.2 of the modified connector 7. The modified contact carrier 6.4 of the port 6 would thus also block fitting of a generic connector to the drug delivery device 1.

[0098] The connectors 7 modified according to one of the FIGS. 11 to 15 would still allow to connect to a standard (USB) port of a computer.

[0099] The term “drug” or “medicament”, as used herein, means a pharmaceutical formulation containing at least one pharmaceutically active compound, [0100] wherein in one embodiment the pharmaceutically active compound has a molecular weight up to 1500 Da and/or is a peptide, a proteine, a polysaccharide, a vaccine, a DNA, a RNA, an enzyme, an antibody or a fragment thereof, a hormone or an oligonucleotide, or a mixture of the above-mentioned pharmaceutically active compound, [0101] wherein in a further embodiment the pharmaceutically active compound is useful for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diabetes mellitus or complications associated with diabetes mellitus such as diabetic retinopathy, thromboembolism disorders such as deep vein or pulmonary thromboembolism, acute coronary syndrome (ACS), angina, myocardial infarction, cancer, macular degeneration, inflammation, hay fever, atherosclerosis and/or rheumatoid arthritis, [0102] wherein in a further embodiment the pharmaceutically active compound comprises at least one peptide for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diabetes mellitus or complications associated with diabetes mellitus such as diabetic retinopathy, [0103] wherein in a further embodiment the pharmaceutically active compound comprises at least one human insulin or a human insulin analogue or derivative, glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) or an analogue or derivative thereof, or exendin-3 or exendin-4 or an analogue or derivative of exendin-3 or exendin-4.

[0104] Insulin analogues are for example Gly(A21), Arg(B31), Arg(B32) human insulin; Lys(B3), Glu(B29) human insulin; Lys(B28), Pro(B29) human insulin; Asp(B28) human insulin; human insulin, wherein proline in position B28 is replaced by Asp, Lys, Leu, Val or Ala and wherein in position B29 Lys may be replaced by Pro; Ala(B26) human insulin; Des(B28-B30) human insulin; Des(B27) human insulin and Des(B30) human insulin.

[0105] Insulin derivates are for example B29-N-myristoyl-des(B30) human insulin; B29-N-palmitoyl-des(B30) human insulin; B29-N-myristoyl human insulin; B29-N-palmitoyl human insulin; B28-N-myristoyl LysB28ProB29 human insulin; B28-N-palmitoyl-LysB28ProB29 human insulin; B30-N-myristoyl-ThrB29LysB30 human insulin; B30-N-palmitoyl-ThrB29LysB30 human insulin; B29-N—(N-palmitoyl-Y-glutamyl)-des(B30) human insulin; B29-N—(N-lithocholyl-Y-glutamyl)-des(B30) human insulin; B29-N-(ω-carboxyheptadecanoyl)-des(B30) human insulin and B29-N-(ω-carboxyheptadecanoyl) human insulin.

[0106] Exendin-4 for example means Exendin-4(1-39), a peptide of the sequence H-His-Gly-Glu-Gly-Thr-Phe-Thr-Ser-Asp-Leu-Ser-Lys-Gln-Met-Glu-Glu-Glu-Ala-Val-Arg-Leu-Phe-Ile-Glu-Trp-Leu-Lys-Asn-Gly-Gly-Pro-Ser-Ser-Gly-Ala-Pro-Pro-Pro-Ser-NH2.

[0107] Exendin-4 derivatives are for example selected from the following list of compounds: [0108] H-(Lys)4-des Pro36, des Pro37 Exendin-4(1-39)-NH2, [0109] H-(Lys)5-des Pro36, des Pro37 Exendin-4(1-39)-NH2, [0110] des Pro36 Exendin-4(1-39), [0111] des Pro36 [Asp28] Exendin-4(1-39), [0112] des Pro36 [IsoAsp28] Exendin-4(1-39), [0113] des Pro36 [Met(O)14, Asp28] Exendin-4(1-39), [0114] des Pro36 [Met(O)14, IsoAsp28] Exendin-4(1-39), [0115] des Pro36 [Trp(O2)25, Asp28] Exendin-4(1-39), [0116] des Pro36 [Trp(O2)25, IsoAsp28] Exendin-4(1-39), [0117] des Pro36 [Met(O)14 Trp(O2)25, Asp28] Exendin-4(1-39), [0118] des Pro36 [Met(O)14 Trp(O2)25, IsoAsp28] Exendin-4(1-39); or [0119] des Pro36 [Asp28] Exendin-4(1-39), [0120] des Pro36 [IsoAsp28] Exendin-4(1-39), [0121] des Pro36 [Met(O)14, Asp28] Exendin-4(1-39), [0122] des Pro36 [Met(O)14, IsoAsp28] Exendin-4(1-39), [0123] des Pro36 [Trp(O2)25, Asp28] Exendin-4(1-39), [0124] des Pro36 [Trp(O2)25, IsoAsp28] Exendin-4(1-39), [0125] des Pro36 [Met(O)14 Trp(O2)25, Asp28] Exendin-4(1-39), [0126] des Pro36 [Met(O)14 Trp(O2)25, IsoAsp28] Exendin-4(1-39), [0127] wherein the group -Lys6-NH2 may be bound to the C-terminus of the Exendin-4 derivative; [0128] or an Exendin-4 derivative of the sequence [0129] des Pro36 Exendin-4(1-39)-Lys6-NH2 (AVE0010), [0130] H-(Lys)6-des Pro36 [Asp28] Exendin-4(1-39)-Lys6-NH2, [0131] des Asp28 Pro36, Pro37, Pro38Exendin-4(1-39)-NH2, [0132] H-(Lys)6-des Pro36, Pro38 [Asp28] Exendin-4(1-39)-NH2, [0133] H-Asn-(Glu)5des Pro36, Pro37, Pro38 [Asp28] Exendin-4(1-39)-NH2, [0134] des Pro36, Pro37, Pro38 [Asp28] Exendin-4(1-39)-(Lys)6-NH2, [0135] H-(Lys)6-des Pro36, Pro37, Pro38 [Asp28] Exendin-4(1-39)-(Lys)6-NH2, [0136] H-Asn-(Glu)5-des Pro36, Pro37, Pro38 [Asp28] Exendin-4(1-39)-(Lys)6-NH2, [0137] H-(Lys)6-des Pro36 [Trp(O2)25, Asp28] Exendin-4(1-39)-Lys6-NH2, [0138] H-des Asp28 Pro36, Pro37, Pro38 [Trp(O2)25] Exendin-4(1-39)-NH2, [0139] H-(Lys)6-des Pro36, Pro37, Pro38 [Trp(O2)25, Asp28] Exendin-4(1-39)-NH2, [0140] H-Asn-(Glu)5-des Pro36, Pro37, Pro38 [Trp(O2)25, Asp28] Exendin-4(1-39)-NH2, [0141] des Pro36, Pro37, Pro38 [Trp(O2)25, Asp28] Exendin-4(1-39)-(Lys)6-NH2, [0142] H-(Lys)6-des Pro36, Pro37, Pro38 [Trp(O2)25, Asp28] Exendin-4(1-39)-(Lys)6-NH2, [0143] H-Asn-(Glu)5-des Pro36, Pro37, Pro38 [Trp(O2)25, Asp28] Exendin-4(1-39)-(Lys)6-NH2, [0144] H-(Lys)6-des Pro36 [Met(O)14, Asp28] Exendin-4(1-39)-Lys6-NH2, [0145] des Met(O)14 Asp28 Pro36, Pro37, Pro38 Exendin-4(1-39)-NH2, [0146] H-(Lys)6-desPro36, Pro37, Pro38 [Met(O)14, Asp28] Exendin-4(1-39)-NH2, [0147] H-Asn-(Glu)5-des Pro36, Pro37, Pro38 [Met(O)14, Asp28] Exendin-4(1-39)-NH2, [0148] des Pro36, Pro37, Pro38 [Met(O)14, Asp28] Exendin-4(1-39)-(Lys)6-NH2, [0149] H-(Lys)6-des Pro36, Pro37, Pro38 [Met(O)14, Asp28] Exendin-4(1-39)-(Lys)6-NH2, [0150] H-Asn-(Glu)5 des Pro36, Pro37, Pro38 [Met(O)14, Asp28] Exendin-4(1-39)-(Lys)6-NH2, [0151] H-Lys6-des Pro36 [Met(O)14, Trp(O2)25, Asp28] Exendin-4(1-39)-Lys6-NH2, [0152] H-des Asp28 Pro36, Pro37, Pro38 [Met(O)14, Trp(O2)25] Exendin-4(1-39)-NH2, [0153] H-(Lys)6-des Pro36, Pro37, Pro38 [Met(O)14, Asp28] Exendin-4(1-39)-NH2, [0154] H-Asn-(Glu)5-des Pro36, Pro37, Pro38 [Met(O)14, Trp(O2)25, Asp28] Exendin-4(1-39)-NH2, [0155] des Pro36, Pro37, Pro38 [Met(O)14, Trp(O2)25, Asp28] Exendin-4(1-39)-(Lys)6-NH2, [0156] H-(Lys)6-des Pro36, Pro37, Pro38 [Met(O)14, Trp(O2)25, Asp28] Exendin-4(S1-39)-(Lys)6-NH2, [0157] H-Asn-(Glu)5-des Pro36, Pro37, Pro38 [Met(O)14, Trp(O2)25, Asp28] Exendin-4(1-39)-(Lys)6-H2; [0158] or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate of any one of the afore-mentioned Exendin-4 derivative.

[0159] Hormones are for example hypophysis hormones or hypothalamus hormones or regulatory active peptides and their antagonists as listed in Rote Liste, ed. 2008, Chapter 50, such as Gonadotropine (Follitropin, Lutropin, Choriongonadotropin, Menotropin), Somatropine (Somatropin), Desmopressin, Terlipressin, Gonadorelin, Triptorelin, Leuprorelin, Buserelin, Nafarelin, Goserelin.

[0160] A polysaccharide is for example a glucosaminoglycane, a hyaluronic acid, a heparin, a low molecular weight heparin or an ultra low molecular weight heparin or a derivative thereof, or a sulphated, e.g. a poly-sulphated form of the above-mentioned polysaccharides, and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. An example of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of a poly-sulphated low molecular weight heparin is enoxaparin sodium.

[0161] Antibodies are globular plasma proteins (˜150 kDa) that are also known as immunoglobulins which share a basic structure. As they have sugar chains added to amino acid residues, they are glycoproteins. The basic functional unit of each antibody is an immunoglobulin (Ig) monomer (containing only one Ig unit); secreted antibodies can also be dimeric with two Ig units as with IgA, tetrameric with four Ig units like teleost fish IgM, or pentameric with five Ig units, like mammalian IgM.

[0162] The Ig monomer is a “Y”-shaped molecule that consists of four polypeptide chains; two identical heavy chains and two identical light chains connected by disulfide bonds between cysteine residues. Each heavy chain is about 440 amino acids long; each light chain is about 220 amino acids long. Heavy and light chains each contain intrachain disulfide bonds which stabilize their folding. Each chain is composed of structural domains called Ig domains. These domains contain about 70-110 amino acids and are classified into different categories (for example, variable or V, and constant or C) according to their size and function. They have a characteristic immunoglobulin fold in which two β sheets create a “sandwich” shape, held together by interactions between conserved cysteines and other charged amino acids.

[0163] There are five types of mammalian Ig heavy chain denoted by α, δ, ε, γ, and μ. The type of heavy chain present defines the isotype of antibody; these chains are found in IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG, and IgM antibodies, respectively.

[0164] Distinct heavy chains differ in size and composition; α and γ contain approximately 450 amino acids and δ approximately 500 amino acids, while μ and ε have approximately 550 amino acids. Each heavy chain has two regions, the constant region (C.sub.H) and the variable region (V.sub.H). In one species, the constant region is essentially identical in all antibodies of the same isotype, but differs in antibodies of different isotypes. Heavy chains γ, α and δ have a constant region composed of three tandem Ig domains, and a hinge region for added flexibility; heavy chains μ and ε have a constant region composed of four immunoglobulin domains. The variable region of the heavy chain differs in antibodies produced by different B cells, but is the same for all antibodies produced by a single B cell or B cell clone. The variable region of each heavy chain is approximately 110 amino acids long and is composed of a single Ig domain.

[0165] In mammals, there are two types of immunoglobulin light chain denoted by λ and κ. A light chain has two successive domains: one constant domain (CL) and one variable domain (VL). The approximate length of a light chain is 211 to 217 amino acids. Each antibody contains two light chains that are always identical; only one type of light chain, κ or λ, is present per antibody in mammals.

[0166] Although the general structure of all antibodies is very similar, the unique property of a given antibody is determined by the variable (V) regions, as detailed above. More specifically, variable loops, three each the light (VL) and three on the heavy (VH) chain, are responsible for binding to the antigen, i.e. for its antigen specificity. These loops are referred to as the Complementarity Determining Regions (CDRs). Because CDRs from both VH and VL domains contribute to the antigen-binding site, it is the combination of the heavy and the light chains, and not either alone, that determines the final antigen specificity.

[0167] An “antibody fragment” contains at least one antigen binding fragment as defined above, and exhibits essentially the same function and specificity as the complete antibody of which the fragment is derived from. Limited proteolytic digestion with papain cleaves the Ig prototype into three fragments. Two identical amino terminal fragments, each containing one entire L chain and about half an H chain, are the antigen binding fragments (Fab). The third fragment, similar in size but containing the carboxyl terminal half of both heavy chains with their interchain disulfide bond, is the crystalizable fragment (Fc). The Fc contains carbohydrates, complement-binding, and FcR-binding sites. Limited pepsin digestion yields a single F(ab′)2 fragment containing both Fab pieces and the hinge region, including the H-H interchain disulfide bond. F(ab′)2 is divalent for antigen binding. The disulfide bond of F(ab′)2 may be cleaved in order to obtain Fab′. Moreover, the variable regions of the heavy and light chains can be fused together to form a single chain variable fragment (scFv).

[0168] Pharmaceutically acceptable salts are for example acid addition salts and basic salts. Acid addition salts are e.g. HCl or HBr salts. Basic salts are e.g. salts having a cation selected from alkali or alkaline, e.g. Na+, or K+, or Ca2+, or an ammonium ion N+(R1)(R2)(R3)(R4), wherein R1 to R4 independently of each other mean: hydrogen, an optionally substituted C1-C6-alkyl group, an optionally substituted C2-C6-alkenyl group, an optionally substituted C6-C10-aryl group, or an optionally substituted C6-C10-heteroaryl group. Further examples of pharmaceutically acceptable salts are described in “Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences” 17. ed. Alfonso R. Gennaro (Ed.), Mark Publishing Company, Easton, Pa., U.S.A., 1985 and in Encyclopedia of Pharmaceutical Technology.

[0169] Pharmaceutically acceptable solvates are for example hydrates.

[0170] Those of skill in the art will understand that modifications (additions and/or removals) of various components of the apparatuses, methods and/or systems and embodiments described herein may be made without departing from the full scope and spirit of the present invention, which encompass such modifications and any and all equivalents thereof.