DRUG DELIVERY DEVICE INCLUDING PATCH SEGMENTS

Various embodiments of a drug delivery device and a method of using such device are disclosed. The drug delivery device includes a backing layer having a first major surface and a second major surface, and an array of patch segments defined by segment separation lines disposed in the backing layer. Each segment separation line is adapted to enhance separation of one or more patch segments from the array of patch segments. Further, a patch segment of the array of patch segments includes a polygonal shape.

BACKGROUND

Drug delivery devices such as transdermal and topical patches and bandages typically include a backing layer, an adhesive layer, and a release liner disposed such that the adhesive layer is between the backing layer and the release liner. Such devices can also include one or more active pharmaceutical ingredients disposed on or within the adhesive layer that can provide various therapeutic benefits to a user that applies such devices to the user's skin. These active pharmaceutical ingredients can include compounds such as clobetasol propionate, which is a corticosteroid typically used topically for treatment of atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and other skin conditions. Clobetasol propionate is currently available by prescription in a variety of topical dosage forms, including ointments, lotions, creams, and foams.

SUMMARY

In general, the present disclosure provides various embodiments of a drug delivery device that includes an array of patch segments that are defined by one or more segment separation lines disposed in a backing layer of the device. One or more of these patch segments can be separated from the array of patch segments along the one or more segment separation lines. This configuration of removable patch segments can allow a user to tailor the drug delivery device to cover a selected area or areas of the user's skin. Further, the separated patch segments can also be applied to the user's skin to cover additional portions or areas.

In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a drug delivery device that includes a backing layer having a first major surface and a second major surface, and an array of patch segments defined by segment separation lines disposed in the backing layer. Each segment separation line is adapted to enhance separation of one or more patch segments from the array of patch segments. Further, a patch segment of the array of patch segments includes a polygonal shape having at least five sides and no greater than seven sides.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a web that includes a backing layer having a first major surface and a second major surface, and drug delivery devices defined by patch separation lines disposed in the backing layer. Each patch separation line is adapted to enhance separation of one or more drug delivery devices from the web. Further, each drug delivery device includes an array of patch segments defined by segment separation lines disposed in the backing layer, where each segment separation line is adapted to enhance separation of one or more patch segments from the array of hexagonal patch segments of each patch. In addition, a patch segment of the array of patch segments includes a polygonal shape having at least five sides and no greater than seven sides.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method that includes removing a release liner from a drug delivery device, where the drug delivery device includes a backing layer having a first major surface and a second major surface, and an array of patch segments defined by segment separation lines disposed in the backing layer. Each segment separation line is adapted to enhance separation of one or more patch segments from the array of patch segments. Further, a patch segment of the array of patch segments includes a polygonal shape having at least five sides and no greater than seven sides. The method further includes disposing the drug delivery device onto a portion of skin of a user such that an adhesive composition that is disposed on the second major surface of the backing layer of the drug delivery device is in contact with the skin of the user; separating a patch segment from the array of patch segments of the drug delivery device along a segment separation line; and removing the separated patch segment from the skin of the user.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method that includes separating a patch segment from an array of patch segments of a drug delivery device along a segment separation line that is disposed in a backing layer of the drug delivery device, where the backing layer includes a first major surface and a second major surface, and further where a patch segment of the array of patch segments includes a polygonal shape having at least five sides and no greater than seven sides. The method further includes removing a release liner from the drug delivery device, and disposing the drug delivery device onto a portion of skin of a user such that an adhesive composition that is disposed on the second major surface of the backing layer of the drug delivery device is in contact with the skin of the user.

All headings provided herein are for the convenience of the reader and should not be used to limit the meaning of any text that follows the heading, unless so specified.

The terms “comprises” and variations thereof do not have a limiting meaning where these terms appear in the description and claims. Such terms will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated step or element or group of steps or elements but not the exclusion of any other step or element or group of steps or elements.

The phrases “at least one of” and “comprises at least one of” followed by a list refers to any one of the items in the list and any combination of two or more items in the list.

As used herein in connection with a measured quantity, the term “about” refers to that variation in the measured quantity as would be expected by the skilled artisan making the measurement and exercising a level of care commensurate with the objective of the measurement and the precision of the measuring equipment used. Herein, “up to” a number (e.g., up to 50) includes the number (e.g., 50).

Also herein, the recitations of numerical ranges by endpoints include all numbers subsumed within that range as well as the endpoints (e.g., 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, 5, etc.).

These and other aspects of the present disclosure will be apparent from the detailed description below. In no event, however, should the above summaries be construed as limitations on the claimed subject matter, which subject matter is defined solely by the attached claims, as may be amended during prosecution.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In general, the present disclosure provides various embodiments of a drug delivery device that includes an array of patch segments that are defined by one or more segment separation lines disposed in a backing layer of the device. One or more of these patch segments can be separated from the array of patch segments along the one or more segment separation lines. This configuration of removable patch segments can allow a user to tailor the drug delivery device to cover a selected area or areas of the user's skin. Further, the separated patch segments can also be applied to the user's skin to cover additional portions or areas. The various embodiments of drug delivery devices described herein can be utilized in any suitable application, e.g., transdermal or topical drug delivery, medical securement tapes that are customizable in size to contour, e.g., around IV tubing and monitoring leads, and medical wound dressings.

Drug delivery devices such as transdermal and topical patches can be adapted to provide active pharmaceutical ingredients to a user. For example, a topical patch can be adapted to provide one or more active pharmaceutical ingredients to skin of a user to treat such conditions as psoriasis and dermatitis. Such skin conditions can, however, generate treatment areas such as lesions that vary in size and location on the human anatomy. Further, known topical patches are not easily customizable such that the patches cover only the lesions while not occluding healthy skin surrounding such lesions. Portions of these known topical patches that are not utilized to treat lesions may be wasted and cannot be reapplied. Also, such topical patches can be difficult to handle given their size and the lack of rigidity of a conformable backing layer of the patch. These conformable backing layers are not, however, typically conformable on or around anatomical joints as the size of the patch prohibits the layer from remaining in contact with the skin of the user as the patch bends.

One or more embodiments of drug delivery devices described herein can provide various advantages over currently available transdermal or topical patches. For example, one or more embodiments of devices described herein can include an array of patch segments, where one or more of these patch segments can be removed from the device along one or more segment separation lines such that the device is tailored to cover one or more lesions on the skin of the user. Because of this ability to tailor the size and shape of the device, numerous configurations and sizes of lesions can be treated without occluding a substantial portion of skin that surrounds the lesions. Further, the one or more patch segments that are removed from the device can be disposed on other lesions or stored and used at a later time as the device can include a liner that can remain intact on these unused segments. Further, in one or more embodiments, the array of patch segments can be closely packed such that one or more sides or edges of a patch segment are nested with one or more sides or edges of adjacent patch segments, thereby eliminating trim or waste material that in typical patches may be disposed between segments. Because of the nested, closely-packed arrangement of the array of patch segments, one or more embodiments of drug delivery devices described herein can be formed using high-yield manufacturing processes that can reduce trim or waste. The one or more segment separation lines that define the closely-packed array of patch segments can allow the user to tailor the shape of the device to fit a particular size of lesion or other treatment site on the skin. These segment separation lines can also provide additional flexibility to the device such that the device remains in contact with the skin of the user when the device is disposed on a nonplanar portion of the skin or over a joint or other articulating surface of the user's body. Further, a patch can be cleanly removed from the skin while gels or creams may leave residue even after being wiped off with a cloth or tissue.

FIGS.1-4are various views of one embodiment of a drug delivery device10. The device10includes a backing layer12that has a first major surface14and a second major surface16, and an array18of patch segments22. The array18is defined by one or more segment separation lines20that are disposed in the backing layer12. Each segment separation line20is adapted to enhance separation of one or more patch segments22from the array18of patch segments22. Further, each patch segment22of the array18can include any suitable shape or shapes, e.g., at least one of elliptical, rectilinear, triangular, or irregular shapes. In one or more embodiments, one or more of the patch segments22can take a polygonal shape. In one or more embodiments, such polygonal shape can include any suitable number of sides or edges24, e.g., three, four, five, six, seven, or more sides. In one or more embodiments, one or more patch segments22can take a polygonal shape that includes at least five sides24and no greater than seven sides.

As shown inFIG.2, the device10can also include an adhesive composition26disposed on the second major surface16of the backing layer12, and one or more active pharmaceutical ingredients (not shown) disposed on or within the adhesive composition. Further, the device10can also include a release liner28disposed such that the adhesive composition26and the one or more active pharmaceutical ingredients are disposed between the backing layer12and the release liner. Removal of the release liner28exposes a skin contact surface27of the adhesive composition26.

In general, the device10can take any suitable shape and have any suitable dimensions. For example, as shown inFIG.1, the device10includes a perimeter11that can take any suitable shape. The perimeter11is defined by sides24of the patch segments22. In one or more embodiments, the array18of the device10can be disposed on a carrier having edges that would then define the perimeter11of the device10. As further described herein, one or more patch segments22can be removed from the device10, thereby altering the perimeter11of the device to tailor the overall shape and dimensions of the device. The perimeter11defines an area of the device10. The device10can have any suitable area. In one or more embodiments, the device10can have an area of at least 20 cm2and no greater than 200 cm2. In one or more embodiments, the device10can have an area of at least 50 cm2and no greater than 150 cm2.

The device10can be utilized for any suitable application to provide one or more active pharmaceutical ingredients to the user. In one or more embodiments, the device10can include a transdermal patch as described, e.g., in U.S. Pat. No. 9,375,510 to DiZio et al. and entitled TRANSDERMAL ADHESIVE COMPOSITIONS, DEVICES AND METHODS. Further, in one or more embodiments, the device10can include a topical patch, e.g., patch that is disposed on a surface of the user's skin and provides one or more active pharmaceutical ingredients topically to the skin as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,096,334 to Rolf et al. and entitled ADHESIVE PATCH FOR APPLYING MEDICATION TO THE SKIN AND METHOD.

Further, the drug delivery device10can be disposed individually or in roll form in any suitable pouch for storage, e.g., a foil lined pouch. In one or more embodiments, the drug delivery device10can be provided in a rolled or stacked form suitable for use with a dispensing apparatus.

The backing layer12of the device10can include any suitable materials. Suitable materials include conventional flexible backing materials used for pressure sensitive adhesive tapes, including, for example, polyethylene (particularly low density polyethylene, linear low density polyethylene, metallocene polyethylenes, or high density polyethylene), polypropylene, polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate, randomly oriented nylon fibers, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, polyurethane, natural fibers such as rayon and the like. Suitable materials also include materials that are layered, such as polyethylene terephthalate-aluminum-polyethylene composites. In one or more embodiments, the backing layer12may be formed from low density polyethylene (LDPE) film, which is a low modulus film relative to other transdermal backings. One exemplary low density polyethylene film is a 1.7 mil LDPE film (COTRAN, 3M Corp., St. Paul, Minn.). Further, the backing layer12can be treated using any suitable technique or techniques, e.g., the techniques described in co-filed U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 63/048,516 (Attorney Docket No. 83037US002), entitled DRUG DELIVERY DEVICE FOR DELIVERY OF CLOBETASOL PROPIONATE.

The backing layer12can further include indicia or printed images disposed on or in the layer. For example, a decorative design can be disposed on at least one of the first or second major surfaces14,16or within the backing layer12. Further, a separate layer that includes indicia or printed images can be disposed on the backing layer12using any suitable technique. In one or more embodiments, indicia can be disposed on or within the backing layer12to indicate to the user the location of one or more of the segment separations lines20to facilitate separation of one or more patch segments22from the array18.

Disposed in the backing layer12is the array18of patch segments22. The array18can include any suitable number of patch segments18. Further, the array18is defined by segment separation lines20that are disposed in the backing layer12using any suitable technique or techniques. Each segment separation line20is adapted to enhance separation of one or more patch segments22from the array18. The device10can include any suitable number of segment separation lines20. Further, each segment separation line20can take any suitable shape, e.g., straight, curved, etc. Further, each separation line20can intersect one or more additional separation lines in any suitable pattern or patterns.

The segment separation lines20are disposed in the backing layer12and can extend through the backing layer. In one or more embodiments, one or more of the segment separation lines20can extend through the adhesive composition26as shown inFIG.2. Further, in one or more embodiments, one or more segment separation lines20can extend through the backing layer12, the adhesive composition26, the one or more active pharmaceutical ingredients, and the release liner28.

Each segment separation line20can be formed using any suitable technique or techniques. In one or more embodiments, one or more of the segment separation lines20can include one or more perforations formed using any suitable technique. Each perforation can include any suitable dimensions. In one or more embodiments, one or more of the perforations can include a length of at least 0.25 mm and no greater than 1.5 mm. Further, the perforations can have any suitable width. Segment separation lines20that include perforations can also include one or more tie portions disposed between the perforations. The tie portions can have any suitable dimensions, e.g., a length of at least 0.125 mm and no greater than 1 mm. Further, in one or more embodiments, one or more segment separation lines20can include one or more thinned portions to provide one or more lines of weakness along which patch segments22can be separated from the array18. Any suitable technique can be utilized to provide these thin portions.

As stated herein, the one or more segment separation lines20define the array18of patch segments22. Each segment22can take any suitable shape and have any suitable dimensions. In one or more embodiments, one or more of the patch segments22can include a polygonal shape. As used herein, the term “polygonal” refers to a planar shape having at least three straight sides and angles. The polygonal shapes of the one or more segments22can have any suitable number of sides. Polygonal patch segments22can take the shape of a regular polygon or an irregular polygon. As used herein, the term “regular polygon” refers to a polygon that is equal angular (i.e., all angles are equal) and equilateral (i.e., all sides have the same length). Further, as used herein, the term “irregular polygon” is any polygon that is not a regular polygon.

In one or more embodiments, one or more of the patch segments22can take a polygonal shape having at least five sides and no greater than seven sides. Further, in one or more embodiments, one or more patch segments22can take a hexagonal shape to provide one or more hexagonal patch segments. In one or more embodiments, one or more patch segments22can take a regular hexagonal shape. In one or more embodiments, one or more of the patch segments22can take an irregular hexagonal shape.

All of the patch segments22of the array18can have the same planar shape, e.g., the array has regular hexagonal patch segments. In one or more embodiments, one or more patch segments22of the array18can take a shape that is different from a shape of another patch segment. For example,FIG.5is a schematic plan view of a portion of another embodiment of a drug delivery device100. All of the design considerations and possibilities regarding the drug delivery device10ofFIGS.1-4apply equally to the device100ofFIG.5. The device100includes an array118of patch segments122defined by segment separation lines120disposed in a backing layer112. One difference between device100ofFIG.5and device10ofFIGS.1-4is that device the patch segments122of the array118each take an irregular hexagonal shape. Even though the array118includes irregular hexagonal-shaped patch segments122, such segments are closely-packed such that little or no space is disposed between adjacent patch segments122. In one or more embodiments, the entire surface area of the backing layer112is filled by polygonal, e.g., hexagonal patch segments122.

Further, for exampleFIG.6is a schematic plan view of a portion of another embodiment of a drug delivery device200. All of the design considerations and possibilities regarding the drug delivery device10ofFIGS.1-4apply equally to the drug delivery device200ofFIG.6. As shown inFIG.6, the device200includes an array218of patch segments222defined by separation lines220disposed in a backing layer212. The array218includes one or more patch segments222. As shown inFIG.6, each patch segment222takes an irregular hexagonal shape.

As mentioned herein, each patch segment of a drug delivery device can have any suitable number of sides. For example,FIG.7is another embodiment of a drug delivery device300. All of the design considerations and possibilities regarding the drug delivery device100ofFIGS.1-4apply equally to the drug delivery device300ofFIG.7. The device300includes an array318of patch segments322that are defined by one or more separation lines320disposed in a backing layer312. As shown inFIG.7, each patch segment322of the array318takes a five-sided polygonal shape, i.e., a pentagonal shape. Each pentagonal shape is irregular. In one or more embodiments, one or more of the patch segments322can take a regular pentagonal shape.

Returning toFIGS.1-4, each patch segment22can have any suitable area in a plane of the first major surface14of the backing layer12. In one or more embodiments, at least one patch segment22of the array18has an area of at least 50 mm2and no greater than 2000 mm2. Each of the patch segments22can have the same area. In one or more embodiments, one or more patch segments22can have an area that is different from one or more additional patch segments.

As mentioned herein, the patch segments22can be closely-packed in the array18such that little or no backing layer material is disposed between adjacent segments. In one or more embodiments, one or more of the patch segments22can be nested with adjacent patch segments such that one or more sides24of the patch segment is shared with one or more sides of adjacent patch segments. In one or more embodiments, an area of the backing layer12of the device10can be equal to an area of the array18of patch segments22such that little or no backing layer material is disposed between patch segments.

As mentioned herein, the device10can also include the adhesive composition26disposed on the second major surface16of the backing layer12. The adhesive composition26can include any suitable materials. In one or more embodiments, the adhesive composition can include any polymer, or combination of polymers, that provides a desirable combination of adhesion to the skin and delivery of the one or more active pharmaceutical ingredients. Exemplary suitable polymers include, but are not limited to, acrylates, silicones, polyisobutylenes, and mixtures thereof. In one or more embodiments, the adhesive composition can include a silicone adhesive composition. Other embodiments of suitable adhesive compositions are described, e.g., in U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 63/048,516, (Attorney Docket No. 83037US002), entitled DRUG DELIVERY DEVICE FOR DELIVERY OF CLOBETASOL PROPIONATE.

In one or more embodiments, the device10can also include one or more active pharmaceutical ingredients disposed on or within the adhesive composition26. Such pharmaceutical ingredients can be disposed in any suitable location within the device10. In one or more embodiments, the one or more active pharmaceutical ingredients can be disposed within the adhesive composition26. In one or more embodiments, the one or more active pharmaceutical ingredients can be disposed between the adhesive composition26and the second major surface16of the backing layer12. Further, in one or more embodiments, the one or more active pharmaceutical ingredients can be disposed between the adhesive composition26and the release liner28. In such embodiment, the one or more active pharmaceutical ingredients can form one or more portions of the skin contacting surface27of the device10.

As described herein, the device10can also include the release liner28. The release liner28can be disposed such that the adhesive composition26and the one or more active pharmaceutical ingredients are disposed between the backing layer12and the release liner28. The release liner28can include any suitable release liner, e.g., conventional release liners that include a known sheet material such as a polyester web, a polyethylene web, poly propylene web, or a polyethylene coated paper coated web with a suitable floor polymer or silicone based coating. Suitable release liners are further described, e.g., in U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 63/048,516, (Attorney Docket No. 83037US002), entitled DRUG DELIVERY DEVICE FOR DELIVERY OF CLOBETASOL PROPIONATE.

The release liner28can also include one or more slits30disposed in the liner as shown inFIGS.1-2. The slits30can be disposed in the release liner28using an any suitable techniques or techniques. Further, the slits30can take any suitable shape and have any suitable dimensions. In one or more embodiments, the slits30can take a sinusoidal shape. Further, in one or more embodiments, the slits30can include two or more slit portions separated by a tie portion. The slits portions and the tie portions can have any suitable dimensions. In one or more embodiments, a slit30can be disposed in the release liner28along each row of patch segments22as is shown inFIG.1.

As mentioned herein, one or more patch segments22can be removed from the array18along one or more segment separation lines20. For example, as shown inFIG.3, a patch segment32is separated from the array18of drug delivery device10along separation lines34. Further, a portion36of the array18is also separated from the array along separation lines38. The portion36can include any suitable number of patch segments20and can take any suitable shape or shapes. In one or more embodiments, the patch segment32and the portion36are removed from the array18prior to the release liner28being removed from the adhesive composition26such that portions of the release liner remain intact with the patch segment and the portion. As a result, one or both of the patch segment32and the portion36can be retained and used at a later time or disposed on other portions of the skin of the user by removing the release liner and applying the patch segment or the portion to the skin such that the skin contacting surface27of the adhesive composition26is in contact with the skin and retains the segment or portion on the skin.

For example, as shown inFIG.4, a first portion38of the drug delivery device10is disposed on skin40of the user located on a back42of a hand44of the user. Further, a second portion46of the device10is disposed on the skin40of the user on a back surface48of a finger50of the user. As is further described herein, portion or portions of the device10can be disposed on the skin using any suitable technique. For example, the first portion38and the second portion46can be separated from the array18of the device10, and portions of the release liner28corresponding with the first and second portions of the device10can be removed. Once the liner28is removed, the first and second portions38,46can be disposed on the skin40of the user by pressing the portions against the skin such that the adhesive composition26adheres to the skin in the desired locations. Once disposed on the skin40, the portions38,46of the device10can provide the one or more active pharmaceutical ingredients to the user's skin.

The various embodiments of drug delivery devices described herein can be manufactured using any suitable technique or techniques. For example,FIG.8is a schematic plan view of one embodiment of a web400. The web400includes a backing layer412that has a first major surface414and a second major surface416. The web400also includes one or more drug delivery devices410defined by patch separation lines402that are disposed in the backing layer412. Each patch separation line402is adapted to enhance separation of one or more drug delivery devices410from the web400. Each drug delivery device410can include any suitable drug delivery device, e.g., drug delivery device10inFIG.1-4. All of the design considerations and possibilities regarding the drug delivery device10ofFIG.1-4apply equally to drug delivery devices410ofFIG.8. For example, one or more of the drug delivery devices410can include an array of patch segments defined by segment separation lines disposed in the backing layer, where each segment separation line is adapted to enhance separation of one or more patch segments from the array of hexagonal patch segments of each patch. Further, the web400can also include an adhesive composition disposed on the second major surface416of the backing layer412, and one or more active pharmaceutical ingredients disposed on or within the adhesive composition as is described regarding drug delivery device10ofFIGS.1-4.

The web400can also include a release liner (e.g., release liner28ofFIGS.1-4) that is disposed such that the adhesive composition and the one or more active pharmaceutical ingredients are disposed between the backing layer412and the release liner. The release liner can include one or more slits (e.g. slit30ofFIG.2) disposed in the release liner that can take any suitable shape or shapes and have any suitable dimensions. Further, in one or more embodiments, the patch separation lines402can extend through the backing layer412, the adhesive composition, the one or more active pharmaceutical ingredients, and the release liner such that one or more of the devices410can be separated from the web400along such patch separation lines. Further, the web400can also include segment separation lines420disposed in the backing layer412that are adapted to enhance separation of one or more patch segments422from an array418of patch segments as is described in regard to device10ofFIGS.1-4.

In one or more embodiments, the drug delivery devices410of the web400and the patch segments422of each device can be nested or closely packed such that little or no material of the backing layer412is disposed between devices or segments within such devices. Further, the web400can be formed such that an edge404or edges of the web400parallel to a machine direction of the web (in a direction towards the top ofFIG.8) is defined by segment separation lines420of the devices410. Such configuration can reduce the amount of trim or waste formed during manufacture of the web400.

The various embodiments of drug delivery devices described herein can be utilized using any suitable technique or techniques. For example,FIG.9is a flowchart of one embodiment of a method500of utilizing drug delivery device10. Although described regarding drug delivery device10ofFIGS.1-4, the method500can be utilized with any drug delivery device. At502, the release liner28can be removed from the drug delivery device10. Any suitable technique or techniques can be utilized to remove the release liner289. In one or more embodiments, the release liner28can include one or more slit30that can enable the user to peel the release liner from the adhesive composition26. At504, the drug delivery device10is disposed onto a portion of skin of the user (e.g., portion42of skin40ofFIG.4) such that the skin contacting surface27of the adhesive composition26is in contact with the skin of the user. Further, one or more patch segments22can be separated from the array18of patch segments along one or more segment separation lines20using any suitable technique or techniques at506. For example, in one or more embodiments, the user may tear one or more patch segments22from the array18along one or more perforations that define the segment separation lines20. At508, the patch segment or segments22separated from the array18can be removed from the skin of the user and repositioned on one or more additional portions of the skin of the user. For example, at510, such separated patch segment or segments22can be reapplied to second or additional portions of the skin (e.g., as shown inFIG.4).

In the method500, the array18is applied to the skin of the user prior to separation of one or more patch segments22from the array. In one or more embodiments, one or more patch segments22can be removed from the array18prior to application of the array to the skin. For example,FIG.10is a flowchart of another embodiment of a method600for utilizing the drug delivery device10. Although described regarding the drug delivery device10ofFIGS.1-4, the method600can be utilized with any suitable drug delivery device. At602, one or more patch segments22can be separated from the array of patch segments18of the device10along one or more segment separation lines20that are disposed in the backing layer12of the device using any suitable technique or techniques. Further, at604, one or more portions of the release liner28can be removed from the device10using any suitable technique or techniques. The drug delivery device10can be disposed onto a portion of skin of a user such that the skin contacting surface27of the adhesive composition26is in contact with the skin of the user at606. Further, in one or more embodiments, the separated patch segment or segments22can be applied to second or additional portions of the skin of the user at608using any suitable technique or techniques. For example, the release liner28of the separated patch segment or segments22can be removed prior to disposal of the patch segments onto the skin of the user.

All references and publications cited herein are expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety into this disclosure, except to the extent they may directly contradict this disclosure. Illustrative embodiments of this disclosure are discussed and reference has been made to possible variations within the scope of this disclosure. These and other variations and modifications in the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the disclosure, and it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the illustrative embodiments set forth herein. Accordingly, the disclosure is to be limited only by the claims provided below.