Patent ID: 7927034

Claim:
A non-adhesive applicator for applying a spreadable pharmaceutical composition to the skin or other exterior region of a human or animal body, comprising a receiving member for receiving and carrying a unit dose of the pharmaceutical composition; and a grip for enabling a user to grip and manipulate the applicator; wherein the receiving member has a recess, and the grip and receiving member are arranged such that a user gripping the applicator by the grip is protected from inadvertent contact with the pharmaceutical composition, a unit dose of which is carried by and coupled to the receiving member to provide a face exposed for application to said skin or other exterior region, and at least a portion of the unit dose is accommodated within the recess, wherein the composition remains solid when heated to temperatures of up to 28° C., but softens sufficiently to be spreadable, or has a softening point, when heated to a temperature no higher than 37° C. and so softens on contact with the skin of a live human or animal body, thereby allowing it to be spread, and wherein substantially all of the unit dose accommodated in the recess may be applied through skin contact induced erosion at said exposed face of the unit dose; wherein the applicator is of non-absorptive material and wherein the applicator includes a flexible flange which prevents contact between the unit dose and the user and enables the applicator to be pushed down onto the skin in a closed environment, said flexible flange extending from the receiving member and having a free end which does not contact the grip of the applicator.