abstract |
The present invention is directed to a fluid-imbibing dispensing device for the extended or protracted delivery of an active agent following an initially delayed startup of the delivery to a fluid environment of use. The dispenser comprises a housing having a first wall section and a second wall section in reversibly sliding telescopic arrangement with each other, which housing maintains its integrity in the environment of use; an internal compartment surrounded and defined by the housing; at least one active agent formulation in a portion of the compartment defined by the first wall section; at least one opening in the side wall of the first wall section, each opening extending longitudinally along a portion of the side wall of the first wall section for providing communication between the active agent formulation and the environment; expansion means within a portion of the compartment defined by the second wall section, for separating apart the first and second wall sections of the housing after exposure to the environment of use; and, optionally, a partition layer or push plate between the active agent formulation and the expansion means. |