About RAMM, LLC |
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Initially, Anthony McEldowney, M.D. and Robert Muncy, D.M.D. approached the University of Kentucky Center for Manufacturing with an idea for a pill dispenser for highly addictive Schedule II Narcotics, such as OxyContin® and others. They were concerned with the widespread abuse of such prescription medications in areas of Kentucky, and as doctors they were concerned about the potential that even legitimately prescribed medications could be diverted to abuse. They wanted to create a device that would reduce such abuse, and thus reduce human tragedy associated with such drugs. The UK Center for Manufacturing regularly works with entrepreneurs and businesses to develop and improve products. In response to the doctor's idea, the UK Center for Manufacturing assembled a team of individuals including Richard Muse (UK Center for Manufacturing), John T. Henninger (UK Center for Manufacturing), William Dieter (UK Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering), Robert Lodder (UK College of Pharmacy), and Larry Holloway (UK Center for Manufacturing). The initial investigation was funded through the Kentucky's Innovation and Commercialization Center (ICC). The idea of the team was to create a time-released pill dispenser, dubbed the “PillSafe”, to keep medications inaccessible until a prescribed dispensing time. At the prescribed dispensing time, the PillSafe allows dispensing of only the prescribed amount. If someone tampers with the device to tries to remove the medication early, the device destroys the medications, rendering them unusable, harmless, and valueless on the black market. The device is relatively small and inexpensive, allowing it to be widely used for potentially addictive drugs. The team has drawn on the expertise of the different members, including electronic circuitry to release the medications and detect tampering, mechanical design for containing the device and preventing tampering, and pharmaceutical expertise regarding destruction of the medications and FDA regulations. To begin a collaborative arrangement with the team at the University of Kentucky (UK), the two doctors formed a Kentucky Limited Liability Company, R.A.M.M., LLC (RAMM). First, RAMM applied for and was awarded $7,500 funding form ICC, which allowed the team at UK to develop 3D CAD models of the proposed time-released tamper-proof PillSafe. The CAD models represented one possible method of accomplishing the goals of the PillSafe. The CAD models were then used to produce 2D engineering drawings of all components associated with the design, and to provide a framework for the electronic components. This initial phase of the project was completed in 2003. RAMM then applied for and was awarded $17,500 funding form ICC, which allowed it to continue the collaboration with UK. The next major objective was identified as “to create five prototypes of the pill safe device, test the function, and refine the design of the mechanical and electrical components. As expected, the team has developed an initial prototype, and is currently working on more advanced prototypes to evaluate and demonstrate the device's operation. RAMM, LLC Phone: 859-269-4614 |
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