Abstract: The present invention provides novel hydrogel-forming, self-solvating, absorbable polyester copolymers capable of selective, segmental association into compliant hydrogels upon contacting an aqueous environment. Methods of using the novel polyester copolymers of the invention in humans are also disclosed for providing a protective barrier to prevent post-surgical adhesion, treatment of defects in conduits such as blood vessels, and controlled release of a biologically active agent for modulating cellular events such as wound healing and tissue regeneration or therapeutic treatment of diseases such as infection of the periodontium, dry socket, bone, skin, vaginal, and nail infections.

Abstract: A device for controlled release of an active substance through one or more asymmetric membranes by diffusion and/or osmotic pumping.

Abstract: Microspheres which are a matrix of a biocompatible and biodegradable polymer which is soluble in an organic solvent which is immiscible in water, within which a water-soluble substance is uniformly distributed, and wherein the residual level of toxic solvent in the microspheres is lower than 1.5% by weight, progressively and continuously releases the substance over a period of at least 8 days when the microspheres are placed in an aqueous physiological environment, with a reduced or substantially absent first phase of accelerated release. A process for producing such microspheres is provided.

Abstract: Controlled release pharmaceutical compositions administrable by oral route, containing as the active principle at least one salt of the gamma hydroxy butyric acid with a pharmaceutically acceptable cation, for the treatment of alcoholism, opium like substances addiction, heroin addiction, food and nicotine addiction, depressive and anxious states, composed by:a) a nucleus in the form of granules and tablets comprising an active principle dispersed in a particular cellulosic matrix; and optionally by:b) a filming protection of the nucleus.

Abstract: There is provided a matrix preparation produced by dispersing a pharmaceutically active ingredient into a matrix which is solid at ambient temperature and comprised of a fatty acid ester of a polyglycerol. The preparation has stable release-controlling ability, can be processed to fine granules, granules, capsules, tablets etc., and contributes to reduce the administration times of the active ingredient and side effects of the ingredient.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions which comprises a core comprising alfuzosin hydrochloride which core is coated with a coating whose dissolution is pH-dependent and applications to the preparation of sustained-release dosage compositions which are unable for a once-daily oral administration.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical formulations comprise a mono- or di-aminopyridine active agent for administration on a once- or twice-daily basis for use in the treatment of neurological diseases, in particular multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease. The formulations, which are suitable for oral or percutaneous administration of the active agent, include the active agent in a carrier effective to permit release of the mono- or di-aminopyridine at a rate allowing controlled absorption thereof over, on the average, not less than a 12 hour period and at a rate sufficient to achieve therapeutically effective blood levels over a period of 12-24 hours following administration.

Abstract: Injectable particles are provided that are not rapidly cleared from the blood stream by the macrophages of the reticuloendothelial system, and that can be modified as necessary to achieve variable release rates or to target specific cells or organs as desired. The injectable particles can include magnetic particles or radiopaque materials for diagnostic imaging, biologically active molecules to be delivered to a site, or compounds for targeting the particles. Biodistribution experiments indicate that the injectable particles have a prolonged half-life in the blood compared to particles not containing poly(alkylene glycol) moieties on the surface.

Abstract: Water soluble macromers are modified by addition of free radical polymerizable groups, such as those containing a carbon-carbon double or triple bond, which can be polymerized under mild conditions to encapsulate tissues, cells, or biologically active materials. The polymeric materials are particularly useful as tissue adhesives, coatings for tissue lumens including blood vessels, coatings for cells such as islets of Langerhans, coatings, plugs, supports or substrates for contact with biological materials such as the body, and as drug delivery devices for biologically active molecules.

Abstract: A once-a-day controlled release diltiazem formulation is described which includes:(a) from 20 to 50% by weight of enteric polymeric membrane coated pellets comprising a polymer membrane coated core which comprises a biologically inert core which is coated with a first layer which consists essentially of diltiazem and a polymeric binder; and a second layer which comprises a membrane comprising a pH dependent polymeric material; and(b) from 50% to 80% by weight of delayed pulse polymeric membrane coated pellets comprising a polymeric membrane coated core which comprises a biologically inert core which is coated with a first layer which consists essentially of diltiazem and a polymeric binder and a second layer which comprises a polymeric membrane which will substantially maintain its integrity in the varying pH conditions of the gastrointestinal tract but is permeable to diltiazem; and(c) a unit dose containment system.

Abstract: Injectable nanoparticles or microparticles are provided that are not rapidly cleared from the blood stream by the macrophages of the reticuloendothelial system, and that can be modified as necessary to achieve variable release rates or to target specific cells or organs as desired. The terminal hydroxyl group of the poly(alkylene glycol) can be used to covalently attach onto the surface of the injectable particles biologically active molecules, including antibodies targeted to specific cells or organs, or molecules affecting the charge, lipophilicity or hydrophilicity of the particle. The surface of the particle can also be modified by attaching biodegradable polymers of the same structure as those forming the core of the injectable particles. The injectable particles include magnetic particles or radioopaque materials for diagnostic imaging.

Abstract: Immediate-effect medicaments containing a pharmacologically active 2-arylpropionic acid derivate as a pharmaceutically applicable nanosol have a considerably improved action start and bioavailability of the active substance. The 2-arylpropionic acid derivates, for example ibuprofen, flurbiprofen and ketoprofen, that are scarcely soluble in an aqueous medium, are present in a gelatine-stabilized nanosol in a form that allows these active substances to be quickly and completely resorbed already in the stomach. The disclosed colloidal disperse system composed of a 2-arylpropionic acid derivate is prepared by selecting a gelatine or gelatine derivate according to their isoelectric point (IEP), so that their IEP is adapted to the charge of the 2-arylpropionic acid derivate particles, leading to a neutral charge when the gelatine or its derivate is combined with the undissolved 2-arylpropionic acid derivate at a determined pH value.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for destroying hydrogen peroxide in hydrogen peroxide-containing liquid aqueous media, for example, employed to disinfect contact lenses, are disclosed. In one embodiment, the present composition comprise at least one item containing a hydrophilic polyurethane component and a catalase component covalently bonded to the hydrophilic polyurethane component.

Abstract: Particles are provided that are not rapidly cleared from the blood stream by the macrophages of the reticuloendothelial system, and that can be modified to achieve variable release rates or to target specific cells or organs. The particles have a biodegradable solid core containing a biologically active material and poly(alkylene glycol) moieties on the surface. The terminal hydroxyl group of the poly(alkylene glycol) can be used to covalently attach onto the surface of the particles biologically active molecules, including antibodies targeted to specific cells or organs, or molecules affecting the charge, lipophilicity or hydrophilicity of the particle. The surface of the particle can also be modified by attaching biodegradable polymers of the same structure as those forming the core of the particles.

Abstract: The improved pharmaceutical preparation for oral administration which is adapted to release the drug at appropriate sites in the intestines comprises: a core that comprises an active ingredient and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, a first layer that covers the core and which comprises an enteric or water-soluble ingredient and an optional insoluble ingredient, a second layer that covers the first layer and which comprises a non-enteric ingredient that dissolves upon reacting with at least one ingredient in the core, and a third layer that covers the second layer and which comprises an enteric ingredient. This preparation is characterized in that it will not release the active ingredient until after it reaches a desired site in the intestines and that, in addition, it is capable of controlling the rate at which the active ingredient is released after it has reached the desired site.

Abstract: In a pharmaceutical preparation for oral use containing a pharmacologically acceptable salt of a bisphosphonic acid, the improvement comprising: a drug delivery form of the preparation which is enteric coated with a film which dissolves at a pH-value of from 5 to 7.2.

Abstract: This invention relates to devices useful for the controlled delivery of one or more beneficial agents to an environment of use. More specifically, this invention concerns such devices which are powered by hydrogel. This invention also relates to the controlled delivery of one or more beneficial agents to an aqueous environment of use through the use of such hydrogel powered dispensing devices. Also disclosed are methods for the controlled delivery of one or more beneficial agents to an aqueous environment of use which comprises administering to or otherwise placing the devices of this invention in the environment of use.

Abstract: A slow-release pharmaceutical composition containing a bile acid as active ingredient and comprising at least one bioadhesive substance and at least one high specific gravity substance, an aliquot thereof being enteric coated and the remainder being non-enteric coated.

Abstract: In order to correct a melatonin deficiency or distortion in the plasma melatonin level and profile in a human subject, there is administered to a human in which such a deficiency or distortion had been diagnosed, over a predetermined time period including at least part of the nocturnal period, an amount of melatonin in controlled-release form, such that the melatonin is released according to a profile which, taking into account the existing profile, simulates the profile in plasma of a human having a normal endogenous melatonin plasma profile. The invention also relates to a pharmaceutical controlled-release formulation, which comprises melatonin in combination with at least one pharmaceutical carrier, diluent or coating, the formulation being adapted to release melatonin over a predetermined time period, according to a profile which, taking into account the existing profile, simulates the profile in plasma of a human having a normal endogenous melatonin profile. The method of the invention may be e.g.

Abstract: A controlled release-initiation and controlled release-rate pharmaceutical composition in which a drug-containing composition is coated with a membrane layer comprising a water insoluble high polymer and silicone. The starting time for the release of drugs from the controlled release-initiation and controlled release-rate pharmaceutical composition of this invention and the drug-releasing rate thereafter can be controlled at will.

Abstract: A sustained-release pharmaceutical composition comprising a highly soluble pharmaceutical agent, such as selegiline, in a pharmaceutical carrier comprising a hydrophilic polymer dispersed in a hydrophobic matrix. A hydrophilic microenvironment is created in a hydrophobic matrix by incorporating hydrophilic polymers within a hydrophobic matrix. Optionally, a binder, preferably a polyhydroxylated compound, ca also be added.

Abstract: The subject of the present invention is a process for preparing microparticles of the microsphere type of a water-soluble substance and a biocompatible and biodegradable polymer controlling the kinetics of release of the said substance consisting of a matrix of the said polymer within which the said water-soluble substance is regularly dispersed, characterized in thata) the said polymer is dissolved in a first volatile organic solvent immiscible with water,b) the said water-soluble substance is dissolved in a second solvent which is miscible with the said first solvent, is a solvent for the polymer, and miscible with water,c) the solution of the said substance and the solution of the said polymer are mixed,d) an organic phase of the polymer and of the said substance is obtained which is then emulsified in an immiscible dispersant medium consisting of an aqueous phase containing an emulsifying agent,e) the two solvents are then removed from the microspheres being formed with stirring, the first solvent being r

Abstract: This invention is directed to a multilayered controlled release pharmaceutical dosage form. More particularly the dosage form is adapted for water soluble drugs and comprises a plurality of coated particles wherein each has multiple layers about a core containing a drug active whereby the drug containing core and at least one other layer of drug active is overcoated with a controlled release barrier layer and preferably an outer layer of additional drug is adapted for immediate release to preferably provide one immediate releasing layer and at least two controlled releasing layers of a water soluble drug from the multilayered coated particle.

Abstract: Unit dosage form for delivering drugs into the body in a series of sequential, pulsatile releasing events employs conventional pharmaceutical equipment and processes for optimum economy, reliability, and bioavailability. The system can be used with drugs which cannot be released by diffusion through a porous coating, such as water insoluble drugs. A plurality of populations of pellets is provided within a unit dosage form such as a capsule (8) or tablet. The pellets are composed of a core containing the drug (3) and a swelling agent (4) which expands in volume when exposed to water. The core is enclosed within a membrane or coating which is permeable to water. The membrane is composed of a water insoluble and permeable film forming polymer, a water soluble film forming polymer (11) and a permeability reducing agent (14). When the unit dose releases the pellets into the digestive tract, water diffuses through the coating and into the core.

Abstract: An oral pharmaceutical preparation of a type released at infragastrointestinal tract was successfully prepared, wherein a solid organic acid dissolvable, in the form of a solution, of chitosan and a solid pharmaceutical preparation including a principal agent are filled in a hard capsule composed of the base principally comprising chitosan and an enteric coating is formed on the surface of the hard capsule, characterized in that a desirable releasing time can be arranged, with no pH dependency, via water permeability derived from the porosity of chitosan of the capsule preparation.

Abstract: An extended release pharmaceutical formulation adapted to approach zero order release of drug over a 12 to at least 24 hour period, comprised of a mixture of 0 to about 50% of an immediate release particle containing a drug, inert substrate and binder, coated with talc and up to 100% of an extended release particle comprising the immediate release particle coated with a dissolution modifying system containing plasticizers and a film forming agent.

Abstract: A programmed release pharmaceutical dosage form comprising a core, containing the active ingredient, coated by a hydrophobic layer is described. Such dosage forms release the active ingredient after a pre-established no-release interval which does not depend on physiological factors.

Abstract: This invention provides an improved antiperspirant-deodorant cosmetic stick product. An essential aspect of the cosmetic stick product is a content of particulate antiperspirant and alkali metal bicarbonate ingredients, at least one of which has ingredient particle surfaces coated with a hydrophilic organic polymer.

Abstract: A device for the controlled delivery of an insoluble or partially aqueous insoluble beneficial agent to an aqueous containing environment. The device comprises a shaped wall that surrounds and defines an internal reservoir. The wall is formed at least in part of a sintered polymer microporous membrane permeable to a beneficial agent-containing hydrophobic medium when the wall is present in the aqueous containing environment. The reservoir contains a mixture of a hydrophilic swellable composition and a beneficial agent-containing hydrophobic medium.

Abstract: The invention discloses a swallow tablet which is capable of disintegrating within less than about fifteen minutes and providing fast delivery of therapeutic drugs. The delivery system is composed of between 0.250 and 1.0 Gm of an alkali metal or alkaline-earth metal salt of an edible organic acid. A preferred delivery system is trisodium citrate.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for the production of microscopic particles made of hydrolytically decomposable polymers, in particular copolymers, and containing active substances, using fluid gas with a uniform particle-size distribution and by the addition of biologically compatible amino acids. The microscopic particles produced by this method can be used as drugs for the treatment of humans or animals.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical delivery systems containing 7-dimethyl-6-deoxy-6-demethyltetracycline or a non-toxic acid addition salt thereof comprising mixtures or separate administration units of pH sensitive polymer coated spherical granules adapted to release the minocycline in a medium having a pH of in the range of from about 4.0 to about 7.5 and coated or uncoated quick release granules adapted to release minocycline in a medium having a pH of less than about 3.9 or minocycline powder, pH adapted multi-coated compositions and oral dosage unit form liquids, capsules or tablets containing the above are provided. These systems and formulations provide at least minimum therapeutic blood levels of minocycline for at least about 24 hours when administered to a subject only once-a-day. Methods for the preparation of the systems and formulations are provided as well.

Abstract: An oral dosage form of morphine is formulated by powder-layering an homogeneous mixture of morphine sulfate and hydrous lactose impalpable onto inert beads to obtain a multiparticulate product. A plurality of the powder-layered beads may be administered either in immediate release form or in an extended release form by coating with a hydrophobic material.

Abstract: The taste of orally administered drugs is masked by coating the drug with a polymeric membrane which is soluble only at a pH of 5 or more. An acid substance is included in the formulation containing the coated drug to reduce or prevent the dissolution of the membrane in the oral cavity.

Abstract: Disclosed are gastric acid-resistant polymer-coated buffered-bile acid compositions, process for their preparations and methods of treating digestive disorders, impaired liver function, autoimmune diseases of the liver and biliary tract, preventing colon cancer, cholestasis associated with cystic fibrosis, dissolving gallstones and regulating dietary cholesterol absorption by administering said compositions to a mammal in need of such treatment.

Abstract: An orally administrable pharmaceutical dosage form for selectively administering a drug to the intestine comprises a plurality of enteric coated granules of the drug contained in an enterically coated capsule which releases the granules in the small intestine. The granules are preferably coated with a coating which remains intact until the coated granules reach at least the ileum and thereafter provide a sustained release of the drug in the colon. Suitable coating materials are selected from the Eudragit range of (meth)acrylate and (meth)acrylic and polymers. The invention has particular application to topically active drugs such as topically active steroids, bismuth salts and complexes, and especially, 5-amino-salicylic acid.

Abstract: Aqueous coating compositions for forming elastomeric films around active cores (e.g., drugs) comprising a dispersion of pre-crosslinked polyorganosiloxane latex particles, colloidal silica particles, and a water-dispersible organic material (e.g., polyethylene glycol) are disclosed and claimed. The elastomeric films formed by the coating compositions are used to control the rate of release of an active agent in the cores into an aqueous environment. Methods of formulating the coating compositions and active cores coated with the coating compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: There is provided a matrix preparation produced by dispersing a pharmaceutically active ingredient into a matrix which is solid at ambient temperature and comprised of a fatty acid ester of a polyglycerol. The preparation has stable release controlling ability, can be processed to fine granules, granules, capsules, tablets etc., and contributes to reduction of the administration times of the active ingredient and side effects of the ingredient.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition for oral administration of potassium salt in a form not irritating to the gastrointestinal mucosa comprises tablets or capsules of micropellets of a potassium salt, such as potassium chloride. The micropellets are coated with a permeable polymer comprising a low viscosity (10 cp.) ethylcellulose in combination with triacetin. This coating provides a strong film resistant to breakage during formation of tablets and filling of capsules. The protective coating of the micropellets prevents the early release of potassium ions, while the tablet or capsule disintegrates and the micropellets are dispersed within the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract. As water passes through the permeable but insoluble coating, potassium ions are gradually eluted into the fluid of the tract over a period of many hours, thereby allowing time for the ions to be absorbed from the tract before high, irritating ion concentrations can form.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a multilayered controlled release pharmaceutical dosage form. More particularly the dosage form is adapted for water soluble drugs and comprises a plurality of coated particles wherein each has multiple layers about a core containing a drug active whereby the drug containing core and at least one other layer of drug active is overcoated with a controlled release barrier layer and preferably an outer layer of additional drug is adapted for immediate release to preferably provide one immediate releasing layer and at least two controlled releasing layers of a water soluble drug from the multilayered coated particle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stable formulation of omeprazole microgranules containing a neutral core consisting of sugar and starch, characterized in that it contains an active layer consisting of a dilution of omeprazole in mannitol in substantially equal amounts. It also relates to a process for producing such formulations.

Abstract: New solid, porous unitary form comprising micro-particles and/or nano-particles, made by lyophilization are useful for the administration of therapeutically active substances, nutrition agents, diagnostic agents or cosmetic agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical pellet composition having a core element including at least one highly soluble active ingredient and a core coating which is partially soluble at a highly acidic pH. The pharmaceutical composition provides a slow release of active ingredient at a highly acidic pH and provides a constant, relatively faster rate of release at a more alkaline pH such as that of the intestine. Oral administration of the pharmaceutical pellet composition of the present invention to a patient is effective to deliver to the blood levels of active ingredient within the therapeutic range and to maintain such levels over an extended period of time.

Abstract: The invention relates to a controlled release pharmaceutical formulation for oral administration which comprises discrete units comprising acrivastine or a salt thereof coated with a mixture containing:a) a copolymer or polymer containing repeating monomer units selected from alkyl esters of acrylic and methacrylic acids andb) ethyl cellulose,and a process for preparing such formulations.

Abstract: A diltiazem pellet formulation for oral administration comprises a core of diltiazem or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in association with an organic acid, and a multi-layer membrane surrounding the core and containing a major proportion of a pharmaceutically acceptable film-forming, water insoluble synthetic polymer and a minor proportion of a pharmaceutically acceptable film-forming, water soluble synthetic polymer. The number of layers in the membrane and the ratio of the water soluble to water insoluble polymer being effective to permit release of the diltiazem from the pellet at a rate allowing controlled absorption thereof over a twenty four hour period following oral administration.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical delivery systems containing 7-dimethyl-6-deoxy-6-demethyltetracycline or a non-toxic acid addition salt thereof comprising mixtures of a minor proportion of slow-release blended polymer coated spherical granules adapted to release part of the minocycline in a medium having a pH of below 3.9 and the rest in the range of from about 4.0 to about 7.5 and a major proportion of coated or uncoated quick-release granules adapted to release minocycline in a medium having a pH of less than about 3.9 and oral dosage unit form capsules containing the above are provided. These systems and formulations provide enhanced therapeutic blood levels of minocycline for at least about 24 hours when administered to a subject only once-a-day, regardless of whether the patient is fed or fasted. Methods for the preparation of the systems and formulations are provided as well.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel advantageous oral dosage form for methanediphosphonates, especially the active ingredient disodium pamidronate. A preferred dosage form comprises:a) disodium-3-amino-1-hydroxypropane-1,1-diphosphonate (disodium pamidronate),b) a cationic macroporous ion exchange resin based on a styrene/divinylbenzene copolymer having an exchangeable aminophosphonate group and, where appropriate,c) further pharmaceutically acceptable excipients.The ingredients can be processed to form tablets, dragees, capsules etc.

Abstract: Low solubility drug coated bead compositions, capsules filled therewith and method of preparation thereof, especially wherein the low solubility drug is an antiandrogenic steroid and most especially wherein the antiandrogenic steroid is (5.alpha.,17.alpha.)-1'-(methylsulfonyl)- 1'-H-pregn-20-yno[3,2-c]pyrazol-17-ol, are disclosed.

Abstract: A diltiazem pellet formulation for oral administration comprises a core of diltiazem or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in association with an organic acid, and a multi-layer membrane surrounding the core and containing a major proportion of a pharmaceutically acceptable film-forming, water insoluble synthetic polymer and a minor proportion of a pharmaceutically acceptable film-forming, water soluble synthetic polymer. The number of layers in the membrane and the ratio of the water soluble to water insoluble polymer being effective to permit release of diltiazem from the pellet at a rate allowing controlled absorption thereof over a twelve hour period following oral administration. The pellet has a dissolution rate in vitro which when measured in a dissolution apparatus (Paddle) according to U.S. Pharmacopoeia XXI in 0.05 M KC1 at pH 7.0 results in not more than 35% of the total diltiazem being released after 2 hours of measurement.

Abstract: Coated pharmaceutical dosage forms which are resistant to gastric juice and release their active ingredient rapidly at a predetermined pH value in the range from pH 5 to pH 8 are obtained in accordance with the invention by coating pharmaceutical dosage forms with an aqueous dispersion containing dispersed latex particles of a first polymer which contains carboxyl groups and is water soluble between pH 5 and pH 8 and of a second water insoluble film forming polymer, in a weight ratio between 60:40 and 5:95.