Abstract: A method is disclosed for manufacturing a pharmaceutical tablet for oral administration, the tablet combining both immediate-release and prolonged-release modes of drug delivery and using an immediate-release drug that is either insoluble in water or only sparingly soluble and is present in a very small amount compared to the prolonged-release drug. The method involves the use of particles of the immediate-release drug that are equal to or less than 10 microns in diameter, applied as a layer or coating over a core of the prolonged-release drug, the layer or coating being either the drug particles themselves, applied as an aqueous suspension, or a solid mixture containing the drug in admixture with a material that disintegrates rapidly in gastric fluid.

Abstract: Methods for reducing flushing in individuals being treated for hyperlipidemia with nicotinic acid are disclosed. According to the methods of the present invention, flushing can be reduced in individuals under going nicotinic acid therapy without causing drug-induced hepatotoxicity to a level that would require the nicotinic acid therapy to be discontinued by orally administering to the individuals intermediate nicotinic acid formualtions having unique biopharmaceutical characteristics as a single dose once per day. While the methods of the present invention contemplate administering the intermediate release nicotinic acid formulations at any time during a 24 hour period, it is preferable to administer them once-a-day as a single dose during the evening or at night between about 6:00 pm. and 12:00 a.m., preferably between about 8:00 p.m. and 12:00 a.m., and most preferably between about 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions, processes for preparing the compositions and methods of using the composition are provided. The pharmaceutical composition comprises an inert core surrounded by an active coating containing one or more bisphosphonic acids or salts thereof, a seal coating surrounding the active coating and an enteric coating surrounding the seal coating. Alendronic acid and alendronate sodium trihydrate are the preferred active ingredients. The composition may be provided in the form of pellets in a capsule or Peltabs. The invention further provides methods for the treatment of disorders caused by the abnormal dissolution or deposition of calcium salts using the inventive compositions.

Abstract: The potent reverse transcriptase inhibitor Efavirenz is produced in crystalline form. Crystalline Efavirenz exists in several physical forms which are-designated Forms 1, 2, 3 and 4, and are characterized by x-ray powder diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry. Pharmaceutical compositions and methods are useful for the treatment of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Abstract: Provided is a compressed anti-solvent technique for manufacture of drug-containing powders for pulmonary delivery. The drug is processed in a cosolvent system including two or more mutually soluble organic solvents. Also provided are powders manufacturable by the manufacture method, including powders of substantially pure drug and powders including a biocompatible polymer for pulmonary sustained drug release applications. Also provided are packaged products including drug-containing powder in a container that is receivable by and operable with a dry powder inhaler to produce an aerosol including dispersed drug-containing particles when the inhaler is actuated.

Abstract: A polymeric construct is disclosed. The construct comprises a biodegradable ABA block copolymer having a selected medicament associated therewith. The medicament thus present is provided in a slow release form.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel filler-binder for tablets, which shows a significantly reduced lubricant sensitivity when compared to prior art filler-binders. The invention further relates to a process of making said filler-binder and to the tablet obtainable by said process.

Abstract: A coating for masking or reducing the detectable presence of certain characteristic odor or odors, taste or tastes of pharmaceutical preparations, particularly Valerian extracts, is described. The coating comprises from one to three coating compartments, in any combination or as a single-layer amalgam. The first coating compartment comprises a hydroxyalkyl cellulose and an anti-tackiness agent. The second coating compartment may comprise a sugar and at least one anti-tackiness agent. The third coating compartment may comprise a methacrylate copolymer, a hydroxyalkyl cellulose and an anti-tackiness agent.

Abstract: Tablets for oral administration comprising metformin hydrochloride and methylcellulose.

Abstract: Novel forms of sustained-release microgranules (LP) containing diltiazem are disclosed. The microgranules consist of a neutral granular carrier coated with an active layer including diltiazem or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof as the active principle, a surfactant and a binder, and an outer layer providing sustained release of the active principle (layer LP).

Abstract: A biphasic controlled release delivery system for pharmaceuticals which have high water solubility, such as the antidiabetic metformin HCl salt, is provided which provides a dosage form that has prolonged gastric residence so that a dosing regimen of at least one gram metformin, once daily, may be achieved while providing effective control of plasma glucose.

Abstract: This invention is directed to pharmaceutical compositions for oral administration, wherein the drug or active ingredient is known to have stability problems associated with the use of free fatty acids. The compositions of the invention enhance the solubility of such compounds and improve the storage stability thereof and can be advantageously used in soft-gel and hard-shell capsular formulations. The liquid pharmaceutical compositions, according to the present invention, have a drug dissolved in a liquid vehicle. The liquid vehicle comprising a glyceride of a long chain fatty acid and a lypophilic surfactant having an HLB of less than ten. The composition, according to the invention, is also substantially free of free fatty acids.

Abstract: Formulations have been developed for regional delivery of drugs, for example, into a cavity such as the pelvic region, peritoneal region, or directly on organs of interest. Regional delivery increases comfort and bioavailability of the drug, resulting in rapid and relatively high blood levels in the regions to be treated in the substantial absence of side effects due to the high levels required for efficacy following systemic delivery. In the preferred embodiment, these formulations consist of drug micro or nanoparticles, which may be formed of drug alone or in combination with an excipient or polymeric carrier. The excipient or polymer may be used to manipulate release rates and to increase adhesion to the affected region. The drug formulation can be applied as a dried powder, a liquid suspension or dispersion, or as a topical ointment, creme, lotion, foam or suppository.

Abstract: Orally administrable compositions comprising cation cross-linked polysaccharides are provided. The compositions have the ability to mask the taste and delay the release of an active material included therein. A novel method for the preparation of the compositions is also provided. The cation cross-linked polysaccharide is preferably selected from alginic acid and demethylated pectin and the composition further comprises a digestible polymer, preferably chosen from starch, starch derivatives, &agr;-glucans, peptides and polypeptides.

Abstract: A tablet composition containing N-(trans-4-isopropylcyclohexanecarbonyl)-D-phenylalanine and low substituted hydroxypropylcellulose is disclosed. This tablet composition is rapidly disintegrated in the stomach after the administration and absorbed without being influenced by meals to inhibit the rise of the blood sugar levels of diabetics after meals.

Abstract: The invention relates to carrier particles for use in pharmaceutical compositions for the pulmonary administration of medicaments by means of dry powder inhalers. In particular, the invention relates to a novel technological process for obtaining a carrier modified so as to improve the efficiency of redispersion of active particles and hence increase the respirable fraction. After the treatment of the invention, the surface of said modified carrier particles can also be coated with a suitable additive so as to further improve the respirable fraction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compostions of (1S,4R)-cis-4-[2-amino-6-cyclopropylamino}-9H-purin-9-yl]-2-cyclopentene-1-methanol (1592U89).

Abstract: The pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention comprise orally administerable dosage forms that use effervescence as a penetration enhancer for drugs known, or suspected, of having poor bioavailability. Effervescence can occur in the stomach, once the tablet or other dosage form is ingested. In addition to effervescence in the stomach, or as alternative technique, by the use of appropriate coatings and other techniques, the effervescence can occur in other parts of the gastrointestinal tract, including, but not limited to, the esophagus, duodenum, and colon. The site of effervescence and drug release is chosen to correspond with the segment of the gastrointestinal tract displaying maximal absorption of the formulated drug, or to gain some other therapeutic advantage.

Abstract: A preparation capable of releasing a medicinal substance at a targeted site in the intestine, wherein the preparation dose not releases medicinal substance in endogastri at all, but can quickly release a medicinal substance when it reaches the desired site in the intestine after a certain period of time from discharge of the preparation from the stomach, and wherein a core material containing a medicinal substance is coated with a mixed film of a hydrophobic organic compound—an enteric polymer.

Abstract: A disposable, single-use, substantially dry cleansing article is disclosed having wet flexibility, and a lathering surfactant in one embodiment and having an apertured fabric and a specific lather volume coefficient in a second embodiment.