Abstract: Composition for delayed release of an active substance, such as a medicament, the active substance being incorporated in a polysaccharide matrix which is formed by an essentially crystalline straight-chain glucan, in particular an .alpha.-glucan which has a helix structure, such as amylodextrin or a fraction having a helix structure obtained from amylose V. The composition can contain an amount of active substance of from 0.1 to 80% by weight and the active substance can, depending of the hydrophilicity, have a molecular weight of up to 500 to 1500 daltons. The active substance is released from the composition at a constant rate.

Abstract: The invention relates to an antimicrobial composition on the basis of a physiologically acceptable varnish dissolved therein an antimicrobial agent, preferably chlorhexidine, in an amount sufficient for elimination of Streptococcus mutans in one treatment. This composition can be applied on the tooth surface and other surfaces, such as the skin or on medical instruments.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the controlled release of one or more active ingredients to a liquid, particularly a controlled release pharmaceutical tablet obtained by compressing a mixture of two granulates in a weight ratio of 30:70 to 70:30, said granulates having particle sizes of 0.4-2.0 mm. One of the granulates, the restraining phase granulate, comprises one or more active ingredients dispersed in a matrix of an insoluble substance, and the other granulate, the housing phase granulate, comprises a soluble material and a penetration rate limiting material, one material optionally having both functions. In the compressed device, the granulates form two distinct phases, each of which is continuous. The housing phase fills large continuous pores in the restraining phase. A zero-order release rate can be obtained with the devices.

Abstract: Solid constant release composition wherein (a) the solution of soluble core substance within the core space remains saturated during dissolution and (b) the shape and (c) the surface of the coating and (d) the diffusion path for the soluble core substance through the porous coating remains constant while the composition is in a liquid medium, which composition is very useful in media in which constant release during substantially the whole release period is desired, for example, for medical, chemical and fermentation purposes.