Abstract: A device and method is described for enabling an examining device to pass through an abnormally configured body lumen. The device may pass through a body lumen while maintaining an initial dimension. Upon encounter with an abnormally configured body lumen, the device may be depleted and take on a final dimension after a predetermined time period, regardless of its current orientation with respect to the body lumen, so that the device may pass through and vacate the abnormally configured body lumen shortly after the predetermined time period may have elapsed.

Abstract: Apparatus for drug administration is provided, including an ingestible capsule, which includes a drug, stored by the capsule, and an environmentally-sensitive mechanism, adapted to change a state thereof responsively to a disposition of the capsule within a gastrointestinal (GI) tract of a subject. The capsule further includes first and second electrodes, and a control component, adapted to facilitate passage of the drug, in response to a change of state of the environmentally-sensitive mechanism, through an epithelial layer of the GI tract by driving the first and second electrodes to apply a series of pulses at a current of less than about 5 mA, at a frequency of between about 12 Hz and about 24 Hz, and with a pulse duration of between about 0.5 milliseconds and about 3 milliseconds.

Abstract: Apparatus for drug administration is provided, including an ingestible capsule, which includes a drug, stored by the capsule, and an environmentally-sensitive mechanism, adapted to change a state thereof responsively to a disposition of the capsule within a gastrointestinal (GI) tract of a subject. The capsule further includes first and second electrodes, and a control component, adapted to facilitate passage of the drug, in response to a change of state of the environmentally-sensitive mechanism, through an epithelial layer of the GI tract by driving the first and second electrodes to apply a “low intensity time-varying” (LITV) signal.

Abstract: Apparatus for drug administration is provided, including an ingestible capsule. The capsule includes a drug, stored by the capsule. An environmentally-sensitive mechanism is adapted to change a state thereof responsive to a disposition of the capsule within a gastrointestinal tract of a subject. A driving mechanism, in response to a change of state of the environmentally-sensitive mechanism, is adapted to drive the drug directly through an endothelial layer of the gastrointestinal tract.

Abstract: Drug dosage forms, which are housed in oral devices, and methods for controlled drug release are provided. The oral devices are permanently or removably inserted in the oral cavity and refilled or replaced as needed. The controlled drug release may be passive, based on the dosage form, or electronically controlled, for a high-precision, intelligent, drug delivery. Additionally, the controlled release may be any one of the following: release in accordance with a preprogrammed schedule, release at a controlled rate, delayed release, pulsatile release, chronotherapeutic release, closed-loop release, responsive to a sensor's input, release on demand from a personal extracorporeal system, release in accordance with a schedule specified by a personal extracorporeal system, release on demand from a monitoring center, via a personal extracorporeal system, and release in accordance with a schedule specified by a monitoring center, via a personal extracorporeal system.

Abstract: A tablet-making apparatus comprising die supports and guide supports fixed upon a base, plunger guides supported by the guide supports, a die having an opening through which powder may be charged, two plunger rods with opposing faces, the rods being horizontally disposed and reciprocally received within the die, and a means for activating the reciprocal movement of the plungers whereby, a tablet may be formed within the die and between the opposing plunger rod faces and then moved to a position to be gravitationally discharged.

Abstract: A composition suitable for use in making extended release tablets of venlafaxine hydrochloride is described.