Patents Assigned to Alkermes
  • Biocompatible polymer blends and uses thereof
    Patent number: 7282216
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel series of polymers which have been prepared by blending hydrophobic biocompatible, biodegradable polymers or copolymers, such as poly(lactide-co-glycolide), and a biocompatible, amphipathic copolymer having a water absorption ratio of about 2 or less. A process for the preparation of the novel polymer blends and sustained release compositions comprising the novel polymer blends are also part of the invention described herein. Further the sustained release compositions can be used to deliver a biologically active with a desirable release profile and in a sustained fashion to a patient in need thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Alkermes Controlled Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry R. Costantino, Mark A. Tracy, Kevin L. Ward, Wendy W. Nelson
  • Inhalation device and method
    Patent number: 7278425
    Abstract: Inhalation device and associated method for facilitating inhalation by a patient of powder medicaments contained in a receptacle. The inhalation device has a chamber for receiving the receptacle. A ring is circumferentially coupled to an inner surface of the chamber to achieve a higher reproducible emitted dose of medicament from the receptacle. The inhalation device also includes an improved implement for puncturing the receptacle, requiring less force and experiencing fewer failures. The inhalation device also includes a means for indicating readiness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Alkermes, Inc.
    Inventors: David Edwards, Colleen Conlon, David L. Foshee, Jason R. Durkin, Tim Coker, Kevin Stapleton
  • Polymorphic forms of naltrexone
    Patent number: 7279579
    Abstract: This invention relates to the discovery of novel polymorphic forms of naltrexone, including solvates, hydrates, anhydrous and other crystalline forms and combinations thereof. These novel forms of naltrexone impart advantages in pharmaceutical formulations incorporating them, including sustained release, or long acting, formulations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Alkermes, Inc.
    Inventors: Harry G. Brittain, David A. Dickason, Joyce Hotz, Shawn L. Lyons, J. Michael Ramstack, Steven G. Wright
  • Residual Solvent extraction method and microparticles produced thereby
    Publication number: 20070196499
    Abstract: Methods for preparing microparticles having reduced residual solvent levels. Microparticles are contacted with a non-aqueous washing system to reduce the level of residual solvent in the microparticles. Preferred non-aqueous washing systems include 100% ethanol and a blend of ethanol and heptane. A solvent blend of a hardening solvent and a washing solvent can be used to harden and wash microparticles in a single step, thereby eliminating the need for a post-hardening wash step.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Publication date: August 23, 2007
    Applicant: Alkermes. Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Rickey, J. Ramstack, Rajesh Kumar
  • Preparation of microparticles having improved flowability
    Patent number: 7247319
    Abstract: Methods for preparing microparticles having improved flowability to facilitate processing in automated equipment. Microparticles are conditioned so that a flowability index of the microparticles is greater than about 60. The conditioning preferably includes maintaining the microparticles at a conditioning temperature for a period of time. The conditioning can be used with microparticles containing an active agent, and with placebo microparticles, and it is reversible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Alkermes, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Michael Ramstack, Steven G. Wright, David A. Dickason
  • Polymer-based sustained release device
    Publication number: 20070166352
    Abstract: This invention relates to compositions for the sustained release of biologically active polypeptides, and methods of forming and using said compositions, for the sustained release of biologically active polypeptides. The sustained release compositions of this invention comprise a biocompatible polymer having dispersed therein, a biologically active polypeptide and a sugar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Publication date: July 19, 2007
    Applicant: Alkermes, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Wright, Troy Christenson, Thean Yeoh, Michael Rickey, Joyce Hotz, Rajesh Kumar, Mark Fineman, Christine Smith, John Ong, David Lokensgard, Henry Costantino
  • Residual solvent extraction method and microparticles produced thereby
    Patent number: 7223440
    Abstract: Methods for preparing microparticles having reduced residual solvent levels. Microparticles are contacted with a non-aqueous washing system to reduce the level of residual solvent in the microparticles. Preferred non-aqueous washing systems include 100% ethanol and a blend of ethanol and heptane. A solvent blend of a hardening solvent and a washing solvent can be used to harden and wash microparticles in a single step, thereby eliminating the need for a post-hardening wash step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Alkermes, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E. Rickey, J. Michael Ramstack, Rajesh Kumar
  • Methods and compositions for the treatment of brain reward system disorders by combination therapy
    Publication number: 20070099947
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a combination treatment of an opioid antagonist e.g., naltrexone and a second compound selected from the group consisting of a GABA B agonist, an NMDA antagonist, a serotonin antagonist, and a cannabinoid antagonist is the key to the successful treatment of a brain reward system disorder. A brain reward system, include but are not limited, to pathological gambling, compulsive alcohol consumption, compulsive over-eating and obesity, compulsive smoking, and drug addiction. The compounds and methods of the present invention effectively reduce the cravings, withdrawal symptoms and negative drug side effects associated with a monotherapy. As such, patient compliance is greatly increased, thereby decreasing relapse of a brain reward system disorder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Publication date: May 3, 2007
    Applicant: Alkermes, Inc.
    Inventors: Reginald Dean, Daniel Deaver, Elliot Ehrich
  • Microencapsulation and sustained release of biologically active polypeptides
    Patent number: 7164005
    Abstract: This invention relates to compositions for the sustained release of biologically active polypeptides, and methods of forming and using said compositions, for the sustained release of biologically active polypeptides. The sustained release compositions of this invention comprise a biocompatible polymer having dispersed therein, a biologically active polypeptide, a sugar and a salting-out salt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Alkermes, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry R. Costantino, Joyce M. Hotz
  • Microencapsulated 3-piperidinyl-substituted 1,2-benzisoxazoles and 1,2-benzisothiazoles
    Patent number: 7118763
    Abstract: Sustained-release microparticle composition. The microparticle composition can be formulated to provide multi-phasic release. In one aspect, the composition includes microparticles having more than one rate of release. In another aspect, the composition includes microparticles that exhibit diffusional release and microparticles that exhibit biodegradation release.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignees: Alkermes Controlled Therapeutics, Inc. II, Janssen Pharmaceutica
    Inventors: Jean Mesens, Michael E. Rickey, Thomas J. Atkins
  • Methods and compositions for the targeted delivery of biologically active agents
    Patent number: 7097857
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a sustained release composition for the targeted delivery of biologically active agents to specific tissues and cells. The composition comprises microparticles containing a biocompatible polymer, a water-soluble polymer and a biologically active agent. In one embodiment, the biologically active agent is an antigen or an immunomodulator. In another embodiment, the biologically is a labile agent. The microparticles have a number median diameter of greater than 20 microns upon administration. The water-soluble polymer is present in the sustained released composition in at least about 20% of the dry weight of the microparticle. The sustained release composition provides for the dissolution of the water-soluble polymer of the composition upon hydration, at a much greater rate than the degradation of the biocompatible polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Alkermes Controlled Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Tracy, David S. Scher
  • Microencapsulated 3-piperidinyl-substituted 1,2-benzisoxazoles and 1,2-benzisothiazoles
    Publication number: 20060182810
    Abstract: Sustained-release microparticle composition. The microparticle composition can be formulated to provide multi-phasic release. In one aspect, the composition includes microparticles having more than one rate of release. In another aspect, the composition includes microparticles that exhibit diffusional release and microparticles that exhibit biodegradation release.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2006
    Publication date: August 17, 2006
    Applicants: Janssen Pharmaceutica, N.V., Alkermes Controlled Therapeutics Inc. II
    Inventors: Jean Mesens, Michael Rickey, Thomas Atkins
  • Method and apparatus for filtering and drying a product
    Patent number: 7089681
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for filtering and drying a product. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus comprises a container having a plurality of porous walls and a plurality of solid walls that divide the container into a plurality of product chambers, a plurality of vacuum chambers, and, preferably, a plurality of heat transfer chambers. Each product chamber shares at least one porous wall with an adjacent vacuum chamber. Each product chamber preferably shares at least one solid wall with an adjacent heat transfer chamber. According to the method of the present invention, a product is introduced into the product chambers, where the product is held while a substance is filtered from the product through the porous walls and the product is dried by reducing the pressure in the vacuum chambers and the product chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Alkermes Controlled Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul F. Herbert, Douglas M. Bissonnette, Gregory C. Troiano
  • Method of modifying the release profile of sustained release compositions
    Patent number: 7074432
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the sustained release in vivo of a biologically active agent comprising administering to a subject in need of treatment an effective amount of a sustained release composition comprising a biocompatible polymer having the biologically active agent incorporated therein, and a bisphosphonate wherein the bisphosphonate compound is present in an amount sufficient to modify the release profile of the biologically active agent from the sustained release composition. Pharmaceutical compositions suitable for use in the method of the invention are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Alkermes Controlled Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Dasch, M. Gary I. Riley
  • Acid end group poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) copolymers with high glycolide content
    Patent number: 7074883
    Abstract: Copolymers of lactide and glycolide with high glycolide content. The average glycolate block length is less then about 3, which allows the copolymer to be soluble in slightly polar solvents such as methylene chloride.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Alkermes Controlled Therapeutics, Inc. II
    Inventor: Chiem V. Pham
  • Polymorphic forms of naltrexone
    Publication number: 20060142320
    Abstract: This invention relates to the discovery of novel polymorphic forms of naltrexone, including solvates, hydrates, anhydrous and other crystalline forms and combinations thereof. These novel forms of naltrexone impart advantages in pharmaceutical formulations incorporating them, including sustained release, or long acting, formulations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2004
    Publication date: June 29, 2006
    Applicant: Alkermes Controlled Therapeutics II
    Inventors: Harry Brittain, David Dickason, Joyce Hotz, Shawn Lyons, J. Ramstack, Steven Wright
  • METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR THE TARGETED DELIVERY OF BIOLOGICALLY ACTIVE AGENTS
    Publication number: 20060141041
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a sustained release composition for the targeted delivery of biologically active agents to specific tissues and cells. The composition comprises microparticles containing a biocompatible polymer, a water-soluble polymer and a biologically active agent. In one embodiment, the biologically active agent is an antigen or an immunomodulator. In another embodiment, the biologically is a labile agent. The microparticles have a number median diameter of greater than 20 microns upon administration. The water-soluble polymer is present in the sustained released composition in at least about 20% of the dry weight of the microparticle. the sustained release composition provides for the dissolution of the water-soluble polymer of the composition upon hydration, at a much greater rate than the degradation of the biocompatible polymer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Publication date: June 29, 2006
    Applicant: Alkermes Controlled Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Tracy, David Scher
  • Residual solvent extraction method and microparticles produced thereby
    Publication number: 20060099271
    Abstract: Methods for preparing microparticles having reduced residual solvent levels. Microparticles are contacted with a non-aqueous washing system to reduce the level of residual solvent in the microparticles. Preferred non-aqueous washing systems include 100% ethanol and a blend of ethanol and heptane. A solvent blend of a hardening solvent and a washing solvent can be used to harden and wash microparticles in a single step, thereby eliminating the need for a post-hardening wash step.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Publication date: May 11, 2006
    Applicant: Alkermes Controlled Therapeutics Inc. II
    Inventors: Michael Rickey, J. Michael Ramstack, Rajesh Kumar
  • Production scale method of forming microparticles
    Patent number: 7037450
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for forming microparticles of a material from microdroplets of a solution, wherein the solution comprises the material dissolved in a solvent. The method includes the steps of directing the microdroplets into a freezing zone, wherein the freezing zone is surrounded by a liquified gas, and wherein the microdroplets freeze. The frozen microdroplets are then mixed with a liquid non-solvent, whereby the solvent is extracted into the non-solvent, thereby forming the microparticles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Alkermes Controlled Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul F. Herbert, Michael S. Healy
  • Aripiprazole, olanzapine and haloperidol pamoate salts
    Patent number: 6987111
    Abstract: The invention relates to the discovery that pamoate salts of haloperidol and aripiprazole result in a good to superior long acting and/or extended release profile. Thus, in one aspect of the invention, the invention includes pamoate salts of haloperidol or aripiprazole. Preferably, the pamoate salt is characterized by a ratio of haloperidol to pamoate of 1:1 or 2:1. The pamoate salt can be crystalline, such as a needle or a dense crystal, such as described in the Figures. The invention further relates to methods of treating an individual in need thereof comprising administering a pharmaceutical composition comprising a pamoate salt of haloperidol and aripiprazole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Alkermes Controlled Therapeutics, II
    Inventors: Kristyn Greco, James Wright