Patents Assigned to Alza
  • Reservoir and a series of related reservoirs for use in an electrotransport drug delivery device and devices comprised thereof
    Patent number: 6975902
    Abstract: A reservoir and a family of reservoirs are provided which are designed to be used with a single controller to provide a wide range of therapeutic drug delivering regimens while maintaining many of the same reservoir configurations and drug formulations. A method of making a reservoir and a family of reservoirs and incorporating them into an electrotransport system is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: ALZA Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph B. Phipps, Gary A. Lattin, Larry A. McNichols, John D. Badzinski
  • Formulations for the transdermal administration of fenoldopam
    Patent number: 6960353
    Abstract: Composition of matter for application to skin to administer fenoldopam by permeation through the skin, the composition comprising fenoldopam to be administered, at a therapeutically effective rate, in combination with a permeation enhancer or mixture. Also disclosed are drug delivery devices and methods for the transdermal administration of fenoldopam for the treatment of hypertension, congestive heart failure, and chronic and acute renal failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Alza Corporation
    Inventors: William W. van Osdol, Nieves M. Crisologo, Su Il Yum
  • Device for enhancing transdermal agent flux
    Patent number: 6953589
    Abstract: A device (3) comprising a sheet member (6) having a plurality of microprotrusions (4) for penetrating the skin and a rigid support (15) contacting and extending across the sheet member (6) for transmitting an applied force evenly across the length and width of the sheet member (6) to reproducibly and reliably penetrate the skin with the microprotrusions (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Alza Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph Creagan Trautman, Hyunok Lynn Kim
  • Minimally compliant, volume efficient piston for osmotic drug delivery systems
    Patent number: 6939556
    Abstract: An osmotic pump having a minimally compliant, volume-efficient piston positioned within a capsule is provided. The capsule has an interior surface, a beneficial agent, and an osmotic agent. The piston is movable with respect to an interior surface of the capsule, and defines a movable seal with the interior surface of the capsule. The movable seal separates the osmotic agent from the beneficial agent. The piston has a length-to-total-diameter ratio of about 1.1:1 and a core-diameter-to-total-diameter ratio of about 0.9:1. The piston enables greater beneficial agent and/or osmotic agent payload without increasing the size of the capsule. The osmotic agent imbibes liquid from a surrounding environment through a semipermeable body to cause the piston to move and, in turn, cause delivery of the beneficial agent from the capsule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Alza Corporation
    Inventor: Scott D. Lautenbach
  • 10139483Therapeutic liposome composition and method of preparation
    Patent number: 6936272
    Abstract: A fusogenic liposome composition for delivering a liposome-entrapped compound into the cytoplasm of a target cell is described. The liposomes have an outer surface coating of chemically releasable hydrophilic polymer chains which shield hydrophobic polymers on the liposome outer surface. Release of the hydrophilic polymer chains exposes the hydrophobic polymers for interaction with outer cell membranes of the target cells to promote fusion of the liposome with the target cells. Also disclosed is a method for using the composition to deliver a compound to target cells, and a method for selecting suitable hydrophobic polymers for use in the composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: ALZA Corporation
    Inventors: Francis J. Martin, Samuel Zalipsky
  • Methods and devices for providing prolonged drug therapy
    Patent number: 6930129
    Abstract: Methods and devices for maintaining a desired therapeutic drug effect over a prolonged therapy period are provided. In particular, oral dosage forms that release drug within the gastrointestinal tract at an ascending release rate over an extended time period are provided. The dosage forms may additionally comprise an immediate-release dose of drug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Alza Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew C. Lam, Padmaja Shivanand, Atul D. Ayer, Zahedeh Hatamkhany, Suneel K. Gupta, Diane R. Guinta, Carol A. Christopher, Samuel R. Saks, Lawrence G. Hamel, Jeri D. Wright, Richard G. Weyers
  • Conversion of liquid filled gelatin capsules into controlled release systems by multiple coatings
    Patent number: 6929803
    Abstract: A dosage form comprising a gelatin capsule formed with a composite wall and containing a liquid, active agent formulation where the wall comprises a barrier layer formed over the external surface of the gelatin capsule, an expandable layer formed over the barrier layer and a semipermeable layer formed over the expandable layer is described. The dosage forms and methods provide for the conversion of standard gelatin, liquid formulation capsules into controlled, release dosage forms that permit the controlled release of the active agent into the environment of use over time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Alza Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick S. L. Wong, Liang C. Dong, Jiansheng Wan
  • Capillary moderator for osmotic delivery system
    Publication number: 20050175701
    Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for preventing backflow into a beneficial agent dispensing osmotic delivery system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2005
    Publication date: August 11, 2005
    Applicant: ALZA Corporation
    Inventors: Li-Wei Pan, Rodney Panos, Eli Goldman
  • Osmotic delivery system, osmotic delivery system semipermeable body assembly, and method for controlling delivery rate of beneficial agents from osmotic delivery systems
    Patent number: 6923800
    Abstract: Osmotic delivery system semipermeable body assemblies that control the delivery rate of a beneficial agent from an osmotic delivery system incorporating one of the semipermeable body assemblies are provided. A semipermeable body assembly or plug includes a semipermeable body which is positionable in an opening of an osmotic delivery system. The semipermeable body has a hollow interior portion having a size selected to obtain a predetermined liquid permeation rate through the semipermeable body. Because the beneficial agent in the osmotic delivery system is delivered at substantially the same rate, the osmotic agent imbibes liquid which has permeated through the plug from a surrounding environment, and the liquid permeation rate through the plug controls the delivery rate of the beneficial agent from the osmotic delivery system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: ALZA Corporation
    Inventors: Guohua Chen, Scott D. Lautenbach, Keith E. Dionne, Scott D. Jordan, Steve A. Berry, Craig I. Rodenberger, Rupal Ayer
  • Method for the management of incontinence
    Patent number: 6919092
    Abstract: A composition and a dosage form are disclosed comprising oxybutynin alone/or accompanied by another drug indicated for therapy. A method is disclosed for administering oxybutynin alone/or accompanied by a different drug or for administering oxybutynin and a different drug according to a therapeutic program for the management of incontinence alone, and for other therapy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: ALZA Corporation
    Inventors: George V. Guittard, Francisco Jao, Susan M. Marks, David J. Kidney, Fernando E. Gumucio
  • Methods and devices for providing prolonged drug therapy
    Patent number: 6919373
    Abstract: Methods and devices for maintaining a desired therapeutic drug effect over a prolonged therapy period are provided. In particular, oral dosage forms that release drug within the gastrointestinal tract at an ascending release rate over an extended time period are provided. The dosage forms may additionally comprise an immediate-release dose of drug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Alza Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew C. Lam, Padmaja Shivanand, Atul D. Ayer, Richard G. Weyers, Suneel K. Gupta, Diane R. Guinta, Carol A. Christopher, Samuel R. Saks, Lawrence G. Hamel, Jeri D. Wright, Zahedeh Hatamkhany
  • Method and apparatus for coating skin piercing microprojections
    Patent number: 6855372
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for selectively applying an agent-containing liquid coating to extremely tiny skin piercing microprojections (10). The coating solution is applied to the skin piercing microprojections (10) using a coating technique which selectively coats only the skin piercing microprojections (10) and not the substrate (12) from which the microprojections (10) extend, and then dried. The coating method includes providing an agent-containing coating liquid and conveying the liquid to a liquid holding surface having a coating transfer region. The depth of the coating liquid at the coating transfer region is precisely controlled. The microprojections are then immersed to a predetermined level in the coating liquid. The liquid that coats the microprojections (10) is then dried to form a solid agent-containing coating on the microprojections (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: ALZA Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph C. Trautman, Cedric T. Wright, Michel J. N. Cormier
  • Microprotrusion member retainer for impact applicator
    Patent number: 6855131
    Abstract: A retainer (34) is provided for holding a microprotrusion member (44) for application of the microprotrusion member (44) to the stratum corneum with an impact applicator (10). The microprotrusion member (44) includes a plurality of microprotrusions (90) which penetrate the stratum corneum to improve transport of an agent across the stratum corneum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Alza Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph C. Trautman, Richard L. Keenan
  • Releasable linkage and compositions containing same
    Patent number: 6849270
    Abstract: A compound comprised of a hydrophilic polymer covalently yet reversibly linked to a amine-containing ligand through a dithiobenzyl linkage is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Alza Corporation
    Inventor: Samuel Zalipsky
  • Electrotransport delivery device with voltage boosting circuit
    Patent number: 6842640
    Abstract: An electrotransport device (10) for delivering therapeutic agents includes and adjustable voltage boost multiple controller (100, 200) for boosting the voltage from a power source (102, 202) to a working voltage VW having a value just sufficient to provide the desired therapeutic current level II through the electrodes (108, 112), at least of which contains the therapeutic agent to be delivered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: ALZA Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas A. Riddle, Larry A. McNichols, John D. Badzinski
  • Osmotic delivery system flow modulator apparatus and method
    Patent number: 6840931
    Abstract: An osmotic delivery system flow modulator assembly, an osmotic delivery system with a flow modulator assembly, and a method of assembling an osmotic delivery system. The osmotic delivery system flow modular assembly includes a body having a hole located through the body and communicating two opposing ends of the body. The use of the osmotic delivery system flow modulator assembly lessens the chance that air or gas pockets will form in the enclosure of the osmotic delivery system during assembly of the system. Because less air is within the osmotic delivery system, performance of the system is enhanced. Use of the flow modulator assembly also lessens the chance that beneficial agent will be wasted during assembly of the osmotic delivery system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: ALZA Corporation
    Inventors: Lewis L. Peterson, Fred H. Maruyama, Houdin Dehnad, Lawton Hom, Kevin S. Ly, Craig R. Davis, John R. Peery
  • Enhanced circulation effector composition and method
    Publication number: 20040247663
    Abstract: A liposome composition comprising small, surface-bound effector molecules is disclosed. The liposomes have a surface layer of hydrophilic polymer chains, for enhanced circulation time in the bloodstream. The effector molecules are attached to the distal ends of the polymer chains. In one embodiment, the effector is polymyxin B, for treatment of septic shock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2004
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Applicant: Alza Corporation
    Inventors: Samuel Zalipsky, Martin C. Woodle, Francis J. Martin, Yechezkel Barenholz, Herve Bercovier
  • Liposome composition and method for administration of a radiosensitizer
    Patent number: 6818227
    Abstract: A method for administering a radiosensitizer to a tumor site in a subject is described. The method includes preparing liposomes composed of a vesicle-forming lipid and a lipid-derivatized radiosensitizer. In one embodiment, the radiosensitizer is dipalmitoyl-5-iodo-2′-deoxyuridine. A method for preparing the liposome composition including the lipid-derivatized radiosensitizer is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Alza Corporation
    Inventors: Paul S. Uster, Adam A. Zetter, Kristen M. Hjortsvang, James L. Slater, George Z. Zhu
  • Releasable linkage and compositions containing same
    Publication number: 20040213759
    Abstract: A conjugate comprised of a hydrophilic polymer covalently yet reversibly linked to a amine-, hydroxy- or carboxyl-containing ligand is described. The resulting conjugate is capable of releasing the parent amine, hydroxy, or carboxyl-containing compound via thiol-mediated cleavage. The system allows for delivery of various amino-, hydroxy-, or carboxy-containing drugs in the form of their thiolytically cleavable macromolecular conjugates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Applicant: Alza Corporation
    Inventors: Samuel Zalipsky, Radwan Kiwan
  • Therapeutic liposome composition and method of preparation
    Publication number: 20040191307
    Abstract: Reagents for use in preparing a therapeutic liposome composition sensitized to a target cell are described. The reagents include a liposomal composition composed of pre-formed liposomes having an entrapped therapeutic agent and a plurality of targeting conjugates composed of a lipid, a hydrophilic polymer and a targeting ligand. The therapeutic, target-cell sensitized liposome composition is formed by incubating the liposomal composition with a selected conjugate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Applicants: Alza Corporation, Sequus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Theresa M. Allen, Paul Uster, Francis J. Martin, Samuel Zalipsky