Patents Assigned to Alza
  • Releasable linkage and compositions containing same
    Patent number: 6605299
    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: October 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Alza Corporation
    Inventor: Samuel Zalipsky
  • Closure system for an active agent delivert device
    Patent number: 6595951
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a closure system for an oral active agent delivery device. The device comprises an elongate tubular member having first and second ends. The closure system includes a deformable closure means adapted to allow delivery of the active agent upon deformation. The closure system prevents spillage and maintains the integrity of the dose within the device. In use, the closure system is deformed and separated from the second end of the tubular member, liquid is drawn up into the first end of the member, and the liquid and active agent are drawn out of the second end of the member and into the patient's mouth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Alza Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick S. -L. Wong, James Horvath, Radomir N. M. Vukadin, Joyce C. Anthony, Vincent J. Ferrari, Jeffrey W. Etter, Christopher M. G. Ohms
  • Controlled release liquid active agent formulation dosage forms
    Patent number: 6596314
    Abstract: Controlled release of liquid, active agent formulations is provided by dispersing porous particles containing the liquid active agent formulation in osmotic, push-layer dosage forms. The dosage forms may provide for continuous or pulsatile delivery of active agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Alza Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick S. -L. Wong, David E. Edgren, Liang C. Dong, Crystal Pollock-Dove
  • Neutral lipopolymer and liposomal compositions containing same
    Patent number: 6586001
    Abstract: Liposomes containing PEG-substituted neutral lipopolymers provide similar circulation times to liposomes incorporating conventional, negatively charged PEG-substituted phospholipids. Use of the uncharged lipopolymers can also present advantages in terms of interactions with cell surfaces and reduced leakage of charged substances, particularly cationic drugs, from the liposomes. The lipopolymers are of the formula: wherein each of R1 and R2 is an alkyl or alkenyl chain having between about 8 to about 24 carbon atoms, n is about 10 to about 300, Z is selected from the group consisting of hydroxy, alkoxy, benzyloxy, carboxylic ester, sulfonic ester, alkyl or aryl carbonate, amino, and alkylamino, and the linkage L is selected from the group consisting of (i) —X—(C═O)—Y—CH2—, (ii) —X—(C═O)—, and (iii) —X—CH2—, wherein X and Y are independently selected from oxygen, NH, and a direct linkage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Alza Corporation
    Inventor: Samuel Zalipsky
  • Enhanced circulation effector composition and method
    Patent number: 6586002
    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: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Alza Corporation
    Inventors: Samuel Zalipsky, Martin C. Woodle, Francis J. Martin, Yechezkel Barenholz, Herve Bercovier
  • Formulations for transdermal delivery of pergolide
    Patent number: 6572879
    Abstract: Composition of matter for application to a body surface or membrane to administer pergolide by permeation through the body surface or membrane, the composition comprising pergolide to be administered, at a therapeutically effective rate, alone or in combination with a permeation enhancer or mixture. Also disclosed are drug delivery devices containing the pergolide or pergolide and enhancer composition and methods for the transdermal administration of the pergolide and pergolide/enhancer composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Alza Corporation
    Inventors: Su Il Yum, Melinda K. Nelson, Patricia S. Campbell
  • Mixing system for an active agent delivery device
    Patent number: 6572582
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a mixing system for an active agent delivery device. The device comprises an elongate tubular member having first and second ends and a mixing system. The mixing system enables the entire dose of active agent to be entrained in a liquid. In use, liquid is drawn into the first end of the device, the mixing system mixes the liquid and active agent within the device and the active agent entrained in the liquid is drawn out of the second end of the member and into the patient's mouth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Alza Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick S. L. Wong, Stephen S. Hwang, Vincent J. Ferrari
  • Method for preventing crystal formation in a dispersion of a liquid in a matrix
    Patent number: 6569448
    Abstract: An improved method for the manufacture of transdermal drug delivery devices comprising liquid dispersions of a liquid in an aqueous or nonaqueous matrix is disclosed. More particularly, the invention relates to preventing the formation of a crystalline structure in such liquid dispersions by annealing films and laminates in-line immediately following film formation and/or lamination during the manufacture of these devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Alza Corporation
    Inventors: John W. Dohner, Scott A. Bura, Richard E. Ford
  • Device and method for enhancing transdermal flux of agents being sampled
    Patent number: 6562014
    Abstract: A transdermal agent sampling device is provided. The sampling device is comprised of a microblade array and a device for applying a partial vacuum. The microblade array comprises a sheet having a plurality of microblades for piercing the skin to a very shallow depth (i.e., 25 &mgr;m to 400 &mgr;m) to create microslits in the outermost stratum corneum layer of the skin. The partial vacuum applying device applies a partial vacuum in the range of about 0.1 to about 0.8 atm, and preferably about 0.3 to about 0.7 atm, for sampling a body analyte such as glucose in interstitial fluid. The partial vacuum is applied for a period of about 2 to about 30 seconds, and preferably about 5 to about 15 seconds. The interstial fluid is analyzed for body analyte (e.g., glucose) content or concentration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Alza Corporation
    Inventors: Wei-Qi Lin, Michel J. N. Cormier, Felix Theeuwes
  • Dosage form comprising therapeutic formulation
    Patent number: 6551613
    Abstract: A dosage form is disclosed comprising a semipermeable walled container that houses a capsule, which capsule comprises a drug formulation, a piston, and an osmotic composition. The dosage form delivers the drug formulation through a passageway at a controlled rate over a sustained-release period of time up to 24 hours.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Alza Corporation
    Inventors: Liang-Chang Dong, Patrick S. L. Wong, Vincent Joseph Ferrari, Steven Espinal
  • Prolonged release active agent dosage form adapted for gastric retention
    Patent number: 6548083
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an active agent dosage form which is adapted for retention in the stomach and useful for the prolonged delivery of an active agent formulation to a fluid environment of use. The active agent dosage form is a polymer matrix that swells upon contact with the fluids of the stomach. A portion of the polymer matrix is surrounded by a band of insoluble material that prevents the covered portion of the polymer matrix from swelling and provides a segment of the dosage form that is of sufficient rigidity to withstand the contractions of the stomach and delay expulsion of the dosage form from the stomach until substantially all of the active agent has been dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Alza Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick S.-L. Wong, Liang-Chang Dong, David E. Edgren, Felix Theeuwes, Phyllis I. Gardner, Francisco Jao, Jason J. Wan
  • Osmotic delivery system having space efficient piston
    Patent number: 6544252
    Abstract: An osmotic delivery system having a space efficient piston. The capsule has an interior holding the piston, 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 moveable seal separates the osmotic agent from the beneficial agent. The piston has a recess that receives at least a portion of the osmotic agent. 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: December 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Alza Corporation
    Inventors: Felix Theeuwes, Ben Eckenhoff
  • Conjugate having a cleavable linkage for use in a liposome
    Publication number: 20030054028
    Abstract: Conjugates of a hydrophobic moiety, such as a lipid, linked through a cleavable dithiobenzyl linkage to a therapeutic agent are described. The dithiobenzyl linkage is susceptible to cleavage by mild thiolysis, resulting in release of the therapeutic agent in its original form. The linkage is stable under nonreducing conditions. The conjugate can be incorporated into liposomes for administration in vivo and release of the therapeutic agent in response to endogeneous in vivo reducing conditions or in response to administration of an exogeneous reducing agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Applicant: Alza Corporation
    Inventors: Samuel Zalipsky, Alberto A. Gabizon
  • Uniform drug delivery therapy
    Patent number: 6534089
    Abstract: The invention disclosed pertains to a novel delivery system comprising an agent formulation and means for dispensing the agent formulation from the delivery system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Alza Corporation
    Inventors: Atul D. Ayer, Andrew Lam, Judy A. Magruder, Lawrence G. Hamel, Patrick S. L. Wong
  • Osmotic delivery system flow modulator apparatus and method
    Patent number: 6524305
    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: July 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Alza Corporation
    Inventors: Lewis L. Peterson, Fred H. Maruyama, Houdin Dehnad, Lawton Hom, Kevin S. Ly, Craig R. Davis, John R. Peery
  • Liposome composition for delivery of nucleic acid
    Publication number: 20030031704
    Abstract: A liposome composition for delivery of a nucleic acid in vivo or ex vivo is described. The liposomes in the composition are comprised of (i) a lipid that is neutral in charge at physiologic pH and positively charged at pH values less than physiologic pH and (ii) a lipid joined to a hydrophilic polymer by a dithiobenzyl linkage. The liposomes are associated with a nucleic acid for delievery to a cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2001
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Applicant: Alza Corporation
    Inventors: Shi-Kun Huang, Samuel Zalipsky, Wei-Ming Zhang
  • Dosage form comprising means for changing drug delivery shape
    Patent number: 6514530
    Abstract: A dosage form is disclosed comprising means for delivering essentially a total dose of drug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: ALZA Corporation
    Inventors: Robert R. Skluzacek, David E. Edgren
  • Formulations for the administration of fluoxetine
    Patent number: 6512010
    Abstract: Composition of matter for application to a body surface or membrane to administer fluoxetine by permeation through the body surface or membrane, the composition comprising fluoxetine to be administered, at a therapeutically effective rate, alone or in combination with a permeation enhancer or mixture. A preferred embodiment is directed to the transdermal administration of fluoxetine at reduced skin irritation levels wherein fluoxetine, preferably provided as fluoxetine acetate, is coadministered with a corticosteroid such as hydrocortisone. Also disclosed are drug delivery devices containing the fluoxetine or fluoxetine and enhancer composition and methods for the transdermal administration of the fluoxetine and fluoxetine/enhancer composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Alza Corporation
    Inventors: Robert M. Gale, Melinda K. Nelson, Michel J. N. Cormier, Suneel K. Gupta, Patricia S. Campbell
  • Valve for osmotic devices
    Patent number: 6508808
    Abstract: An osmotic delivery system for controlled delivery of a beneficial agent includes an implant capsule having a beneficial agent reservoir, an osmotic agent which expands on contact with fluid imbibed through a permeable membrane retained by the implant capsule, a delivery port, and a valve for opening and closing the delivery port. When the osmotic agent expands, a pressure is exerted against a separating member positioned between the beneficial agent reservoir and the osmotic agent. The separating member moves within the capsule, thereby forcing the valve to move a distance such that the beneficial agent can exit the reservoir through the delivery port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Alza Corporation
    Inventors: John P. Carr, James B. Eckenhoff
  • Electrochemically reactive cathodes for an electrotransport device
    Patent number: 6505069
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to improved cathodes (24) for use in an electrotransport device (10) for transdermally or transmucosally delivering a beneficial agent (e.g., a drug) to, or extracting a body analyte (e.g., glucose) from, the body surface of a patient. Most particularly, the present invention relates to a cathodic electrode (24) in the form of a silver halide foil which can be made, e.g., by forging particulate silver chloride. The cathode (24) does not absorb agent (e.g., drug), eliminates the need for binders, solvents and processing aids during the manufacturing process, and increases dimensional freedom of design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: ALZA Corporation
    Inventors: Erik R. Scott, Lothar W. Kleiner