Patents Assigned to Alza
  • Hydrocodone therapy
    Patent number: 6491945
    Abstract: A hydrocodone composition, a hydrocodone dosage form, and a method of administering hydrocodone are disclosed and indicated for hydrocodone therapy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: ALZA Corporation
    Inventors: Jerry D. Childers, George V. Guittard, Glen E. Barclay, Anthony L. Kuczynski, Patrick S. L. Wong
  • Osmotic dosage form composed of an extruded polymer tube form
    Patent number: 6491683
    Abstract: A dosage form manufactured from an extruded polymer tube and method for manufacturing the dosage form are disclosed. The dosage form is preferably an osmotic dosage form and includes a therapeutic agent and an expandable composition contained within the lumen of the extruded polymer tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: ALZA Corporation
    Inventors: Liang-Chang Dong, Patrick S. L. Wong, Atul Devdatt Ayer, Padmaja Shivanand, Michael A. DesJardin
  • Therapeutic liposome composition and method of preparation
    Publication number: 20020172711
    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: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2001
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Applicant: Alza Corporation
    Inventors: Francis J. Martin, Samuel Zalipsky
  • Gel composition and methods
    Patent number: 6468961
    Abstract: Methods and compositions for systemically or locally administering by implantation a beneficial agent to a subject are described, and include, for example, compositions having burst indices of 8 or less for systemic applications and systems releasing 10% or less of the total dose of beneficial agent in the first 24 hours after implantation for local applications. The compositions include a biocompatible polymer, a biocompatible solvent having low water miscibility that forms a viscous gel with the polymer and limits water uptake by the implant, and a beneficial agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Alza Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin J. Brodbeck, Ann T. Gaynor-Duarte, Theodore Tao-Ian Shen
  • Liposome-entrapped topoisomerase inhibitors
    Patent number: 6465008
    Abstract: A composition for administration of a therapeutically effective dose of a topoisomerase inhibitor I or topoisomerase I/II inhibitor is described. The composition includes liposomes having an outer surface and an inner surface defining an aqueous liposome compartment, and being composed of a vesicle-forming lipid and of a vesicle-forming lipid derivatized with a hydrophilic polymer to form a coating of hydrophilic polymer chains on both the inner and outer surfaces of the liposomes. Entrapped in the liposomes is the topoisomerase inhibitor at a concentration of at least about 0.10 &mgr;mole drug per &mgr;mole lipid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Alza Corporation
    Inventors: James L. Slater, Gail T. Colbern, Peter K. Working
  • Liposome-entrapped topoisomerase inhibitors
    Publication number: 20020146450
    Abstract: A composition for administration of a therapeutically effective dose of a topoisomerase inhibitor I or topoisomerase I/II inhibitor is described. The composition includes liposomes having an outer surface and an inner surface defining an aqueous liposome compartment, and being composed of a vesicle-forming lipid and of a vesicle-forming lipid derivatized with a hydrophilic polymer to form a coating of hydrophilic polymer chains on both the inner and outer surfaces of the liposomes. Entrapped in the liposomes is the topoisomerase inhibitor at a concentration of at least about 0.10 &mgr;mole drug per &mgr;mole lipid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Applicant: Alza Corporation
    Inventors: James L. Slater, Gail T. Colbern, Peter K. Working
  • Apparatus and methods for alternating laser treatment of pharmaceutical dispensers
    Patent number: 6452133
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for laser treating batches of pharmaceutical dispensers are provided. Sequential batches of untreated dispensers are carried on alternate batch carriers that are advanced into associated alternate stationary laser treatment stations. The multiple stationary laser treatment stations are located within a region of adjacency in which a single laser source can be operated to treat alternate batches of dispensers positioned within the associated alternate laser treatment stations. A laser controller directs the laser beam to alternatingly operate in each laser treatment station and, within each laser treatment station, to treat each dispenser in a batch of dispensers positioned therein. An advance coordinator advances the batch carriers in coordination with the activity of the laser controller in a repeating alternating cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Alza Corporation
    Inventors: Johan H. Geerke, Keith Perry Minton
  • Releasable linkage and compositions containing same
    Publication number: 20020128195
    Abstract: A compound comprised of a hydrophilic polymer covalently yet reversibly linked to a amine-containing ligand through a dithiobenzyl linkage is described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2001
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Applicant: Alza Corporation
    Inventor: Samuel Zalipsky
  • Method of administering antidepressant dosage form
    Patent number: 6440457
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a dosage form 10 and to administering an antidepressant medicament 16 for an extended period of time in a rate-known dose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Alza Corporation
    Inventors: David Emil Edgren, Gurdish Kaur Bhatti, Zahedeh Hatamkhani, Patrick S. L. Wong
  • Modification of polypeptide drugs to increase electrotransport flux
    Publication number: 20020107505
    Abstract: Methods of modifying polypeptide drugs in order to enhance their transdermal electrotransport flux are provided. The polypeptide is modified by substituting a histidine residue (His) for one or more glutamine (Gln), threonine (Thr) and/or asparagine (Asn) residue(s). The His for Gln substitution is particularly preferred from the standpoint of retaining biological activity of the parent polypeptide. Compositions containing the modified polypeptide, which are useful for transdermal electrotransport delivery, are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2001
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Applicant: Alza Corporation
    Inventor: Leslie A. Holladay
  • Device for transdermal electrotransport delivery of fentanyl and sufentanil
    Patent number: 6425892
    Abstract: The invention provides an improved electrotransport drug delivery system for analgesic drugs, namely fentanyl and sufentanil. The fentanyl/sufentanil is provided as a water soluble salt (e.g., fentanyl hydrochloride), preferably in a hydrogel formulation, for use in an electrotransport device (10). In accordance with the present invention, a transdermal electrotransport delivered dose of fentanyl/sufentanil is provided which is sufficient to induce analgesia in (e.g., adult) human patients suffering from moderate-to-severe pain associated with major surgical procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Assignee: ALZA Corporation
    Inventors: Mary Southam, Keith J. Bernstein, Henk Noorduin
  • Conversion of liquid filled gelatin capsules into controlled release systems by multiple coatings
    Patent number: 6419952
    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: May 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: Alza Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick S. -L. Wong, Liang C. Dong, Jiansheng Wan
  • Sustained delivery of an active agent using an implantable system
    Patent number: 6395292
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a device for delivering an active agent formulation for a predetermined administration period. An impermeable reservoir is divided into a water-swellable agent chamber and an active agent formulation chamber. Fluid from the environment is imbibed through a semipermeable plug into the water-swellable agent chamber and the active agent formulation is released through a back-diffusion regulating outlet. Delivery periods of up to 2 years are achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Alza Corporation
    Inventors: John R. Peery, Keith E. Dionne, James B. Eckenhoff, Felix A. Landrau, Scott D. Lautenbach, Judy A. Magruder, Jeremy C. Wright
  • Dosage forms and methods for providing effective reboxetine therapy with once-a-day dosing
    Patent number: 6387403
    Abstract: Dosage forms and methods for providing sustained release of reboxetine are provided. The sustained release dosage forms provide therapeutically effective average steady-state plasma reboxetine concentrations when administered once per day. This once-a-day dosing regimen results in only one peak plasma reboxetine concentration occurrence in each 24 hour period. In addition, the peak plasma reboxetine concentration occurs at a later time following dose administration and exhibits a lesser magnitude than the peak plasma reboxetine concentration that occurs following administration of reboxetine in an immediate-release dosage form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: ALZA Corporation
    Inventors: Sylvia L. Seroff, Noymi V. Yam, Atul D. Ayer, Padmanabh P. Bhatt, Michael A. Desjardin, Andrew C. Lam, David E. Edgren, Phillip R. Nixon
  • Rate controlling membranes for controlled drug delivery devices
    Patent number: 6375978
    Abstract: This invention provides rate controlling membranes for controlled drug delivery devices that are stable over time and exhibit more predictable and consistent membrane functionality. According to another aspect, the membranes have enhanced permeability. According to the invention, the rate controlling membrane of a controlled drug delivery device is subjected to a pre-treatment annealing process wherein it is subjected to an elevated temperature for a predetermined time period and subsequently cooled to ambient conditions before incorporation into a controlled drug delivery device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: ALZA Corporation
    Inventors: Lothar W. Kleiner, Robert M. Gale, Randall G. Berggren, Gilbert T. Tong, Guohua Chen, Keith E. Dionne, Paul R. Houston
  • Anhydrous drug reservoir for electrolytic transdermal delivery device
    Patent number: 6374136
    Abstract: An electrode assembly and a method of forming an anhydrous reservoir layer of an electrode assembly in an electrotransport transdermal agent delivery device are provided. The reservoir layer is adapted to be placed in agent-transmitting relation with a body surface and an electrode in electrical contact with a power source and the reservoir layer. The method includes the steps of dissolving a beneficial agent in a solvent, applying the solvent and dissolved beneficial agent to a surface of a hydrophilic polymer filtration membrane, removing the solvent from the surface of the filtration membrane, and disposing the beneficial agent/filtration membrane within the electrode assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Alza Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas O. Murdock
  • Controlled delivery of active agents
    Patent number: 6368626
    Abstract: Controlled release of active agents from sustained release push delivery devices having high drug loading are described wherein residual drug content in the device is minimized by the utilization of a flow-promoting layer between a semi-permeable wall and drug layer comprising the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: ALZA Corporation
    Inventors: Padmanabh Bhatt, Evangeline Cruz, Noymi Yam
  • Method of fabricating a banded prolonged release active agent dosage form
    Patent number: 6365183
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an active agent dosage form and methods of its fabrication which is useful for the prolonged delivery of an active agent formulation to a fluid environment of use. The active agent dosage form is a matrix that has on its surface one or more insoluble bands located in complementary grooves. The invention is also directed to articles of manufacture, methods and systems for fabricating the active agent dosage form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: ALZA Corporation
    Inventors: David E. Edgren, Patrick S.-L. Wong, Francisco Jao, Yolanda M. Puga
  • Conjugate having a cleavable linkage for use in a liposome
    Patent number: 6365179
    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: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: ALZA Corporation
    Inventors: Samuel Zalipsky, Alberto A. Gabizon
  • Method for lowering blood glucose
    Patent number: 6361795
    Abstract: The invention disclosed comprises a method for administering the antidiabetic drug glipizide to a patient in need of glipizide in need of antidiabetic therapy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Alza Corporation
    Inventors: Anthony L. Kuczynski, Atul Devolatt Ayer, Patrick S. L. Wong