Patents Assigned to Cima Labs Inc.
  • Publication number: 20030232080
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods and composition for improving absorption and dissolution of active ingredients of drugs. The invention provides a method of administration of an active ingredient to a mammal through a transmucosal route that includes delivering the active ingredient to a desired site in a body of the mammal, and, sequentially, at the desired site, promoting dissolution and absorption of the active ingredient. In a preferred embodiment, the pH of the localized environment of the active ingredient is sequentially modified to promote dissolution and absorption.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Applicant: Cima Labs Inc.
    Inventors: S. Indiran Pather, John Hontz, John M. Siebert
  • Patent number: 6641838
    Abstract: The pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention comprise orally administerable dosage forms that use effervescence as a penetration enhancer for drugs known, or suspected, of having poor bioavailability. Effervescence can occur in the stomach, once the tablet or other dosage form is ingested. In addition to effervescence in the stomach, or as alternative technique, by the use of appropriate coatings and other techniques, the effervescence can occur in other parts of the gastrointestinal tract, including, but not limited to, the esophagus, duodenum, and colon. The site of effervescence and drug release is chosen to correspond with the segment of the gastrointestinal tract displaying maximal absorption of the formulated drug, or to gain some other therapeutic advantage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Cima Labs Inc.
    Inventors: S. Indiran Pather, Joseph R. Robinson, Jonathan D. Eichman, Rajendra K. Khankari, John Hontz, Sangeeta V. Gupte
  • Patent number: 6576250
    Abstract: The pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention comprise rectally and vaginally administerable dosage forms that contain effervescent agents as penetration enhancers for drugs. Effervescence occurs in the rectum or vagina, once the dosage form is administered or at a predetermined time following administration. The effervescent agents can be used alone or in combination with pH adjusting substance, which further promote dissolution and absorption of the active ingredient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Cima Labs Inc.
    Inventors: S. Indiran Pather, Joseph R. Robinson, Jonathan D. Eichman, Rajendra K. Khankari, John Hontz
  • Publication number: 20030096791
    Abstract: A taste-masked formulation which provides for effective taste-masking of an active ingredient such as cetirizine hydrochloride, while simultaneously providing a desired dissolution profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Applicant: Cima Labs Inc.
    Inventors: Vijay V. Gupte, Walid Habib, Kris E. Holt, Rajendra K. Khankari, John Hontz
  • Publication number: 20030091629
    Abstract: A pharmaceutical dosage form adapted to supply a medicament to the oral cavity for buccal, sublingual or gingival absorption of the medicament which contains an orally administrable medicament in combination with an effervescent for use in promoting absorption of the medicament in the oral cavity. The use of an additional pH adjusting substance in combination with the effervescent for promoting the absorption drugs is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Applicant: CIMA LABS INC.
    Inventors: S. Indiran Pather, Rajendra K. Khankari, Jonathan D. Eichman, Joseph R. Robinson, John Hontz
  • Patent number: 6509036
    Abstract: The pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention comprise orally administerable dosage forms that use effervescence as a penetration enhancer for drugs known, or suspected, of having poor bioavailability. Effervescence can occur in the stomach, once the tablet or other dosage form is ingested. In addition to effervescence in the stomach, or as alternative technique, by the use of appropriate coatings and other techniques, the effervescence can occur in other parts of the gastrointestinal tract, including, but not limited to, the esophagus, duodenum, and colon. The site of effervescence and drug release is chosen to correspond with the segment of the gastrointestinal tract displaying maximal absorption of the formulated drug, or to gain some other therapeutic advantage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Cima Labs Inc.
    Inventors: S. Indiran Pather, Joseph R. Robinson, Jonathan D. Eichman, Rajendra K. Khankari, John Hontz, Sangeeta V. Gupte
  • Patent number: 6391335
    Abstract: The pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention comprise orally administerable dosage forms that use effervescence as a penetration enhancer for drugs known, or suspected, of having poor bioavailability. Effervescence can occur in the stomach, once the tablet or other dosage form is ingested. In addition to effervescence in the stomach, or as alternative technique, by the use of appropriate coatings and other techniques, the effervescence can occur in other parts of the gastrointestinal tract, including, but not limited to, the esophagus, duodenum, and colon. The site of effervescence and drug release is chosen to correspond with the segment of the gastrointestinal tract displaying maximal absorption of the formulated drug, or to gain some other therapeutic advantage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Cima Labs Inc.
    Inventors: S. Indiran Pather, Joseph R. Robinson, Jonathan D. Eichman, Rajendra K. Khankari, John Hontz, Sangeeta V. Gupte
  • Patent number: 6368625
    Abstract: A dosage form which rapidly disintegrates in the mouth and forms a viscous slurry of either microcapsules or a powder is described. The rapidly disintegrating dosage form is meant for direct oral administration by placing a tablet or capsule in the mouth of a patient. Upon disintegration, a viscosity of the resulting slurry increases so as to form an organoleptically pleasant viscous material which retards the spread of insoluble materials including the drug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Cima Labs Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Siebert, Rajendra K. Khankari, Unchalee Kositprapa, S. Indiran Pather
  • Patent number: 6365182
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a potassium containing dosage form which is capable of rapidly disintegrating in a patient's mouth to form an easy to swallow slurry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Cima Labs Inc.
    Inventors: Rajendra K. Khankari, John Hontz, Sara J. Chastain
  • Patent number: 6350470
    Abstract: The pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention comprise orally administerable dosage forms that use effervescence as a penetration enhancer for drugs known, or suspected, of having poor bioavailability. Effervescence can occur in the stomach, once the tablet or other dosage form is ingested. In addition to effervescence in the stomach, or as alternative technique, by the use of appropriate coatings and other techniques, the effervescence can occur in other parts of the gastrointestinal tract, including, but not limited to, the esophagus, duodenum, and colon. The site of effervescence and drug release is chosen to correspond with the segment of the gastrointestinal tract displaying maximal absorption of the formulated drug, or to gain some other therapeutic advantage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Cima Labs Inc.
    Inventors: S. Indiran Pather, Joseph R. Robinson, Jonathan D. Eichman, Rajendra K. Khankari, John Hontz, Sangeeta V. Gupte
  • Patent number: 6311462
    Abstract: An assembly for handling and packaging pharmaceutical dosage forms includes an infeed structure, a laning structure, and a plenum structure extending from the infeed structure to the laning structure. The infeed, laning and plenum structures guide dosage forms as they are carried in a downstream direction by a surface movable with downstream direction. A guide portion guides the dosage forms into the laning structure to avoid jamming of tablets. A form handling device receives dosage forms and transports the dosage forms to a packaging device. A timed controller and dump gate operate so that debris is carried out of the assembly. The assembly is particularly useful for fragile dosage forms. A packaging device having a bottom plate with floatably supported blocks is provided for sealing dosage forms into packages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Cima Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry Amborn, Vernon Tiger
  • Patent number: 6280770
    Abstract: Novel pharmaceutical compositions which improve the rate and/or extent of absorption of drugs are disclosed. The novel pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention comprise drug-containing microemulsions adsorbed onto solid particles which may be further formulated into solid dosage forms. The compositions and dosage forms of the present invention improve the bioavailability of a wide range of drugs including drugs that are known or suspected of having poor bioavailability by the utilization of several different mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Cima Labs Inc.
    Inventors: S. Indiran Pather, Sangeeta V. Gupte, Rajendra K. Khankari, John Hontz, Joseph R. Robinson, Jonathan D. Eichman, Ramya Kumbale
  • Patent number: 6269615
    Abstract: An assembly for handling and packaging pharmaceutical dosage forms includes an infeed structure, a laning structure, and a plenum structure extending from the infeed structure to the laning structure. The infeed, laning and plenum structures guide dosage forms as they are carried in a downstream direction by a surface movable with downstream direction. A guide portion guides the dosage forms into the laning structure to avoid jamming of tablets. A form handling device receives dosage forms and transports the dosage forms to a packaging device. A timed controller and dump gate operate so that debris is carried out of the assembly. The assembly is particularly useful for fragile dosage forms. A packaging device having a bottom plate with floatably supported blocks is provided for sealing dosage forms into packages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Cima Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry Amborn, Vernon Tiger
  • Patent number: 6221392
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a hard tablet that can be stored, packaged and processed in bulk. Yet the tablet dissolves rapidly in the mouth of the patient with a minimum of grit. The tablet is created from an active ingredient mixed into a matrix of a nondirect compression filler and a relatively high lubricant content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Cima Labs Inc.
    Inventors: Rajendra K. Khankari, John Hontz, Sara J. Chastain, Leo Katzner
  • Patent number: 6200604
    Abstract: A pharmaceutical dosage form adapted to supply a medicament to the oral cavity for buccal, sublingual or gingival absorption of the medicament which contains an orally administerable medicament in combination with an effervescent for use in promoting absorption of the medicament in the oral cavity. The use of an additional pH adjusting substance in combination with the effervescent for promoting the absorption drugs is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Cima Labs Inc.
    Inventors: Sathasivan Indiran Pather, Rajendra K. Khankari, Jonathan D. Eichman, Joseph R. Robinson, John Hontz
  • Patent number: 6155423
    Abstract: The invention is a blister package for containing frangible dosage forms while protecting the dosage forms from damage during transport and opening of the package.A blister sheet defines one or more recesses in which frangible dosage forms are disposed and a peelable sheet of lidding material overlies the recesses to cover the dosage forms therein. The dosage forms engage each recess to prevent shifting of the dosage form during transport. Indicia on the blister package directs the user with regard to the procedure for opening the package without damaging the dosage forms. Unsealed areas in the package, which provide a portion of lidding material which the user can grab to peel open the package, are provided with dimples which hide the grabable portion of lidding material from children.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Cima Labs Inc.
    Inventors: Leo D. Katzner, Brian Jones, Jack Khattar, John Kosewick
  • Patent number: 6139874
    Abstract: The pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention comprise orally administerable dosage forms that use effervescence as a penetration enhancer for drugs known, or suspected, of having poor bioavailability. Effervescence can occur in the stomach, once the tablet or other dosage form is ingested. In addition to effervescence in the stomach, or as alternative technique, by the use of appropriate coatings and other techniques, the effervescence can occur in other parts of the gastrointestinal tract, including, but not limited to, the esophagus, duodenum, and colon. The site of effervescence and drug release is chosen to correspond with the segment of the gastrointestinal tract displaying maximal absorption of the formulated drug, or to gain some other therapeutic advantage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Cima Labs Inc.
    Inventors: S. Indiran Pather, Joseph R. Robinson, Jonathan D. Eichman, Rajendra K. Khankari, John Hontz, Sangeeta V. Gupte
  • Patent number: 6024981
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a hard tablet that can be stored, packaged and processed in bulk. Yet the tablet dissolves rapidly in the mouth of the patient with a minimum of grit. The tablet is created from an active ingredient mixed into a matrix of a non-direct compression filler and a relatively high lubricant content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: Cima Labs Inc.
    Inventors: Rajendra K. Khankari, John Hontz, Sara J. Chastain, Leo Katzner
  • Patent number: 5503846
    Abstract: The disclosed invention includes a base coated acid formulation which is highly compressible. The disclosed invention also relates to formulations including both an effervescent couple and an acid sensitive active agent. Formulations having an acid neutralization capacity of under 5.0 are also described as are methods of making particulate base coated acid and dosage forms using same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Assignee: Cima Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: Fred Wehling, Steve Schuehle
  • Patent number: 5401513
    Abstract: A tableting aid including magnesium carbonate and an oil adsorbed thereon provides useful lubricating and disintegration properties. A free-flowing particulate flavoring additive including magnesium carbonate and a flavor oil adsorbed thereon, is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Assignee: Cima Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: Fred Wehling, Steve Schuehle, Navayanarao Madamala