Abstract: A nonaqueous, single-phase vehicle that is capable of suspending an active agent. The nonaqueous, single-phase vehicle includes at least one solvent and at least one polymer and is formulated to exhibit phase separation upon contact with an aqueous environment. The at least one solvent may be selected from the group consisting of benzyl benzoate, decanol, ethyl hexyl lactate, and mixtures thereof and the at least one polymer may be selected from the group consisting of a polyester, pyrrolidone, ester of an unsaturated alcohol, ether of an unsaturated alcohol, polyoxyethylenepolyoxypropylene block copolymer, and mixtures thereof. In one embodiment, the at least one solvent is benzyl benzoate and the at least one polymer is polyvinylpyrrolidone. A stable, nonaqueous suspension formulation that includes the nonaqueous, single-phase vehicle and an active agent, and a method of forming the same, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A nonaqueous, single-phase vehicle that is capable of suspending an active agent. The nonaqueous, single-phase vehicle includes at least one solvent and at least one polymer and is formulated to exhibit phase separation upon contact with an aqueous environment. The at least one solvent may be selected from the group consisting of benzyl benzoate, decanol, ethyl hexyl lactate, and mixtures thereof and the at least one polymer may be selected from the group consisting of a polyester, pyrrolidone, ester of an unsaturated alcohol, ether of an unsaturated alcohol, polyoxyethylenepolyoxypropylene block copolymer, and mixtures thereof. In one embodiment, the at least one solvent is benzyl benzoate and the at least one polymer is polyvinylpyrrolidone. A stable, nonaqueous suspension formulation that includes the nonaqueous, single-phase vehicle and an active agent, and a method of forming the same, are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to stable non-aqueous single phase viscous vehicles and to formulations utilizing such vehicles. The formulations comprise at least one beneficial agent uniformly suspended in the vehicle. The formulation is capable of being stored at temperatures ranging from cold to body temperature for long periods of time. The formulations are capable of being uniformly delivered from drug delivery systems at an exit shear rate of between about 1 to 1×10?7 reciprocal second.

Abstract: An osmotic delivery system flow modulator includes an outer shell constructed and arranged for positioning in an opening, an inner core inserted in the outer shell, and a fluid channel having a spiral shape defined between the outer shell and the inner core. The fluid channel is adapted for delivery of an active agent formulation from the reservoir of the osmotic delivery system.

Abstract: A nonaqueous, single-phase vehicle that is capable of suspending an active agent. The nonaqueous, single-phase vehicle includes at least one solvent and at least one polymer and is formulated to exhibit phase separation upon contact with an aqueous environment. The at least one solvent may be selected from the group consisting of benzyl benzoate, decanol, ethyl hexyl lactate, and mixtures thereof and the at least one polymer may be selected from the group consisting of a polyester, pyrrolidone, ester of an unsaturated alcohol, ether of an unsaturated alcohol, polyoxyethylenepolyoxypropylene block copolymer, and mixtures thereof. In one embodiment, the at least one solvent is benzyl benzoate and the at least one polymer is polyvinylpyrrolidone. A stable, nonaqueous suspension formulation that includes the nonaqueous, single-phase vehicle and an active agent, and a method of forming the same, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Liquid polyoxaester polymer materials are provided as suspending vehicles suitable for dispensing of pharmaceutically active agents, such as proteins, from delivery devices, for example, pump-driven dosage forms. Polyoxaesters are made from at least one diacid and at least one diol. Through the use of polyoxaesters virtually solvent-free pharmaceutical suspensions can be created.

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.

Abstract: An osmotic delivery system flow modulator includes an outer shell constructed and arranged for positioning in an opening, an inner core inserted in the outer shell, and a fluid channel having a spiral shape defined between the outer shell and the inner core. The fluid channel is adapted for delivery of an active agent formulation from the reservoir of the osmotic delivery system.

Abstract: This invention relates to stable non-aqueous single phase viscous vehicles and to formulations utilizing such vehicles. The formulations comprise at least one beneficial agent uniformly suspended in the vehicle. The formulation is capable of being stored at temperatures ranging from cold to body temperature for long periods of time. The formulations are capable of being uniformly delivered from drug delivery systems at an exit shear rate of between about 1 to 1×10?7 reciprocal second.

Abstract: A liquid composition in an osmotic drug delivery system and a dosage form in an osmotic drug delivery system is disclosed comprising an amphiphilic molecule, a non-aqueous liquid solvent, and a pharmaceutically active agent.

Abstract: Liquid polyoxaester polymer materials are provided as suspending vehicles suitable for dispensing of pharmaceutically active agents, such as proteins, from delivery devices, for example, pump-driven dosage forms. Polyoxaesters are made from at least one diacid and at least one diol. Through the use of polyoxaesters virtually solvent-free pharmaceutical suspensions can be created.

Abstract: This invention relates to stable non-aqueous single phase viscous vehicles and to formulations utilizing such vehicles. The formulations comprise at least one beneficial agent uniformly suspended in the vehicle. The formulation is capable of being stored at temperatures ranging from cold to body temperature for long periods of time. The formulations are capable of being uniformly delivered from drug delivery systems at an exit shear rate of between about 1 to 1×10?7 reciprocal second.

Abstract: An osmotic delivery system is disclosed for delivering an active agent formulation to a fluid environment. The osmotic delivery system typically comprises a reservoir having a lumen that contains the active agent formulation and an osmotic agent formulation and a piston assembly positioned in the lumen to isolate the active agent formulation from the osmotic agent formulation. The piston assembly typically comprises a body constructed and arranged for positioning in the lumen. The body is typically made of a polymeric material that is, for example, resistant to leaching in an organic solvent. In one embodiment, the body is a columnar body having a rim at a distal end thereof for engaging and sealing against a wall of the reservoir and the piston assembly further comprises a spring retained at the distal end of the columnar body for biasing the rim of the columnar body against the wall of the reservoir.

Abstract: A liquid composition in an osmotic drug delivery system and a dosage form in an osmotic drug delivery system is disclosed comprising an amphiphilic molecule, a non-aqueous liquid solvent, and a pharmaceutically active agent.

Abstract: Methods for the treatment of interferon-response disorders by administration of an interferon alone or in combination with adjunctive therapy are described. The invention encompasses providing to a patient both a formulation of an interferon that is suitable for short-term administration and a formulation of an interferon associated with a sustained release delivery system that is suitable for long-term administration. A principal advantage of the method is that responsiveness to treatment can be ascertained with short-term dosimetric techniques using one formulation of an interferon, which permits the appropriate selection of a dose that is both effective and safe for long-term administration using the second formulation.

Abstract: An osmotic delivery system is disclosed for delivering an active agent formulation to a fluid environment. The osmotic delivery system typically comprises a reservoir having a lumen that contains the active agent formulation and an osmotic agent formulation and a piston assembly positioned in the lumen to isolate the active agent formulation from the osmotic agent formulation. The piston assembly typically comprises a body constructed and arranged for positioning in the lumen. The body is typically made of a polymeric material that is, for example, resistant to leaching in an organic solvent. In one embodiment, the body is a columnar body having a rim at a distal end thereof for engaging and sealing against a wall of the reservoir and the piston assembly further comprises a spring retained at the distal end of the columnar body for biasing the rim of the columnar body against the wall of the reservoir.

Abstract: An implantable device includes a reservoir containing a suspension of an interferon in an amount sufficient to provide continuous delivery of the interferon at a therapeutically effective rate of 1 ng/day to 600 ?g/day to maintain and achieve therapeutic blood or plasma levels of the interferon throughout a substantial period of the administration period.

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.

Abstract: An osmotic pump includes a capsule having at least one delivery port formed at a first end and a membrane plug retained in a second end of the capsule remote from the delivery port to provide a fluid-permeable barrier between an interior and an exterior of the capsule. The membrane plug has a columnar body and at least one slot formed in the columnar body to vent pressure from the interior to the exterior of the capsule when the columnar body extends a predetermined distance relative to the second end of the capsule, thereby preventing expulsion of the membrane plug from the second end.

Abstract: An implantable osmotically driven delivery system having a dynamic, two-way valve and a self-adjusting, variable geometry fluid flow channel. As pressure within the agent delivery system increases, the fluid channel narrows, thereby restricting flow. At exceptionally high pressures, the valve can be designed to close altogether at the orifice or delivery end, or it can provide a minimal leak path so that a maximum fluid flow is never exceeded. At zero or very low pressures, the valve will close completely at the beneficial agent reservoir end, isolating the beneficial agent formulation from external fluid infiltration and thereby eliminating diffusion of external fluid into the beneficial agent formulation.