Abstract: The present invention provides a laser drilling system for drilling holes or cavities in a solid, in particular a solid dosage form. The system includes a loading zone, firing zone, inspection zone and delivery zone. The system also includes optional components such as a process validation system, solids detector, color detector, solids rejection/repositioning means, accepted products receptacle, rejected products receptacle and/or solids inspection system. Operation of the laser device in the firing zone and of other optional equipment is synchronized with movement of a continuous solids indexer by way of an electronic synchronizer. A solids handling system includes an optional fill level detector that directly or indirectly controls solids loading means that fills a solids reservoir. The system can be run continuously, semicontinuously or batchwise.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a multi-layered tablet for a triple combination release of active agents to an environment of use. More particularly, the invention pertains to a multi-layered tablet (1) comprising two external drug-containing layers (2 and 3) in stacked arrangement with respect to and on opposite sides of an oral dosage form (4) that provides a triple combination release of at least one active agent. In one embodiment of the invention the dosage form is an osmotic device. In another embodiment of the invention the dosage form is a gastro-resistant coated core. In yet another embodiment of the invention the dosage form is a matrix tablet. In a different embodiment the dosage form is a hard capsule.

Abstract: A controlled release dosage form containing lercanidipine, or a salt thereof, a performance-enhancing acid, and at least one other pharmaceutical excipient exhibits enhanced in vitro dissolution of lercanidipine, enhanced storage stability based upon the reduced degradation of lercanidipine, and/or enhanced in vivo bioavailability of lercanidipine as compared to an otherwise similar controlled release dosage form excluding the performance-enhancing acid but containing the same amount of lercanidipine.

Abstract: The present invention provides an osmotic device containing controlled release venlafaxine in the core in combination with an anti-Alzheimer's or an anti-Parkinson's drug in a rapid release external coat. Memantine is used as an anti-Alzheimer's drug or an anti-Parkinson's drug. Particular embodiments of the invention provide osmotic devices having predetermined release profiles. One embodiment of the osmotic device includes an external coat that has been spray-coated rather than compression-coated onto the device. The device is useful for the treatment of symptoms associate with Alzheimer's disease and/or Parkinson's disease patients. The device and method can also be used to treat or ameliorate other symptoms associated with Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease or any other neurological disorder. Other dosage forms that provide a controlled, sustained or extended release of venlafaxine in combination with a rapid or immediate release of memantine are useful in the invention.

Abstract: Aqueous ophthalmic solutions containing a combination of hyaluronic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, e.g. sodium hyaluronate, and polyvinyl alcohol are disclosed. These solutions have a synergistic effect on viscosity and provide a statistically significant improvement over the prior art formulations. The solutions are used as artificial tear for the treatment of dry eye syndrome and ocular discomfort and may be administered whenever the use of artificial tears is advisable. The solutions are also suitable for use as vehicle for ophthalmic drugs.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dual release solid dosage form containing a first composition that releases a neuraminidase inhibitor, such as oseltamivir, zanamivir, or peramivir, in a controlled manner and a second composition that releases an H1 antagonist in a rapid and/or immediate manner. A wide range of H1 antagonist antihistamines, especially fexofenadine and loratadine, can be used in this device. Particular embodiments of the invention provide osmotic devices having predetermined release profiles. The device is useful for the treatment of respiratory congestion and other viral infection associated symptoms.

Abstract: The present invention provides an osmotic device containing controlled release pseudoephedrine in the core in combination with a rapid release H1 antagonist in an external coat. A wide range of H1 antagonist antihistamines, especially fexofenadine, can be used in this device. Particular embodiments of the invention provide osmotic devices having predetermined release profiles. One embodiment of the osmotic device includes an external coat that has been spray coated rather compression coated onto the device. The device with spray coated external core is smaller and easier to swallow than the similar device having a compression coated external coat. The device is useful for the treatment of respiratory congestion related disorders and allergy related disorders. The present devices provide PS and an H1 antagonist according to specific release profiles in combination with specific formulations.

Abstract: The present invention provides an osmotic device containing controlled release venlafaxine in the core in combination with an anti-psychotic agent in a rapid release external coat. A wide range of anti-psychotic agents can be used in this device. Particular embodiments of the invention provide osmotic devices having predetermined release profiles. One embodiment of the osmotic device includes an external coat that has been spray-coated rather compression-coated onto the device. The device with spray-coated external core is smaller and easier to swallow than the similar device having a compression-coated external coat. The device is useful for the treatment of depression, anxiety or psychosis related disorders.

Abstract: The present invention provides a laser drilling system for drilling holes or cavities in a solid, in particular a solid dosage form. The system includes a loading zone, firing zone, inspection zone and delivery zone. The system also includes optional components such as a process validation system, solids detector, color detector, solids rejection/repositioning means, accepted products receptacle, rejected products receptacle and/or solids inspection system. Operation of the laser device in the firing zone and of other optional equipment is synchronized with movement of a continuous solids indexer by way of an electronic synchronizer. A solids handling system includes an optional fill level detector that directly or indirectly controls solids loading means that fills a solids reservoir. The system can be run continuously, semicontinuously or batchwise.

Abstract: Delivery devices capable of delivering one or more active substances by diffusion through plural micropores in the membrane (4) or by osmotic pumping through one or more preformed passageways (5) in the membrane are provided. The device (1) has an about centrally located expandable core (2) completely surrounded by an active substance-containing layer (3), which is completely surrounded by the membrane. The device is capable of delivering insoluble, slightly soluble, sparingly soluble and very soluble active substances to an environment of use. The preferred delivery rate is zero order. The device can deliver an active substance for a period of about 12-24 hours.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition contains mosapride, pancreatin and optionally simethicone and is used for treating, preventing or alleviating the symptoms of a gastrointestinal disorder. The pharmaceutical composition is provided in an oral dosage form for administration to a subject.

Abstract: The present invention provides an osmotic device containing controlled release pseudoephedrine in the core in combination with a rapid release H1 antagonist in an external coat. A wide range of H1 antagonist antihistamines, especially fexofenadine, can be used in this device. Particular embodiments of the invention provide osmotic devices having predetermined release profiles. One embodiment of the osmotic device includes an external coat that has been spray coated rather compression coated onto the device. The device with spray coated external core is smaller and easier to swallow than the similar device having a compression coated external coat. The device is useful for the treatment of respiratory congestion related disorders and allergy related disorders. The present devices provide PS and an H1 antagonist according to specific release profiles in combination with specific formulations.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dual release solid dosage form containing a first composition that releases oseltamivir in a controlled manner and a second composition that releases an H1 antagonist in a rapid and/or immediate manner. A wide range of H1 antagonist antihistamines, especially fexofenadine and loratadine, can be used in this device. Particular embodiments of the invention provide osmotic devices having predetermined release profiles. The device is useful for the treatment of respiratory congestion and other viral infection associated symptoms.

Abstract: The present invention provides an osmotic device containing controlled release alprazolam in the core optionally in combination with an anti-psychotic agent, in a rapid release external coat. A wide range of anti-psychotic agents can be used in this device. Particular embodiments of the invention provide osmotic devices having predetermined release profiles. One preferred embodiment of the osmotic device includes an external coat that has been spray coated rather compression coated onto the device. The device with spray coated external core is smaller and easier to swallow than the similar device having a compression coated external coat. The device is useful for the treatment of depression, anxiety or psychosis related disorders.

Abstract: The present invention provides a simple and improved osmotic device (1) that is capable of providing a controlled release of active agent contained in the core (4) through a preformed passageway (5) into an environment of use. The preformed passageway (5) increases in size during use of the osmotic device (1) thereby increasing the release rate of the active agent, enabling the release of large particles containing active agent, and enabling the release of active agents that are substantially insoluble in the environment of use.

Abstract: The present invention provides an osmotic device containing controlled release venlafaxine in the core in combination with an anti-psychotic agent in a rapid release external coat. A wide range of anti-psychotic agents can be used in this device. Particular embodiments of the invention provide osmotic devices having predetermined release profiles. One embodiment of the osmotic device includes an external coat that has been spray-coated rather compression-coated onto the device. The device with spray-coated external core is smaller and easier to swallow than the similar device having a compression-coated external coat. The device is useful for the treatment of depression, anxiety or psychosis related disorders.

Abstract: The present invention provides an osmotic device containing controlled release diltiazem in the core in combination with a rapid release ACE inhibitor, or diuretic, in an external coat. The delivery device of the invention can also be a chronotherapeutic osmotic device that provides a delayed and controlled release of diltiazem and a delay and rapid release of an ACE inhibitor or diuretic. A wide range of ACE inhibitors or diuretics can be used in this device. Particular embodiments of the invention provide osmotic devices having predetermined release profiles. One specific embodiment of the osmotic device includes an external coat that has been spray coated rather than compression coated onto the device. The device with spray coated external core is smaller and easier to swallow than the similar device having a compression coated external coat. The device is useful for the treatment of blood pressure or hypertension related disorders.

Abstract: The present invention provides an osmotic device containing controlled release ranitidine in the core in combination with a prokinetic agent in a rapid release external coat. A wide range of prokinetic agents can be used in this device. Particular embodiments of the invention provide osmotic devices having predetermined release profiles. One embodiment of the osmotic device includes an external coat that has been spray coated rather compression coated onto the device. The device with spray-coated external core is smaller and easier to swallow than the similar device having a compression-coated external coat. The device is useful for the treatment of gastric acid related disorders. The device can be tailored for once or twice daily administration. The amounts of ranitidine and prokinetic agent can be varied. One embodiment provides two different charges of ranitidine (one rapid release and the other controlled release) and a rapid release charge of prokinetic agent.

Abstract: The delivery devices described herein are capable of delivering one or more active substances by osmotic pumping through preformed passageways. An osmotic device according to the invention includes a first osmotic device enclosed within a second osmotic device. In some embodiments, the semipermeable membrane of one or both of the osmotic devices completely dissolves or degrades during use. This delivery device can include an immediate release outer coat.

Abstract: The present invention provides a simple and improved multi-layered osmotic device (1) that is capable of delivering a first active agent in an outer lamina (2) to one environment of use and a second active agent in the core (5) to another environment of use. Particular embodiments of the invention provide osmotic devices in which the first and second active agents are similar or dissimilar. An erodible polymer coat (3) between an internal semipermeable membrane (4) and a second active agent-containing external coat (2) comprises poly(vinylpyrrolidone)-(vinyl acetate) copolymer. This particular erodible polymer results in an improved multi-layered osmotic device possessing advantages over related devices known in the art. The active agent in the core (5) is delivered through a pore (6) containing an erodible plug (7). The osmotic device (1) can be coated by a final finish coat (8).