Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-particulate drug delivery system, a process for its preparation and capsules being filled with such system.

Abstract: In a delayed release formulation comprising a core containing a drug and a delayed release coating for providing intestinal release, release of the drug in the colon is accelerated by including an isolation layer between the core and the delayed release coating. The delayed release coating comprises an inner layer and an outer layer. The outer layer comprises a pH dependently soluble polymeric material which has a pH threshold at about pH 5 or above. The inner layer comprises a soluble polymeric material which is soluble in intestinal fluid or gastrointestinal fluid, said soluble polymeric material being selected from the group consisting of a polycarboxylic acid polymer that is at least partially neutralised, and a non-ionic polymer, provided that, where said soluble polymeric material is a non-ionic polymer, said inner layer comprises at least one additive selected from a buffer agent and a base.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a delayed release pharmaceutical formulation for delivering an active agent to the intestine, a method of preparing such formulation and the use of such formulation in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders.

Abstract: Delayed release of a drug to the colon is achieved from a delayed release formulation comprising a core and a coating for the core. The core comprises a drug and the coating comprises an outer layer and at least one layer between the core and the outer layer selected from the group consisting of an isolation layer and an inner layer. The outer layer comprises a mixture of a first polymeric material which is susceptible to attack by colonic bacteria, and a second polymeric material which has a pH threshold at about pH 5 or above. The inner layer comprises a third polymeric material which is soluble in intestinal fluid or gastrointestinal fluid, said third polymeric material being selected from an at least partially neutralised polycarboxylic acid and a non-ionic polymer. In embodiments in which the third polymeric material is a non-ionic polymer, the inner layer comprises at least one of a buffer agent and a base.

Abstract: Delayed release of a drug to the colon is achieved from a delayed release formulation comprising a core and a coating for the core. The core comprises a drug and the coating comprises an outer layer and at least one layer between the core and the outer layer selected from the group consisting of an isolation layer and an inner layer. The outer layer comprises a mixture of a first polymeric material which is susceptible to attack by colonic bacteria, and a second polymeric material which has a pH threshold at about pH 5 or above. The inner layer comprises a third polymeric material which is soluble in intestinal fluid or gastrointestinal fluid, said third polymeric material being selected from an at least partially neutralised polycarboxylic acid and a non-ionic polymer. In embodiments in which the third polymeric material is a non-ionic polymer, the inner layer comprises at least one of a buffer agent and a base.

Abstract: Delayed release of a drug to the colon is achieved from a delayed release formulation comprising a core and a coating for the core. The core comprises a drug and the coating comprises an inner layer and an outer layer. The outer layer comprises a mixture of a first polymeric material which is susceptible to attack by colonic bacteria, and a second polymeric material which has a pH threshold at about pH 5 or above. The inner layer comprises a third polymeric material which is soluble in intestinal fluid or gastrointestinal fluid, said third polymeric material being selected from an at least partially neutralised polycarboxylic acid and a non-ionic polymer. In embodiments in which the third polymeric material is a non-ionic polymer, the inner layer comprises at least one of a buffer agent and a base.

Abstract: In a delayed release formulation comprising a core containing a drug and a delayed release coating for providing intestinal release, release of the drug in the colon is accelerated by including an isolation layer between the core and the delayed release coating. The delayed release coating comprises an inner layer and an outer layer. The outer layer comprises a pH dependently soluble polymeric material which has a pH threshold at about pH 5 or above. The inner layer comprises a soluble polymeric material which is soluble in intestinal fluid or gastrointestinal fluid, said soluble polymeric material being selected from the group consisting of a polycarboxylic acid polymer that is at least partially neutralised, and a non-ionic polymer, provided that, where said soluble polymeric material is a non-ionic polymer, said inner layer comprises at least one additive selected from a buffer agent and a base.

Abstract: Polyunsaturated fatty acid (“PUFA”) or a pharmacologically acceptable salt or derivative thereof (such as EPA and/or DHA) is used in combination with at least one of an immunosuppressive agent or an antineoplastic agent, said agent(s) having at least one amino acid residue, or a pharmacologically acceptable salt or derivative thereof (such as methotrexate or cyclosporin) in the treatment of conditions involving acutely or chronically inadequate immune response. Specific conditions that may be treated include chronic inflammatory diseases (e.g. Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis) and tumour diseases (e.g. bowel cancer and prostate cancer). One advantage of preferred embodiments of the invention is that bioavailability of immunosuppressive or antineoplastic agents is increased.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical formulation comprising at least one omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid in free acid form or a pharmacologically acceptable derivative thereof is contained in a soft gelatin capsule characterised in that the capsule comprises gelatin extracted by an extraction process comprising acid pre-treatment of a collagen source. One advantage of the present invention over a soft gelatin capsule containing the same formulation but comprising gelatin extracted by an extraction process comprising alkali pre-treatment of the collagen source is that the present invention does not harden significantly over time and thus has a longer shelf life.

Abstract: Polyunsaturated fatty acid (“PUFA”) or a pharmacologically acceptable salt or derivative thereof (such as EPA and/or DHA) is used in combination with at least one of an immunosuppressive agent or an antineoplastic agent or a pharmacologically acceptable salt or derivative thereof in the treatment of conditions involving acutely or chronically inadequate immune response by topical application of said active agents to at least a portion of the intestinal mucosa. Specific conditions that may be treated include chronic inflammatory disease (e.g. Chrohn's disease and ulcerative colitis) and tumour disease (e.g. bowel cancer and prostate cancer). One advantage of preferred embodiments of the invention is that bioavailability of immunosuppressive or antineoplastic agents is increased.

Abstract: A topical spreadable composition comprising 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) as active and monoolein is provided for treatment ulcers, inflammation and lesions of the oral cavity. The composition is spread over and adheres to the lesion, and is preferably prepared in a water free state. Examples of indications that can be treated are oral Crohn's Disease, apthous ulcers, orofacial granulomatosis, oral ulcers associated with Behet's disease and oral lichen planus.

Abstract: An aqueous foamable composition is provided having a delayed foaming action on expulsion from a pressurized container. The composition comprises a major amount of water, a water-immiscible liquified gas foaming agent, at least one foam-stabilizing and emulsifying surfactant, and a water-soluble polymer. The composition is particularly useful for rectal or vaginal administration of pharmaceuticals.

Abstract: Inflammatory bowel disease, especially Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is treated by administration of an oral dosage form, containing as an active principle an omega-3 polyunsaturated acid in free acid form or as a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, which releases the acid in the ileum. Preferably the oral dosage form is a gelatine capsule coated with a poly(ethylacrylate-methylmethacrylate).

Abstract: Complexes of bismuth, e.g. bismuth salts, and polyacrylate, e.g. carbomer, are discloses which may be incorporated into pharmaceutical compositions for oral, oral delayed-release, and rectal administration. The complexes may be combined with an antibiotic, such as tetracycline, and an antiprotozoal agent, e.g. Metronidazole, for use in the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection. The treatment of inflammatory bowel disease using bismuth/polyacrylate complexes, or other bismuth preparations, is also described.

Abstract: Inflammatory bowel disease, especially Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is treated by administration of an oral dosage form, containing as an active principle an omega-3 polyunsaturated acid in free acid form or as a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, which releases the acid in the ileum. Preferably the oral dosage form is a gelatine capsule coated with a poly(ethylacrylate-methylmethacrylate).

Abstract: An aqueous foamable composition is provided having a delayed foaming action on expulsion from a pressurized container. The composition comprises a major amount of water, a water-immiscible liquefied gas foaming agent, at least one foam-stabilizing and emulsifying surfactant, and a water-soluble polymer. The composition is particularly useful for rectal or vaginal administration of pharmaceuticals.

Abstract: A solid dosage form, such as a capsule or tablet, containing a pharmacologically active agent is coated with an anionic polymer, which is insoluble in gastric juice and in intestinal juice below pH7 but soluble in colonic intestinal juice, in a sufficient amount that the oral dosage form remains intact until it reaches the colon. The preferred anionic polymer is a partly methyl esterified methacrylic acid polymer in which the ratio of free carboxylic groups to ester groups is about 1:2. The invention has particular application to dosage forms of prednisolone and salts thereof, indomethacin, ibuprofen, and, especially, 5-amino-salicylic acid.

Abstract: A solid dosage form, such as a capsule or tablet, containing a pharmacologically active agent is coated with an anionic polymer, which is insoluble in gastric juice and in intestinal juice below pH7 but soluble in colonic intestinal juice, in a sufficient amount that the oral dosage form remains intact until it reaches the colon. The preferred anionic polymer is a partly methyl esterified methacrylic acid polymer in which the ratio of free carboxylic groups to ester groups is about 1:2. The invention has particular application to dosage forms of prednisolone and salts thereof, indomethacin, ibuprofen, and, especially, 5-amino-salicylic acid.