Patents by Inventor J. Michael Ramstack
J. Michael Ramstack has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20120258914Abstract: Methods of forming compositions for the sustained release of water soluble active agents, including biologically active polypeptides and products produced by the process are described. Improved product characteristics and ease of scale-up can be achieved using a novel coacervation process wherein at least one coacervation agent is added to the mixture comprising the active agent and the polymer in at least two distinct stages.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2011Publication date: October 11, 2012Applicant: Alkermes, Inc.Inventors: Rajesh Kumar, Gregory Troiano, J. Michael Ramstack, Paul Herbert, Michael Figa
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Publication number: 20120196990Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for filtering a fluid containing nanoparticles. The systems and methods generally include introducing a stream of the nanoparticle-containing fluid into a holding vessel, and extracting at least a part of a nanoparticle-containing fluid accumulated in the holding vessel. The extracted nanoparticle-containing fluid is passed through a filtration module to separate a nanoparticle-containing retentate from a permeate, and the retentate is returned to the vessel. The filtration cycle can be repeated until a desired concentration of the nanoparticles is achieved in the holding vessel. In many embodiments, the generation of the nanoparticle-containing fluid and its filtration are performed concurrently.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2012Publication date: August 2, 2012Applicant: CERULEAN PHARMA INC.Inventors: J. Michael Ramstack, John Podobinski
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Patent number: 8207290Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a process for forming polymeric nanoparticles, which comprises using a static mixer to create a mixed flowing stream of an anti-solvent, e.g., by introducing a liquid anti-solvent into a static mixer, and introducing a polymer solution into the mixed flowing anti-solvent stream such that controlled precipitation of polymeric nanoparticles occurs. The nanoparticles can then be separated from the anti-solvent stream.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2011Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Assignee: Cerulean Pharma Inc.Inventors: John Podobinski, J. Michael Ramstack, David S. Dickey
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Patent number: 8187672Abstract: Methods for preparing microparticles having reduced residual solvent levels. Microparticles are contacted with a non-aqueous washing system to reduce the level of residual solvent in the microparticles. Preferred non-aqueous washing systems include 100% ethanol and a blend of ethanol and heptane. A solvent blend of a hardening solvent and a washing solvent can be used to harden and wash microparticles in a single step, thereby eliminating the need for a post-hardening wash step.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2010Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: Alkermes Pharma Ireland LimitedInventors: Michael E. Rickey, J. Michael Ramstack, Rajesh Kumar
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Publication number: 20110237748Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a process for forming polymeric nanoparticles, which comprises using a static mixer to create a mixed flowing stream of an anti-solvent, e.g., by introducing a liquid anti-solvent into a static mixer, and introducing a polymer solution into the mixed flowing anti-solvent stream such that controlled precipitation of polymeric nanoparticles occurs. The nanoparticles can then be separated from the anti-solvent stream.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2011Publication date: September 29, 2011Applicant: CERULEAN PHARMA INC.Inventors: John Podobinski, J. Michael Ramstack, David S. Dickey
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Publication number: 20110086104Abstract: Methods for preparing microparticles having reduced residual solvent levels. Microparticles are contacted with a non-aqueous washing system to reduce the level of residual solvent in the microparticles. Preferred non-aqueous washing systems include 100% ethanol and a blend of ethanol and heptane. A solvent blend of a hardening solvent and a washing solvent can be used to harden and wash microparticles in a single step, thereby eliminating the need for a post-hardening wash step.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2010Publication date: April 14, 2011Applicant: Alkermes, Inc.Inventors: Michael E. Rickey, J. Michael Ramstack, Rajesh Kumar
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Patent number: 7875310Abstract: Methods for preparing microparticles having reduced residual solvent levels. Microparticles are contacted with a non-aqueous washing system to reduce the level of residual solvent in the microparticles. Preferred non-aqueous washing systems include 100% ethanol and a blend of ethanol and heptane. A solvent blend of a hardening solvent and a washing solvent can be used to harden and wash microparticles in a single step, thereby eliminating the need for a post-hardening wash step.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2009Date of Patent: January 25, 2011Assignee: Alkermes, Inc.Inventors: Michael E. Rickey, J. Michael Ramstack, Rajesh Kumar
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Publication number: 20100303900Abstract: Injectable compositions having improved injectability. The injectable compositions include microparticles suspended in an aqueous injection vehicle having a viscosity of at least 20 cp at 20° C. The increased viscosity of the injection vehicle that constitutes the fluid phase of the suspension significantly reduces in vivo injectability failures. The injectable compositions can be made by mixing dry microparticles with an aqueous injection vehicle to form a suspension, and then mixing the suspension with a viscosity enhancing agent to increase the viscosity of the fluid phase of the suspension to the desired level for improved injectability.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2010Publication date: December 2, 2010Applicant: Alkermes Controlled Therapeutics, Inc.Inventors: J. Michael Ramstack, M. Gary I. Riley, Stephen E. Zale, Joyce M. Hotz, Olufunmi L. Johnson
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Patent number: 7799345Abstract: Injectable compositions having improved injectability. The injectable compositions include microparticles suspended in an aqueous injection vehicle having a viscosity of at least 20 cp at 20° C. The increased viscosity of the injection vehicle that constitutes the fluid phase of the suspension significantly reduces in vivo injectability failures. The injectable compositions can be made by mixing dry microparticles with an aqueous injection vehicle to form a suspension, and then mixing the suspension with a viscosity enhancing agent to increase the viscosity of the fluid phase of the suspension to the desired level for improved injectability.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2007Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignee: Alkermes Controlled Therapeutics, Inc.Inventors: Stephen E. Zale, J. Michael Ramstack, Joyce M. Hotz, M. Gary I. Riley, Olufunmi L. Johnson
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Publication number: 20090194894Abstract: Methods for preparing microparticles having reduced residual solvent levels. Microparticles are contacted with a non-aqueous washing system to reduce the level of residual solvent in the microparticles. Preferred non-aqueous washing systems include 100% ethanol and a blend of ethanol and heptane. A solvent blend of a hardening solvent and a washing solvent can be used to harden and wash microparticles in a single step, thereby eliminating the need for a post-hardening wash step.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2009Publication date: August 6, 2009Applicant: Alkermes, Inc.Inventors: Michael E. Rickey, J. Michael Ramstack, Rajesh Kumar
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Patent number: 7524530Abstract: Methods for preparing microparticles having reduced residual solvent levels. Microparticles are contacted with a non-aqueous washing system to reduce the level of residual solvent in the microparticles. Preferred non-aqueous washing systems include 100% ethanol and a blend of ethanol and heptane. A solvent blend of a hardening solvent and a washing solvent can be used to harden and wash microparticles in a single step, thereby eliminating the need for a post-hardening wash step.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2007Date of Patent: April 28, 2009Assignee: Alkermes, Inc.Inventors: Michael E. Rickey, J. Michael Ramstack, Rajesh Kumar
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Publication number: 20080233199Abstract: Methods of forming compositions for the sustained release of water soluble active agents, including biologically active polypeptides and products produced by the process are described. Improved product characteristics and ease of scale-up can be achieved using a novel coacervation process wherein at least one coacervation agent is added to the mixture comprising the active agent and the polymer in at least two distinct stages.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2008Publication date: September 25, 2008Applicant: Alkermes, Inc.Inventors: Rajesh Kumar, Gregory Troiano, J. Michael Ramstack, Paul Herbert, Michael Figa
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Publication number: 20080227804Abstract: This invention relates to the discovery of novel polymorphic forms of naltrexone, including solvates, hydrates, anhydrous and other crystalline forms and combinations thereof. These novel forms of naltrexone impart advantages in pharmaceutical formulations incorporating them, including sustained release, or long acting, formulations.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2007Publication date: September 18, 2008Applicant: ALKERMES, INC.Inventors: Harry G. Brittain, David A. Dickason, Joyce Hotz, Shawn L. Lyons, J. Michael Ramstack, Steven G. Wright
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Patent number: 7371406Abstract: Injectable compositions having improved injectability. The injectable compositions include microparticles suspended in an aqueous injection vehicle having a viscosity of at least 20 cp at 20° C. The increased viscosity of the injection vehicle that constitutes the fluid phase of the suspension significantly reduces in vivo injectability failures. The injectable compositions can be made by mixing dry microparticles with an aqueous injection vehicle to form a suspension, and then mixing the suspension with a viscosity enhancing agent to increase the viscosity of the fluid phase of the suspension to the desired level for improved injectability.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2003Date of Patent: May 13, 2008Assignee: Alkermes Controlled Therapeutics, Inc.Inventors: J. Michael Ramstack, M. Gary I. Riley, Stephen E. Zale, Joyce M. Hotz, Olufunmi L. Johnson
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Publication number: 20070260038Abstract: Methods for preparing microparticles having improved flowability to facilitate processing in automated equipment. Microparticles are conditioned so that a flowability index of the microparticles is greater than about 60. The conditioning preferably includes maintaining the microparticles at a conditioning temperature for a period of time. The conditioning can be used with microparticles containing an active agent, and with placebo microparticles, and it is reversible.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2007Publication date: November 8, 2007Applicant: Alkermes, Inc.Inventors: J. Michael Ramstack, Steven Wright, David Dickason
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Patent number: 7279579Abstract: This invention relates to the discovery of novel polymorphic forms of naltrexone, including solvates, hydrates, anhydrous and other crystalline forms and combinations thereof. These novel forms of naltrexone impart advantages in pharmaceutical formulations incorporating them, including sustained release, or long acting, formulations.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2004Date of Patent: October 9, 2007Assignee: Alkermes, Inc.Inventors: Harry G. Brittain, David A. Dickason, Joyce Hotz, Shawn L. Lyons, J. Michael Ramstack, Steven G. Wright
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Patent number: 7247319Abstract: Methods for preparing microparticles having improved flowability to facilitate processing in automated equipment. Microparticles are conditioned so that a flowability index of the microparticles is greater than about 60. The conditioning preferably includes maintaining the microparticles at a conditioning temperature for a period of time. The conditioning can be used with microparticles containing an active agent, and with placebo microparticles, and it is reversible.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2001Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Assignee: Alkermes, Inc.Inventors: J. Michael Ramstack, Steven G. Wright, David A. Dickason
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Patent number: 7223440Abstract: Methods for preparing microparticles having reduced residual solvent levels. Microparticles are contacted with a non-aqueous washing system to reduce the level of residual solvent in the microparticles. Preferred non-aqueous washing systems include 100% ethanol and a blend of ethanol and heptane. A solvent blend of a hardening solvent and a washing solvent can be used to harden and wash microparticles in a single step, thereby eliminating the need for a post-hardening wash step.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2005Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Assignee: Alkermes, Inc.Inventors: Michael E. Rickey, J. Michael Ramstack, Rajesh Kumar
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Publication number: 20060099271Abstract: Methods for preparing microparticles having reduced residual solvent levels. Microparticles are contacted with a non-aqueous washing system to reduce the level of residual solvent in the microparticles. Preferred non-aqueous washing systems include 100% ethanol and a blend of ethanol and heptane. A solvent blend of a hardening solvent and a washing solvent can be used to harden and wash microparticles in a single step, thereby eliminating the need for a post-hardening wash step.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2005Publication date: May 11, 2006Applicant: Alkermes Controlled Therapeutics Inc. IIInventors: Michael Rickey, J. Michael Ramstack, Rajesh Kumar
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Patent number: 6884372Abstract: Method and apparatus for preparing microparticles using liquid-liquid extraction. A first phase and a second phase are combined to form an emulsion. A portion of the second phase is separated from the emulsion (solvent rich), and the solvent is extracted from the separated second phase, which is then returned (solvent poor) to the emulsion. This process of separation of a solvent rich phase, extraction of solvent, and return of a solvent poor phase, is carried out until a selected level of solvent in the emulsion is achieved. Alternatively, the separated solvent rich phase is not returned to the emulsion, but replaced with another solution, such as an aqueous solution, that is free from solvent. The solvent is preferably extracted into an extraction liquid that functions as a “solvent sink” for the solvent.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2004Date of Patent: April 26, 2005Assignee: Alkermes Controlled Therapeutics, Inc. IIInventor: J. Michael Ramstack