Abstract: This invention is directed to an apparatus and method for producing microparticles comprising pharmacologically active agents and biodegradable polymers. The apparatus includes a spinning disk containing a reservoir in the center thereof and a flat inclined surface. The apparatus optionally includes serrations and/or a flat surface beneath the periphery of the disk that is parallel to the rotational axis of the disk. The invention is also directed to a method for producing microparticles containing pharmacologically active agents, using the spinning disk apparatus. Formulations containing ophthalmically active agents are provided. Formulations exhibiting zero order release rates are also described.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an apparatus and method for producing microparticles comprising pharmacologically active agents and biodegradable polymers. The apparatus includes a spinning disk containing a reservoir in the center thereof and a flat inclined surface. The apparatus optionally includes serrations and/or a flat surface beneath the periphery of the disk that is parallel to the rotational axis of the disk. The invention is also directed to a method for producing microparticles containing pharmacologically active agents, using the spinning disk apparatus. Formulations containing ophthalmically active agents are provided. Formulations exhibiting zero order release rates are also described.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an apparatus and method for producing microparticles comprising pharmacologically active agents and biodegradable polymers. The apparatus includes a spinning disk containing a reservoir in the center thereof and a flat inclined surface. The apparatus optionally includes serrations and/or a flat surface beneath the periphery of the disk that is parallel to the rotational axis of the disk. The invention is also directed to a method for producing microparticles containing pharmacologically active agents, using the spinning disk apparatus. Formulations containing ophthalmically active agents are provided. Formulations exhibiting zero order release rates are also described.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical preparations adapted for mucosal delivery, preferably for nasal delivery, which can be easily and safely used over days to weeks with minimal side effects. The pharmaceutical preparations comprise microcapsules comprising at least one pharmaceutically active agent. The microcapsules provide controlled release of the pharmaceutically active agent. Cytotoxicity is avoided for cytotoxic pharmaceutically active agents and/or for cytotoxic dosages by one or more of the following: (a) manipulating the mucosal transport rate of the pharmaceutically active agent through the mucosal bodies to achieve a transport rate which is substantially the same as the controlled release rate, and/or (b) selecting only a most active and/or less cytotoxic enantiomer of the pharmaceutically active agent for use in the pharmaceutical preparation.