Abstract: Methods are provided for producing fat-soluble vitamin particles. The particles exhibit extended shelf life and cooking stability and can be made without mineral acids or organic solvents. The particles are composite particles of a pH sensitive polymer and a fat-soluble vitamin such as vitamin A. The particles can be incorporated into foodstuffs such as bouillon, cereals, wheat flour, millet flour, cassava flour, tapioca flour, teff flour, corn meal, milk, milk powder, malt beverages, soy sauce, ready-to-use therapeutic foods, rice, or sugar. The foods can provide stable sources of vitamin A for populations in need thereof.

Abstract: Provided are pharmaceutical compositions useful for the treatment and/or prevention of a disorder, such as addiction. For example, pharmaceutical compositions are provided that comprise a first active pharmaceutical component (e.g., metyrapone) and a second active pharmaceutical component (e.g., oxazepam). The compositions may be constructed in such a manner as to limit the physical contact between the first and second active pharmaceutical components, thus preventing any degradation of the active pharmaceutical components resulting form interaction between the two components. The compositions may include at least one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. Also provided are methods of making the compositions as well as kits containing materials to provide the compositions.

Abstract: Provided are pharmaceutical compositions useful for the treatment and/or prevention of a disorder, such as addiction. For example, pharmaceutical compositions are provided that comprise a first active pharmaceutical component (e.g., metyrapone) and a second active pharmaceutical component (e.g., oxazepam). The compositions may be constructed in such a manner as to limit the physical contact between the first and second active pharmaceutical components, thus preventing any degradation of the active pharmaceutical components resulting form interaction between the two components. The compositions may include at least one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. Also provided are methods of making the compositions as well as kits containing materials to provide the compositions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions and methods for treating substance abuse disorders and addiction. In particular, this invention is directed to combinations of low doses of a cortisol synthesis inhibitor, such as metyrapone, in combination with low doses of a benzodiazepine, such as oxazepam. The compositions and methods of the present invention include pharmaceutical compositions and methods that are safe and efficacious for treating animals and humans.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions and methods for treating addiction and/or substance use disorders, including nicotine addiction associated with smoking tobacco. In particular, this invention is directed to combinations of low doses of a cortisol synthesis inhibitor, such as metyrapone, in combination with low doses of a benzodiazepine, such as oxazepam. The compositions and methods of the present invention include pharmaceutical compositions and methods that are safe and efficacious for treating animals and humans.

Abstract: Drugs, especially low aqueous solubility drugs, are provided in a porous matrix form, preferably microparticles, which enhances dissolution of the drug in aqueous media. The drug matrices preferably are made using a process that includes (i) dissolving a drug, preferably a drug having low aqueous solubility, in a volatile solvent to form a drug solution, (ii) combining at least one pore forming agent with the drug solution to form an emulsion, suspension, or second solution and hydrophilic or hydrophobic excipients that stabilize the drug and inhibit crystallization, and (iii) removing the volatile solvent and pore forming agent from the emulsion, suspension, or second solution to yield the porous matrix of drug. Hydrophobic or hydrophilic excipients may be selected to stabilize the drug in crystalline form by inhibiting crystal growth or to stabilize the drug in amorphous form by preventing crystallization.

Abstract: Clinical studies have been conducted and specific dosage formulations developed using polymeric microparticles having incorporated therein perfluorocarbon gases that provide significantly enhanced images of long duration. The dosage formulation includes microparticles formed of a biocompatible polymer, preferably including a lipid incorporated therein, and containing a perfluorocarbon that is a gas at body temperature. The microparticles are provided to a patient in an amount effective to enhance ultrasound imaging in the ventricular chambers for more than 5 minutes or in the mycocardium for more than a minute, in a dose ranging from 0.025 to 8.0 mg microparticles/kg body weight. Preferably the dose ranges from 0.05 to 4.0 mg microparticles/kg body weight. The dosage formulation typically is provided in a vial.

Abstract: Clinical studies have been conducted and specific dosage formulations developed using polymeric microparticles having incorporated therein perfluorocarbon gases that provide significantly enhanced images of long duration. The dosage formulation includes microparticles formed of a biocompatible polymer, preferably including a lipid incorporated therein, and containing a perfluorocarbon that is a gas at body temperature. The microparticles are provided to a patient in an amount effective to enhance ultrasound imaging in the ventricular chambers for more than 5 minutes or in the mycocardium for more than a minute, in a dose ranging from 0.025 to 8.0 mg microparticles/kg body weight. Preferably the dose ranges from 0.05 to 4.0 mg microparticles/kg body weight. The dosage formulation typically is provided in a vial.

Abstract: Drugs, especially low aqueous solubility drugs, are provided in a porous matrix form, preferably microparticles, which enhances dissolution of the drug in aqueous media. The drug matrices preferably are made using a process that includes (i) dissolving a drug, preferably a drug having low aqueous solubility, in a volatile solvent to form a drug solution, (ii) combining at least one pore forming agent with the drug solution to form an emulsion, suspension, or second solution and hydrophilic or hydrophobic excipients that stabilize the drug and inhibit crystallization, and (iii) removing the volatile solvent and pore forming agent from the emulsion, suspension, or second solution to yield the porous matrix of drug. Hydrophobic or hydrophilic excipients may be selected to stabilize the drug in crystalline form by inhibiting crystal growth or to stabilize the drug in amorphous form by preventing crystallization.

Abstract: Drugs, especially low aqueous solubility drugs, are provided in a porous matrix form, preferably microparticles, which enhances dissolution of the drug in aqueous media. The drug matrices preferably are made using a process that includes (i) dissolving a drug, preferably a drug having low aqueous solubility, in a volatile solvent to form a drug solution, (ii) combining at least one pore forming agent with the drug solution to form an emulsion, suspension, or second solution and hydrophilic or hydrophobic excipients that stabilize the drug and inhibit crystallization, and (iii) removing the volatile solvent and pore forming agent from the emulsion, suspension, or second solution to yield the porous matrix of drug. Hydrophobic or hydrophilic excipients may be selected to stabilize the drug in crystalline form by inhibiting crystal growth or to stabilize the drug in amorphous form by preventing crystallization.

Abstract: Clinical studies have been conducted and specific dosage formulations developed using polymeric microparticles having incorporated therein perfluorocarbon gases that provide significantly enhanced images of long duration. The dosage formulation includes microparticles formed of a biocompatible polymer, preferably including a lipid incorporated therein, and containing a perfluorocarbon that is a gas at body temperature. The microparticles are provided to a patient in an amount effective to enhance ultrasound imaging in the ventricular chambers for more than 5 minutes or in the mycocardium for more than a minute, in a dose ranging from 0.025 to 8.0 mg microparticles/kg body weight. Preferably the dose ranges from 0.05 to 4.0 mg microparticles/kg body weight. The dosage formulation typically is provided in a vial.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical formulations and methods are provided for the sustained delivery of a pharmaceutical agent to a patient by injection. The injectable formulation includes porous microparticles which comprise a pharmaceutical agent and a matrix material, wherein upon injection of the formulation a therapeutically or prophylactically effective amount of the pharmaceutical agent is released from the microparticles for at least 24 hours. A method for making the injectable, sustained release pharmaceutical formulation may include dissolving a hydrophobic matrix material in a volatile solvent to form a first solution; adding a pharmaceutical agent to the first solution to form an emulsion, suspension, or second solution; and removing the volatile solvent from the emulsion, suspension, or second solution to yield porous microparticles which comprise the pharmaceutical agent dispersed, entrapped or encapsulated within the structure of the hydrophobic matrix material.

Abstract: A method is provided for making a parenteral dosage form of a pharmaceutical agent which includes (a) providing particles of a pharmaceutical agent; (b) blending the particles with particles of at least one bulking agent to form a first powder blend, which does not include a surfactant; (c) milling the first powder blend to form a milled blend which comprises microparticles or nanoparticles of the pharmaceutical agent; and (d) reconstituting the milled blend with a liquid vehicle, which includes at least one surfactant, for parenteral administration. A method also is provided which includes (a) providing particles of a pharmaceutical agent; (b) blending these particles with particles of an excipient to form a first blend; and (c) milling the first blend to form a milled blend that includes microparticles or nanoparticles, which exhibits a greater dispersibility, wettability, and suspendability as compared to the particles of step (a) or the first blend.

Abstract: Dry powder pharmaceutical formulations for pulmonary or nasal administration are made to provide an improved respired dose. These formulations may be blends of milled blends and may include a phospholipid, alone or in combination with other excipient materials. In one case, the process includes the steps of (a) providing particles which comprise a pharmaceutical agent, (b) blending the particles with particles of at least one first excipient to form a first powder blend; (c) milling the first powder blend to form a milled blend which comprises microparticles or nanoparticles of the pharmaceutical agent; and (d) blending the milled blend with particles of a second excipient to form a blended dry powder blend pharmaceutical formulation suitable for pulmonary or nasal administration.

Abstract: A method is provided for making an oral dosage form of a pharmaceutical agent which includes the steps of (a) providing particles which include a pharmaceutical agent; (b) blending the particles with particles of a pre-processed excipient to form a primary blend, wherein the pre-processed excipient is prepared by (i) dissolving a bulking agent (e.g., a sugar) and at least one non-friable excipient (e.g., a waxy or liquid surfactant) in a solvent to form an excipient solution, and (ii) removing the solvent from the excipient solution to form the pre-processed excipient in dry powder form; (c) milling the primary blend to form a milled pharmaceutical formulation blend that includes microparticles or nanoparticles of the pharmaceutical agent; and (d) processing the milled pharmaceutical formulation blend into a solid oral dosage form or liquid suspension for oral administration. The process yields formulations having improved wettability or dispersibility.

Abstract: A lipid or other hydrophobic or amphiphilic compound (collectively referred to herein as “hydrophobic compounds”) is integrated into a polymeric matrix for drug delivery to alter drug release kinetics. In embodiments where the drug is water soluble, the drug is released over longer periods of time as compared to release from the polymeric matrix not incorporating the hydrophobic compound into the polymeric material. In contrast to methods in which a surfactant or lipid is added as an excipient, the hydrophobic compound is actually integrated into the polymeric matrix, thereby modifying the diffusion of water into the microparticle and diffusion of solubilized drug out of the matrix. The integrated hydrophobic compound also prolongs degradation of hydrolytically unstable polymers forming the matrix, further delaying release of encapsulated drug.

Abstract: A lipid or other hydrophobic or amphiphilic compound (collectively referred to herein as “hydrophobic compounds”) is integrated into a polymeric matrix for drug delivery to alter drug release kinetics. In embodiments where the drug is water soluble, the drug is released over longer periods of time as compared to release from the polymeric matrix not incorporating the hydrophobic compound into the polymeric material. In contrast to methods in which a surfactant or lipid is added as an excipient, the hydrophobic compound is actually integrated into the polymeric matrix, thereby modifying the diffusion of water into the microparticle and diffusion of solubilized drug out of the matrix. The integrated hydrophobic compound also prolongs degradation of hydrolytically unstable polymers forming the matrix, further delaying release of encapsulated drug.

Abstract: A lipid or other hydrophobic or amphiphilic compound (collectively referred to herein as “hydrophobic compounds”) is integrated into a polymeric matrix for drug delivery to alter drug release kinetics. In embodiments where the drug is water soluble, the drug is released over longer periods of time as compared to release from the polymeric matrix not incorporating the hydrophobic compound into the polymeric material. In contrast to methods in which a surfactant or lipid is added as an excipient, the hydrophobic compound is actually integrated into the polymeric matrix, thereby modifying the diffusion of water into the microparticle and diffusion of solubilized drug out of the matrix. The integrated hydrophobic compound also prolongs degradation of hydrolytically unstable polymers forming the matrix, further delaying release of encapsulated drug.

Abstract: Methods are provided for making a dry powder blend pharmaceutical formulation comprising (i) forming microparticles which comprise a pharmaceutical agent; (ii) providing at least one excipient in the form of particles having a volume average diameter that is greater than the volume average diameter of the microparticles; (iii) blending the microparticles with the excipient to form a powder blend; and (iv) jet milling the powder blend to deagglomerate at least a portion of any of the microparticles which have agglomerated, while substantially maintaining the size and morphology of the individual microparticles. Jet milling advantageously can eliminate the need for more complicated wet deagglomeration processes, can lower residual moisture and solvent levels in the microparticles (which leads to better stability and handling properties for dry powder formulations), and can improve wettability, suspendability, and content uniformity of dry powder blend formulations.

Abstract: Paclitaxel is provided in a porous matrix form, which allows the drug to be formulated without Cremophor and administered as a bolus. The paclitaxel matrices preferably are made using a process that includes (i) dissolving paclitaxel in a volatile solvent to form a paclitaxel solution, (ii) combining at least one pore forming agent with the paclitaxel solution to form an emulsion, suspension, or second solution, and (iii) removing the volatile solvent and pore forming agent from the emulsion, suspension, or second solution to yield the porous matrix of paclitaxel. The pore forming agent can be either a volatile liquid that is immiscible with the paclitaxel solvent or a volatile solid compound, preferably a volatile salt. In a preferred embodiment, spray drying is used to remove the solvents and the pore forming agent.