Abstract: The present invention relates to novel compositions, in particular to compositions comprising calcitonin or a fragment or conjugate thereof and to methods for preparing such compositions. It also relates to oral formulations comprising the compositions and to shelf stable formulations of calcitonin or a fragment or conjugate thereof.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to obtain a targeted and controlled release of drugs, the pharmacological action and absorption of which takes place in the intestine and in particular in the ileum and in the colon.To achieve this objective the drug is coated with two membranes, one having pH dependent solubility and the other insoluble but permeable to intestinal juices.As long as the coated drug remains in the stomach and in the upper part of the intestinal tract, that is as long as the pH is lower than 5.5, it is not released.Only when it reaches an environment with a higher pH (small intestine and/or colon), the pH dependent membrane dissolves and the release of the drug can begin.From this moment the second membrane, pH-independent but permeable to intestinal juices, carries out its action which is to slow down and control the dissolution of the drug in the small intestine-colon tract.

Abstract: The taste of orally administered drugs is masked by coating the drug with a polymeric membrane which is soluble only at a pH of 5 or more. An acid substance is included in the formulation containing the coated drug to reduce or prevent the dissolution of the membrane in the oral cavity.

Abstract: The invention provides a solid pharmaceutical composition for addition to water to produce a suspension of a drug comprising (a) a drug which is substantially water-insoluble or microencapsulated; (b) a thickening or suspending agent; (c) a pharmaceutically acceptable acid; (d) a pharmaceutically acceptable carbonate or bicarbonate; characterised in that the weight ratio of c+d:b is from 1:1.5 to 1:15 and the amount of c+d is sufficient to obtain rapid hydration of the thickening or suspending agent (b) when the composition is mixed with water such that a homogeneous suspension of the drug is obtained within 30 seconds. A method for preparing the composition is also described.