Abstract: A method for preparing microparticles having a selected polymer molecular weight. The hold time and temperature of a solution containing a nucleophilic compound and a polymer having a starting molecular weight are controlled in order to control the molecular weight of the polymer in the finished microparticle product. In this manner a selected polymer molecular weight in the finished microparticle product can be achieved from a variety of starting material molecular weights.

Abstract: A method for preparing biodegradable, biocompatible microparticles. A first phase is prepared that includes a biodegradable, biocompatible polymer, an active agent, and a solvent. A second phase is prepared. The first and second phases are combined to form an emulsion in which the first phase is discontinuous and the second phase is continuous. The discontinuous first phase is separated from the continuous second phase. The residual level of solvent in the discontinuous first phase is reduced to less than about 2% by weight.

Abstract: A method for preparing microparticles having a selected polymer molecular weight. The hold time and temperature of a solution containing a nucleophilic compound and a polymer having a starting molecular weight are controlled in order to control the molecular weight of the polymer in the finished microparticle product. In this manner a selected polymer molecular weight in the finished microparticle product can be achieved from a variety of starting material molecular weights.

Abstract: Sustained-release microparticle composition. The microparticle composition can be formulated to provide multi-phasic release. In one aspect, the composition includes microparticles having more than one rate of release. In another aspect, the composition includes microparticles that exhibit diffusional release and microparticles that exhibit biodegradation release.

Abstract: A method for preparing biodegradable, biocompatible microparticles. A first phase is prepared that includes a biodegradable, biocompatible polymer, an active agent, and a solvent. A second phase is prepared. The first and second phases are combined to form an emulsion in which the first phase is discontinuous and the second phase is continuous. The discontinuous first phase is separated from the continuous second phase. The residual level of solvent in the discontinuous first phase is reduced to less than about 2% by weight.

Abstract: A method for preparing microparticles having a selected polymer molecular weight. The hold time and temperature of a solution containing a nucleophilic compound and a polymer having a starting molecular weight are controlled in order to control the molecular weight of the polymer in the finished microparticle product. In this manner, a selected polymer molecular weight in the finished microparticle product can be achieved from a variety of starting material molecular weights.

Abstract: Method of treating warm blooded animals suffering from psychotic disorders. The method includes administering a pharmaceutically effective amount of sustained-release microparticles that include risperidone, or a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt thereof, and a biodegradable and biocompatible polymeric matrix.

Abstract: A method for preparing biodegradable, biocompatible microparticles. A first phase is prepared that includes a biodegradable, biocompatible polymer, an active agent, and a solvent. A second phase is prepared. The first and second phases are combined to form an emulsion in which the first phase is discontinuous and the second phase is continuous. The discontinuous first phase is separated from the continuous second phase. The residual level of solvent in the discontinuous first phase is reduced to less than about 2% by weight.

Abstract: A method for preparing microparticles having a selected polymer molecular weight. The hold time and temperature of a solution containing a nucleophilic compound and a polymer having a starting molecular weight are controlled in order to control the molecular weight of the polymer in the finished microparticle product. In this manner, a selected polymer molecular weight in the finished microparticle product can be achieved from a variety of starting material molecular weights.

Abstract: A method for preparing biodegradable, biocompatible microparticles. A first phase is prepared that includes a biodegradable, biocompatible polymer, an active agent, and a solvent. A second phase is prepared. The first and second phases are combined to form an emulsion in which the first phase is discontinuous and the second phase is continuous. The discontinuous first phase is separated from the continuous second phase. The residual level of solvent in the discontinuous first phase is reduced to less than about 2% by weight.

Abstract: A method for preparing microparticles having a selected polymer molecular weight. The hold time and temperature of a solution containing a nucleophilic compound and a polymer having a starting molecular weight are controlled in order to control the molecular weight of the polymer in the finished microparticle product. In this manner, a selected polymer molecular weight in the finished microparticle product can be achieved from a variety of starting material molecular weights.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of treating psychotic disorders comprising a biodegradable and biocompatible microparticle composition comprising a 1,2-benzazole of the formula ##STR1## and the pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts thereof.

Abstract: A method for preparing biodegradable, biocompatible microparticles. A first phase is prepared that includes a biodegradable, biocompatible polymer, an active agent, and a solvent. An immiscible second phase is prepared. The first and second phases are combined to form an emulsion in which the first phase is discontinuous and the second phase is continuous. The two phases are immersed in a quench liquid that includes a quench medium and a quantity of the solvent. The quantity of the solvent is selected to control a rate of extraction of the solvent from the first phase. The first phase is isolated in the form of microparticles. Also disclosed is a microencapsulated active agent prepared by the method for preparing biodegradable, biocompatible microparticles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising a biodegradable and biocompatible microparticle composition comprising a 1,2-benzazole of the formula ##STR1## and the pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts thereof, within a polymeric matrix.

Abstract: A method for preparing biodegradable, biocompatible microparticles. A first phase is prepared that includes a biodegradable, biocompatible polymer, an active agent, and a solvent. An immiscible second phase is prepared. The first and second phases are combined to form an emulsion in which the first phase is discontinuous and the second phase is continuous. The two phases are immersed in a quench liquid that includes a quench medium and a quantity of the solvent. The quantity of the solvent is selected to control a rate of extraction of the solvent from the first phase. The first phase is isolated in the form of microparticles. Also disclosed is a microencapsulated active agent prepared by the method for preparing biodegradable, biocompatible microparticles.

Abstract: A method for preparing biodegradable, biocompatible microparticles. A first phase is prepared that includes a biodegradable, biocompatible polymeric encapsulating binder, and an active agent having limited water solubility dissolved or dispersed in a solvent. An aqueous second phase is prepared. The first and second phases are combined to form an emulsion in which the first phase is discontinuous and the second phase is continuous. The two phases are separated. The discontinuous first phase is washed with water, or an aqueous solution of water and a solvent for residual solvent in the first phase, to reduce the level of residual solvent in the microparticles to less than about 2% by weight of the microparticles. Also disclosed are a microencapsulated drug prepared by the method for preparing biodegradable, biocompatible microparticles, and a pharmaceutical composition that includes biodegradable and biocompatible microparticles in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: The instant invention is related to a sustained-release microparticle produced by dissolving in a solvent an active agent and a biodegradable and biocompatible polymer to form an organic phase.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition comprising a biodegradable and biocompatible composition comprising a 1,2 benzazole within a polymeric matrix. The 1,2 benzazole composition, pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts thereof, are potent antagonists of a series of neurotransmitters, particularly serotonin and dopamine. A method of inhibiting both serotonergic overactivity and dopaminergic overstimulation in animals is provided by administration of a biodegradable and biocompatible microparticle composition comprising a 1,2 benzazole or a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt thereof. A method of treating warm blooded animals suffering from psychotic disorders, and a method of preparing the biodegradable and biocompatible composition are also described.