Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising solutions of drugs in menthol, especially drugs that are poorly soluble in water, and to methods for making such compositions.

Abstract: Sublingual and buccal administration of the muscle spasm suppressor tizanidine increase its bioavailability by avoiding first-pass metabolism in the liver and reduce the inter-patient variation in bioavailability.

Abstract: Provided are microparticles including paclitaxel, methods for making them, and pharmaceutical compositions containing them. Also provided are methods of treating tumors including the step of intratumorally injecting the paclitaxel-containing microspheres of the present invention.

Abstract: A zero-order release pharmaceutical dosage form for oral administration to a patient comprising a core tablet sheathed in an annular body of compressed powder or granular material is provided. A preferred embodiment of the zero-order release pharmaceutical dosage form is a solid pharmaceutical dosage form which reduces contact of the active ingredient in solid form with the mucosa lining the gastrointestinal tract, which is particularly advantageous for delivering an ulcerative drug. A process for making the zero-order release pharmaceutical dosage form are also provided.

Abstract: Provided are microparticles of active pharmaceutical ingredients, drug delivery vehicles comprising same, and methods for making them.

Abstract: The present invention provides a compacted pharmaceutical composition for oral administration to a patient which expands upon contact with gastric fluid to retain a dosage form in the patient's stomach for an extended period of time, the formulation comprising a non-hydrated hydrogel, a superdisintegrant and tannic acid. The present invention further provides a pharmaceutical dosage form containing an active ingredient, and the compacted pharmaceutical composition.

Abstract: A two pulse gastrointestinal delivery system is provided. The system comprises a desired agent in combination with a swellable core material, the core being surrounded by an inner coat of a water-insoluble or relatively water-insoluble coating material in which particulate water-insoluble material is embedded. The inner coat is additionally surrounded by an outer coat that contains additional amounts of the desired agent. When the delivery device enters the gastrointestinal tract, the outer coat releases the desired agent contained therein and disintegrates, exposing the inner coat. The particulate matter in the inner coat takes up liquid, thus forming channels interconnecting the drug-containing core with the outside of the delivery device. Through these channels liquid enters the core which then swells to the point at which the inner coat is broken. When the integrity of the inner coat is destroyed, the core then disintegrates, immediately releasing all or most of the drug at a specific site.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method for treating human or animal patients with paclitaxel formulation, the method comprising an intratumoral dose of a paclitaxel formulation and an intravenous dose of paclitaxel. The intravenous dose occurs about 1 to about 7 days after the intratumoral dose. The paclitaxel formulation may typically be either a paclitaxel/HSA formulation or paclitaxel/&ggr;-globulin formulation.

Abstract: A gastrointestinal delivery system is provided. The system comprises a drug in combination with a swellable core material, the core being surrounded by a water-insoluble or relatively water-insoluble coating material in which particulate water-insoluble material is embedded. When the delivery device enters the gastrointestinal tract, the particulate matter takes up liquid, thus forming channels interconnecting the drug-containing core with the outside of the delivery device. Through these channels liquid enters the core which then swells to the point at which the coating is broken. When the integrity of the coating is destroyed, the core then disintegrates immediately releasing all or most of the drug at a specific site. By controlling parameters in the device, such as the core material, carrier material in the coating, and particulate matter, the location of release of the drug can be carefully controlled.

Abstract: The present invention provides compacted pharmaceutical composition for oral administration to a patient which expands upon contact with gastric fluid to retain a dosage form in the patient's stomach for an extended period of time, the formulation comprising a non-hydrated hydrogel, a superdisintegrant and tannic acid. The present invention further provides a pharmaceutical dosage form containing an active ingredient, and the compacted pharmaceutical composition. The invention further provides a dosage form suitable for delivering a therapeutic bis-phosphonate such as alendronate to the stomach of a patient over and extended period.

Abstract: A two pulse gastrointestinal delivery system is provided. The system comprises a desired agent in combination with a swellable core material, the core being surrounded by an inner coat of a water-insoluble or relatively water-insoluble coating material in which particulate water-insoluble material is embedded. The inner coat is additionally surrounded by an outer coat that contains additional amounts of the desired agent. When the delivery device enters the gastrointestinal tract, the outer coat releases the desired agent contained therein and disintegrates, exposing the inner coat. The particulate matter in the inner coat takes up liquid, thus forming channels interconnecting the drug-containing core with the outside of the delivery device. Through these channels liquid enters the core which then swells to the point at which the inner coat is broken. When the integrity of the inner coat is destroyed, the core then disintegrates, immediately releasing all or most of the drug at a specific site.

Abstract: The present invention provides an anti-tumor chemotherapeutic to a patient having a tumor, the composition comprising; microspheres incorporating the anti-tumor chemotherapeutic; and, a suspending solution which surrounds the microspheres. The present invention also provides a method for administering an anti-tumor chemotherapeutic to a patient having a tumor, comprising the steps of delivering the anti-tumor chemotherapeutic as a chemotherapeutic reservoir to the tumor; and, releasing the anti-tumor chemotherapeutic from the chemotherapeutic reservoir to an interstitial space of the tumor in a therapeutically effective amount, wherein, the chemotherapeutic reservoir includes microspheres incorporating the anti-tumor chemotherapeutic and a suspending solution which surrounds the microspheres.

Abstract: The present invention provides compacted pharmaceutical composition for oral administration to a patient which expands upon contact with gastric fluid to retain a dosage form in the patient's stomach for an extended period of time, the formulation comprising a non-hydrated hydrogel, a superdisintegrant and tannic acid. The present invention further provides a pharmaceutical dosage form containing an active ingredient, and the compacted pharmaceutical composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method for treating human or animal patients with paclitaxel formulation, the method comprising an intratumoral dose of a paclitaxel formulation and an intravenous dose of paclitaxel. The intravenous dose occurs about 1 to about 7 days after the intratumoral dose. The paclitaxel formulation may typically be either a paclitaxel/HSA formulation or paclitaxel/&ggr;-globulin formulation.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a controlled-release solid composition for the oral cavity or “pharmaceutical oral patch” that adheres to hard dental surfaces, such as teeth and dentures, and releases an active pharmaceutical agent into the oral cavity. Release of the agent is for a predetermined period of time and at a predetermined sustained concentration. The site of action of the agent is local or systemic.

Abstract: A composition and method for the treatment of polyp and colon cancer is described, such composition and method providing for the colonic delivery and/or preferential metabolism of a drug or desired agent, especially an NSAID, in the colon of the patient in need such treatment.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a controlled-release solid composition for the oral cavity or “pharmaceutical oral patch” that adheres to hard dental surfaces, such as teeth and dentures, and releases an active pharmaceutical agent into the oral cavity. Release of the agent is for a predetermined period of time and at a predetermined sustained concentration. The site of action of the agent is local or systemic.

Abstract: A gastrointestinal delivery system is provided. The system comprises a drug in combination with a core material, the core being surrounded by a water-insoluble or relatively water-insoluble coating material in which particulate water-insoluble material is embedded. When the delivery device enters the gastrointestinal tract, the particulate matter takes up liquid, thus forming channels interconnecting the drug-containing core with the outside of the delivery device. These channels allow the release of drug from the core into the gastrointestinal tract. By controlling parameters in the device, such as the core material, carrier material in the coating, and particulate matter, the location of release of the drug can be carefully controlled. Thus, the invention is also directed to a method of using the device for the treatment of disease by the release of drugs in the gastrointestinal tract in a location- and time- dependent manner.