Abstract: The invention provides a packaging material which comprises a polymeric base component and a barrier component which coats and lines a surface of the base component, the barrier component inhibiting migration of gases, vapors and liquids through the base component. The barrier component comprises a polymeric layer comprising at least two different polymeric species which are polar and which are water soluble. The different species have different chemical compositions and are complementary in that they are bound together physically by interpolymer complexation to form an interpenetrating physical network. The invention also provides a process for producing the packaging material which comprises coating at least one surface of the base component with the barrier component and causing the complementary species to interact together physically by interpolymer complexation to form an interpenetrating physical network.

Abstract: A dosage form comprises a porous extrudate. The extrudate is obtained by extruding, at elevated temperature, a composition comprising a starch, water, a thermostable enzyme, and a pharmaceutically active agent. The porous extrudate is capable of disintegration when exposed to an aqueous environment.

Abstract: A dosage form comprises a porous extrudate. The extrudate is obtained by extruding, at elevated temperature, a composition comprising a starch, water, a thermostable enzyme, and a pharmaceutically active agent. The porous extrudate is capable of disintegration when exposed to an aqueous environment.

Abstract: A method of making a solid interpolymer for use as a controlled release matrix for a controlled release product for oral administration, involves dissolving a first polymer in a solvent therefor, dissolving one or more second complementary polymers capable of complexing with the first polymer to form the interpolymer complex, in a solvent therefor, adding a complexation inhibitor, mixing together the solutions, adjusting the pH if necessary, and spraying the product into a vessel to remove at least partially the solvents and thereby to produce solid particles of the interpolymer complex. An active agent such as a drug is preferably embedded or encapsulated in the interpolymer complex before spray drying or may be incorporated by suitable means at a later stage.

Abstract: The invention provides a translucent, water-insoluble hydrogel composition and methods of making it. The hydrogel composition comprises a polyvinyl alcohol polymer and a complexing agent which are physically crosslinked to form a semi-crystalline polyvinyl alcohol-complexing agent polymer complex. This is achieved by:(i) combining a polyvinyl alcohol polymer with a suitable aprotic solvent;(ii) Adding a complexing agent to (i) to form a water soluble complex with the polyvinyl alcohol polymer; and(iii) Allowing the polyvinyl alcohol polymer and the complexing agent to form a water-insoluble, semi-crystalline structure.The formation of the semi-crystalline structure is assisted by freezing the polyvinyl alcohol/complexing agent/polar aprotic solvent mixture.