Abstract: A novel solid pharmaceutical dispersion that improves the bioavailability of poorly water soluble drugs is produced by combining the drug with a polymer carrier such as polyvinylpyrrolidone. The drug is combined with the carrier without the need for using organic solvents or melting temperatures (fusion) through the use of a transition compound such as polyethylene glycol which partially solubilizes the drug and/or plasticizes the polymer.

Abstract: A novel solid pharmaceutical dispersion that improves the bioavailability of poorly water soluble drugs is produced by combining the drug with a polymer carrier such as polyvinylpyrrolidone. The drug is combined with the carrier without the need for using organic solvents or melting temperatures (fusion) through the use of a transition compound such as polyethylene glycol which partially solubilizes the drug and/or plasticizes the polymer.

Abstract: A novel solid pharmaceutical dispersion that improves the bioavailability of poorly water soluble drugs is produced by combining the drug with a polymer carrier such as polyvinylpyrrolidone. The drug is combined with the carrier without the need for using organic solvents or melting temperatures (fusion) through the use of a transition compound such as polyethylene glycol which partially solubilizes the drug and/or plasticizes the polymer.

Abstract: An oral pharmaceutical composition is provided for treating hypercholestereolemia or hyperlipidemia containing an advantageous formulation for stabilizing the HMG-CoA coenzyme A inhibitor, CI-981 Hemi-Calcium, of formula (IA) ##STR1## with effective amounts of calcium carbonate. A method for preparing a CI-981 stabilizing composition is described.

Abstract: An oral pharmaceutical composition is provided for treating hypercholestereolemia or hyperlipidemia containing an advantageous formulation for stabilizing the HMG-CoA coenzyme A inhibitor, CI-981 Hemi-Calcium, of formula (IA) ##STR1## with effective amounts of calcium carbonate. A method for preparing a CI-981 stabilizing composition is described.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a dual control sustained release drug delivery system which comprises a core and a porous coating layer over the core, wherein the coated core comprises (A) a core comprising in percentages by weight of the core composition (a) a medicament present in an amount from about 60% to about 90%; (b) an edible material having a melting point from about 25.degree. C. to about 100.degree. C. selected from the group consisting of (i) fatty acids having an iodine value from about 1 to about 10, (ii) natural waxes, (iii) synthetic waxes, and (iv) mixtures thereof, present in an amount from about 5% to about 40%; and (B) a porous coating layer over the core comprising in percentages by weight of the coating layer composition (a) a pH-independent water-insoluble polymer present in an amount from about 40% to about 80%; and (b) a water-soluble film forming polymer present in an amount from about 20% to about 60%.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to semi-enteric drug delivery systems which comprise (a) an inert core, (b) a first coating layer over the core comprising a medicament, and (c) a second coating layer over the first coating layer comprising a mixture of methacrylic acid copolymer, type C, and povidone present in a ratio by weight of from about 2:1 to about 24:1, respectively.

Abstract: A new series of copolymers which are useful as coatings for solid dosage forms, for transdermal devices, for wound dressing materials, and for contact lenses. Also disclosed are methods for preparing monomers and polymers as well as pharmaceutical compositions containing such polymers.

Abstract: According to this invention, the combination of a solid particulate water insoluble drug with a solid fish gelatin coating is produced by coacervation of the fish gelatin. The fish gelatin being soluble at ambient temperatures provides a basis for relatively low temperature coacervation impossible with other gelatins. Coacervation is brought about by the addition of conventional coacervation agents and the coacervating suspension containing gelatin and the agents is rendered insoluble by the addition of a suitable fixative such as glutaraldehyde.

Abstract: A sustained release oral pharmaceutical composition consists essentially of a recompressed mixture of a water-sensitive pharmaceutical agent, a high molecular weight hydrophilic cellulose polymer, and a lubricant. The mixture is compressed into a unitary mass, comminuted, and recompressed into tablets without the use of solvents.

Abstract: Improved thrombin formulations, stable at room temperature using stabilizing quantities of a polyol and a buffer at specific pHs are described wherein crude thrombin is first purified by two-stage ion exchange chromatography.

Abstract: A new series of copolymers which are useful as coatings for solid dosage forms, for transdermal devices, for wound dressing materials, and for contact lenses. Also disclosed are methods for preparing monomers and polymers as well as pharmaceutical compositions containing such polymers.

Abstract: A coating composition and dosage form containing said coated composition and method for increasing the water permeability of a coated dosage form is described where the coating composition contains a water-dispersible polymer such as a copolymer of poly(meth)acrylic esters and water- insoluble inorganic substances such as kaolin wherein such coated particles are then overcoated with water-soluble hydrophilic polymers.

Abstract: According to this invention various hygroscopic malflavored drugs can be proceeded by a unique wet granulation process wherein a slurry of the drug in water is dried in combination with colloidal silicon dioxide and, in a particularly preferred embodiment microcrystalline cellulose with the colloidal silicon dioxide absorbing onto the drug particles.The result is a protective coating of silicon dioxide which masks unpleasant taste and odor and also reduces the adhesive of the granulation onto the punch faces used in the manufacture of the granules. By adsorbing silicon dioxide on the particulate surface of the malflavored hygroscopic drug, the drug becomes not only easier to handle but the unpleasant tastes and/or odors are masked making the fiinal product more susceptible to proper patient compliance.

Abstract: The invention concerns a novel copolymer of N-morpholinoethyl methacrylate and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate which can be used in transdermal delivery systems or in oral controlled release products. The invention also concerns a process for preparing the copolymer and a method of using it to administer pharmaceutically active substances.

Abstract: Ivermectin, an antiparasitic agent which is insoluble and unstable in water, is formulated in glycerol formal and propylene glycol. These liquid formulations are suitable for parenteral administration for the treatment of parasitic infections and demonstrate improved efficacy and a broadened spectrum over previous formulations.

Abstract: A new series of copolymers such as N-isopropyl-3-methylene-2-pyrrolidone and 2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate which are useful as coatings for solid dosage forms, for transdermal devices, for wound dressing materials, and for contact lenses. Also disclosed are methods for preparing monomers and polymers as well as pharmaceutical compositions containing such polymers.

Abstract: A composition for the transmembranal, including transdermal administration of a pharmaceutical preparation comprising medical grade dimethylsiloxane, a catalyst capable of forming an elastomer, a permeation enhancer and a biologically active material, as well as a device for administering the aforementioned compositions and also a method for administering transdermally to a mammal an effective amount of the aforementioned compositions is herein described.

Abstract: Sustained release solid dosage forms--i.e., tablets, pellets, granules, and powders--can be made using a combination of polymeric and ionic particulate materials to modify release profiles, permeability and processability.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring the hardness of capsule plugs, granules and pellets, in which a power stand (11) has a base (12) and gear motor (15) for driving a replaceable probe (25) toward a test subject supported on the base. A test subject holder (27) is placed on the base for holding the test subject, and comprises spaced apart first and second support plates (28, 30) fixed relative to one another with a third support plate (29) movable therebetween to define a space variable between zero and a predetermined maximum. Accordingly, a test subject may be held on the support for testing in a selected one of a variety of modes, including crushing, bending and cutting, depending on the spacing of the plates and the probe selected.