Abstract: The present invention provides oral dosage forms and compositions for administering antineoplastic agents, such as irinotecan, etoposide, paclitaxel, doxorubicin and vincristine, whose oral effectiveness is limited by pre-systemic and systemic deactivation in the GI tract. Gelling of the gastric retention vehicle composition, and in the case of solid forms concomitant expansion of the composition, retains the antineoplastic drug in the patient's stomach, minimizing pre-systemic and/or systemic deactivation of the drug.

Abstract: The present invention provides oral dosage forms and compositions for administering antineoplastic agents, such as irinotecan, etoposide, paclitaxel, doxorubicin and vincristine, whose oral effectiveness is limited by pre-systemic and systemic deactivation in the GI tract. Gelling of the gastric retention vehicle composition, and in the case of solid forms concomitant expansion of the composition, retains the antineoplastic drug in the patient's stomach, minimizing pre-systemic and/or systemic deactivation of the drug.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of increasing the bioavailability of a bis-phosphonate such as alendronate by administering an effective predose of a vitamin D derivative at least 6 hours before administering a therapeutic dose of the bis-phosphonate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition for use in a dosage form for oral administration to a patient. The composition expands upon contact with gastric fluid and promotes retention of the dosage form in the patient's stomach for a prolonged period of time. The present invention further provides pharmaceutical dosage forms containing an active ingredient, and the pharmaceutical composition. The forms are adapted for immediate or controlled release of the active ingredient. The dosage forms may be used advantageously in the treatment of Parkinson's disease with levodopa and hyperactivity and attention deficit disorder with methylphenidate.

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: 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: A solid 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 solid dosage form 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 tool set comprising a columnar punch and a punch assembly comprising an annular punch and core rod, and a tableting process for making the solid dosage form are also provided.

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: The invention is directed to a drug delivery device for controlled release of a drug, comprising a core that has a cylindrical plug embedded therein; and a coating that at least partially surrounds the core. The core is comprised of a drug and excipients. The coating surrounding the core is essentially impermeable to the drug. The cylindrical plug, which is embedded in the core, may be hollow or solid. The drug delivery device enables zero-order drug release profiles as well as more complicated release profiles to be obtained. The invention is also directed to a method of making the drug delivery device.

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: The present invention provides oral dosage forms and compositions for administering antineoplastic agents, such as irinotecan, etoposide, paclitaxel, doxorubicin and vincristine, whose oral effectiveness is limited by pre-systemic and systemic deactivation in the GI tract. Gelling of the gastric retention vehicle composition, and in the case of solid forms concomitant expansion of the composition, retains the antineoplastic drug in the patient's stomach, minimizing pre-systemic and/or systemic deactivation of the drug.

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 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: 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.