Abstract: Novel pharmaceutical dosage forms provide for pulsatile delivery of methylphenidate, i.e., release encapsulated drug in spaced apart “pulses.” The dosage forms are comprised of first, second and optionally third dosage units, with each dosage unit having a different drug release profile. The dosage forms may comprise capsules housing compressed tablets or drug-containing beads or particles, or may comprise a single tablet with the first, second and optionally third dosage units each representing an integral and discrete segment thereof. Methods of treatment using the pharmaceutical dosage forms are provided as well.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for controlling the process of manufacturing a coating of a pharmaceutical product, comprising the steps of: performing a spectroscopic measurement on the coating; generating a sample vector of measurement values from the spectrometric measurement; condensing the measurement values into at least one principal parameter; comparing the principal parameter to a predetermined corresponding model parameter; determining deviations of the principal parameter from the corresponding model parameter and extracting information directly related to the quality of the coating; and controlling the process on the basis, at least partly, of the extracted information.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pharmaceutical formulation containing tolterodine or a tolterodine-related compound, or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof, as active ingredient, in which the formulation exhibits a controlled in vitro release of the active ingredient in phosphate buffer at pH 6.8 of not less than about 80% after 18 hours, and after oral administration to a patient is capable of maintaining a substantially constant serum level of the active moiety or moieties for 24 hours. The invention also relates to the use of the pharmaceutical formulation for treating overactive bladder and gastrointestinal disorders.

Abstract: An antibiotic product for delivering at least Amoxicillin or dicloxacillin that is comprised of three dosage forms with different release profiles with each of Amoxicillin and dicloxacillin being present in at least one of the dosage forms.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical dosage form such as a capsule capable of delivering therapeutic agents into the body in a time-controlled or position-controlled pulsatile release fashion, is composed of a multitude of multicoated particulates (beads, pellets, granules, etc.) made of one or more populations of beads. Each of these beads except an immediate release bead has at least two coated membrane barriers. One of the membrane barriers is composed of an enteric polymer while the second membrane barrier is composed of a mixture of water insoluble polymer and an enteric polymer. The composition and the thickness of the polymeric membrane barriers determine the lag time and duration of drug release from each of the bead populations. Optionally, an organic acid containing intermediate membrane may be applied for further modifying the lag time and/or the duration of drug release.

Abstract: An antibiotic product for delivering at least cephalosporin or Metronidazole that is comprised of three dosage forms with different release profiles with each of cephalosporin and Metronidazole being present in at least one of the dosage forms.

Abstract: A new soft gelatine formulation and process methodology is disclosed herein that increases single Coenzyme Q10 molecules presented to the absorption channels of the small intestines by providing medium chain triglycerides, Vitamin E, and natural beta carotene to Coenzyme Q10 in a soft gel capsule to increase the absorption thereof.

Abstract: Film coatings for enteric and colonic release at selected pH are provided by selecting and/or formulating a shellac of a predetermined acid number. The method includes the selection of the acid number to provide the release at the specified pH and a method of providing a shellac of a predetermined acid number by blending of shellacs of different acid numbers. In general, films that release or dissolve at or above pH 7.4 are based on the selection of shellac with an acid number below 74. Films that release or dissolve above pH 7.0 are comprised of shellac selected with an acid number below 80. Films that release or dissolve at below pH 7.0 are comprised of shellac selected to have an acid number above 80. The film coating may be modified with a water soluble resin and/or a plasticizer. Preferably the shellac will comprise 50% or more of the resin system, and is formed out of water, not alcohol.

Abstract: A sustained/prolonged release pharmaceutical dosage form is disclosed. The form comprises a hard shell capsule and a formulation comprising (a) a water insoluble medicament, (b) a high melting fatty ester, (c) a low viscosity oil, (d) a cellulosic polymer, and (e) a non-ionic surfactant.

Abstract: An oral pharmaceutical dosage form comprising an acid susceptible proton pump inhibitor and one or more NSAIDs in a fixed formulation, wherein the proton pump inhibitor is protected by an enteric coating layer. The fixed formulation is in the form of an enteric coating layered tablet, a capsule or a multiple unit tableted dosage form. The multiple unit dosage forms are most preferred. The new fixed formulation is especially useful in the treatment of gastrointestinal side-effects associated with NSAID treatment.

Abstract: An antibiotic product for delivering at least Amoxicillin or Clarithromycin that is comprised of three dosage forms with different release profiles with each of Amoxicillin and Clarithromycin being present in at least one of the dosage forms.

Abstract: An enteric coated pharmaceutical dosage form comprising an H+,K+-ATPase inhibitor is disclosed. The dosage form comprises at least two portions of the H+,K+- ATPase inhibitor to be released in at least two consecutive pulses. The dosage form has at least one fraction with a pulsed delayed release and another fraction with instant release of the H+,K+-ATPase inhibitor. The portions are released in time by from 0.5 and up to 12 hours interval, preferably by from 0.5 and up to 8 hours, and more preferably by from 0.5 and up to 4 hours interval. The dosage form is intended for once daily administration.

Abstract: A high drug load spheronized beadlet is provided wherein said beadlet comprises about 80% to 100% by weight of an acid labile medicament, preferably didanosine, about 0% to about 10% by weight of a disintegrant, and about 0% to about 10% by weight of a binder selected from the group consisting of sodium carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, potassium alginate, and partially pregelatinized corn starch. A high drug load pharmaceutical composition, comprising the beadlet, with an enteric coating disposed thereon, is also provided.

Abstract: A multiple pulsed dose drug delivery system for pharmaceutically active amphetamine salts, comprising an immediate-release component and an enteric delayed-release component wherein (1) the enteric release coating has a defined minimum thickness and/or (2) there is a protective layer between the pharmaceutically active amphetamine salt and the enteric release coating and/or (3) there is a protective layer over the enteric release coating. The product can be composed of either one or a number of beads in a dosage form, including either capsule, tablet, or sachet method for administering the beads.

Abstract: An oral pharmaceutical modified release multiple-units composition for the administration of a therapeutically and/or prophylactically effective amount of a non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug substance to obtain both a relatively fast onset of the therapeutic effect and the maintenance of a therapeutically active plasma concentration for a relatively long period of time is disclosed.

Abstract: A sustained/prolonged release pharmaceutical dosage form is disclosed. The form comprises a hard shell capsule and a formulation comprising (a) a water insoluble medicant, (b) a high melting fatty ester, (c) a low viscosity oil, (d) a cellulosic polymer, and (e) a non-ionic surfactant.

Abstract: The invention provides fenofibrate compositions comprising granulates. The granulates can comprise micronized fenofibrate, inert hydrosoluble carrier particles, hydrophilic polymers, and, optionally, surfactants.

Abstract: Bioerodible polyorthoesters useful as orthopedic implants or vehicles for the sustained delivery of pharmaceutical, cosmetic and agricultural agents contain hydrogen bonding groups and &agr;-hydroxy acid-containing groups.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for stabilizing active substances that are unstable in acidic medium, unstable when stored for longer periods of time in the presence of water and at the same time sensitive to heating, by means of anhydrous granulation of active substances and dried pharmaceutically acceptable auxiliary substances for the preparation of pellet cores or granules. All pharmaceutically acceptable auxiliary substances employed are dried before use so that their weight loss at drying is less than 1.0% of the total weight of the pharmaceutically acceptable auxiliary substance, preferably less than 0.5%. Organic solvents used in process of anhydrous granulation should contain less than 0.2% of water. A novel pharmaceutical formulation with controlled release of active substances that are unstable in acidic medium, unstable when stored for longer periods of time in the presence of water and at the same time sensitive to heating, is disclosed as well.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is sustained-release formulations of tramadol comprising tramadol saccharinate coated with at least one sustained-release coating. The sustained release formulations may also contain tramadol in non-sustained release form, and other pharmaceutically acceptable excipients. Also disclosed are methods of preparation of and methods of treatment using the inventive formulations.

Abstract: The invention relates to adjuvants that contain a lecithin, an oil and an amphiphilic surfactant and that are capable of forming a stable oil-in-water emulsion vaccine so as to minimize local reactions to the vaccine in the injected animal.

Abstract: Sustained release oral solid dosage forms of opioid analgesics are provided as multiparticulate systems which are bioavailable and which provide effective blood levels of the opioid analgesic for at least about 24 hours. A unit dose of the opioid analgesic contains a plurality of substrates including the opioid analgesic in sustained release form. The substrates have a diameter from about 0.1 mm to about 3 mm.

Abstract: Novel pharmaceutical dosage forms provide for pulsatile delivery of methylphenidate, i.e., release encapsulated drug in spaced apart “pulses.” The dosage forms are comprised of first, second and optionally third dosage units, with each dosage unit having a different drug release profile. The dosage forms may comprise capsules housing compressed tablets or drug-containing beads or particles, or may comprise a single tablet with the first, second and optionally third dosage units each representing an integral and discrete segment thereof. Methods of treatment using the pharmaceutical dosage forms are provided as well.

Abstract: Soft gelatin capsules having a capsule shell comprising gelatin, plasticizers and, if desired or required, further auxiliary agents, and a capsule filling containing a solvent including a migrateable solvent such as 1,2-propyleneglycol as a solvent in the capsule filling and in the capsule shell. The manufacture of said capsules is improved, if in the process for making the soft gelatin capsules the gelatin bands are cooled with a liquid, and preferably with water.

Abstract: There is provided a coating composition that masks the undesirable taste of a pharmaceutically active ingredient, i.e. drug or medicine, that is consumed orally. The coating composition has polyvinyl acetate, and a dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate and neutral methacrylic acid ester. Optionally, an alkaline modifier may be included in the coating composition to enhance release of the active ingredient.

Abstract: An antibiotic product is comprised of at least three dosages forms, each of which has a different release profile, with the Cmax for the antibiotic product being reached in less than about twelve hours. In one embodiment, there is an immediate release dosage form, as well as two or more delayed release dosage forms, with each of the dosage forms having a different release profile, wherein each reaches a Cmax at different times.

Abstract: An oral solid dosage form includes a therapeutically effective amount of an NSAID and a proton pump inhibitor in an amount effective to inhibit or prevent gastrointestinal side effects normally associated with the NSAID. Also disclosed is a method of treating a human patient in need of antiinflammatory, analgesic and/or antipyretic therapy, comprising orally administering to the patient an oral pharmaceutical dosage form which includes a therapeutically effective amount of an NSAID and an amount of a proton pump inhibitor effective to substantially inhibit gastrointestinal side effects of the NSAID. The invention is further related to a method of prophylactically treating a human patient who is on a therapy known to have significant gastrointestinal side effects or is about to begin such a therapy, via concurrent administration of an NSAID and a proton pump inhibitor in a combination (single) oral dosage form.

Abstract: Provided is an oral dosage form suitable to deliver a combined dosage of progesterone and which upon delivery through the gastrointestinal tract provides a blood concentration of from about 0.1 ng/ml to about 400 ng/ml progesterone; said dosage form comprising a combination that includes (a) a first solid form comprising from about 25 mg to about 500 mg micronized progesterone in a solid polyethylene glycol carrier having an average molecular weight of from about 1000 to 10,000 and constituting at least about 30% of said first solid form; and (b) a second solid form comprising an estrogen.

Abstract: The present invention provides storage stable, shaped particles of allotropic organic compounds. The particles of the present invention can be shaped according to the desired application. Preferred shapes of such particles are microspheres, particularly those having diameters of about 1 to about 1,000 microns. The stable shaped particles of the present invention are particularly well-suited to the fabrication of pharmaceutical formulations, particularly where sustained release and uniform bioavailability are desired. The storage stable particles are formed by a solid state crystallization of allotropic organic compounds. The solid state crystallization process of the present invention affords a means for achieving a storage stable crystalline form of said allotropic compound without loss or deterioration of the original particle dimensions.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a novel solid matrixed controlled release, oral dosage form where the dosage form contains a therapeutically effective amount of a sulfonylurea or a salt or derivative thereof in the matrix. Further, the use of an aqueous alkalizing medium affords substantially complete bioavailability of the drug from the matrix of the tablet. The core tablets may optionally be coated with a coating material in the range of 2% to 10% with an enteric material or with a water insoluble material like ethyl cellulose.

Abstract: New dietary supplement compositions are disclosed that comprise the phytochemical Diindolylmethane (DIM), as well as its precursor, Indole-3-carbinol (I3C), and cogener, 2-(Indol-3-ylmethyl)-3,3′ diindolylmethane (LTR-1), dietary supplement acceptable carriers and/or excipients. The use of these dietary supplement compositions facilitate weight loss as part of a nutritional system targeting release and metabolism of stored fat.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with means for adjusting the bioavailability of atorvastatin calcium by modulating its rate of release from multiparticulate formulations and with multiparticulate formulations, especially tablets and capsules, having said modulated rate of release.

Abstract: The present invention provides an oral dosage form comprising a first composition and a second composition. The first composition comprises an effective amount of a therapeutic agent and the second composition comprises an effective amount of an adverse-effect agent. The adverse-effect agent is covered with a coating that is substantially insoluble in the gastrointestinal tract. In one embodiment, the adverse-effect agent is coated with an outer base-soluble layer and an inner acid-soluble layer. The therapeutic agent can be uncoated or can be coated with a coating having an outer acid-soluble layer and an inner base-soluble layer. The dosage form discourages administration of the therapeutic agent by other than oral administration.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dual release solid dosage form containing a first composition that releases oseltamivir in a controlled manner and a second composition that releases an H1 antagonist in a rapid and/or immediate manner. A wide range of H1 antagonist antihistamines, especially fexofenadine and loratadine, can be used in this device. Particular embodiments of the invention provide osmotic devices having predetermined release profiles. The device is useful for the treatment of respiratory congestion and other viral infection associated symptoms.

Abstract: The present invention provides storage stable, shaped particles of allotropic organic compounds. The particles of the present invention can be shaped according to the desired application. Preferred shapes of such particles are microspheres, particularly those having diameters of about 1 to about 1,000 microns. The stable shaped particles of the present invention are particularly well-suited to the fabrication of pharmaceutical formulations, particularly where sustained release and uniform bioavailability are desired. The storage stable particles are formed by a solid state crystallization of allotropic organic compounds. The solid state crystallization process of the present invention affords a means for achieving a storage stable crystalline form of said allotropic compound without loss or deterioration of the original particle dimensions.

Abstract: A biocompatible, biodegradable, copolymer is prepared from cross-linking a polylactic acid with a polysaccharide such as dextran. The resulting copolymer is a biodegradable hydrogel or solid having both hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties and provides for a mechanism in which biologically active agents may be covalently bonded to the dextran prior to incorporation of the dextran into a copolymer, and the subsequent release of the biologically active agents as the copolymer degrades.

Abstract: Sustained release dosage forms of sertraline which release sertraline at a rate between 1 mgA/hr and 40 mgA/hr. The dosage forms may exhibit an initial delay period during which sertraline is released at a rate less than 1 mgA/hr.

Abstract: An oral pharmaceutical dosage form including a mixture of a delay release formulation of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and a mixture containing a prostaglandin and one or more excipients.

Abstract: A unit dosage form, such as a capsule or the like for delivering drugs into the body in a circadian release fashion, is comprising of one or more populations of propranolol-containing particles (beads, pellets, granules, etc.). Each bead population exhibits a pre-designed rapid or sustained release profile with or without a predetermined lag time of 3 to 5 hours. Such a circadian rhythm release cardiovascular drug delivery system is designed to provide a plasma concentration—time profile, which varies according to physiological need during the day, i.e., mimicking the circadian rhythm and severity/manifestation of a cardiovascular disease, predicted based on pharmaco-kinetic and pharmaco-dynamic considerations and in vitro/in vivo correlations.

Abstract: Novel pharmaceutical dosage forms provide for pulsatile delivery of an antiarrhythmic agent that releases the drug in spaced apart “pulses.” The dosage forms are comprised of first, second and optional third dosage units, with each dosage unit having a different drug release profile. The dosage forms may comprise capsules housing compressed tablets or drug-containing beads, granules, or particles or may comprise a single tablet with the first, second and optional third dosage units incorporated therein, or a “coated core” dosage form. Methods of treatment using the pharmaceutical dosage forms are provided as well.

Abstract: A solid oral controlled-release dosage form of hydrocodone is disclosed, the dosage form comprising an analgesically effective amount of hydrocodone or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and controlled release material.

Abstract: The invention provides a biphasic multicomponent pharmaceutical composition consisting of an oil phase and a water phase, comprising one or more lipophilic or oil carrier, one or more hydrophilic or aqueous carrier, one or more ionic or nonionic type surfactant, one or more cosurfactant, one or more active principle for pharmaceutical use, and a compound able to modify the partition of the active principle between said phases selected from the group consisting of N- methyl pyrrolidone (NMP), isopropyl alcohol, propylene glycol, ethoxy-di-glycol, &bgr;-cyclodextrin, hydroxypropyl &bgr;-cyclodextrin and dimethyl &bgr;-cyclodextrin. The invention also provides a method for making the composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel, orally administered compositions comprising two redox systems: reduced ascorbic acid in a sustained release form and oxidized isoquercetin with an increased concentration of reduced vitamin C over a prolonged time in the brain. These compositions are useful as neuroprotective agents possessing preventive properties against memory dysfunctions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and composition of an oral preparation of itraconazole, an excellent azole antifungal drug. More particularly, it relates to an oral preparation of itraconazole having improved bioavailability, which is prepared by following steps of: i) dissolving itraconazole and bydrophilic polymer with solvent, ii) spray-drying said mixture, and iii) preparing the solid dispersions for oral preparation. The solid dispersions prepared in this invention may be useful in preparing tablets, granules and other oral dosage forms.

Abstract: A granulate is described containing granules of an active ingredient endowed with therapeutic/nutritional activity coated with a granulating/bonding agent, suitable for conversion into a solid administration form with a very high content of active ingredient, particularly in the form of tablets obtained by means of a direct compression procedure, or suitable for constituting the content of capsules.

Abstract: This invention in general relates to novel pharmaceutical compositions for acid labile substances as well as for methods of making such. Specifically, the invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising about 1 to 75% by weight acid labile compound, up to about 5% by weight disintegrant, at least one protector coat layer used to separate and protect the acid labile substance from acid reacting groups and gastric juice, and at least one enteric coat layer which surrounds the protector coating layer and ensures delivery of over 80% the acid labile substance to the small intestine.

Abstract: The invention is directed to pharmaceutical compositions useful in the treatment of migraine. The compositions contain metoclopramide and one or more NSAIDs in unit dosage form. By selecting NSAIDs that are non-acidic or segregating the metoclopramide and NSAID, the storage life of the compositions has been increased. Also disclosed are coordinated dosage forms for the sequential release of drugs. The invention encompasses methods of treating migraine using any of these dosage forms.

Abstract: Oral dosage forms are provided for the administration of a bisphosphonic acid compound in the prevention and treatment of conditions involving calcium or phosphate metabolism, i.e., conditions associated with bone resorption such as osteoporosis, Paget's disease, periprosthetic bone loss, osteolysis, malignant hypercalcemia, metastatic bone disease, multiple myeloma, and periodontal disease. The dosage forms are either enterically coated capsules housing the drug in a liquid or semi-solid carrier, or enterically coated osmotically activated drug delivery devices.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an aqueous process for granulating valproate compounds, in which the pH of the granulation solution is maintained at a pH of 5 or below. The invention is also directed to dosage forms in which the residual content of organic solvents is reduced to a level of 0.2 w/w % or less.

Abstract: Melatonin has an activity of treating or preventing brain edema. Thus, the invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising melatonin as an active ingredient. And, the invention relates to use of melatonin in the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition comprising melatonin as an active ingredient.