Abstract: The present invention provides a method of increasing the deposition of aerosolized drug in the respiratory tract of an individual or animal, comprising the step of administering said aerosolized drug in an air mixture containing up to about 10% carbon dioxide gas.

Abstract: A multiple unit oral pharmaceutical dosage form having a plurality of pellets in a water soluble capsule or in a tablet compressed from the pellets, wherein each pellet contains (a) a substantially inert core, (b) an active ingredient layer over the inert core, and containing (i) a pharmacologically active particulate active ingredient, (ii) a nonembedding amount of a binder for adhering the active ingredient over the inert core, and optionally (iii) a pharmaceutically acceptable, inert adjuvant, such as colloidal silica, and (c) a coating over the active ingredient layer for retarding the release of the active ingredient from the active ingredient layer into an aqueous body fluid solvent in situ, the nonembedding amount of the binder is suitably from about 1% wt. to about 10% wt.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparing a flavored liquid medicament, particularly a pediatric preparation in solid form.

Abstract: Controlled quantities of powdered medication are formed in controlled release packages using electrostating metering. Also provided are combination medication therapy delivery packages comprising two or more active pharmaceuticals segregated from one another in a single delivery package.

Abstract: A solid, oral, controlled release pharmaceutical dosage form comprising a pharmaceutically active ingredient having a solubility in water of greater than 1 gm in 250 ml water at 25° C., the active ingredient dispersed in a matrix wherein the dosage form provides, as tested by the Ph. Eur. Basket method at 100 rpm 900 ml aqueous buffer (pH 6.5) containing 0.05% w/w Polysorbate 80 at 37° C., an essentially zero order rate of release of the pharmaceutically active ingredient over a period of 8 hours, the amount of pharmaceutically active ingredient released over eight hours being in the range of 15% to 45%, and when tested in a group of at least five healthy humans the median tmax, based on blood sampling at half hourly intervals, is in the range of from about 2.5 to about 6 hours, and the ratio of mean Cmax to the mean plasma level at 24 hours is in the range of about 1.5 to about 3.5.

Abstract: A method of producing a free flowing and compressible liquid/power admixture of an active drug substance, by converting the active substance into a liquisolid system. This is accomplished by introducing by the drug into a non-volatile liquid or a mixture of non-volatile and volatile liquids to from a mixture, selecting at least one solid carrier material and admixing these components to produce a non-adherent, free-flowing and compressible liquid/power mass admixture, the amounts of drug and carrier being selected to optimize flow and compressibility.

Abstract: A sustained releasing drug which includes an effective component and a copolymer having a weight-average molecular weight of 1,000 to 100,000 which comprises, as repeating structure units, both of a succinimide unit represented by the structural formula (1) and a hydroxycarboxylic acid unit represented by the structural formula (2) wherein R is a methyl group or a hydrogen atom, and a process for preparing a copolymer which comprises a polymerization step of heating a mixture of aspartic acid and a cyclic ester compound.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition for oral administration contains naloxone-, N-methylnaloxone- and/or N-methylnaltrexone-containing particles which release the active substance depending on the ambient pH. This ensures the liberation of the active substance over the whole gastrointestinal tract. The side effects caused by the use of analgesic opioids, such as constipation, are thus eliminated without reducing the analgesic effect.

Abstract: Copolymers of lactide and glycolide with high glycolide content. The average glycolate block length is less then about 3, which allows the copolymer to be soluble in slightly polar solvents such as methylene chloride.

Abstract: This invention provides methods for removing unincorporated fluorescent dye-labeled molecules from a mixture that includes fluorescently-labeled polynucleotides and the unincorporated fluorescent dye-labeled molecules. The methods involve adsorbing the unincorporated fluorescent dye-labeled molecules into a plurality of particles that are made up of one or more porous hydrophobic materials that are encapsulated in a hydrophilic matrix.

Abstract: The invention relates to medicaments for initiating ovulation comprising LH in an administrable form which ensures an increase in LH plasma levels for a period of some 40 to 60 hours.

Abstract: This invention relates to a 24 hour extended release dosage formulation and unit dosage form thereof of venlafaxine hydrochloride, an antidepressant, which provides better control of blood plasma levels than conventional tablet formulations which must be administered two or more times a day and fiber provides a lower incidence of nausea and vomiting than the conventional tablets. More particularly, the invention comprises an extended release formulation of venlafaxine hydrochloride comprising a therapeutically effective amount of venlafaxine hydrochloride in spheroids comprised of venlafaxine hydrochloride, microcrystalline cellulose and, optionally, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose coated with a mixture of ethyl cellulose and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein includes a vitamin composition encapsulated in a soft or hard shell capsule, said vitamin composition comprising water soluble vitamin particles suspended in a fill liquid, wherein said water soluble vitamin particles are coated with a material that is substantially insoluble in the fill liquid and the shell of the capsule, but soluble in the gastrointestinal tract of a mammal, and the coated water soluble vitamin particles are of a size that are suitable for encapsulating as a suspension in said capsule. The invention also includes a process for manufacturing the same. Vitamin containing capsules according to this invention are discoloration-resistant.

Abstract: Oral pharmaceutical formulation comprising granules having an inert core coated with a layer, comprising a 2-[[(2-pyridinyl)methyl]sulfinyl]benzimidazole having anti-ulcer activity, a disintegrant and a surfactant in a matrix of a melt coating substance essentially consisting of one or more esters of glycerol and fatty acids, a separating layer and an enteric coating layer, and a process for the preparation of such formulation using a melt coating technique for the preparation of the benzimidazole containing layer.

Abstract: Novel forms of sustained-release microgranules (LP) containing diltiazem are disclosed. The microgranules consist of a neutral granular carrier coated with an active layer including diltiazem or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof as the active principle, a surfactant and a binder, and an outer layer providing sustained release of the active principle (layer LP).

Abstract: Described are flavor composition, flavor component, perfume composition and perfume component-containing microparticles which are particulate matrices composed of: (a) an olfactorily active component (e.g., perfume component); (b) silica; and (c) a saccharide composition which is a mixture of mannitol and maltose. The microparticles are useful in augmenting, enhancing and/or imparting aroma and/or taste (over relatively long periods of time in a controllably releasable manner) to perfume compositions, perfumed articles (e.g., deodorancy and antiperspirant sticks), foodstuffs, chewing gums, beverages and the like. Also described is a process for preparing the above-mentioned microparticles using, in sequence, (1) adsorption of the olfactorily active material onto silica followed by (2) a blending/extrusion step followed by (3) at least one particularization step.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel compositions, in particular to compositions comprising calcitonin or a fragment or conjugate thereof and to methods for preparing such compositions. It also relates to oral formulations comprising the compositions and to shelf stable formulations of calcitonin or a fragment or conjugate thereof.

Abstract: A soft capsule comprising a wall derived from a multilayer film that comprises three layers. The layers are an innermost sealing plasticized hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, an adhesion promoting layer of propylene glycol alginate and a barrier layer of sodium alginate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing an oral formulation containing acid-sensitive drugs, including at least the following step: spreading a solution or a suspension containing at least stabilizers, solvents and acid-sensitive drugs or its pharmaceutically acceptable salts onto a core made from one or more excipients, and then drying the core to make an active ingredient layer over the core. Also disclosed is the oral formulation made by this method.

Abstract: A formulation of a 5&agr;-reductase inhibitor for oral administration, which comprises a composition obtained by grinding a mixture of an azasteroid, a water-soluble polymer and a disintegrant.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical MR (modified release) multiparticulate dosage form such as a capsule (once-a-day MR Capsule) of Methylphenidate indicated for the treatment of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), capable of delivering a portion of the dose for rapid onset of action and the remainder of the dose in a controlled manner for about 12 hours, is composed of a multitude of multicoated particles made of two populations of drug layered beads, IR (immediate release) and ER (extended release) Beads. The IR beads preferably are made by layering an aqueous solution comprising a drug and a binder on to non-pareil sugar spheres and then applying a seal coat to the drug coated cores. The ER Beads are made by applying an extended release coating of a water insoluble dissolution rate controlling polymer such as ethylcellulose to IR Beads.

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: An antibacterial, antifungal or antialgal article includes an antibacterial, antifungal or antialgal component, for example, silver and copper, an alloy thereof or a compound thereof diffused from a surface into the inside of the surface portion of an article, for example, a metal, glass or ceramic article.

Abstract: Process is provided for preparing an oral solid rapidly disintegrating freeze-dried dosage form of a pharmaceutically active substance having an unacceptable taste, wherein prior to freeze drying, a suspension of uncoated or coated coarse particles of a pharmaceutically active substance in a carrier material is cooled to reduce the viscosity and minimize release of the active substance during processing, as well as beyond the point of disintegration of the form in the mouth, to minimize bad taste from the drug.

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: The present invention pertains to a sustained release drug delivery system which comprises a core of active ingredient, an enteric coating, a second coating of active ingredient and lastly a readily gastric-soluble protective coating. In another embodiment, the sustained release drug delivery system comprises a core of active ingredient, an enteric coating; a second coating of active ingredient; a second enteric coating and a third coating of active ingredient The sustained release dosage form of this invention is useful for pharmaceutically active ingredients that have limited aqueous solubility, especially phenytoin sodium, and other pH dependent soluble drugs.

Abstract: This invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a mycophenolate salt, the composition being adapted to release mycophenolate in the upper part of the intestinal tract.

Abstract: Slow-release matrix pellets with a spherical or lenticular shape and uniform maximum diameters in the range from 0.5 to 4 mm, composed of a) 0.1-87% by weight of at least one biologically active compound, b) 5-50% by weight of at least one water-insoluble polymer, c) 5-45% by weight of at least one lipophilic component as plasticizer for polymer b), d) 3-40% by weight of a natural or semisynthetic gel former, e) 0-50% by weight of one or more conventional formulation aids.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition is provided for the oral administration of an NSAlD and a prostaglandin. The composition is a solid dosage form wherein the NSAID is enterically coated and the prostaglandin is present along with an effective stabilizing amount of a prostaglandin stabilizing agent such as hydroxypropyl methylcellulose or polyvinylpyrrolidone. Exemplary dosage forms are bilayer tablets in which the prostaglandin is misoprostol and the NSAID is diclofenac, piroxicam, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Methods for using the composition to treat NSAID-responsive conditions, disorders and diseases are provided as well.

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: The invention concerns fatty acids uninterrupted by a methylene group as anti-inflammatory agents in superficial tissues of mammals, more particularly a pharmaceutical or cosmetic topical composition comprising, as an active ingredient, at least one fatty acid uninterrupted by a methylene group corresponding to formula (I), an salt or ester thereof, wherein R1 is a C1-C5 alkyl group and R2 is a C2-C6 alkyl group. Preferably, the fatty acid uninterrupted by a methylene group is 20:3(5,11,14). The fatty acid uninterrupted by a methylene group is also used for preparing a composition for modulating the metabolism of lipids in the superficial tissue of mammals.

Abstract: The invention provides a micronized fenofibrate composition. The micronized fenofibrate composition has a dissolution of at least 10% in 5 minutes, 20% in 10 minutes, 50% in 20 minutes and 75% in 30 minutes, as measured using the rotating blade method at 75 rpm according to the European Pharmacopoeia, in a dissolution medium constituted by water with 2% by weight polysorbate 80 or with 0.025M sodium lauryl sulfate. The composition can further comprise hydrophilic polymers, surfactants, hydrosoluble carriers, outer phases or layers, or other pharmaceutically acceptable excipients. The immediate-release fenofibrate composition is preferably in the form of a tablet or in the form of granules inside a capsule.

Abstract: This invention relates to a 24 hour extended release dosage formulation and unit dosage form thereof of venlafaxine hydrochloride, an antidepressant, which provides better control of blood plasma levels than conventional tablet formulations which must be administered two or more times a day and further provides a lower incidence of nausea and vomiting than the conventional tablets. More particularly, the invention comprises an extended release formulation of venlafaxine hydrochloride comprising a therapeutically effective amount of venlafaxine hydrochloride in spheroids comprised of venlafaxine hydrochloride, microcrystalline cellulose and, optionally, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose coated with a mixture of ethyl cellulose and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose.

Abstract: Compounds comprising multi-vitamins, zinc and an anti-platelet aggregating agent for the treatment of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) are disclosed. The compounds are provided in dosage form, and preferably include selected amounts of ascorbic acid, folic acid, vitamin E, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12. The anti-platelet aggregating agent preferably comprises aspirin. A protective coating is preferably provided between the aspirin and the other vitamin and mineral constituents. The dosages are effective in the treatment of ASCVD, and possess extended shelf lives.

Abstract: In an apparatus for producing and/or processing granules, pellets or other particulate materials, having a rotary disc tight within a chamber and means for providing an upward gas stream through a slot between said disc and the chamber wall as well as means for spraying a liquid or steam onto the particulate material and possibly means for introducing powder for use in a powder layering process, the flow patter of the particulate material, which is maintained in non-fluidized condition, is improved by gas injection towards the center of the chamber or disc. A more uniform product having desired properties is obtained and the capacity is improved. The gas injection enables upscaling of apparatus and method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions and methods for improved solubilization of triglycerides and improved delivery of therapeutic agents. Compositions of the present invention include a triglyceride and a carrier, where the carrier is formed from a combination of at least two surfactants, at least one of which is hydrophilic. Upon dilution with an aqueous solvent, the composition forms a clear, aqueous dispersion of the triglyceride and surfactants. An optional therapeutic agent can be incorporated into the composition, or can be co-administered with the composition. The invention also provides methods of enhancing triglyceride solubility and methods of treatment with therapeutic agents using these compositions.

Abstract: Unit-of-use reagent compositions and methods for preparing such reagent compositions are disclosed. The reagent composition comprises one or more reagents which are necessary for a specific binding assay and which are incorporated in a porous material which is encapsulated in a carrier matrix. The unit-of-use reagent composition can be lyophilized to avoid the need for cold storage of the reagent composition.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions comprising a mixture of hyaluronic acid and liposomes. Preferably, the pharmaceutical compositions further include a pharmaceutically active substance such as cyclosporin A encapsulated in the liposomes. A method for preparing a pharmaceutical composition includes producing liposomes from phospholipids, preferably in the presence of a pharmaceutically active substance (most preferably cyclosporin A) to be encapsulated within the liposomes, and mixing the liposomes with hyaluronic acid. Pharmaceutical compositions of this invention are used, for example, to topically administer pharmaceutical agents effective to treat skin disorders by deposition of that agent in the dermis or sub-dermis while minimizing systemic circulation thereof. These compositions are also administered orally, parenterally and intrarectally.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical capsule composition for oral administration exhibiting controllable, satisfactory release profiles of both loratadine and pseudoephedrine or its salts, which comprises: (a) a plurality of rapid-release pellets (pellets A), each pellet containing (i) a therapeutically effective amount of loratadine, (ii) pseudoephedrine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and (iii) one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients; and (b) a plurality of extended-release pellets (pellets B), each pellet containing (i) pseudoephedrine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and (ii) one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, which are coated with a water-insoluble polymer in an amount ranging from 2 to 30 wt % and a wet-blocking agent selected from the group consisting of magnesium stearate, talc, fatty acid ester and a mixture thereof in an amount ranging from 2 to 30 wt %, based on the total weight of pellets B.

Abstract: Programmed-release ambroxol·HCl pharmaceutical dosage forms, adopted to maintain a therapeutically effective plasma level thereof for about 24 hours, comprise a plurality of inert core microgranules of a variety of particle sizes ranging from 0.3 to 1.2 mm, such inert core microgranules being coated with alternating microlayers of (1) micronized ambroxol hydrochloride active agent and (2) delayed-release film material, such coated microgranules including an external microlayer of delayed-release film material, and such coated mi.crogranules having particle sizes ranging from 0.6 to 1.5 mm.

Abstract: A dry film coating composition used to make a bright white film coating for nutritional supplements, pharmaceutical tablets, and the like, comprises dextrose, an auxiliary film-former, and titanium dioxide. Optionally, but advantageously, the coating composition also may include one or more of the following components: a plasticizer, a surfactant, a flow aid, and a preservative.

Abstract: A composition, particularly adapted for oral administration, containing omeprazole, and a method for preparing the composition, are disclosed. The composition, being exempt of alkaline-reacting compounds, contains a core constituted of nuclei and said benzimidazole, the nuclei and benzimidazole being compressed together, an intermediate layer, and an enteric layer.

Abstract: A chewing gum which has a preventative effect against infection by influenza virus and inhibits dissemination of influenza virus. The chewing gum comprises adding at least 0.03 weight % of at least one tea polyphenol, for a chewing gum containing no organic acids; the chewing gum comprises at least 0.01 weight % of at least one tea polyphenol for a chewing gum containing at least one organic acid.

Abstract: Novel forms of sustained-release microgranules (LP) containing diltiazem are disclosed. The microgranules consist of a neutral granular carrier coated with an active layer including diltiazem or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof as the active principle, a surfactant and a binder, and an outer layer providing sustained release of the active principle (layer LP).

Abstract: Novel pharmaceutical dosage forms provide for pulsatile delivery of d-threo-methylphenidate and a second CNS stimulant, i.e., release encapsulated drug in spaced apart “pulses.” The second CNS stimulant may be an analeptic agent or a psychostimulant, with analeptic agents preferred. The dosage forms may comprise capsules housing compressed tablets or drug-containing beads or particles, or may comprise a 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: The present disclosure relates to novel dosage forms, drug delivery regimens, methods and pharmaceutical compositions which optimize the therapeutic effects of active therapeutic substances through the application of the concept of uneven dosing.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ionic conjugate, which is stable in a biological medium, and which is comprised of a particle vector with at least one cationic, nonliquid, hydrophilic nucleus and of polyanionic oligonucleotides. The invention further concerns the pharmaceutical compositions containing these conjugates and the use of a particle vector to carry the oligonucleotides to the cells.

Abstract: A controlled absorption diltiazem pellet formulation for oral administration comprises a core having diltiazem or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof as the active ingredient. The core is surrounded by a coating which has only a single layer which is comprised of a relatively major proportion of talc and relatively minor proportion of sodium lauryl sulfate admixed with a minor proportion of a pharmaceutically acceptable film-forming, first polymer permeable to water and diltiazem, and a major proportion of a pharmaceutically acceptable film-forming, second polymer that is less permeable to water and diltiazem than the first polymer. The core and the coating layer both exclude organic acids. The composition of the coating layer as well as the proportion of core to coating layer are effective to permit release of the diltiazem allowing controlled absorption following oral administration.

Abstract: A composition, particularly adapted for oral administration, containing omeprazole, and a method for preparing the composition, are disclosed. The composition, being exempt of alkaline-reacting compounds, contains a core constituted of nuclei and said benzimidazole, the nuclei and benzimidazole being compressed together, an intermediate layer, and an enteric layer.

Abstract: The invention provides a drug delivery composition for colonic delivery comprising a polar drug, an absorption promoter which (a) comprises a mixture of a fatty acid having 6 to 16 carbon atoms or a salt thereof and a dispersing agent, or (b) comprises a mixture of mono/diglycerides of medium chain fatty acids and a dispersing agent, and means adapted to release the polar drug and absorption promoter in the colon following oral administration. A preferred fatty acid is capric acid or a salt thereof. Colon specific delivery can be achieved by providing the composition in a capsule, tablet or pellet which is coated with a material which dissolves in the small intestine or is degraded by the conditions in the colon.