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 sustained release capsule in which an outer surface of a hard capsule mainly composed of gelatin and containing a physiologically active substance is uniformly covered with a film material comprising a natural polysaccharide/polyhydric alcohol composition which is prepared by uniformly kneading at least one natural polysaccharide selected from the group consisting of carrageenan, alginic acid, salts of alginic acid, derivatives of alginic acid, agar, locust bean gum, guar gum, pectin, amylopectin, xanthane gum, glucomannan, chitin and pullulan in at least one system selected from the group consisting of polyhydric alcohols, sugar alcohols, monosaccharides, disaccharides, trisaccharides and oligosaccharides. A capsule formed merely of the natural polysaccharide/polyhydric alcohol composition swells and is permeated by water. It is poor in shape-retaining properties, failing to retain its shape in the stomach, although it is nondigestive.

Abstract: Described herein is a particular type of pharmaceutical tablet, for oral use, which is formed by one or more layers, and is specifically designed for controlled release of active principles that present problems of bio-availability linked to absorption in the gastro-intestinal tract, and in particular active principles that present an erratic and unpredictable absorption linked to the presence or absence of food at the level of the stomach and/or of the first portion of the small intestine, the said pharmaceutical form being characterized in that it is completely coated with one or more films of a biocompatible and biodegradable polymeric material.

Abstract: Disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions which have been modified to release pharmaceutically acceptable mycophenolate salts in the upper part of the intestinal tract and methods of treatment using the pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: A dispersion, in an aqueous medium, of dehydration-resistant vesicles containing a lipid phase and an encapsulated aqueous phase. The dispersion additionally contains, either in the aqueous medium or in the encapsulated aqueous phase or in both, at least one polymer, in the form of particles, which has a glass transition temperature Tg, in the presence or absence of a plasticizing agent, of lower than 70.degree. C. at 0% relative humidity. The dispersion can be used in the cosmetic or pharmaceutical fields for topical application for the care and/or makeup of the skin and for care of the scalp and/or hair.

Abstract: Described is a process for making a liposomal, ion-exchange whey protein and products thereof, which result in the sustained release of amino acids into the body's circulation to generally promote skeletal muscle protein synthesis, decrease body fat in association with diet modification and improve exercise performance. The whey protein is preferably encapsulated in a liposome using a cold, or non-heated, process. After the liposomal, ion-exchange whey protein has been prepared, it is then preferably lyophilized to deliver macronutrients for use as a sports nutrition supplement and for use in medical or clinical catabolic applications.

Abstract: Polymerizable saccharide monomers are made by the reaction of a saccharose and a (meth)acrylate. Hydrophilic, hydrophobic and thermoreversible gels and foams are formed upon polymerization of the saccharide monomers. Hydrophilic sucrose monomers are synthesized by reaction of sucrose with an epoxy acrylate. Hydrophobic sucrose monomers are synthesized by reaction of sucrose with methacrylol chloride followed by acetyl chloride. Thermoreversible sucrose monomers are obtained by modifying sucrose with polymerizable substituents prepared from methacryloyl chloride and aminocarboxylic acids. The modified sucrose monomers are copolymerized with hydrophobic poly(alkyleneoxide) (meth)acrylates to produce hydrogels exhibiting inverse thermoreversible properties. The thermosensitive hydrogels are biodegradable and can be used in the area of controlled drug delivery.

Abstract: The specification describes a pharmaceutical combination consisting of dipyridamole or mopidamol and acetylsalicylic acid or the physiologically acceptable salts thereof, processes for preparing this pharmaceutical combination and the use thereof for the controlled prevention of clot formation.

Abstract: Modified release pharmaceutical composition and method for the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) such as Crohn's disease and Colitis Ulccrosa, said compositions comprising as active the ingredient 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA), and being adapted for modified and targeted release so as to obtain a clinically important localized effect profile of 5-ASA by means of releasing an appropriate amount of 5-ASA in both the small and large bowel.

Abstract: A powder formulation for the administration of medically useful polypeptides, comprising a medically useful polypeptide with melezitose as diluent.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition containing a microemulsion made up of a hydrophilic component, a lipophilic component, a surfactant and a drug, where the hydrophilic component, the lipophilic component and the surfactant form, when examined on a macroscopic scale, a one-phase solution. The hydrophilic component is dispersed as colloidal droplets in the lipophilic component, or the lipophilic component is dispersed as colloidal droplets in the hydrophilic component. According to still another alternative, the hydrophilic and the lipophilic components form a microemulsion with bicontinuous structure where the components form elongated adjacent channels. The drug is dissolved in the dispersed component or, in the case of a microemulsion with bicontinuous structure, in the hydrophilic or the lipophilic component. The microemulsion is stabilized by means of the surfactant. It is characteristic that a gelatinizer and water are added to the microemulsion thereby bringing the microemulsion into a gel form.

Abstract: An improved method for the treatment of central nervous system disorders comprises treating patients with an enteric fluoxetine formulation.

Abstract: A solid oral dosage form for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical suitable for the treatment of gastric disorders selected from the group consisting of granules of diphenoxylate, loperamide, loperamide-N-oxide, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof and combinations thereof; and a therapeutically effective amount of simethicone wherein the pharmaceutical and simethicone are separated by a barrier coat on the granules which is substantially impermeable to simethicone.

Abstract: Methods for preparing dry powders having hydrophobic and hydrophilic components comprise combining solutions or suspensions of the components and spray drying them simultaneously in a spray drier. The hydrophobic component may be dissolved in an organic solvent and the hydrophilic component suspended therein. The method provides dry powders having relatively uniform characteristics.

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 dry powder that contains carotenoids produced by grinding a mixture of carotenoids and oil to reduce the carotenoid particle size, emulsifying the mixture with an encapsulating mixture, and drying the emulsification. The encapsulating mixture includes a starch encapsulating agent, a sugar, and an anti-oxidant. The resulting water-dispersible powder contains a high concentration of carotenoids, yet is protected from oxidation.

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: Liquisolid systems are acceptably flowing and compressible powdered forms of liquid medications. According to the concept of liquisolid systems, liquid lipophilic drugs, or water-insoluble solid drugs dissolved in suitable non-volatile solvents, may be converted into free-flowing and readily compressible powders by a simple admixture with selected powder excipients referred to as the carrier and coating materials. Various grades of microcrystalline or amorphous cellulose may be used as carriers, whereas very fine particle size silica powders may be used as coating materials. Based on the theory that the carrier and coating materials can retain only certain amounts of liquid and at the same time maintain acceptable flow and compression properties, a new formulation-mathematical model is provided to calculate the optimum quantities of carrier and coating materials required to yield acceptably flowing and compressible liquid/powder admixtures.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel dosage unit for the sustained-release delivery of active agents as well as compositions and methods for making same.

Abstract: The invention relates to a peroral composition providing controlled release of a drug, the composition comprising a) a core comprising the drug and a drug release controlling agent and b) an enteric coating comprising the drug release controlling agent, wherein the drug release controlling agent consists substantially of a pH-sensitive enteric polymer. Preferably the pH-sensitive enteric polymer has a pH dissolving point of at least 6.5. The composition is preferably in the form of granules. Preferably, the composition is in the form of enteric matrix granules coated with an enteric coating. The composition releases the drug gradually in the lower gastrointestinal tract. The composition is especially suitable for the administration of 3-(3-cyanophenyl)methylene-2,4-pentanedione into the colon.

Abstract: Solid controlled-release oral dosage forms comprising a therapeutically effective amount of an opioid analgesic or a salt thereof which provide an extended duration of pain relief of about 24 hours, have a dissolution rate in-vitro of the dosage form, when measured by the USP Paddle Method of 100 rpm in 900 ml aqueous buffer at 37.degree. C. from about 12.5% to about 42.5% (by weight) active agent released after 1 hour, from about 25% to about 55% (by weight) active agent released after 2 hours, from about 45% to about 75% (by weight) opioid analgesic released after 4 hours and greater than about 60% (by weight) opioid analgesic released after 8 hours, the in-vitro release rate being substantially independent of pH and chosen such that the peak plasma level of active agent obtained in-vivo between about 2 and about 8 hours after administration of the dosage form.

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 present invention concerns pharmaceutical compositions containing metformin as an active substance and a hydrocolloid-forming agent as a retardant and optionally standard pharmaceutical auxiliary substances, the residual moisture content in the pharmaceutical composition being 0.5-3% by weight. The invention also concerns a process for producing pharmaceutical compositions containing metformin as an active substance and a hydrocolloid-forming agent as a retardant and optionally standard pharmaceutical auxiliary substances characterized in that the active substance and retarding agent or a portion thereof are granulated with an aqueous solvent which can optionally contain a binder and where appropriate the other portion of the retardant or other standard pharmaceutical auxiliaries are admixed with the granulate which is then dried until the residual moisture content is reduced to 0.5-3% by weight.

Abstract: Disclosed is a stabilized live vaccine containing a varicella virus and a stabilizer, wherein the vaccine is substantially free of Ca.sup.2+ ions and Mg.sup.2+ ions. This stabilized live vaccine is extremely excellent in storage stability and heat resistance. Also disclosed is an improved stabilizer for a live varicella vaccine, comprising at least one member selected from gelatin and hydrolyzed gelatin, each being substantially free of Ca.sup.2+ ions and Mg.sup.2+ ions. The stabilizer can advantageously be used to stabilize a live vaccine containing a varicella virus. The substantial freedom of Ca.sup.2+ ions and Mg.sup.2+ ions can be attained by masking Ca.sup.2+ ions and Mg.sup.2+ ions present in a live vaccine containing a varicella virus and a stabilizer, with a chelating reagent, or by using as a stabilizer gelatin and/or a gelatin derivative after being purified to remove Ca.sup.2+ ions and/or Mg.sup.2+ ions contained therein.

Abstract: Submicron size particles of pharmaceutical or other water-insoluble or poorly water-insoluble substances are prepared using a combination of one or more surface modifiers/surfactants such as polaxomers, poloxamines, polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters and the like together with natural or synthetic phospholipids. Particles so produced have a volume weighted mean particle size at least one-half smaller than obtainable using a phospholipid alone. Compositions so prepared are resistant to particle size growth on storage.

Abstract: The invention provides a pharmaceutically acceptable solid oral formulation of olanzapine and a process for making such formulation.

Abstract: An orally administrable solid dosage form containing a compacted ribavirin composition having an advantageously high tap density of at least 0.6 g/mL as well as surprisingly rapid disintegration and dissolution rates and wherein the ribavirin is substantially free of polymorphic forms of ribavirin is disclosed.

Abstract: Bioavailability of salmon calcitonin to be administered orally is enhanced by a pharmaceutical composition providing targeted release of the peptide to the intestine, together with an absorption enhancer and a sufficient amount of a pH-lowering agent to lower local intestinal pH. Specific concentrations and classes of these agents are disclosed to account for the particular characteristics of salmon calcitonin.

Abstract: A superior enteric formulation of the antidepressant drug, fluoxetine, is in the form of enteric pellets of which the enteric layer comprises hydroxypropylmethylcellulose acetate succinate.

Abstract: Vaccine preparations in stable particulate form are disclosed. An immediate-release preparation comprises an immunogen adsorbed to an aluminum adjuvant. A controlled- or delayed-release preparation comprises microspherical particles comprising a continuous matrix of biodegradable polymer containing discrete, immunogen-containing regions.

Abstract: The invention relates to pharmaceutical preparations having controlled release of active compound and to processes for their preparation, in particular for poorly soluble active compounds having problematic bioavailability.

Abstract: A delivery device for delivering an active substance to a patient at a predetermined time after administration comprises a male hydrogel plug engaged in the neck of a female body. An expandable excipient such as a hydrogel powder or a pharmaceutical disintegrant in powder, slug or tablet form is provided beneath the active substance. In contact with an aqueous medium, the excipient absorbs water and swells such as to rapidly expel the active substance and effectively deliver it from the device.

Abstract: Finely dispersed carotenoid or retinoid suspensions are prepared by dissolving the carotenoid or retinoid in a volatile, water-miscible organic solvent at 50.degree. C.-250.degree. C., where appropriate under elevated pressure, within less than 10 sec and immediately thereafter mixing the solution with an aqueous medium at from 0 to 90.degree. C., wherein the mixing with the aqueous medium takes place in the absence of a protective colloid and in the presence of at least one physiologically tolerated emulsifier.

Abstract: Granular composition comprising 45 to 98% w/w of a water insoluble particulate, whereby 10 to 75% of the water insoluble particulate is made from a water insoluble particulate material, having a weight mean particle size of less than 20 microns and oil absorption capacity of 60 to 180 g/100 g and 10 to 75% of the water insoluble particulate is made from a water insoluble particulate material, having a weight mean particle size of below 20 microns and an oil absorption 200 to 350 g/100 g, the granular composition having a particle size, by sieve analysis, of 95% below 600 microns and 90% above 40 microns.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for the production of seamless capsules comprising a shell material encapsulating a center-filled core material in which a heated carrier liquid or air is cooled by a heat exchanger.

Abstract: A single bead drug delivery system suitable for oral administration with multiply layered drug and polymer compartments can provide a two-step release of active agent to facilitate an immediate yet sustained drug delivery over a 24 hour period following oral administration with minimized variance between peak and trough levels of therapeutic drug amounts.

Abstract: A dry moisture barrier film coating composition for forming a moisture barrier film coating for pharmaceutical tablets and the like comprises polyvinyl alcohol, soya lecithin, and optionally a flow aid, a colorant, and/or a suspending agent. A liquid coating solution or dispersion for forming a moisture barrier film coating for pharmaceutical tablets and the like comprises polyvinyl alcohol, soya lecithin, water, and optionally a flow aid, a colorant, and/or a suspending agent. A method of coating pharmaceutical tablets and the like with a moisture barrier film coating comprises forming a liquid coating solution or dispersion for forming a moisture barrier film coating for pharmaceutical tablets and the like comprising polyvinyl alcohol, soya lecithin, water, and optionally a flow aid, a colorant, and/or a suspending agent, applying the coating solution or dispersion onto the tablets to form a film coating on the tablets, and drying the film coating on the tablets.

Abstract: A method of preparing an oral preparation, especially in the form of hard gelatin capsules, tablets or pellets, for use by the administration of drugs or supplementary nutrients for human beings or animals, said preparation on its outer side being provided with an enteric coating which contains or comprises a calcium salt of a polysaccharide. A moisture-resistant layer containing a protein, especially zein, can be provided between the material to be coated and the enteric coating. The enteric coating is formed in situ by spraying the liquid coating substances in a fluidized bed. The present invention also pertains to oral preparations which is prepared by the method.

Abstract: An antimicrobial agent comprising allyl isothiocyanate (AIT) packaged in a packaging material having a structure wherein part of the pores of a porous packaging substrate is filled with, or said pores are partially or entirely narrowed by a resin impervious to AIT vapor, and a method for controlling the AIT vapor release speed comprising enclosing AIT in the above-mentioned packaging material. According to the present invention, the AIT vapor release speed can be controlled, whereby enabling sustained release of AIT vapor and persistent effect of antimicrobial action. In addition, the antimicrobial agent of the present invention can be widely applied to food industries and various other fields where breeding and reproduction of deleterious microorganisms pose problems, since it is economical, compact and easy to use.

Abstract: Devices for controlled release of active substances in the form of tablets, capsules and beads comprised of a porous substructure surrounded by one or more interfacial membranes.

Abstract: Medical materials for use in treating maladies in living beings, such as ulcers and other conditions of the digestive tract. In one form, a container is provided for a medication which container also contains an adhesive material which is operatively released from the container or exposed at the surface thereof upon biodegradation or dissolution of a protective coating or wall portion of the container under the effects of fluid in the digestive tract in which the container is exposed, such as by swallowing, to permit such adhesive to temporarily bond and retain the container at a select location in the digestive tract so that it may slowly release its contents thereafter to a select portion of the digestive tract. In another form, a multitude of microcapsules, each containing a small quantity of medication, is mixed with an adhesive material, such as a sulcralfate other material which may be swallowed as a tablet or dissolved in a liquid such as water.

Abstract: Granules having a core are produced by spraying core granules with a dispersion of a low substituted hydroxypropylcellulose (L-HPC), and, if necessary, simultaneously applying a dusting powder. The granules having a core thus obtained exhibit increased granule strength and improved disintegrating property as compared with those produced by known methods. An active ingredient such as a drug can be contained in the dispersion, dusting powder or core granules.

Abstract: The present invention provides oral formulations of Ranitidine Hydrochloride in the form of coated tablets and capsules which produce controlled or regulated dissolution and release at a fairly uniform rate over long periods--as long as 12 to 24 hours--to maintain Ranitidine at desired levels above the MEC.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel biopesticidal compositions comprising an active insecticidal ingredient selected from insecticidal bacteria and viruses such as B. thuringiensis crystal protein or spores or mixtures thereof and baculoviruses such as nuclear polyhedrosis viruses, granulosis viruses and non-occluded viruses; a polymer; and an inorganic light blocking agent wherein the light blocking agent protects the active ingredient from both ultraviolet light and sunlight and the polymer forms a matrix in which the active ingredient and light blocking agent are dispersed therein. Methods for producing the biopesticidal compositions and methods of controlling insects are also included within the scope of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new form of biocompatible materials (e.g., lipids, polycations, polysaccharides) which are capable of undergoing free radical polymerization, e.g., by using certain sources of light; methods of modifying certain synthetic and naturally occurring biocompatible materials to make polymerizable microcapsules containing biological material coated with said polymerizable materials, composites of said polymerizable materials, methods of making microcapsules and encapsulating biological materials therein, and apparatus for making microcapsules containing biological cells (particularly islets of Langerhans) coated with polymerizable alginate or with a composite thereof (e.g., alginate and PEG). The present invention also relates to drug delivery systems relating to the foregoing, as well as bioadhesives and wound dressings made utilizing the foregoing technology.

Abstract: Polysaccharides comprising at least 5 sialic acid residues per molecule are used to increase the circulation time of an active ingredient, for instance by decreasing the immunogenicity and/or increasing the stability in vivo of pharmaceutically active compounds. The pharmaceutically active compound may be a foreign protein which is covalently bound to the polysaccharide. Alternatively, the active compound may be associated with a drug delivery system (DDS), for instance a macro-molecular DDS or a particulate DDS, such as liposomes. The polysaccharide is usually a bacterial polysaccharide, e.g., a glycolipid or a derivative thereof, for instance polysaccharide B or E. Coli K1, N. meningitidis, Moraxella liquifaciens or Pasteurella aeroginosis, or K92 of E. Coli K92 strain.

Abstract: A pulsatile drug delivery system comprising of a plurality of particles is able to deliver drug in any desired patterns. A plurality of particles with multi-layer core capable of short-pulse release interlaced with long-duration release is designed for delivery of multi-agents simultaneously or sequentially, or single agent, according to a pre-programmed profile.

Abstract: An enteric preparation prepared by coating a solid dosage form with a fine powder enteric coating agent while spraying a liquid plasticizer.

Abstract: The dissolution at pH 6.5 of prednisolone metasulphobenzoate or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof from a non-disintegratable solid enteric composition comprising the prednisolone metasulphobenzoate in an excipient matrix is increased by the presence in the matrix of a rheological modifying agent, especially croscarmellose, in an amount of at least 5 percent by weight of the composition but insufficient to cause disintegration. Preferably the composition is in the form of pellets coated with an enteric coating which is substantially insoluble below pH 7 and contained in a capsule or tablet coated with an enteric coating which is soluble at a pH in the range pH 5.5 to pH 7. The coated capsules and tablets are for use in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease, especially ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

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.