Abstract:
The present invention provides a product (1) that includes a pharmaceutical unit dosage or diagnostic form (6) that includes at least one active ingredient that is present in an amount that advantageously does not vary by more than about five percent from a predetermined target amount. In one embodiment, the unit form comprises a substrate (8), a deposit (14) that is disposed on the substrate and a cover layer (9) that overlies the deposit and is joined to the substrate by a bond that encircles that deposit, thereby encapsulating it between the substrate and cover substrates. The deposit comprises a powder, at least some of which includes the at least one active ingredient. The unit form is created via a dry powder deposition apparatus that electrostatically deposits the powder on the substrate utilizing an electrostatic chuck and charged powder delivery apparatus.
Abstract:
A method is disclosed for formulating a solid dosage of thyroid hormone, while avoiding instability caused by interaction of the active ingredient with excipients. The thyroid hormone may be levothyroxine sodium or triiodothyronine. The method comprises depositing the active ingredient, preferably electrostatically, as a dry powder substantially free of excipients, onto a pharmaceutically acceptable polymer substrate. Solid pharmaceutical dosage forms also are disclosed.
Abstract:
A novel solid pharmaceutical dosage formulation of hydrophobic drugs is disclosed, which provides enhanced dissolution and improved bioavailability. The hydrophobic drug is deposited electrostatically on the base substrate. The dosage form may include any pharmaceutically acceptable additive, disposed within a carrier that is segregated from, but in contact with, the deposit. Figure No. 1 depicts an isometric view of a product comprising a strip package containing a plurality of unit forms in accordance with the prior art.
Abstract:
A liquid pharmaceutical for oral delivery wherein at the time of use, a solid unit dosage form is added to the liquid wherein the unit dosage form is comprised of a substrate soluble in the liquid and a particulate pharmaceutically active material in a pharmaceutically effective amount. At the time of use, the unit dosage form is added to the liquid, without requiring measurement of the liquid, and the entire liquid is consumed to provide for oral delivery of the pharmaceutically effective amount of material.
Abstract:
A novel solid pharmaceutical dosage formulation of hydrophobic drugs is disclosed, which provides enhanced dissolution and improved bioavailability. The hydrophobic drug is deposited electrostatically on the base substrate. The dosage form may include any pharmaceutically acceptable additive, disposed within a carrier that is segregated from, but in contact with, the deposit. Figure No. 1 depicts an isometric view of a product comprising a strip package containing a plurality of unit forms in accordance with the prior art.
Abstract:
Controlled release, multi-step drug dosage forms comprising a plurality of dose units and a plurality of separators that control release of drug from the dose units. In one embodiment, a dose unit is a single dosage amount of a drug that is electrostatically deposited onto a substrate. The dosage forms are designed to deliver a drug to exhibit a desired pharmacokinetic profile.
Abstract:
A dispenser for storing/dispensing pharmaceutical dosages that are provided in a stamplike (flat) dosage form. In some embodiments, the present dispenser includes a housing for retaining a plurality of stacked, individual "stamp-like" pharmaceutical dosages. Disposed within the housing beneath the dosages is a bias element, such as a helical spring, that urges the dosages towards a dosage delivery port of the housing. From the dosage delivery port, dosages are dispensed through an aperture. In other embodiments, the instant dispenser includes a cylindrical main body for retaining pharmaceutical dosages having a stamp-like dosage form that are collectively organized in a roll. A dosage delivery port depending from the cylindrical main body receives dosages one at a time therefrom. The present dispenser is configured, in various embodiments, for manual, mechanically assisted, or automated dispensing. Moreover, the present dispenser includes, when appropriately automated, control electronics that (1) alert a user of a scheduled dosage, and/or (2) dispense a dosage at a prescribed time or at a prescribed time interval, and/or (3) maintain a dosage record.
Abstract:
A method is disclosed for formulating healthcare products, including solid pharmaceutical compositions, while avoiding instability caused ba interaction of the active ingredient with excipients. The method comprises the steps of: (a) selecting an active ingredient that loses stability or potency upon interaction with pharmaceutical excipients; and (b) depositing the active ingredient, preferably electrostatically, as a dry powder substantially free of excipients, onto a pharmaceutically acceptable polymer substrate.
Abstract:
Provided is a re-circulating particle feed apparatus (10) comprising: a circular conduit (11) suitable for circulating gas suspended particulates; a deposition station (17) comprising an opening onto the conduit into which an electrostatic chuck fits, with a deposition surface of the chuck (9) fits, a nd a propulsion device (12) for maintaining gas and particle circulation throug h the conduit (11), wherein the device (12) is adapted to maintain circulation at a rate that brings a deposition effective amount of particles within a range of electro-attractive influence at the deposition station (17).
Abstract:
Provided is, among other things, a conductive inlay film comprising; a layer of dielectric film (21) having a pattern of holes (23) suitable to define selected regions to which particles will be deposited by electrostatic deposition; and a conductive element (22) comprising polymer, which element comprises (a) a conductive film laminated (22) against the dielectric film (21) or (b) a conductive film embedded within the holes (23), the portion of the conductive element appearing within the holes comprising conductive inlays, wherein the conductive element (22) is adapted to contact one or more electrode pads and provide electrical potential at the selected regions, and wherein the dielectric film (21) electrically isolates the selected regions.