JP2006517514A - Adjustable release dosage form with two cores - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a dosage form having a first core and a second core surrounded and separated by at least one active ingredient and a shell. The dosage form has at least one between the first release of the active ingredient contained in the first core and the first release of the active ingredient contained in the second core after contacting the dosage form with the liquid medium. Causes a time delay.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

Reference to Related Applications This application is based on international applications PCT / US02 / 31129 filed on September 28, 2002, PCT / US02 / 31117 filed on September 28, 2002, and September 28, 2002. PCT / US02 / 31062 filed, PCT / US02 / 31024 filed September 28, 2002, PCT / US02 / 31163 filed September 28, 2002 (each of which was 2001) U.S. Patent Application No. 09 / 966,939 filed on September 28, U.S. Patent Application No. 09 / 966,509 filed on Sep. 28, 2001, filed on Sep. 28, 2001 U.S. Patent Application No. 09 / 966,497, U.S. Patent Application No. 09 / 967,414 filed on September 28, 2001, and filed on Sep. 28 Which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 966,450, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The present invention relates to dosage forms that allow controlled release of contained active ingredients. The present invention provides a dosage form having a first core and a second core surrounded and separated by at least one active ingredient and a shell. The dosage form has at least one between the first release of the active ingredient contained in the first core and the first release of the active ingredient contained in the second core after contacting the dosage form with the liquid medium. Bring time delay.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Adjustable release pharmaceutical dosage forms have been used for many years to optimize drug administration and reduce patient compliance, particularly by reducing the number of medications a patient must receive daily. ing. In some cases, it may be desirable for the dosage form to administer more than one drug at various rates or times. The controlled release dosage form should ideally have a release rate and profile adapted to the physiological and chronological requirements. Since the onset and duration of the therapeutic effects of the drugs are as varied as their absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion, the release of the various drugs can be moderated in various ways or the first dose of the drug (active ingredient) can be administered in a dosage form On the other hand, while the second dose of the same or different drug is moderated, eg, delayed, pulsatile, controlled, sustained, prolonged, prolonged Or it is often desirable to release in a controlled manner.

  Well known mechanisms by which dosage forms (or drug delivery systems) can deliver drug at a controlled rate (eg, sustained, prolonged, prolonged or controlled release) include diffusion, Examples include erosion and penetration phenomena. Often, a way to design a dosage form using a combination of the above mechanisms to achieve a particularly desirable release profile for a particular active ingredient is taken. Those skilled in the art will provide a wide variety of mechanisms for controlling the release of one or more active ingredients, with dosage forms configured to provide multiple compartments, eg, multiple core portions and / or multiple shell portions. It will be readily appreciated that it is particularly advantageous in obtaining its flexibility above.

  An important objective of the controlled release dosage form is to provide the desired blood concentration and time relationship (pharmacokinetics or PK) for the drug. Basically, the PK profile for a drug depends on the rate of absorption of the drug into the blood and the rate of excretion of the drug from the blood. In order to be absorbed into the blood (circulatory system), the drug must first dissolve in the gastrointestinal fluid. By controlling the dissolution rate (i.e., drug release from the dosage form) for relatively fast-absorbing drugs where dissolution in the gastrointestinal fluid is the rate that limits the drug absorption phase, the formulator can: The rate of drug absorption into the patient's circulatory system can be controlled. The type of PK profile and the corresponding desired dissolution or release profile type depends on, among other factors, the particular active ingredient and the physiological condition being treated.

  One particularly desirable PK profile is delayed release dissolution in which the release of one or more doses of drug from the dosage form is delayed for a predetermined time after contact with the dosage form and the liquid medium, eg, after digestion by the patient. This is achieved by a dosage form that exhibits a profile. Following a delay period ("lag time"), the immediate release of the dosage form ("delayed burst") or the sustained (long-term, prolonged or suppressed) release of the active ingredient ("delayed then Persistent ") may occur. For example, US Pat. No. 5,464,633 discloses a delayed release dosage form in which an outer coating layer is applied by a compression coating method. To obtain a product with the desired time delay profile, the coating level was 105 percent to 140 percent of the core weight.

  One particularly desirable form of delayed release PK profile is, for example, a delay period (“lag time”) in which the first dose of the first drug is delivered and there is substantially no release of the first drug from the dosage form. The next dose is derived from a “pulsating” release profile in which the same dose of the same drug is released immediately or continuously. In a particularly desirable form of pulsatile drug delivery system, the first dose is released essentially immediately upon contact of the drug form with the liquid medium. In another particularly desirable form of pulsatile drug delivery system, the delay period approximately matches the time that the therapeutic concentration of the first dose is maintained in the blood. The pulsatile delivery system is particularly useful for applications where continuous release of the drug is not ideal. This example is a drug that exhibits first-pass metabolism by the liver, produces biotolerance, i.e. a drug whose therapeutic effect is diminished by the continuous presence of the drug at the site of action, efficacy is affected by circadian rhythm of physical function or disease It is a drug. One exemplary design of a pulsatile dosage form includes a first dose of drug within an outer coating or shell, with the next dose of drug being contained within a layer or central core located under the subcoating. ing. For example, WO 99/62496 discloses a dosage form having an immediate release dose of drug contained in an overcoat deposited on the surface of a semi-permeable membrane of the osmotic dosage form. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,857,330 and 4,801,461 disclose dosage forms having an external drug coating surrounding a semi-permeable wall, the semi-permeable wall being Enclosing an internal compartment containing a second dose of drug and having outlet means for coupling the interior of the dosage form to an external use environment. These dosage forms are designed to release the drug immediately from the outer coating, then to a relatively short delay period, and then to continuously release the drug from the inner compartment.

  For example, US Pat. No. 4,576,604 discloses an osmotic device (dosage form) having a drug compartment surrounded by a wall (coat) provided with a passage. The wall may contain an immediate release dose of drug and the internal drug compartment should contain a sustained release dose of drug. U.S. Pat. No. 4,449,983 discloses another osmotic device, which has two separately contained drugs dispensed separately by the device. . This device has two compartments, one for each drug separated by a divider. Each compartment has an orifice that communicates with the exterior of the instrument. U.S. Pat. No. 5,738,874 discloses a three-layer pharmaceutical compressed tablet in which one or more drugs can be liberated at different release rates, in which case an immediate release dose of the active ingredient Is contained in a compression coating layer, and in one embodiment, the outer compression coating layer may function via an erosion mechanism to delay the release of the second dose of active ingredient contained in the core. Such systems are limited by the amount of drug that can be incorporated into the outer coating or shell, and the amount of drug is limited by the achievable thickness of the outer coating or shell.

  Another design example of a pulsatile delivery system is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 4,865,849, which includes a first layer containing a portion of an active agent, a first layer, Having a water-soluble or water-gelling barrier layer located between one layer and a third layer containing the remainder of the active substance, the barrier layer and the third layer being insoluble Housed in a permeable casing. The casing may be applied by various methods, such as spraying, compression or dipping, or the tablet portion may be inserted into a pre-formed casing. Multi-layer compressed tablets in the form of stacked layers necessarily require an impermeable partial coating (casing) to provide a pulsatile release profile. These systems have the disadvantages of being complex and expensive to assemble many separate compartments of many different compositions.

  Dosage forms have been conventionally designed with multiple cores housed in a single shell for the purpose of making the mode of administration flexible. For example, International Publication No. WO 00/18447 describes a multiplex drug delivery system suitable for oral administration containing at least two separate drug dosage packages, when these packages are compared to each other. Also, when compared to the degradation profile of the entire multiplex drug delivery unit, it exhibits a uniform dissolution profile for the active agent, and the multiplex drug delivery unit separates the multiplex drug delivery system into individual drug dosage packages. It is substantially surrounded by a notched compression coating that allows In this example, the two immediate release compartments are surrounded by a knurled extended release compartment. The active ingredient may be placed only in the extended release compartment, or may further be placed in two immediate release compartments. The multiplex drug delivery system of this example is made by press coating the extended release compartment to substantially enclose the immediate release compartment.

  Improved dosage forms that allow controlled release of the active ingredient are described herein. This dosage form has at least two cores surrounded and separated by at least one active ingredient and a shell. The dosage form has at least one between the first release of the active ingredient contained in the first core and the first release of the active ingredient contained in the second core after contacting the dosage form with the liquid medium. Bring time delay.

  In one embodiment, the delay is obtained by breaking a portion of the shell in contact with the first core and then breaking the shell in contact with the second core, i.e., the first core. The part of the shell in contact with the second core is torn before the part of the shell in contact with the second core. In another embodiment, the thickness of at least a portion of the shell in contact with the first core is substantially less than the smallest thickness anywhere in the shell in contact with the second core. In another embodiment, the first core is surrounded by a first shell portion, the second core is surrounded by a second shell portion, and the first and second shell portions are compositionally related to each other. In contrast, the first and second cores are not in direct contact with each other.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is a dosage form having a first core containing a first active ingredient and a second core containing a second active ingredient, wherein the first and second cores are shells. And is separated from each other by the first release of the first active ingredient from the first core and the second active ingredient from the second core after contacting the dosage form and the liquid medium. A dosage form is provided characterized by providing a delay of at least 1 hour between initial releases.

  The present invention also includes a dosage form having at least one active ingredient, a first core and a second core, wherein the first and second cores are surrounded by a shell and separated from each other, the first Providing a dosage form characterized in that the thickness of at least a portion of the shell in contact with the core is substantially less than the smallest thickness anywhere in the shell in contact with the second core .

  The present invention is also a dosage form having at least one active ingredient, a first core and a second core, wherein the first core is surrounded by a first shell portion, and the second core is a first core. A dosage form characterized by being surrounded by two shell portions, wherein the first and second shell portions are compositionally different from each other, and the first and second cores are not in direct contact with each other. provide.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The term “dosage form” as used herein is any term designed to include a certain component, eg, a predetermined amount (dose) of an active ingredient as shown below. This applies to solid, semi-solid or liquid compositions. Suitable dosage forms include pharmaceutical administration systems including oral administration, buccal administration, rectal administration, topical administration, transdermal administration, mucosal administration or subcutaneous implantation, or another implantable pharmaceutical administration system, or It may be a composition for administering minerals, vitamins and other dietary supplements, dental care agents, flavorings and the like. The dosage form of the present invention is preferably considered solid, but may contain liquid or semi-solid components. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the dosage form is an oral administration system for administering a pharmaceutically active ingredient to a human gastrointestinal tract.

  Suitable active ingredients for use in the present invention include, for example, pharmaceuticals, minerals, vitamins and other dietary supplements, dental care agents, flavorings and mixtures thereof. Suitable drugs include analgesics, anti-inflammatory agents, anti-arthritic agents, anesthetics, antihistamines, antitussives, antibiotics, anti-infectives, antiviral agents, anticoagulants, antidepressants, antidiabetics, antiemetics, Intestinal regulating agent, antifungal agent, antispasmodic agent, appetite suppressant, bronchodilator, cardiovascular agent, central nervous system agent, central nervous system stimulant, decongestant, oral contraceptive, diuretic, expectorant, gastrointestinal, These include migraine drugs, motion sickness drugs, mucolytic agents, muscle relaxants, osteoporosis drugs, polydimethylsiloxane, respiratory drugs, hypnotic drugs, urological drugs and mixtures thereof.

  Suitable dental care agents include halitosis inhibitors, tooth whitening agents, antibacterial agents, tooth mineralizers, caries inhibitors, local anesthetics, mucosal protective agents and the like.

  Suitable flavoring agents include menthol, peppermint, mint flavor, fruit flavor, chocolate, vanilla, bubble gum flavor, coffee flavor, liqueur flavor and combinations.

  Examples of suitable gastrointestinal agents include antacids such as calcium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide, magnesium oxide, magnesium carbonate, aluminum hydroxide, sodium bicarbonate, dihydroxyaluminum sodium bicarbonate, and irritant laxatives such as bisacodyl and cascala. Sagrada, danslon, senna, phenolphthalein, aloe, castor oil, ricinoleic acid, dehydrocholic acid and mixtures thereof, H2 receptor antagonists such as famotadin, ranitidine, cimetadine, nizatidine ), As protopump inhibitors, for example omeprazole or lansoprazole, as gastrointestinal mucosa protective agents, for example, sucraflate and misoprostol, intestinal motility promoters For example, prucalopride, antibiotics for Helicobacter pylori, such as clarithromycin, amoxicillin, tetracycline and metronidazole, antidiarrheal agents such as difexilate and loperamide, glycopyrrolate, antiemetics For example, ondansetron and an analgesic include, for example, mesalamine.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the active agent is bisacodyl, famotazine, ranicidine, cimetidine, plucaropride, difexilate hydrochloride, loperamide, lactase, mesalamine, bismuth, antacids and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, isomers It may be selected from the group consisting of bodies and mixtures thereof.

  In another embodiment, the active agent is an analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, such as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) (such as a propionic acid derivative such as ibuprofen, naproxen, ketoprofen, etc., such as an acetic acid derivative such as Indomethacin, diclofenac, sulindac, tolmetin, etc., phenamic acid derivatives such as mefenamic acid, meclofenamic acid, flufenamic acid etc., biphenylcarboxylic acid derivatives such as diflunisal, flufenisal etc., and oxicam such as piroxicam ), Sudoxicam, isoxicam, meloxicam, etc.). In particularly preferred embodiments, the active agent is a propionic acid derivative NSAID such as ibuprofen, naproxen, flurbiprofen, fenbufen, fenoprofen, indoprofen, ketoprofen, fluprofen ( fluprofen), pirprofen, carprofen, oxaprozin, pranoprofen, suprofen and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, derivatives and combinations thereof. In another embodiment of the invention the active ingredient is acetaminophen, acetylsalicylic acid, ibuprofen, naproxen, ketoprofen, flurbiprofen, diclofenac, cyclobenzaprine, meloxicam, rofecoxib, celecoxib ) And pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, isomers and mixtures thereof.

  In another embodiment of the invention, the active ingredient is pseudoephedrine, phenylpropanolamine, chlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, diphenhydramine, astemizole, terfenadine, fexofenadine, loratadin, desloratadine (Desloratadine), doxilamine, norastemizole, cetirizine, mixtures thereof and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, isomers, and mixtures thereof. Good.

  Examples of suitable polydimethylsiloxanes are the polydimethylsiloxanes disclosed in US Pat. Nos. 4,906,478, 5,275,822 and 6,103,260. Such polydimethylsiloxanes include, but are not limited to, dimethicone and simethicone. The disclosures of each of these US patent specifications are incorporated by reference. As used herein, the term “simethicone” refers to a broader family with respect to polydimethylsiloxane, including but not limited to simethicone and dimethicone.

  One or more active ingredients are present in the dosage form in a therapeutically effective amount, which therapeutically effective amount produces a desired therapeutic response upon desired oral administration and is known to those skilled in the art. This is an amount that can be easily confirmed. In determining such amounts, the specific active ingredient should be administered and the bioavailability characteristics of the active ingredient, the mode of administration, the age and weight of the patient, and other factors should be considered, as is known in the art There is. Typically, a dosage form comprises, for example, at least 1 weight percent of a combination of one or more active ingredients, and a dosage form comprises at least 5 weight percent, eg, at least about 20 weight percent of a combination of one or more active ingredients. Including. In one embodiment, the core comprises a total of at least about 25 weight percent (based on the weight of the core) of one or more active ingredients.

  The active ingredient or ingredients may be present in the dosage form in any form. For example, the active ingredient can be dispersed at the molecular level in the dosage form, eg melted or dissolved, or can be in the form of particles, which can be coated or uncoated. Also good. When the active ingredient is in the form of particles, the particles (whether coated or not) typically have an average particle size of about 1 to 2,000 microns. In a preferred embodiment, such particles are crystals having an average particle size of about 1 to 300 microns. In another preferred embodiment, the particles are granules or pellets having an average particle size of about 50 to 2,000 microns, preferably about 50 to 1,000 microns, and most preferably about 100 to 800 microns. In certain embodiments where one or more active ingredients are in the form of particles, the active ingredient particles are contained within one or more cores of the dosage form.

  The core may be in any solid form. As used herein, the term “core” means a material that is at least partially surrounded or surrounded by another material. Preferably, the core is a self-contained unitary article, such as a tablet or capsule. Typically, the core consists of a solid, for example, the core is a composition based on compressed or molded tablets, hard or soft capsules, suppositories, or confectionery forms such as confectionery tablets, nougat, caramel, flux or fat. It is a thing. In certain other embodiments, the core or part thereof may be in semi-solid or liquid form in the final dosage form. For example, the core may consist of a liquid filled capsule or a semi-solid flux material. In embodiments where the core includes a flowable component, such as a plurality of granules or particles, or a liquid, the core preferably further includes an enclosing component, such as a capsule shell or coating, that contains the flowable material. In certain embodiments where the core has an enclosing component, the shell or shell portion of the present invention is in direct contact with the enclosing component of the core, which isolates the shell from the flowable component of the core.

  The dosage form has at least two cores, such as a first core and a second core. The dosage form may have 3 or more cores. The cores may be of the same or different composition and have the same or different active ingredients, excipients (inactive ingredients effective to give the desired physical properties to the dosage form), etc. Also good. One or more cores are substantially free of active ingredients. The core may include components that are incompatible with each other.

  Each core is completely enclosed or embedded within the shell. A portion of the shell (referred to herein as an “inner wall”) separates the first core and the second core from each other. The distance between the first core and the second core, i.e. the inner wall thickness, may vary depending on the desired release characteristics of the dosage form or the actual considerations associated with the manufacturing method. In certain embodiments, the distance between the first core and the second core in the dosage form, ie, the inner wall thickness, is about 10% to about 200% of the core thickness. Is good.

  Each core may be one of a wide variety of shapes. Each core may be the same as or different from the other cores. For example, the first core and the second core may have different diameters or thicknesses. For example, the core may be shaped as a polyhedron, such as a cube, pyramid, prism, or the like, or a spatial geometry with several uneven faces, eg, a cone, a truncated cone, a cylinder , Sphere, torus, etc. may be used. In certain embodiments, the core has one or more primary faces. For example, in embodiments where the core is a compressed tablet, the core surface typically has two opposing major faces formed by contact with the upper and lower punched faces in the compressor. In such embodiments, the core surface typically further comprises a “berry band” located between the two major faces and formed by contact with the die wall in the compressor. The core may also consist of a multi-layered tablet that can be made by compression or molding, for example two or three layers.

In one embodiment, the core is a compressed tablet having a hardness of about 2 to about 30 kp / cm ² , such as about 6 to about 25 kp / cm ² . “Hardness” is used in the art to describe the diametrical fracture strength of a core or coated solid dosage form as measured by a conventional pharmaceutical hardness tester, eg, a Schleuniger Hardness Tester. It is a term that is used. In order to compare values between tablets of different sizes, it is necessary to normalize the fracture strength with respect to the fracture area. This normalized value expressed in kp / cm ² is sometimes referred to as tablet tensile strength. For a general description of tablet hardness testing, see Leiberman et al., “Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms-Tablets”, Volume 2, Second Edition, Marcel. Decker Incorporated (Marcel Dekker Inc.), 1999, p. 213-217, 327-329. In another embodiment, all of the cores in the dosage form consist of compressed tablets with a hardness of about 2 to about 30 kp / cm ² , such as about 6 to about 25 kp / cm ² .

  The first core and the second core may be directed side by side. For example, in the case of a core that is a compressed tablet, these belly bands are adjacent to and in contact with the inner wall. Alternatively, the core may be directed up and down so that these upper or lower faces are adjacent to and in contact with the inner wall.

  The thickness of the shell can vary between various locations around the dosage form. In one embodiment, the thickness of at least a portion of the shell in contact with the first (closer or closer) core is the thickness of the shell at any location in contact with the second core. Substantially less than a small thickness. In embodiments where the cores are of different dimensions, the resulting shell is less thick around one core than the thickness around the other core. In embodiments where the shape of the shell surface surrounding one or more cores is of a different shape, the shell thickness around some parts of the core is the shell around certain other parts. It will be different from the thickness. In embodiments where the shell consists of two or more parts, the shell parts may be of different thicknesses at corresponding locations. In embodiments where the core is positioned asymmetrically within the dosage form, the shell thickness will vary accordingly. This can be used to adjust the relative release onset or rate of active ingredients from the two cores. For example, the active ingredient contained in the smaller core is released after the release of the active ingredient from the larger core begins due to the relative thinness of the shell around the larger core. The In another example, the active ingredient contained in the first elongate core is less active from the second more symmetric core due to the relative thinness of the shell near the elongate portion of the first core. It begins to be released earlier than the ingredients. As used herein, “nearly located core” means the core located near the thinnest portion of the shell or the portion of the shell that is designed to break first upon contact with the dosage form and the liquid medium. Yes.

Examples of core shapes that can be adopted include the “The Elizabeth Companies Tablet Design Training Manual” as described below.
Tablet Design Training Manual) (Elizabeth Carbide Die Co., Inc.), p.7 (located in McKeesport, PA). (The tablet shape is the reverse of the shape of the compression tooling.) The contents of such non-patent literature are cited here as forming part of this specification. .
1. Shallow dent.
2. Standard dent.
3. Deep dent.
4). Extremely deep dent.
5. Modified ball dent.
6). Standard dent bisecting.
7). Standard dent double bisecting.
8). Standard dent European bisect.
9. Standard dent part bisecting.
10.2 double radius (radius).
11. Bevel and dent.
12 Flat plane.
13. Sloped edge with flat face (FFBE).
14 FFBE bisecto.
15. FFBE double bisecting.
16. ring.
17. dimple.
18. ellipse.
19. Oval shape.
20. Capsule shape.
21. Rectangle.
22. square.
23. triangle.
24. Hexagon.
25. pentagon.
26. Octagon.
27. Rhombus.
28. Arrow shape.
29. Bullet shape.
30. Shallow dent.
31. Standard dent.
32. Deep dent.
33. Extremely deep dent.
34. Modified ball dent.
35. Standard dent bisecting.
36. Standard dent double bisecting.
37. Standard dent European bisect.
38. Standard dent part bisecting.
39.2 double radius (radius).
40. Bevel and dent.
41. Flat plane.
42. Sloped edge with flat face (FFBE).
43. FFBE bisecto.
44. FFBE double bisecting.
45. ring.
46. dimple.
47. ellipse.
48. Oval shape.
49. Capsule shape.
50. Rectangle.
51. square.
52. triangle.
53. Hexagon.
54. pentagon.
55. Octagon.
56. Rhombus.
57. Arrow shape.
58. Bullet shape.
59. Barrel shape.
60. Half moon shape.
61. shield.
62. Heart shape.
63. Almond shape.
64. House / home plate.
65. parallelogram.
66. Trapezoid.
67.8 characters / barbell shape.
68. Bow tie shape.
69. Unequal triangle.

  The core can be made by any suitable method including, for example, compression or molding, and depending on how the core is made, the core typically includes the active ingredient and various excipients. The core can be made in the same or different ways. For example, the first core can be produced by compression, the second core can be produced by molding, or both cores can be produced by compression.

  In embodiments where one or more cores or core parts are made by compression, suitable excipients include fillers, binders, tablet disintegrants, lubricants, glidants, as is known in the art. (Glidant) etc. are mentioned. In embodiments where the core is made by compression and results in controlled release of the active ingredient contained therein, the core preferably further comprises a compressible excipient that moderates release.

  Suitable fillers used for producing the core or core part by compression include, for example, sugar (including dextrose, sucrose (sucrose), maltose and lactose), polydextrose, sugar alcohol (mannitol, sorbitol). Water soluble compressible hydrocarbons such as microcrystalline cellulose or other cellulose derivatives such as maltitol, xylitol, erythritol, starch hydrolysates (including dextrin and maltodextrin), etc. Such water-insoluble plastic defoaming materials, such as brittle fracture materials insoluble in water such as dicalcium phosphate, tricalcium phosphate, and the like, and mixtures thereof.

  Suitable binders used in making the core or core part by compression include, for example, dry binders such as polyvinylpyrrolidone, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, etc., such as acacia, alginic acid, agar, guar gum, Carob, carrageenan, carboxymethylcellulose, tara, gum arabic, tragacanth, pectin, xanthan, gellan, gelatin, maltodextrin, galactomannan, pusslan, laminarin, scleroglucan , Inulin, pectin, welan, rhamsan, zooglan, methylan, chitin, cyclodextrin, chitosan, polyvinylpyrrolidone, cellulose derivatives, sucrose Liquid binder such as water-soluble polymers containing hydrophilic colloid such as starch (starch), derivatives and mixtures thereof.

  Suitable tablet disintegrating substances used in preparing the core or core portion by compression include starch glycolate sodium, crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone, crosslinked carboxymethylcellulose, starch, microcrystalline cellulose and the like.

  Suitable lubricants used in making the core or core portion by compression include long chain fatty acids and their salts such as magnesium stearate and stearic acid, talc and wax.

  Suitable glidants used in making the core by compression include colloidal silicon dioxide and the like.

  Release moderately compressible excipients suitable for making cores or core parts by compression include swellable and erodible hydrophilic substances, insoluble and edible substances, pH dependent polymers and the like.

  Suitable swellable and erodible hydrophilic substances used as release modifiers for making cores or core parts by compression include water-swellable cellulose derivatives, polyalkane glycols, thermoplastic polyalkalene oxides , Acrylic polymers, hydrocolloids, clays, gelled starches, swellable crosslinked polymers, and derivatives, copolymers and combinations thereof. Examples of suitable water-swellable cellulose derivatives include sodium carboxymethylcellulose, crosslinked hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC), hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), hydroxyisopropylcellulose, hydroxybutylcellulose, hydroxyphenylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose ( HEC), hydroxypentylcellulose, hydroxypropylethylcellulose, hydroxypropylbutylcellulose, hydroxypropylethylcellulose and the like. An example of a suitable polyalkalene glycol is polyethylene glycol. An example of a suitable thermoplastic polyalkalene oxide is poly (ethylene oxide). Examples of suitable acrylic polymers include potassium methacrylate divinylbenzene copolymer, polymethyl methacrylate, CARBOPOL (high molecular weight crosslinked acrylic acid homopolymers and copolymers), and the like. Examples of suitable hydrocolloids include alginic acid, agar, guar gum, locust bean gum, kappa carrageenan, iota carrageenan, cod, gum arabic, tragacanth, pectin, xanthan gum, gellan gum, maltodextrin, galactomannan, pstran, laminarin, scleroglucan Arabic gum, inulin, pectin, gelatin, welan, ramsan, zoolan, methylan, chitin, cyclodextrin, chitosan and the like. Examples of suitable clays include smectites such as bentonite, kaolin, laponite, magnesium trisilicate, magnesium aluminum silicate, and the like and derivatives and mixtures thereof. Examples of suitable gelling starches include acid hydrolyzed starches, swellable starches such as sodium glycolate starch and its derivatives. Examples of suitable swellable crosslinked polymers include crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone, crosslinked agar, and crosslinked sodium carboxymethylcellulose.

  Insoluble edible materials suitable for use as a release modifier for making a core or core portion by compression include water-insoluble polymers, low melting point hydrophobic materials. Examples of suitable water-insoluble polymers include ethyl cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, polycaprolactone, cellulose acetate and derivatives thereof, acrylates, methacrylates, acrylic acid copolymers and the like, and derivatives, copolymers and combinations thereof. Suitable low melting point hydrophobic materials include fats, fatty acid esters, phospholipids (phospholipids) and waxes. Examples of suitable fats include hydrogenated vegetable oils such as cocoa butter, hydrogenated palm kernel oil, hydrogenated cottonseed oil, hydrogenated sunflower oil, hydrogenated soybean oil, free fatty acids and salts thereof. Examples of suitable fatty acid esters include sucrose fatty acid esters, monoglycerides, diglycerides, triglycerides, glyceryl behenate, glyceryl palmitostearate, glyceryl monostearate, glyceryl tristearate, glyceryl trilaurate, glyceryl myristate, Glyco Wax -932, lauroyl macrogol-32 glyceride, and stearoyl macrogol-32 glyceride. Examples of suitable phospholipids include phosphotidyl choline, phosphotidyl selenium, phosphotidyl enositol and phosphotidine acid. Examples of suitable waxes include carnauba wax, spermaceti, beeswax, candelilla wax, shellac wax, microcrystalline wax and paraffin wax, fat-containing mixtures such as chocolate and the like.

  Suitable pH-dependent polymers used as release modifiers for making cores or core parts by compression include enteric cellulose derivatives such as hydroxypropylmethylcellulose phthalate, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose acetate succinate, cellulose acetate phthalate Natural resins such as shellac and zein, intestinal acetate derivatives such as polyvinyl acetate phthalate, cellulose acetate phthalate, acetaldehyde dimethylcellulose acetate, intestinal acrylate derivatives such as polymers based on polymethacrylates such as Rohm Pharma Gesellshaft Poly (methacrylic acid, methyl methacrylate) sold under the trade name EUDRAGIT S from Mitt Beschlenktel Huffung G) 1: 2, poly (methacrylic acid, methyl methacrylate) 1: 1, etc., commercially available under the trade name EUDRAGIT L from Rohm Pharma, Gesellshaft Mitt, Beschlenktel Huffung, and their derivatives, salts, copolymers and combinations Is mentioned.

  Pharmaceutically acceptable adjuvants suitable for preparing the core or core part by compression include preservatives, sweet sweeteners such as aspartame, acesulfame potassium, sucralose, saccharin. , Flavors, colorants, antioxidants, surfactants, wetting agents, and the like, and mixtures thereof.

  In embodiments where one or more cores are produced by compression, drive lending (ie, direct compression) or wet granulation may be employed as is known in the art. In the drive lending (direct compression) method, one or more active ingredients are blended in a suitable blending machine rather than directly transferred to a compressor that pressurizes them into a tablet. In the wet granulation method, a solution or dispersion of one or more active ingredients, a suitable excipient and a liquid binder (for example, an aqueous cooked starch paste or a solution of polyvinyl pyrrolidone) is mixed. Grain. As a variant, a liquid binder may be included in the excipient and the mixture may be granulated with water or other suitable solvent. Equipment suitable for wet granulation is known in the art and includes such fluid beds as low shear, including planetary mixers, high shear mixers and rotating fluid beds. The resulting granulate is dried and optionally dry blended with other ingredients such as adjuvants and / or excipients such as lubricants, colorants and the like. In this case, the final dry blend is suitable for compression. Direct compression and wet granulation methods are known in the art, details of which are described in, for example, Lachman et al., “The Theory and Practice Pharmacy” of Industrial Pharmacy) ”, Chapter 11 (3rd edition, 1986).

  Dry blended or wet granulated powder mixtures are typically rotary compressors known in the art, such as Fette America, Inc., Rockaway, NJ, or Manesti Machines, Liverpool, UK. It is pressed into a tablet using a rotary compressor commercially available from LTD. In a rotary compressor, a weighed volume of powder is filled into a die cavity, and the die cavity is rotated from the filling position to the compaction position as part of the “die table”, at which the powder is It is pressed between the punch and the lower punch and sent to the protruding position, where the resulting tablet is pushed out of the die cavity by the lower punch and guided to the protruding chute by the fixed “take-off” bar.

  In one embodiment, at least one core may be made by the compression method and apparatus described on pages 16-27 of co-pending US patent application Ser. No. 09 / 966,509, such US patent. The disclosure of the application specification is hereby incorporated by reference. Specifically, the core comprises a filling zone, insert, provided in a single device of a double row die structure as shown in FIG. 6 of US patent application Ser. No. 09 / 966,509. It is made using a rotary compression module consisting of a zone, a compression zone, an ejection zone and a purge zone. The dies of the compression module are preferably filled with the aid of a vacuum with the filter located in or near each die.

  The core made by the compression method may be single layer or multilayer, for example, double layer, tablet.

  A shell surrounds the core. The shell is continuous and completely surrounds the core. The shell may be a single, integral coating or may consist of multiple parts, such as a first shell part and a second shell part. In certain embodiments, the shell or shell portion is in direct contact with the core or core portion. In certain other embodiments, the shell or shell portion is in direct contact with a sub-coating or surrounding component that substantially surrounds the core or core portion. In embodiments using multiple shell portions, the shell portions may be of the same or different composition and shape.

  In one embodiment, the shell is such that its first portion in contact with the first core is torn prior to its second portion in contact with the second core. For example, the first shell portion may be broken before the second shell portion. In certain embodiments, the dosage form has a first shell portion and a second shell portion that are compositionally different from each other. As used herein, the term “compositionally different” means having a characteristic that can be easily identified by qualitative or quantitative chemical analysis, physical inspection, or visual observation. For example, the first shell portion and the second shell portion may include different types of components or different levels of the same component, or the first shell portion and the second shell portion may be different from each other. It should have different physical or chemical properties, different functional properties, or be visually distinguishable. Examples of physical or chemical properties that may be different from each other include hydrophilicity, hydrophobicity, hygroscopicity, elasticity, plasticity, tensile strength, crystallinity and density. Examples of functional properties that may differ from each other include the dissolution rate and / or solubility of the material itself or the dissolution rate and / or solubility of the active ingredient from such material, the degradation rate of the material, and the permeability to the active ingredient And permeability to water or an aqueous medium. Examples of visual distinction include size, shape, topography or other geometric features, color, tint, opacity and gloss.

  In one embodiment, the first core is surrounded by a first shell portion and the second core is surrounded by a second shell portion. For example, in one particular such embodiment, the first and second cores may contain the same amount of the same active ingredient and are essentially identical in size and composition to each other. In contrast, the first and second shell portions may have different dissolution characteristics and provide different release profiles to the portions of the active ingredient contained within the first and second cores. .

  In another embodiment, the first core and the second core are oriented side by side, for example, as two compressed tablets with the belly band adjacent to and in contact with the inner wall. The upper faces of both cores may be in contact with the first shell portion and the lower faces of both cores may be in contact with the second shell portion. In certain other embodiments, the first and second cores are compressed or molded tablets that are oriented one above the other so that the upper face or the lower face is adjacent to and in contact with the inner wall, The core may be completely surrounded by the first shell portion and the other core may be completely surrounded by the second shell portion.

  In one embodiment, the surface of the first or second core is substantially entirely covered with a subcoating. In this embodiment, the shell consisting of the first and second shell portions is in direct contact with the surface of the subcoating. As used herein, the term “substantially entirely covering” means that at least about 95 percent of the surface area of the core is covered by the subcoating.

  The use of subcoating is well known in the art and is disclosed, for example, in US Pat. No. 3,185,626, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. Any composition suitable for film coating tablets can be used as the subcoating of the present invention. Examples of suitable subcoatings are U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,683,256, 4,543,370, 4,643,894, 4,828,841, Nos. 4,725,441, 4,802,924, 5,630,871 and 6,274,162, which are disclosed in U.S. Pat. The entire disclosure of is cited by reference. Additional suitable subcoatings include the following ingredients: cellulose ethers such as hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose and hydroxyethylcellulose, polycarbonates such as xanthan gum, starch and maltodextrins, plasticizers such as glycerin , Polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, dibutyl sebacate, triethyl citrate, vegetable oils such as castor oil, surfactants such as polysorbate-80, sodium laurel sulfate, dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate, polycarbohydrate, pigments and opacifiers including.

  In one embodiment, the subcoating is about 2% to about 8%, for example about 4 based on the total weight of the subcoating, as disclosed in detail in US Pat. No. 5,658,589. % To about 6% water-soluble cellulose ether and about 0.1% to about 1% castor oil. The disclosure of this US patent is hereby incorporated by reference. In another embodiment, the subcoating is about 20% to about 50%, such as about 25% to about 40% HPMC, about 45% to about 75%, such as about 50%, based on the total weight of the subcoating. About 70% maltodextrin and about 1% to about 10%, such as about 5% to about 10% PEG400.

  In embodiments in which a subcoating is used, the dry subcoating is typically present in an amount of about 0 percent to about 5 percent, based on the dry weight of the core.

  In another embodiment, one or more cores, eg, all cores, are substantially free of sub-coating and the shell or shell portion is in direct contact with the core surface.

  FIG. 1 shows the dosage form of the present invention. The dosage form has two cores 1, 2 surrounded and separated by a continuous shell 3. The shell has an asymmetric shape, so the thickness of the shell near the second core is greater than the thickness of the shell near the first core. Thus, when in contact with the liquid medium, the portion of the shell near the first core 1 will break before the portion of the shell near the second core 2.

  FIG. 2 shows another dosage form of the present invention. The dosage form has two cores 1, 2 surrounded and separated by a continuous shell 3. The shell 2 has a symmetrical shape, but the first core 1 has a shape different from that of the second core 2. As a result, the thickness of the shell 3 near the second core 2 is again greater than the thickness of the shell near the first core 1. Thus, on contact with the liquid medium, the portion of the shell near the first core 2 will break before the portion of the shell near the second core 2.

  FIG. 3 shows another dosage form of the present invention. The dosage form has two cores 1, 2 surrounded and separated by a shell consisting of a first shell portion 3a and a second shell portion 3b. The first shell portion 3 a surrounds the first core 1. The second shell portion 3 b surrounds the second core 2. The first core 1 is compositionally different from the second core 2. The first shell portion 1 and the second shell portion 2 may be compositionally identical and break at approximately the same time. However, due to the difference in composition between the first core 1 and the second core 2, the first core 1 and the second core 2 exhibit different release rates.

  FIG. 4 shows another dosage form of the present invention. The dosage form has two cores 1, 2 surrounded and separated by a shell consisting of a first shell portion 3a and a second shell portion 3b. The first shell portion 3 a surrounds the first core 1. The second shell portion 3 b surrounds the second core 2. The first core 1 and the second core 2 are compositionally identical. However, the first shell portion 1 and the second shell portion 2 are compositionally different from each other. Thus, upon contact between the dosage form and the liquid medium, the first shell portion 3a will break prior to the second shell portion 3b.

  The dosage form of the present invention allows for immediate release of one or more active ingredients contained therein. One or more active ingredients may be found in one or more cores, shells, or portions thereof, or combinations thereof. Preferably, one or more active ingredients are in one or more cores. More preferably, at least one active ingredient is contained in each of the first and second cores.

  Controlled release of at least one active ingredient in the dosage form is obtained by the shell or part thereof. As used herein, the term “controlled release” refers to activity from a dosage form or part thereof other than the immediate release aspect, ie, not immediately upon contact of the liquid medium with the dosage form or part thereof. Means the release of ingredients. As is known in the art, moderated release types include delayed or controlled release. Controlled release types include sustained, prolonged, and controlled release over time. Examples of the controlled release profile having delayed release characteristics include pulsation and repeated operation. Also, as is known in the art, suitable mechanisms for achieving controlled release of active ingredients include diffusion, erosion, geometry and / or surface area control by impermeable barriers, and others. The well-known mechanism is mentioned.

  In a preferred embodiment, at least one active ingredient is released from the first (near) core in an immediate release manner. The term “immediate release” means that the dissolution characteristics of the active ingredient satisfy the USP specification for an immediate release tablet containing the active ingredient. For example, in the case of acetaminophen tablets, according to USP24 regulations, at pH 5.8 phosphate buffer, at least 80% of acetaminophen contained in the dosage form using USP device 2 (paddle) at 50 rpm. In the case of ibuprofen tablets, according to USP24 regulations, a phosphate buffer of pH 7.2 is included in the dosage form using USP device 2 (paddle) at 50 rpm. At least 80% of the ibuprofen being released is released within 60 minutes after administration. See USP24 2000 version 19-20 and page 856 (1999) for this.

  The composition of the shell can serve to moderate the release of the active ingredient contained in the underlying core through the shell. In one embodiment, the shell can serve to delay the release of the active ingredient from the underlying core. In another embodiment, the shell serves to sustain, prolong, inhibit or extend the release of at least one active ingredient from the second (far located or far away) core. be able to. As used herein, a “distantly located” core is a core that is located furthest away from the thinnest part of the shell.

  In one embodiment, the shell comprises a moldable excipient that moderates release, examples of such release adjustable moldable shapes include swellable, erodible hydrophilic materials, pH dependent polymers, pore formation. Examples include, but are not limited to, agents and insoluble edible substances.

  In one embodiment, the release modifiable moldable excipient is selected from the group consisting of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, polyethylene oxide, B-type ammonio methacrylate copolymer, shellac, and combinations thereof.

  Suitable swellable and erodible hydrophilic substances used as release-and-adjustable moldables for making cores or core parts by compression include water-swellable cellulose derivatives, polyalkane glycols, thermoplastic polyals. Examples include calene oxide, acrylic polymers, hydrocolloids, clays, gelled starches, swellable crosslinked polymers, and derivatives, copolymers and combinations thereof. Examples of suitable water-swellable cellulose derivatives include sodium carboxymethylcellulose, crosslinked hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC), hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), hydroxyisopropylcellulose, hydroxybutylcellulose, hydroxyphenylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose ( HEC), hydroxypentylcellulose, hydroxypropylethylcellulose, hydroxypropylbutylcellulose, hydroxypropylethylcellulose and the like. An example of a suitable polyalkalene glycol is polyethylene glycol. An example of a suitable thermoplastic polyalkalene oxide is poly (ethylene oxide). Examples of suitable acrylic polymers include potassium methacrylate divinylbenzene copolymer, polymethyl methacrylate, CARBOPOL (high molecular weight crosslinked acrylic acid homopolymers and copolymers), and the like. Examples of suitable hydrocolloids include alginic acid, agar, guar gum, locust bean gum, kappa carrageenan, iota carrageenan, cod, gum arabic, tragacanth, pectin, xanthan gum, gellan gum, maltodextrin, galactomannan, pstran, laminarin, scleroglucan Arabic gum, inulin, pectin, gelatin, welan, ramsan, zoolan, methylan, chitin, cyclodextrin, chitosan and the like. Examples of suitable clays include smectites such as bentonite, kaolin, laponite, magnesium trisilicate, magnesium aluminum silicate, and the like and derivatives and mixtures thereof. Examples of suitable gelling starches include acid hydrolyzed starches, swellable starches such as sodium glycolate starch and its derivatives. Examples of suitable swellable crosslinked polymers include crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone, crosslinked agar, and crosslinked sodium carboxymethylcellulose.

  Suitable pH-dependent polymers used as release-modifiable shapers for making cores or core parts by compression include enteric cellulose derivatives such as hydroxypropylmethylcellulose phthalate, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose acetate succinate, cellulose Acetate phthalates, natural resins such as shellac and zein, intestinal acetate derivatives such as polyvinyl acetate phthalate, cellulose acetate phthalate, acetaldehyde dimethyl cellulose acetate, intestinal acrylate derivatives such as polymers based on polymethacrylates such as Rohm Pharma Poly (methacrylic acid, methylmeta) available under the trade name EUDRAGIT S from Gezelshaft Mitt Beschlenktel Huffung Krylate) 1: 2, poly (methacrylic acid, methyl methacrylate) 1: 1, etc., commercially available under the trade name EUDRAGIT L from Rohm Pharma Gesellshaft Mitt Beschlenktel Huffung, and their derivatives, salts, copolymers and combinations Is mentioned.

  Insoluble edible materials suitable for use as a release subtractable shapeable agent for making a core or core portion by compression include water insoluble polymers, low melting point hydrophobic materials. Examples of suitable water-insoluble polymers include ethyl cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, polycaprolactone, cellulose acetate and derivatives thereof, acrylates, methacrylates, acrylic acid copolymers and the like, and derivatives, copolymers and combinations thereof. Suitable low melting point hydrophobic materials include fats, fatty acid esters, phospholipids (phospholipids) and waxes. Examples of suitable fats include hydrogenated vegetable oils such as cocoa butter, hydrogenated palm kernel oil, hydrogenated cottonseed oil, hydrogenated sunflower oil, hydrogenated soybean oil, free fatty acids and salts thereof. Examples of suitable fatty acid esters include sucrose fatty acid esters, monoglycerides, diglycerides, triglycerides, glyceryl behenate, glyceryl palmitostearate, glyceryl monostearate, glyceryl tristearate, glyceryl trilaurate, glyceryl myristate, Glyco Wax -932, lauroyl macrogol-32 glyceride, and stearoyl macrogol-32 glyceride. Examples of suitable phospholipids include phosphotidyl choline, phosphotidyl selenium, phosphotidyl enositol and phosphotidine acid. Examples of suitable waxes include carnauba wax, spermaceti, beeswax, candelilla wax, shellac wax, microcrystalline wax and paraffin wax, fat-containing mixtures such as chocolate and the like.

  Suitable pore formers that can be used as moldable excipients to moderate release include water soluble organic and inorganic materials. In one embodiment, the pore former is hydroxypropyl methylcellulose. Examples of suitable water-soluble organic materials include water-soluble cellulose derivatives such as water-soluble polymers including hydroxypropylmethylcellulose and hydroxypropylcellulose, water-soluble carbohydrates such as sugars and starches, water-soluble polymers such as polyvinylpyrrolidone and polyethylene glycol, Insoluble and swellable polymers such as microcrystalline cellulose. Examples of suitable water soluble inorganic materials include salts such as sodium chloride, potassium chloride, etc. and / or mixtures thereof.

  In another embodiment, the dosage form is substantially free of charge control agent (ie, less than 1 wt%, preferably about 0.1 wt% or less, based on the shell weight). As used herein, the term “charge control agent” means a material having a charge control function, for example, a material used for electrostatic coating of a coating on a substrate. Examples of such charge control agents include metal salicylates such as zinc salicylate, magnesium salicylate and calcium salicylate, quaternary ammonium salts, benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride, trimethyltetradecylammonium bromide (cetrimide) and cyclodextrins and their addition Including things.

  Thus, in certain embodiments, the dosage form has at least two cores with the same or different active ingredients surrounded by a shell with a moldable excipient that optionally modifies the release. Upon contact of the dosage form with a suitable liquid medium, such as an in vitro dissolution medium or gastrointestinal fluid, the liquid medium contacts the first core via the opening, and the active ingredient contained within the first core is , Released immediately from the dosage form, preferably immediately. However, the liquid medium may be the first active ingredient contained in the second core due to the shape or composition of the shell or shell portion, the shape or composition of the first and second cores, or a combination thereof. Cannot touch. Thus, the active ingredient is released from the dosage form in a controlled manner.

  For example, in the first preferred embodiment described in the previous paragraph, a time lag or laglime precedes the release of the active ingredient contained in the second core. Particularly useful lag times include lag times of at least about 1 hour, such as at least about 4 hours, such as at least about 6 hours. In one such embodiment, the active ingredient contained within the second core may be released immediately or substantially immediately after the lag time as a delayed burst. In certain such embodiments where separate doses of the same active ingredient are contained within the first and second cores, it can be said that that particular active ingredient is released from the dosage form in a pulsatile manner. In another such embodiment, the active ingredient contained within the second core may be controlled, sustained, released over a prolonged period or in an extended manner following the lag time.

  For example, in the second preferred embodiment described in the previous paragraph, the one or more active ingredients placed in the second core are substantially in contact with the dosage form and liquid medium without substantial preceding lag time. First controlled, sustained and released in a prolonged or extended manner, for example, the release of at least one active ingredient is within 30 minutes of contact between the dosage form and the liquid medium, for example 15 minutes Within 10 minutes, for example.

  In certain embodiments, the shell itself, eg, a portion thereof or an outer coating applied thereto, may also include an active ingredient. In one embodiment, such active ingredients will be released immediately from the dosage form upon digestion or upon contact of the dosage form with the liquid medium. In another embodiment, such active ingredients will be controlled, sustained, and released in a prolonged or extended manner upon digestion or upon contact of the dosage form with the liquid medium.

  In certain optional embodiments of the present invention, the core, shell, any portion thereof, or both are made by molding. Specifically, the core, shell, or both can be made by a molding method using a solvent or a molding method without using a solvent. In such embodiments, the core or shell is made of a flowable material that optionally includes an active ingredient. The flowable material may be any edible material that is flowable at a temperature of about 37 ° C. to about 250 ° C. and capable of forming a solid, semi-solid, or gel at a temperature of about −10 ° C. to about 35 ° C. The flowable material, when in a fluid or fluid state, may include a decomposed, dispersed or molten component and optionally a solvent, such as water, an organic solvent, or combinations thereof. The solvent should be one that can be partially or substantially removed by drying.

  In one embodiment, a solvent-based or solvent-free molding process is thermoset molding using the method and apparatus described on pages 57-63 of co-pending US patent application Ser. No. 09 / 966,450. The disclosures of such US patent application specifications are hereby incorporated by reference. In this embodiment, the core or shell is formed by injecting a flowable form into the molding chamber. The flowable material preferably comprises a thermosetting material at a temperature above its melting point but below the decomposition temperature of the active ingredient contained therein. The starting material is cooled and solidified in a molding chamber into a shaped form (ie, having a mold shape).

  According to this method, the flowable material may have solid particles suspended in a molten matrix, such as a polymer matrix. The flowable material may be in a completely molten or paste state. The flowable material may consist of solid particles dispersed in a fluid carrier. Alternatively, the flowable material may be made by dissolving a solid in a solvent and then evaporating the solvent after the molding step in a molding process that utilizes a solvent.

  In another embodiment, molding with or without solvent is performed using a method and apparatus described on pages 27-51 of pending US patent application Ser. No. 09 / 966,497. It is performed by a cycle molding method. The disclosure of such US patent application is incorporated by reference. Thermal cycle molding is performed by injecting a flowable material into a heated molding chamber. The flowable material includes the active ingredient and the thermosetting material at a temperature higher than its melting point but lower than the decomposition temperature of the active ingredient. The flowable material is cooled and solidified in the molding chamber to form a shape (ie, having a mold shape).

  In the thermal cycle molding method and apparatus of US patent application Ser. No. 09 / 966,497, a thermal cycle molding module having the overall shape shown in FIG. 3 is used. The thermal cycle molding module 200 has a rotor 202 around which a plurality of mold units 204 are arranged. The thermal cycle molding module has a reservoir 206 (see FIG. 4) that holds a flowable material. In addition, the thermal cycle molding module includes a temperature control system that quickly heats and cools the mold unit. 55 and 56 show a temperature control system 600. FIG.

  The mold unit has a central mold assembly 212, an upper mold assembly 214, and a lower mold assembly 210, as shown in FIGS. For example, a mold cavity having the shape of a core or a shell surrounding one or more cores is formed. When the rotor 202 rotates, the opposed center mold assembly and upper mold assembly or the opposed center mold assembly and lower mold assembly are closed. The flowable material heated to flow in the reservoir 206 is injected into the resulting mold cavity. Next, the flowable material is cured by reducing the temperature of the flowable material. The mold assembly opens and ejects the final product.

  In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the shell is applied to the dosage form using a general type thermal cycle molding apparatus as shown in FIGS. 28A-28C of co-pending US patent application Ser. No. 09 / 966,497. The thermal cycle molding apparatus includes a rotatable central mold assembly 212, a lower mold assembly 210, and an upper mold assembly 214. The core is continuously supplied to the mold assembly. The shell flowable material heated to flow in the reservoir 206 is injected into a mold cavity formed by a closed mold assembly holding the core. Next, the temperature of the shell flowable material is decreased and allowed to cure around the core. The mold assembly opens and ejects the final dosage form. The shell coating is performed in two stages and each half of the dosage form is coated separately by rotation of the central mold assembly as shown in the flow diagram of FIG. 28B of co-pending US patent application Ser. No. 09 / 966,939. To do.

  In particular, the mold assembly to which the shell is applied comprises two or more cavities that accommodate the desired number of cores in the dosage form. The cavities are preferably separated from each other by walls made of rubber or metal, and the overall shape of the cavities may or may not match the shape of the core.

  In one embodiment, the core is manufactured using the compression module described on pages 16-27 of co-pending US patent application Ser. No. 09 / 966,509, and the thermal cycle molding module as described above is used. And attach the shell to the core. The core may be transferred from the compression module to the thermal cycle molding module using a transfer device such as described in US patent application Ser. No. 09 / 966,414, pages 51-57, such US patent. The disclosure of the application specification is hereby incorporated by reference. Such a transfer device may have the structure shown at 300 in FIG. 3 of co-pending US patent application Ser. No. 09 / 966,939. This transfer device has a plurality of transfer units 304 that are cantilevered to a belt 312 as shown in FIGS. 68 and 69 of co-pending US patent application Ser. No. 09 / 966,939. The transfer device rotates and operates in synchronism with the compression module and the thermal cycle molding module to which it is coupled. The transfer unit 304 has a retainer 330 that holds the core as it moves around the transfer device. In one embodiment, each transfer unit has one core from the inner row die and one from the outer row die of the co-pending US patent application Ser. No. 09 / 966,509. Hold the core.

  Each transfer unit has a number of retainers that hold a number of cores side by side. In one embodiment, the distance between the retainers in each transfer unit is adjusted via a cam track / cam follower mechanism as the transfer unit moves around the transfer device. Upon reaching the thermocycle molding module, the cores grouped together so that they can be placed in a single dosage form held in a single transfer unit are properly spaced from each other and fed into the mold assembly at any time It is possible. In the first embodiment, the core may or may not be of the same composition as desired. The core may consist of a single layer or may consist of multiple layers.

  Alternatively, if a core of the same composition is used for the dosage form, the compression module may comprise a multichip compression tool. For example, using a 4-chip tool, four cores can be formed in one die. The core may constitute a single layer of the multilayer.

  Suitable thermoplastic materials used in or as the flowable material are generally water-soluble polymers that are linear, not cross-linked, and not strongly hydrogen bonded to adjacent polymer chains. Both water insoluble polymers are mentioned. The thermoplastic material may be a single material or a mixture of such a material and a solvent or plasticizer. Examples of suitable thermoplastic materials include thermoplastic vinyl polymers, thermoplastic starches, thermoplastic polyalkalene glycols, thermoplastic polyalkalene oxides, polycouplers, low melting point hydrophobic materials and amorphous sugar glasses, and the like Materials including these derivatives, copolymers and combinations. Examples of suitable thermoplastic starches are disclosed, for example, in US Pat. No. 5,427,614. An example of a suitable thermoplastic polyalkalene glycol is polyethylene glycol. Examples of suitable thermoplastic polyalkalene oxides include polyethylene oxide having a molecular weight of about 100,000 to about 900,000 daltons. Other suitable thermoplastic materials include, for example, sugars in the form of amorphous glass used to make hard candy forms.

  Film formers known in the art are suitable for use in flowable materials. Examples of suitable film forming agents include, but are not limited to, film forming water soluble polymers, film forming proteins, film forming water insoluble polymers, and film forming pH dependent polymers. In one embodiment, the film former may be selected from cellulose acetate, B-type ammonio methacrylate copolymer, shellac, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, polyethylene oxide and combinations thereof.

  Suitable film-forming water-soluble polymers include water-soluble vinyl polymers such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyalkalene glycols such as polyethylene glycol, water-soluble polycarbohydrates such as hydroxypropyl starch, hydroxyethyl starch, pullulan, Methyl ethyl starch, carboxymethyl starch, pregelatinized starch, film-forming modified starch, water-swellable cellulose derivatives such as hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC), hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), methylcellulose (MC), hydroxyethylmethylcellulose (HEMC) , Hydroxybutylmethylcellulose (HBMC), hydroxyethylethylcellulose (HEEC), hydroxyethylhydroxypropylmethyl Cellulose (HEMPMC), water-soluble copolymers such as methacrylic acid, methacrylate ester copolymers, polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol copolymers, polyethylene oxide, polyvinyl pyrrolidone copolymers and derivatives and combinations thereof.

  Suitable film-forming proteins may be natural or chemically modified, such as gelatin, whey protein, myofibrillar protein, coagulant protein such as albumin , Casein, casein salt, casein isolate, soy protein, soy protein isolate, zein and their polymers, derivatives and mixtures.

  Suitable film-forming water-insoluble polymers include, for example, ethyl cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, polycaprolactone, cellulose acetate and derivatives thereof, acrylates, methacrylates, acrylic acid copolymers and the like, and derivatives, copolymers and combinations thereof.

  Suitable film-forming pH-dependent polymers include intestinal cellulose derivatives such as hydroxypropyl methylcellulose phthalate, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose acetate succinate, cellulose acetate phthalate, natural resins such as shellac and zein, enteric acetate derivatives such as polyvinyl Acetate phthalate, cellulose acetate phthalate, acetaldehyde dimethyl cellulose acetate, intestinal acrylate derivatives, such as polymers based on polymethacrylates, such as those marketed under the trade name EUDRAGIT S from Rohm Pharma Gesellshaft Mitt Beschlenktel Huffung Poly (methacrylic acid, methyl methacrylate) 1: 2, Rohm Pharma Gesellshaft Mitt Besch Examples include poly (methacrylic acid, methyl methacrylate) 1: 1 and the like, as well as derivatives, salts, copolymers and combinations thereof, commercially available from Lenckel Huffung under the trade name EUDRAGIT L.

  One suitable hydroxypropylmethylcellulose formulation used as a thermoplastic film-forming water soluble polymer is “HPMC 2910”, which has a degree of substitution of about 1.9 and a degree of hydroxypropyl molar substitution of 0.23. A cellulose ether containing from about 29% to about 30% methoxyl groups and from about 7% to about 12% hydroxylpropyl groups, based on the total weight of the formulation. HPMC 2910 is commercially available from Dow Chemical Company under the registered trade name “METHOCEL E. METHOCEL E5”, which is a grade of HPMC 2910 suitable for use in the present invention and is 20 ° C. in 2% aqueous solution. Having a viscosity of about 4-6 cps (4-6 millipascal seconds) as measured by an Ubbelohde viscometer. Similarly, METHOCEL E6 is another grade of HPMC 2910 suitable for use in the present invention and is about 5-7 cps (5-7 mm) as measured by a Ubbelohde viscometer in a 2% aqueous solution at 20 ° C. Pascal second). METHOCEL E15 is another grade of HPMC 2910 suitable for use in the present invention, having a viscosity of about 15,000 cps (15 millipascal second) as measured by a Ubbelohde viscometer in a 2% aqueous solution at 20 ° C. is doing. As used herein, the term “degree of substitution” refers to the average number of substituents attached to the anhydroglucose ring, and “hydroxypropyl molar substitution” refers to the number of hydroxypropyls per mol of hydroglucose. It means the number of moles.

  One suitable polyvinyl alcohol and polyethylene glycol copolymer is commercially available from BASF Corporation under the trademark “KOLLICOAT IR”.

  The term “modified starch” as used herein is modified by crosslinking, chemically modified for improved stability or performance optimization, or improved dissolution properties or performance optimization. Therefore, it means starch that has been physically modified. Examples of chemically modified starches are well known in the art and typically include chemical modifications to replace some of the hydroxy groups with either ester or ether groups. Processed starch. As used herein, crosslinking may occur in the modified starch when two hydroxy groups on adjacent starch molecules are chemically bonded. As used herein, the terms “pregelatinized starch” or “instantized starch” refer to modified starches (starch) that have been previously wetted and then dried to improve their cold water solubility. Suitable modified starches are available from several suppliers, such as A.I. E. Commercially available from Stanley Manufacturing Company and National Starch and Chemical Company. One suitable film-forming modified starch includes pregelatinized waxy corn derivative starches and their derivatives commercially available under the trade names “PURITY GUM” and “FILMSET” from National Starch and Chemical Company, Copolymers and mixtures are mentioned. Such waxy corn starch typically comprises from about 0% to about 18% amylose and from about 100% to about 88% amylopectin, based on the total weight of the starch.

  Another suitable film-forming modified starch includes hydroxypropylated starch, in which some of the hydroxy groups of the starch are etherified with hydroxypropyl groups, usually by treatment with propylene oxide. ing. An example of a suitable hydroxypropyl starch with film-forming properties is commercially available from Grain Processing Company under the trade name “PURE-COTE B790”.

  Tapioca dextrin suitable for use as a film-forming agent includes tapioca dextrin and its derivatives commercially available under the trade names “CRYSTAL GUM” or “K-4484” from National Starch and Chemical Company, such as National -Modified food starch derived from tapioca and its copolymers and mixtures marketed under the trade name "PURITY GUM 40" from Starch and Chemical Company.

  Thickeners known in the art are suitable for use in the flowable material of the present invention. Examples of such thickeners include hydrocolloids (also referred to herein as gelling polymers), clays, gelling starches and crystalline carbohydrates and their derivatives, copolymers and mixtures, It is not limited to these.

  Examples of hydrocolloids (also referred to herein as gelling polymers) include, for example, alginic acid, agar, guar gum, locust bean, carrageen, cod, gum arabic, tragacanth, pectin, xanthan, gellan, maltodextrin Galactomannan, pstran, laminarin, scleroglucan, gum arabic, inulin, pectin, welan, ramsan, zoolan, methylan, chitin, cyclodextrin, chitosan. Examples of suitable clays include smectites such as bentonite, kaolin, laponite, magnesium trisilicate, magnesium aluminum silicate, and derivatives and mixtures thereof. Examples of suitable gelling starches include, but are not limited to, acid hydrolytic starches, and derivatives and mixtures thereof. Additional suitable thickening hydrocolloids are used to make low moisture polymer solutions, such as a mixture of gelatin and other hydrocolloids with a maximum water content of about 30%, such as “gummi” dragees. Such mixtures are mentioned.

  Additional suitable thickeners include crystalline carbohydrates and the like and derivatives and combinations thereof. Suitable crystalline carbohydrates include monosaccharides and oligosaccharides. Among monosaccharides, in addition to aldohexoses, eg D and L isomers of allose, altrose, glucose, manose, gulose, idose, galactose, talose and ketohexose, eg D and L isomers of fructose and their hydrogenated analogues Solulose such as glucitol (sorbitol) and mannitol are preferred. Among the oligosaccharides, 1,2-disaccharide sucrose and trehalose, 1,4-disaccharide maltose, lactose, cellobiose, 1,6-disaccharide gentiobiose, melibiose and trisaccharide raffinose are isomaltulose and its hydrogenated analog Preferred with the isomerized form of sucrose known as isomalt. Other hydrogenated forms of reduced disaccharides such as maltose and lactose such as maltitol and lactitol are also preferred. In addition, hydrogenated forms of aldopentose, such as hydrogenated forms of D and L ribose, arabinose, xylose and lyxose and aldohexose, such as D and L erythrose and trerose are preferred, exemplified by xylitol and erythritol, respectively. .

  In one embodiment of the invention, the flowable material comprises gelatin as a gelling polymer. Gelatin is a natural thermogelling polymer. This is a tasteless colorless mixture of albinic class derived proteins that normally dissolve in warm water. Two types of gelatin, type A and type B, are usually used. Type A gelatin is a derivative of an acid-treated raw material. Type B gelatin is a derivative of an alkali-treated raw material. Gelatin moisture and bloom strength, composition and original gelatin treatment conditions determine its transition temperature between liquid and solid. Bloom is a standard measure of gelatin gel strength and is roughly correlated with molecular weight. Bloom is defined as the weight (in grams) required to move a 0.5 inch diameter plastic plunger 4 mm into a 6.67% gelatin gel held at 10 ° C. for 17 hours. In a preferred embodiment, the flowable material is an aqueous solution consisting of 20% 275 bloom pork skin gelatin, 20% 250 bloom bone gelatin and about 60% water.

  Suitable xanthan gums include C.I. P. Examples are those marketed by the Kelco Company under the trade names “KELTROL 1000”, “XANTROL 180” or “K9B310”.

  Suitable clays include sectites such as bentonite, kaolin, laponite, magnesium trisilicate, magnesium aluminum silicate, and derivatives and mixtures thereof.

  The term “acid hydrolytic starch” as used herein is a type of modified starch that results from treating a starch suspension with dilute acid at a temperature below the gelatinization temperature of the starch. During acid hydrolysis, the granular form of the starch is maintained in the starch suspension and is terminated by neutralization, filtration and drying once the desired degree of water dissolution is reached. As a result, the average molecular size of the starch polymer is reduced. Acid hydrolyzed starch (which is also referred to as “dilute boiling starch”) tends to exhibit a much lower high temperature viscosity and stronger gelling tendency on cooling than the same natural starch.

  As used herein, “gelled starch” refers to a starch that forms a gel when mixed with water and heated to a temperature sufficient to form a solution and cooled to a temperature below the gelling temperature of the starch. Is mentioned. Examples of gelled starches are acid hydrolyzed starches available under the trade name “PURE-SET B950”, for example from Grain Processing Corporation, eg available under the trade name “PURE-GEL B990” from Grain Processing Corporation. Examples include, but are not limited to, hydroxypropyl distarch phosphate and mixtures thereof.

  Suitable low melting point hydrophobic materials include fats, fatty acid esters, phospholipids and waxes. Examples of suitable fats include hydrogenated vegetable oils such as cocoa butter, hydrogenated palm kernel oil, hydrogenated cottonseed oil, hydrogenated sunflower oil and hydrogenated soybean oil, free fatty acids and salts thereof. Examples of suitable fatty acid esters include monoglycerides, diglycerides, triglycerides, glyceryl behenate, glyceryl palmitostearate, glyceryl monostearate, glyceryl tristearate, glyceryl trilaurate, glyceryl myristate, Glyco Wax-932, lauroyl Macrogol-32 glycerides and stearoyl macrogol-32 glycerides. Examples of suitable phospholipids (phospholipids) include phosphotidyl choline, phosphotidyl selenium, phosphotidyl enositol and phosphotidine acid. Examples of suitable waxes that are solid at room temperature include carnauba wax, whale wax, beeswax, candelilla wax, shellac wax, microcrystalline wax and paraffin wax, fat-containing mixtures such as chocolate and the like.

  Suitable amorphous carbohydrates include amorphous sugars such as polydextrose, starch hydrolysates such as glucose syrup, corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup, amorphous sugar alcohols such as maltitol syrup.

  Suitable solvents optionally used as components of the flowable material include water, polar organic solvents such as methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, acetone and the like, nonpolar organic solvents such as methylene chloride and mixtures thereof.

  A flowable material for making a shell by spraying, dipping, dressing or molding may optionally include an auxiliary agent or excipient that accounts for up to about 30% based on the weight of the flowable material. Examples of suitable adjuvants or excipients include plasticizers, anti-sticking agents, wetting agents, surfactants, defoaming agents, coloring agents, flavoring agents, sweeteners, opacifiers and the like. Suitable plasticizers for making cores, shells or parts thereof by molding include polyethylene glycol, glycerin, sorbitol, triethyl citrate, tributyl citrate, dibutyl sebacate, vegetable oils such as castor oil, surfactants such as polysorbate Sodium laurel sulfate, dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate, propylene glycol, glycerol monoacetate, glycerol diacetate, glycerol triacetate, natural gum, triacetin, acetyltributyl citrate, diethyl oxalate, diethyl malate, diethyl fumarate, diethyl malonate , Dioctyl phthalate, dibutyl succinate, glycerol ribribylate, hydrogenated castor oil, fatty acids, substituted triglycerides, glycerides, etc. And mixtures thereof. In one embodiment, the plasticizer is triethyl citrate. In certain embodiments, the shell is substantially free of plasticizer, i.e., the plasticizer content is about 1% or less, such as about 0.01% or less.

  In embodiments in which the shell is made using a solvent-free molding process, the shell typically comprises at least about 30% by weight, eg, at least about 45% by weight of a thermoreversible carrier. The shell may further comprise up to about 55% by weight of the release moderation, although this is optional. The shell may further comprise up to a total of up to about 30% by weight of various plasticizers, adjuvants and excipients, although this is optional. In certain embodiments in which the shell is made by a solvent-free molding process and serves to retard the release of one or more active ingredients from the underlying core, the release modifier is preferably swellable And is erodible and selected from hydrophobic materials.

  In embodiments in which the shell is made using a solvent-based molding process, the shell is typically at least about 10 wt%, such as at least about 12 wt%, at least about 15 wt%, at least about 20 wt%, or at least About 25% by weight of a film former. In this case, the shell may further comprise up to about 55% by weight of the release moderation, although this is optional. Again, the shell may further include up to a total of up to about 30% by weight of various plasticizers, adjuvants, and excipients, although this is optional.

  In embodiments in which the shell is applied to the core by a molding process, at least a portion of the shell surrounds the core such that the inner surface of the shell is applied substantially conformally on the outer surface of the core. As used herein, the term “substantially conformally” has peaks and valleys or depressions and protrusions where the inner surface of the shell corresponds substantially oppositely to the peaks and valleys of the outer surface of the core. Means that. In certain such embodiments, the indentations and protrusions are typically unidimensional lengths of 10 microns or more, such as 20 microns or more and about 30,000 microns or less, preferably about 2,000 microns or less. , Having a width, height or depth.

  The total weight of the shell is preferably from about 20% to about 400% of the total weight of the core. In embodiments in which the shell is made by a solvent-free molding process, the total shell weight is typically about 50% to about 400%, such as about 75% to about 400%, or about 100% of the total weight of the core. % To about 200%. In embodiments in which the shell is made by a solvent-based molding process, the total shell weight is typically about 20% to about 100% of the total core weight.

  The shell thickness at various locations may be measured, for example, using a model XL 30 ESEM LaB6, an environmental scanning electron microscope of Phillips Electronic Instruments Company, Mahwah, Wisconsin. Shell thickness is measured at six or more different locations on a single dosage form or within a single shell portion. Relative standard deviation (RSD) is calculated as the sample standard deviation, divided by the mean value and multiplied by 100 as known in the art (ie, RSD is the standard deviation expressed as a percentage of the mean value). Is). Shell thickness RSD provides an indication of shell thickness variation on a single dosage form. In certain optional embodiments of the present invention, the relative standard deviation of the shell thickness or thickness of a single shell portion is about 40% or less, such as about 30% or less, or about 20% or less. .

  Various locations near each core, such as the thickness of the shell at the thinnest location, are important for the release characteristics of the dosage form. Advantageously, the dosage forms of the present invention can be produced with precisely controlled shell thickness, particularly using the thermal cycling or thermosetting injection molding methods and apparatus described above. A typical shell thickness that can be used is about 50 to about 4,000 microns. In certain preferred embodiments, the shell thickness is less than 800 microns. In embodiments where the shell portion is made by a solvent-free molding process, the thickness of the shell portion is typically about 500 to about 4,000 microns, such as about 500 to about 2,000 microns, such as about 500. To about 800 microns or about 800 to about 1,200 microns. In embodiments where the shell portion is made by a molding process using a solvent, the thickness of the shell portion is typically about 800 microns or less, such as about 100 to about 600 microns, such as about 150 to about 400 microns. In particularly preferred embodiments, the dosage form has first and second cores and first and second shell portions, wherein the thickness of at least one of the shell portions is about 800 microns or less, such as about 100- About 600 microns, such as about 150 to about 400 microns.

  In embodiments where the shell is made by a molding method, a solvent-free method or a solvent-based method, the shell is typically substantially free of pores having a diameter of 0.5 to 5.0 microns, i.e. When the pore diameter is 0.5 to 5.0 microns, it has a pore volume of about 0.02 cc / g or less, preferably about 0.01 cc / g or less, more preferably about 0.005 cc / g or less. A typical compressed material has a pore volume of about 0.02 cc / g or more in this diameter range. The pore volume, pore diameter and density can be determined using a Quantachrome Instruments PoreMaster 60 mercury intrusion porosimeter and associated computer software program called “Porowin”. This procedure is described in the Quantachrome Instruments PoreMaster Operation Manual. The pore master measures both the pore volume and the pore diameter of a solid or powder by forcibly entering a non-wetting liquid (mercury), and in such a method, the step of evacuating the sample in the sample cell (the penetrometer) ), Filling the cell with mercury and enclosing the sample with mercury, applying pressure to the sample cell (i) compressed air (up to 50 psi), (ii) fluid pressure (hydraulic) generator (up to 60,000 psi) With an additional step. The intrusion volume is measured by the change in capacitance as it moves from the outside of the sample into its pores under the applied pressure of mercury. The diameter (d) of the relevant pore size at which penetration occurs is calculated directly from the so-called “washburn equation”, ie d = − (4γ (cos θ) / P), where γ is the surface of the liquid mercury Tension, θ is the contact angle between mercury and the sample surface, and P is the applied pressure.

Instruments used to measure pore volume:
1. Quantachrome Instruments Poremaster 60
2. 2. An analytical balance capable of weighing 0.0001 g. Dryer

Reagents used for measurement:
1. High purity nitrogen Triple distilled mercury High pressure fluid (Dila AX available from Shell Chemical Company)
4). Liquid nitrogen (for Hg vapor cold trap)
5. 5. Isopropanol or methanol to clean the sample cell Liquid detergent for cell cleaning

procedure:
The sample remains in the sealed package or received in the dryer until analysis. Switch on the vacuum pump, fill the mercury vapor cold trap with liquid nitrogen, adjust the compressed gas supply to 55 psi, turn on the instrument and allow at least 30 minutes warm-up time. Assemble an empty penetrometer cell as described in the instrument manual and record its weight. Place the cell in the low pressure station, select “Exhaust and Fill Only” from the analysis menu and use the following settings.
Fine exhaust time: 1 minute Fine exhaust rate: 10
Coarse exhaust time: 5 minutes

The cell (filled with mercury) is then removed and weighed. The cell is then emptied by transferring the contents into a mercury reservoir, two tablets from each sample are placed in the cell, and the cell is reassembled. The cell and sample weights are then recorded. Next, place the cell in the low pressure station, select the low pressure option from the menu, and set the following parameters:
Mode: Low pressure Fine exhaust rate: 10
Upper limit of fine exhaust: 200μHg
Coarse exhaust time: 10 minutes Filling pressure: Contact +0.1
Maximum pressure: 50
Direction: Intrusion and extrusion Repeat: 0
Mercury contact angle: 140
Mercury surface tension: 480

Next, data collection is started. An intrusion plot showing the relationship between pressure and cumulative volume is displayed on the screen. After completion of the low pressure analysis, the cell is removed from the low pressure station and reweighed. The space above the mercury is filled with hydraulic oil and the cell is reassembled and placed in the high pressure cavity. The following setting values are used.
Mode: Fixed rate Motor speed: 5
Starting pressure: 20
End pressure: 60,000
Direction: Intrusion and extrusion Repeat: 0
Oil filling length: 5
Mercury contact angle: 140
Mercury surface tension: 480

  Next, data collection is started, and the relationship between the plotted pressure in the graph display and the intrusion volume is displayed on the screen. After completing the high-pressure analysis, combine the low-pressure data file and high-pressure data file of the same sample.

  In embodiments using a solvent-free molding process, the flowable material may include a thermoreversible carrier. Suitable thermoreversible carriers used in making the core, shell or both by molding are typically thermoplastic materials having a melting point of about 110 ° C. or less, more preferably from about 20 ° C. to about 100 ° C. is there. Examples of suitable thermoreversible carriers for solventless molding processes include thermoplastic polyalkalene glycols, thermoplastic polyalkalene oxides, low melting point hydrophobic materials, thermoplastic polymers, thermoplastic starches, and the like. . Preferred thermoreversible carriers include polyethylene glycol and polyethylene oxide. The thermoplastic polyalkylene glycol used as the thermoreversible carrier includes polyethylene glycol having a molecular weight of about 100 to about 20,000, such as about 100 to about 8,000 daltons. Suitable thermoplastic polyalkalene oxides include polyethylene oxide having a molecular weight of about 100,000 to about 900,000 daltons. Suitable low melting point hydrophobic materials used as thermoreversible carriers include fats, fatty acid esters, phospholipids, solid waxes at room temperature, fat-containing mixtures such as chocolate and the like. Examples of suitable fats include hydrogenated vegetable oils such as cocoa butter, hydrogenated palm kernel oil, hydrogenated cottonseed oil, hydrogenated sunflower oil, hydrogenated soybean oil, free fatty acids and salts thereof. Examples of suitable fatty acid esters include sucrose fatty acid esters, monoglycerides, diglycerides, triglycerides, glyceryl behenate, glyceryl palmitostearate, glyceryl monostearate, glyceryl tristearate, glyceryl trilaurate, glyceryl myristate, Glyco Wax -932, lauroyl macrogol-32 glyceride and stearoyl macrogol-32 glyceride. Examples of suitable phospholipids (phospholipids) include phosphotidyl choline, phosphotidyl selenium, phosphotidyl enositol and phosphotidine acid. Examples of suitable waxes that are solid at room temperature include carnauba wax, whale wax, beeswax, candelilla wax, shellac wax, microcrystalline wax and paraffin wax. Suitable thermoplastic polymers for use as thermoreversible carriers include thermoplastic water swellable cellulose derivatives, thermoplastic water insoluble polymers, thermoplastic vinyl polymers, thermoplastic starch, thermoplastic resins and combinations thereof. Suitable thermoplastic water-swellable cellulose derivatives include hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), methylcellulose (MC), carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), crosslinked hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC), hydroxybutylcellulose (HBC), Examples include hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), hydroxypropyl ethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl butyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl ethyl cellulose and their salts, derivatives, copolymers and combinations. Suitable thermoplastic water-insoluble polymers include ethyl cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, polycaprolactone, cellulose acetate and derivatives thereof, acrylates, methacrylates, acrylic acid copolymers and the like, and derivatives, copolymers and combinations thereof. Suitable thermoplastic vinyl polymers include polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohol, and polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP). Examples of suitable thermoplastic starches used as thermoreversible carriers are disclosed, for example, in US Pat. No. 5,427,614. Examples of suitable thermoplastic resins used as thermoreversible carriers include dammer, mastics, pine ani, shellac, sandalac and pine glycerol esters. In one embodiment, the thermoreversible carrier for producing the core by a molding process is selected from polyalkylene glycols, polyalkali oxides, and combinations thereof.

  In embodiments where the shell has an active ingredient that provides immediate release from the dosage form, the shell is preferably made by a molding process that does not use a solvent. In such embodiments, a thermoreversible carrier is used in the flowable material to produce the shell, and such thermoreversible carrier preferably has an average molecular weight of about 1,450 to about 20,000. Selected from polyethylene glycol, polyethylene oxide having an average molecular weight of about 100,000 to about 900,000, and the like.

  In certain embodiments of the invention, the shell or shell portion may function as a diffusion membrane having pores through which fluid enters the dosage form and into the active ingredient in the core. Upon contact it dissolves, and then such active ingredients should be released in a sustained, prolonged, prolonged or controlled manner. In these embodiments, the release rate of the active ingredient from the underlying core part is determined by the total pore area of the shell part, the pore path length, the solubility and diffusibility of the active ingredient (from the core part itself). In addition to its release rate). In preferred embodiments where the shell portion functions as a diffusion membrane, the release of the active ingredient from the dosage form can be described as a controlled, long-lasting, sustained or extended release. In these embodiments, those contributing to active ingredient dissolution from such shell portions may follow zero order, first order or square root kinetics. In certain such embodiments, the shell portion preferably has a release subtractable moldable excipient, such as a film-forming water-insoluble polymer, consisting of a combination of pore formers and insoluble edible materials. Alternatively, in embodiments where the shell portion is made by molding without the solvent described below, the shell portion has a thermoreversible carrier that functions by dissolving and forming pores or channels. Well, the active ingredient can be liberated through such pores or channels.

  In certain other embodiments, the shell or shell portion functions as an erodible matrix and the active ingredients dispersed in the shell are free from the erodible matrix by dissolution of a continuous layer on the shell surface. become. In these embodiments, the release rate of the active ingredient will be determined by the dissolution rate of the matrix material of the shell or shell portion. Particularly useful matrix materials that cause surface erosion include materials that first absorb liquid and then swell and / or gel before dissolution. In certain such embodiments, the shell or shell portion preferably has a release subtractable moldable excipient comprising a swellable and erodible hydrophilic material.

  In certain other embodiments, the shell, or a portion thereof, functions as a barrier that prevents penetration of the active ingredient contained within the underlying core. In such embodiments, the active ingredient is typically released in a portion of the core that is not covered by that portion of the shell. Such an embodiment is advantageous because it allows control of the surface area for release of the active ingredient. In certain embodiments, for example, the surface area for release of the active ingredient may be kept substantially constant over time. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the release of at least one active ingredient follows substantially zero order kinetics. In such embodiments, the shell preferably comprises a controlled release composition comprising a water insoluble material, such as a water insoluble polymer.

  In other embodiments, the shell or shell portion acts as a delayed release coating that delays the release of one or more active ingredients contained in the underlying core. In these embodiments, the lag time for initiation of active ingredient release is defined by shell erosion, diffusion of active ingredient through the shell, or a combination thereof. In certain such embodiments, the shell preferably has a release-modifiable shapeable formulation that includes a swellable and erodible hydrophilic material.

  The following non-limiting examples further illustrate the invention as set forth in the claims.

Examples The dosage forms of the present invention that allow double pulsatile release of ibuprofen are made by a solventless molding process as follows. The double pulsation consists of an immediate release of 200 mg ibuprofen followed by a burst release of 100 mg ibuprofen after a predetermined lag time.

Manufacturing Method Ibuprofen, microcrystalline cellulose and sodium starch glycolate are separated through a 30 mesh screen and the above ingredients are mixed in a 2 quart P-K blender over 5 minutes. Colloidal silicon dioxide is also broken through a 30 mesh screen and added to the above mixture for blending over an additional 5 minutes.

  For example, as described in the co-pending US patent application Ser. No. 09 / 966,509 as a “compression module”, with a 0.2 inch (5.08 mm) long and wide square punch and die unit And a two-row rotary compressor having an outer row with a 0.125 inch (3.175 mm) diameter round punch and die unit for making the first and second cores as compressed tablets, respectively. Used for. The initial blend (final blend from Step 1) is fed into a die and compressed into first and second tablet cores under a working pressure of about 2,000 pounds per square inch. The average weight of the first core is 379.5 mg, which contains 300 mg ibuprofen, and the average weight of the second core is 126.5 mg, which contains 100.0 mg ibuprofen. .

Manufacturing Method Ibuprofen and sodium starch glycolate are separated through a 30 mesh screen and the above ingredients are mixed in a 2 quart P-K blender for 5 minutes. Colloidal silicon dioxide is also dispersed in a 30 mesh screen and pre-screened (using a 30 mesh screen) ibuprofen and sodium starch glycolate over 5 minutes in a 2 quart PK blender.

  First and second using a laboratory scale thermal cycle molding unit having the overall shape of a core measuring 0.700 inches x 0.350 inches x 0.06 inches (17.78 mm x 8.89 mm x 1.524 mm). A second shell portion is attached to the core. The molding unit has a single mold assembly made up of an upper mold assembly part having an upper mold cavity and a lower mold assembly part having a lower mold cavity. The lower mold assembly part is first cycled to a hot stage at 85 ° C. for 30 seconds. Part C shell material is introduced into the lower mold cavity. Next, two separate cores made as described in Part A above are transferred from the compressor into the mold cavity by the transfer module described herein. The first and second cores are inserted into the two stations in the cavity. The station separates the two cores in the lower mold cavity by 1 mm. Align the empty upper mold assembly part with the lower mold assembly part. The mold assembly is then cycled to a cold stage at 5 ° C. for 60 seconds to cure the first shell portion. Remove the empty mold assembly part from the lower mold assembly part. The upper mold assembly part is cycled to a hot stage at 85 ° C. for 30 seconds. Add shell material to upper mold cavity.

  Match the lower mold assembly part maintained at 5 ° C with the upper mold assembly part to match the first core of Part B (200mg ibuprofen tablet) with the first core station of the upper mold assembly Let The upper mold assembly portion is then cycled to a cold stage at 5 ° C. for 120 seconds to cure the second shell portion. Next, the lower mold assembly part is removed and a finished dosage form, ie a molded core covered with two halves of the same shell material, is ejected from the upper mold cavity. Record the weight gain obtained from the shell material (ie, the weight difference between the finished dosage form and the core).

It is a figure which shows the dosage form of this invention. It is a figure which shows the dosage form of this invention. FIG. 6 shows another dosage form of the present invention. FIG. 6 shows another dosage form of the present invention.

Claims (26)

  A dosage form having a first core containing a first active ingredient and a second core containing a second active ingredient, the first and second cores being surrounded by a shell and The dosage form is separated, the first release of the first active ingredient from the first core and the first release of the second active ingredient from the second core after contacting the dosage form and the liquid medium. A dosage form characterized by providing a delay of at least 1 hour between   The dosage form of claim 1, wherein the delay is at least 1 hour.   The delay is obtained by breaking a part of a shell in contact with the first core and then breaking a shell in contact with the second core. Dosage form.   The part of the shell in contact with the first core is torn before the part of the shell in contact with the second core. Dosage form.   2. A dosage form according to claim 1, which allows a controlled release of at least one active ingredient contained in the second core upon contact of the dosage form with a liquid medium.   The dosage form according to claim 1, characterized in that it allows the release of at least one active ingredient contained in the first core within 30 minutes after contacting the dosage form with a liquid medium.   A dosage form having at least one active ingredient, a first core and a second core, wherein the first and second cores are surrounded by a shell and separated from each other and in contact with the first core A dosage form wherein the thickness of at least a portion of the shell in state is substantially less than the smallest thickness anywhere in the shell in contact with the second core.   The dosage form according to claim 7, wherein the first core and the second core have different shapes.   The dosage form of claim 7, wherein the first core and the second core are of different dimensions.   The dosage form according to claim 7, wherein the first core and the second core are of the same size.   8. The dosage form of claim 7, wherein the topography of the shell at a location near the first core is different from the topography of the shell at a location near the second core.   A dosage form having at least one active ingredient, a first core and a second core, wherein the first core is surrounded by a first shell portion, and the second core is a second shell. A dosage form characterized by being surrounded by a portion, wherein the first and second shell portions are compositionally different from each other, and the first and second cores are not in direct contact with each other.   The dosage form of claim 12, wherein the first shell portion is adapted to break at least one hour earlier than the second shell portion upon contact of the dosage form with the liquid medium.   The dosage form of claim 12, wherein the first shell portion has substantially higher water solubility than the second shell portion.   13. The dosage form of claim 12, wherein the first shell portion comprises a film-forming water-soluble polymer and a release dosage form selected from water-swellable cellulose derivatives.   The dosage form of claim 1, wherein the dosage form is adapted to release at least one active ingredient contained in the first core within 30 minutes after contacting the dosage form with a liquid medium.   Allows for immediate release of at least one active ingredient from the first core upon contact of the dosage form with the liquid medium, and then after a lag time, at least one active ingredient from the second core 13. A dosage form according to claim 1, 7 or 12, characterized in that it allows the release of   6. A dosage form according to claim 1 or 5, wherein the shell comprises a first shell portion and a second shell portion.   Each of the first and second cores has an upper face and a lower face, and the first shell portion is in contact with the upper face of the first and second cores, and the second shell portion The dosage form of claim 18, wherein the dosage form is in contact with the lower face of the first and second cores.   The dosage form of claim 1, wherein the shell is substantially free of pores having a diameter of about 0.5 to about 5.0 microns.   13. A dosage form according to claim 1, 7 or 12, wherein at least one of the first or second core comprises a multilayer tablet.   A dosage form having a first core and a second core, wherein the first and second cores are surrounded by and separated from a shell, each of the first and second cores being at least 1 A dosage form comprising one active ingredient, wherein the first and second cores are compositionally different from each other and release at least one active ingredient at different rates or at different times.   The dosage form is between the first release of the active ingredient contained in the first core and the first release of the active ingredient contained in the second core after contacting the dosage form and the liquid medium. 23. A dosage form according to claim 22, wherein said dosage form provides a delay of at least 1 hour.   The first active ingredient is acetaminophen, acetylsalicylic acid, ibuprofen, naproxen, ketoprofen, flurbiprofen, diclofenac, cyclobenzaprine, meloxicam, rofecoxib, celecoxib and pharmaceutically The dosage form of claim 1, wherein the dosage form is selected from the group consisting of acceptable salts, esters, isomers and mixtures thereof.   25. Both the first active ingredient and the second active ingredient are selected from the group consisting of ibuprofen, ketoprofen and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, isomers and mixtures thereof. Dosage form. The first active ingredient is selected from the group consisting of ibuprofen, ketoprofen and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, isomers and mixtures thereof, and the second active ingredient is acetaminophen and pharmaceutically acceptable salts 26. The dosage form of claim 25, wherein the dosage form is selected from the group consisting of:, esters, isomers and mixtures thereof.

Images